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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | A member's sig line prompted me to post this poll. Some of us are better at collecting gear than we are playing. Others may feel their gear hasn't kept up with their talent. Maybe there's some 'tweeners in there where their talent and gear are aligned just right. Let's see how we assess ourselves. |
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Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Well, we all know my answer to this one. |
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Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | I voted according to my sig-line...as it would have given me away anyway... ;)
Vic |
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Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Good question - I think I realized a while ago that my collection had definitely exceeded my abilities. Probably one of the reason's that I didn't put up too much of a fight at the one-in, one-out rule that I'm living under.
I feel that I've got a good "one of each" thing going on for acoustics - 6 and 12 string, nylon string and some solidbodies. I don't count the 47 and the millennium as they are more in the collectible category.
Someday my abilities will catch up, the economy will recover and my wife will back off... then it's off to the races again! |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Y'all should have guessed my answer...
If I spent as much time practicing as I do on the OFC and ebarf... I'd be Awesome! |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | When I look at what the really talented people play and see that I already have a lot of their gear, I realize my talent will never catch up to my gear. I have been behind ever since I bought my Legend Ltd in 1981. |
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Posts: 3969
| I agree closely with CL. I wish my talent justified my collection. On the other hand, my collection has inspired me to try harder at becoming a better guitarist. |
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Posts: 4232
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
Y'all should have guessed my answer...
If I spent as much time practicing as I do on the OFC and ebarf... I'd be Awesome! Couldn't have said it better myself. Besides, considering what happened on Wall St. today, my collection will probably appreciate faster than my 401k anyway. So collecting doesn't sound to bad. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I voted equal but I'll add a qualifier.
I have just enough "to much" gear to keep me motivated to keep reaching for the carrot. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | I'll echo the others. My gear is ahead of my talent for sure, but since I've been acquiring nicer guitars, I've been playing more. I've even gone to do open mic nights for the past 3 weeks now, so I guess I'm catching up to it.
Must be time for an 08C. Too bad my pocketbook doesn't agree. |
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Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Ditto. I'm going to go practice now. (Yeah, right.) |
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Posts: 15676
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I have been behind ever since I bought my Legend Ltd in 1981. Hell, I've been behind ever since I first picked up a guitar.
My standard line when I go into a guitar store is "So many guitars, so little money, even less talent...." |
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Posts: 143
Location: Feeding Hills, MA | If my sig line matched my ability, it would be blank....unless maybe the "Esteban" found it's way to my house, but I wouldn't pay money for it! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I've gained ground in the last few years, before then great(and lots of it) gear always made up for lack of talent. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Gawd I hate to say this but, 'what most of ya'll have said so far'.
I will NEVER reach the talent level to warrant my 'collection'! But my G-babies will have no reason to miss out playing USA 'classic' Ovations (plus some others) if they are so inclined. And in the 'worst' case scenario, there'll be some college monies if I fail in igniting their musical interests.
I've already given my eldest of three daughters a git. This weekend I had a S-I-L ask about where to get beginner lessons on-line. He's next in line for a git if he ...
I LOVE music! But until I can play as well as I dance (re NEVER), my collection is for a future other than my own.
BTW, great topic!  |
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Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | My best guitar has always exceeded my talent, never more so than when I bought a legend as my first guitar after playing for 3 months. However, having a good guitar has kept me going and prompted more practice than I would have ever done on a not so good guitar. Hence, my Ovations have made me a better player than I would have been. |
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Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | I guess the acoustics are justifiable, because I can play them, generally speaking; the classicals, well, not really, since I can't play "classical" in the sense that most people would mean it; the electrics, most likely not. The Viper and the Tornado are probably my collectibles, although Jewel is the only one of my stable who's under 20+ years old.....all the rest are like me--definitely not new anymore! ;) :D
--Karen |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | ". . I've gained ground in the last few years . ."
-m.b.
InSpades!
GoodPoll,Prof.!
I put myself at about "even".
