Ok but there is definitely a threshold we’re obviously objectively better gets vague when compared with something different but still very definitely good. Only at this point does opinion come in to play. Lots of things that people claim to be subjective actually aren’t unless you are being contrary.
i mean, id rather use an evm over a peavey scorpion, or a carmen ghia over a line 6 combo: the chosen stuff sounds and feels better and functions better musically because... well... it was likely engineered well beyond a pricepoint, and bean counters weren't involved to the same degree.
that said- im only referring to 'best' and im utterly unsure that beyond 'better' there is best out of context. ive played really absord expensive stuff and utterly hated it. i think bad cat amps are quite literally horrid sounding. i hate celestion blues. i think dumbles are so not my bag as to be absurd. wrong tools for the job. dont ask me about v30s in any application. theyre all great tools for someone, and possibly best.
they sound fine in contexts not my own, and other people make them sound glorious, full range perfection. they make me sound anemic and broken. maybe thats my issue (
) but i think that speaks to them being the right or wrong tool for the job- much less than its subjective. objectively, i CAN drive nails with a rock, a can of beans, or even a drill. but its more effective with a hammer, and if given the choice for thousands of them, i'll choose a milled face 20oz douglas straight claw.
i do think, however, what you're saying though is important- and that the only way to find BEST for any individual player is to have an actual sonic priority list and a lot of guitarists are super nebulous on that other than 'i want punchy full loud mojo filled vintage cred inducing blah blah blah'... i.e. no idea other than everybody will bow before it due to reputation. but good players develop those priorities and seek them and can talk about it. the difference is discernment and the language to talk about it, which is what you do.
not being contrary intentionally- nor disagreeing- just saying that 'best' requires an extended conversation musically, great ears, and a tonal language that arent everyones world. i absolutely agree that magnificent in context exists!
