This review recounts an unexpected and delightful experience with the Chord Buddy guitar learning system, courtesy of its inventor, Travis Perry. After a three-year-old online comment about the Chord Buddy's incompatibility with wide-neck guitars caught Perry's attention, he personally reached out and sent the reviewer a custom-fit version along with a generous assortment of accessories. This gesture highlights not only the product's quality, but also the exceptional customer service and dedication to user feedback that defines the Chord Buddy experience.More than just a learning aid, the package included a digital metronome, a Chord Buddy light, and a cleverly designed tuner/capo combination. These thoughtful extras, along with a unique pick case, transformed the Chord Buddy from a simple tool into a comprehensive learning system designed to enhance the entire musical journey. This review will delve into the performance of the wide-neck Chord Buddy, exploring its impact on playability and the overall value it brings to both beginner and seasoned guitarists.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to use
- Light indicates when string is in tune
- Combines tuner and capo functionality
- Great way of learning guitar chords
- Allows for learning chords by removing parts one by one
- New wide-bodied version available to fit various guitars
- Previous version didn't fit all guitars (e.g., wide-neck guitars)
- Convenient storage case
- Fender thin/medium picks
Read more: D'Addario NS Artist Capo Review: A Comprehensive Look
The Unexpected Call and a Wide-Neck Solution
It all started with a surprising phone call. On the other end was Travis Perry, inventor of the Chord Buddy and a familiar face from Shark Tank. He'd seen my three-year-old video about the Chord Buddy and noticed my comment about it not fitting my vintage, wide-neck guitar.
He informed me they'd developed a version compatible with wide-neck guitars and generously offered to send one. This wasn't just about the Chord Buddy itself; it was about the personal touch and the commitment to customer feedback. I was thrilled!
More Than Just a Chord Buddy: Generous Extras
But the surprise didn't end there. Along with the wide-neck Chord Buddy, Travis sent a collection of helpful accessories. There was a digital metronome, a Chord Buddy light and keychain (perfect for playing in the dark!), and a fantastic new tuner/capo combination.
The tuner/capo is a clever digital device that lights up when the string is in tune. It also functions as a capo, allowing for quick key changes. It's a really well thought-out package, going above and beyond what I expected. Even the picks were unique, stored in a credit card-like case – a clever solution to always have a replacement pick ready.
The inclusion of these additional items demonstrated Travis's genuine commitment to enriching the musical experience for users. It showed that he wasn't just selling a product; he was building a community of musicians.
Chord Buddy in Action: Improved Playability
The new wide-neck Chord Buddy fit perfectly, making a noticeable difference in my guitar's playability. My old guitar was challenging because of the significant string pressure required. The Chord Buddy instantly alleviates this problem, greatly improving my playing experience.
It's a valuable tool for learning chords, allowing you to master each chord individually before transitioning to finger-style playing. Even after years of playing, the Chord Buddy has brought a fresh approach to my guitar practice.
Final Thoughts: A Highly Recommended Product
The Chord Buddy, enhanced by the additional accessories, is more than just a guitar learning tool. It's a complete system designed to streamline the learning process and make it enjoyable. The thoughtful design, combined with the exceptional customer service, makes this a worthwhile investment.
The tuner/capo's dual functionality is a brilliant addition, and the extras, like the metronome and picks case, showcase Travis Perry's dedication to providing a superior user experience.
I highly recommend the Chord Buddy to any guitarist, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a beginner learning your first chords or an experienced player looking for a convenient practice tool, the Chord Buddy deserves a spot in your guitar arsenal.