(w/exception of th'SlotHead), everything I "own", I physically "USE" (and THAT's why these are my favorite guitars). They're QuarterHorses! |
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January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | I feel blessed in that I own an Old wood-top (1117 Legend made in 1974), a snazzy update thirty years later (1769 AD II Al Dimeola signature Legend 2005). Boy, are they different... don't get me started, but I LOVE both. And, now, a RI Adamas 1581-5 which is just beyond everything in its own way. I feel at this point I "pay attention" to each one of these and find balance according to mood or setting. For example: The 1117 is the most reliable and balanced for every context. It has a fancy Fishman pickup with EQ, so I gig with it alot. The Adamas is just superior acoustically and will probably benefit from adjustment to the pickups (a la Tempelman and some others). The 1769 is a jewel of craftsmanship and a beautiful middle axe between the Vintage and the Adamas.... I have my hands full. |
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Posts: 15676
Location: SoCal | Greg, you talk so lovingly about your 1974 1117. I keep wondering if you have one of the few that were built at that time with an A braced top instead of the VT pattern. I've never heard a VT braced top that sounded even, ok. But I've heard you play and I gotta respect your ear. I'm just wondering...... |
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Posts: 2487
| I have been selling off stuff and shifting my guitars so that they are all working instruments for the past few years. I did have a few to many at one point and several guitars that were worth more than I was comfortable owning. My acoustics will finally be "almost" finished once the Customs are in.
Having owned and sold a few nice Rickenbacker Basses including a double neck, I now own a newer Fender (japan). I am going to have to work on a real nice bass next. I am thinking a nice late 70's 4001 Ric.
If I could afford it though........I'd be buying every guitar I see, I just love-em all! |
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Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | Moody, could you clarify the difference between an A braced pattern and the VT? It is not only my ears but those around me who say WOW to the 1117. |
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Posts: 15676
Location: SoCal | Dob, trying to describe sound is like (as John Knowles once said about trancribing Jerry Reed tunes) like trying to eat soup with a fork, but I'll take a crack at it.
Every VT braced guitar that I've ever played as a plastic sound about it. They have decent mid range and really good treble, but the E, A, and D strings have no deep resonance to them at all. Very plasticky in sound.
A braced Legends (and I can really tell the difference between my 78 Legend and a 30th CL that's here on loan), have a deeper, more mellow bass.
Are you certain that yours has the VT bracing? You can see the signs of A bracing around the sound hole. There are braces that run down both sides of the sound hole and one that goes straight across underneath it (towards the bridge).
If your is a VT braced guitar then I might have to re-think my entire belief system regarding VT braced guitars. I'd love to try my 3 chords on it... |
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March 2003
Posts: 195
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado | Looks like, so far, no one has said they are outplaying their guitars.. Wish I could be the first.. But alas.... I have heard some of you and know for a fact, you guys are heads, hands, and feet, above my playing ability. As a gigging bass player, when someone asks about my bass (usually my Modulus,) I tell them it's much more bass than I am a bass player. It probably wishes it was owned by some really hot jazz player and not a hack like me.
Cc |
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August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Didn't have a category that matched me, which is "Neither" so I voted "Even", coz I only have 2 O's. That put's me at about the right playing ability level. |
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Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Who are we comparing "Ourselves" to Talent wise?
If you're talking the average Guy or Gal sitting home with 3 kids and a 9-5 job, then there are quite a few on this board who have allready posted their answer that IMHO, are "F.O.S"! I say this only in jest and w/ respect. I have heard some of you on Youtube or songs you've posted on the Ning site. I would personally PAY to see and hear you play. Way to modest!! There is some incredible Tallent on the board!!
Now, in regards to me, YES, My gear exceeds my talent! :rolleyes: |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | .
sidebar:
This is an interesting thread.
It's good use of the "poll" feature when it drives a discussion like this. |
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November 2007
Posts: 1486
Location: Cincinnati | Definitely better at collecting. I'd have to buy guitars for other people to make the talent equal. |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The fact that nobody has selected the option that their talent exceeds [the capability of] their gear speaks volumes about our perception of the quality of our guitars. Its a pretty strong endorsement of the brand. |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | This is a pretty talented group, so I hope people don't sell themselves short. |
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August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | If your talents don't match your collection (as in my case!) then lend the guitar to someone with the talent... that means YOU Jas!
Our own Captain Lovehandles making good use of my Tornado. |
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Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | I voted "even", but that just means that I think I don't embarass myself. Some guys make even an Esteban sound great, whereas some guys sound like crapola on anything they touch.
To be honest, I don't collect guitars. All my guitars are players with a purpose, though fun is one of the purposes. It wouldn't seem right to have lots of guitars sitting around that don't get played. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | For awhile I was trying to catch up to my guitars and the skills improved dramatically. I got to the point where I could call myself a musician who enjoyed a variety of guitars. Now I have to agree that I'm a collector, which I'm having trouble coming to grips with. I've even thought of selling some of them, but I'd rather practice more so that I can justify them, at least in my own mind.
The two electrics and one amp just seem to sit there waiting for someone to play with, though. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | If I add one guitar... just one more... I'll feel I have crossed over that line and become a collector. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I've just witnessed examples were once that collectors mindset takes hold, 4 guitars can become 14 pretty darn quick. |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by Slipkid:
I've just witnessed examples were once that collectors mindset takes hold, 4 guitars can become 14 pretty darn quick. Or 50. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | well... there ya go.
See what I mean??? |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | I certainly wouldn't put myself in the "talented guitarist" category, but I do use everything that I own, and for some reason, people pay me to do so. I guess I must be "good enough", even though I never really think so. I've never been a big "collector" of things that I don't have a practical need for. It's not that I wouldn't like to collect things, it's just I don't have the money, or anywhere to put more "stuff". |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I do both! I collect (mostly 12 strings as I've been playing them for 42 years) and have certainly sold more than I've kept. I also still play as part of my position as a minister every week (2 times or more per).
In the past year, I have sold quite a few guitars that were duplicates or ones I was not playing...I have kept the ones I play out with and for the most part want to keep; I have only several that I do not play regularly. In the past I was not able to do this. If I wanted a new guitar, I would have to sell or trade the current one. Now, I don't have to do that. However, to get what I want it may take some trading or sales to get there. My collection is a part of the legacy for my children...and maybe provide them with a great instrument should they decide to play...I am still learning and trying new things and am now recording so my guitars are part of the pallet I create with. My Adamas I's are my main gigging guitars; the '48 D-28 gets played out the most (usually Sunday's); I take others (47RI, Pacemaker's, '68 Balladeer 12, etc.) to special concerts or events, and the electrics occasionally: depending on need...
I started playing in 1965, bought my first Ovation soon after I started gigging professionally in 1973 and have played them ever since...no other guitar has served me so well or been so dependable...I can have whatever I want and I choose to keep playing Ovation/Adamas...Always will!
I'll have to vote even... |
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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
Dob, trying to describe sound is like (as John Knowles once said about trancribing Jerry Reed tunes) like trying to eat soup with a fork, but I'll take a crack at it.
Every VT braced guitar that I've ever played as a plastic sound about it. They have decent mid range and really good treble, but the E, A, and D strings have no deep resonance to them at all. Very plasticky in sound.
A braced Legends (and I can really tell the difference between my 78 Legend and a 30th CL that's here on loan), have a deeper, more mellow bass.
Are you certain that yours has the VT bracing? You can see the signs of A bracing around the sound hole. There are braces that run down both sides of the sound hole and one that goes straight across underneath it (towards the bridge).
If your is a VT braced guitar then I might have to re-think my entire belief system regarding VT braced guitars. I'd love to try my 3 chords on it... I need to introduce you to my old 69-70 1117 Deluxe Balladeer/Legend with the VT-? (not seen before) bracing. It's the loudest Ovation I own. It keeps up with the 12 string even.
I do think the tone on my A braced 1617 is a bit nicer to my ear though. |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Only 50 guitars?
rookies................ |
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November 2006
Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | I don't have 50 gits Beal...but I am, and always will be, a rookie.
The A's and O that I have, will always be far better than I will ever be, or hope to be. Doesn't matter, I have found the "Sounds" that I like. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
Only 50 guitars?
rookies................ When we were younger my Mother would have told me not to hang out with people like you, Beal, because you're a bad influence.
Even though SWMBO hasn't said it, I know she thinks the same thing. It probably didn't help when I got back from Miles' and ordered the LAV Koa. |
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November 2005
Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | I know all too well the risks of creeping collections...a few years ago I liquidated a completely out of hand gun collection that had built up over the years.
I allow myself one acoustic and one electric. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Cool. Never saw an acoustic or an electric handgun! |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | A few responses have appeared where folks indicate they can play beyond their gear. Matt Smith must have responded. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by Slipkid:
If I add one guitar... just one more...
I've just witnessed examples were once that collectors mindset takes hold, 4 guitars can become 14 pretty darn quick. See my sig... :p |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
A few responses have appeared where folks indicate they can play beyond their gear. Three... sounds just about right to me. But there could be as many as five from what I've seen |
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Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | I'm one of them. Sorry if that seems immodest, but damn I'm good! :-) |
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Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I think you need to buy more guitars. |
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August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Back in the 80's, when guitar 'wizardry' went beyond total saturation and musical sensibility, and guitarist egos were even more outrageous than their technical ability, there was a very true (at the time) 'joke'...
How many guitar players does it take to play a good guitar solo...?
Just one, but at there will be at least a dozen others standing by telling you how they would've played it better.
It's a fine line between being being too modest, being quietly confident or comfortable about your ability, and being an egomaniac. It's interesting the way that plays out with different people.
Sometimes gear is crutch for sub-par playing, while other players make the worst of gear sound amazing.
I've been through a lot (to me) of guitars (buying, using, then eventually selling to buy something else), including O's. For me, it's not about collecting, per se, because I never really have that many at one time. But I think as my ear developes, along with ability, the 'sound' I hear in my head keeps evolving and my needs change. Sometimes I feel like it's an ever elusive thing. There's just not one guitar that does it all. Sometimes, when I get disgusted and fed up with the game of chasing 'that sound' in my head, and have spent far too much in gear, I find myself admiring guys like Cliff who have stuck with the same select few guitars over the years, and make them sound great every time. It's a good plan...if it ain't broke... There's always gonna be something newer, prettier, shinier...and it will never end. Thus, GAS. |
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December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I am always in search of the best guitar.
I am always in search of the best chord or lead. |
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April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | If the guitar is not as good as me, then it is holding me back. SWMBO had an upright piano that she couldn't do trills on, because the mechanism on an upright is more complex than a grand and takes longer to reset. At that point, we upgraded to a baby grand and then to a bigger grand, because the baby didn't have the tonal quality to capture what she was playing.
If my guitars had been of lesser quality, then my playing wouldn't have developed as much. So it will always be better than me, but that's what I like about Ovations. |
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November 2005
Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
I think you need to buy more guitars. You guys already bought them all. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Hardly. Check out the short list thread again and get busy. Al still has some Koa Collectors left. Only 12 of each and there's some left, so we left you plenty. |
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Posts: 2487
| I'm.. to sexy for this club...to sexy for this club.............. :cool: |
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April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | I'd have to say even, .... now.
Used to be a time when i had way too many guitars. Some would just not get played and only take up space. At the peak it was probably 15 guitars. It was nice to have them from a collecting viewpoint, but my perspective has changed.
So i've sold off all but three; my daily player a Collings C10, my outside beater a CFox Sonoma, and my Suhr Telecaster electric.
I'm not a great player, but i don't feel that any of these guitars are "above" my ability by any means. Actually none of the guitars i have owned were "above" my ability - it was the quantity that i could no longer justify.
I just play on the couch so i don't have the needs that public musicians do -- one sound, as long as it is a good one, works just fine for me.
Some day i may find a guitar to replace the C10 (i still cruise the guitar shops), and when i do, i'll sell it.
_____
gh1 |
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July 2008
Posts: 31
Location: Tampa Bay area, FL | I only buy and keep guitars I use professionally...if it isn't out of its case in a month, it gets sold. I guess I've never had 'raccoon syndrome' (collecting shiny objects) :) I don't mind that people do, it just was never important to me...I sold lots of nicer guitars that I simply didn't play. But I am one of those players that gets attached to one or 2 instruments- and no matter what guitar I play, I always have a certain sound I manage to get out of them. |
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Poll: Do we excel in playing or collecting?