|
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Any ideas why we might reach a certain level of comfort with a certain guitar or two that thereafter makes it difficult or perhaps even impossible to find a similar level of comfort and satisfaction with other models? Is this the basis for our seemingly insatiable appetite to keep searching for more? Is this what prevents us from being healed of GAS?
I have more guitars than I need. Over the years, I find what I think might be an ideal guitar to play and, well, it just doesn’t live up to the hype (notwithstanding the fact that I love to decorate my walls with them). I can honestly say that to date, only three (out of a current collection of 24) really feel completely right, and I gravitate back to them 90% of the time. The three include an ‘82 Legend Limited (that might no be ready for a refret), a ‘96 ash American Strat with Texas Specials pups, and a ‘90 ES-135 with P-100s. I’m not exactly sure why these three feel and sound right, but they do. Maybe it’s the action and set-up which makes them feel easier to play. It could be that the electronics are tuned perfectly to my ears. It could be the particular strings installed. Maybe it is my body and forearm shape that fits better to the shape of the guitar top. I just can’t say for sure.
I’m trying to develop similar “relationships” with my other guitars (including a nice Les Paul Standard, vintage ES-335CRS-TD, several higher-end Strats and other Fenders, the UKII, a vintage Gretsch Country Gent, and now the Adamas II, among others). However, it is hard to settle in with these others when I keep going back to my less expensive favorites.
Has anybody developed a similar relationship with a guitar that prevents you from really enjoying or even trying out other, supposedly “better” quality models? In the end, does it all just boil down to individual subjective judgment? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Try re-reading your post and chang ethe word GUITAR to WIFE (girlfriend, or whatever).
My favorite guitar is not my most expensive, most attactive, most whatever guitar. It's just one that feels right to me. I think it comes down to effort. For some reason a certain guitar will just mesh with us and seem so natural. At least for me it takes effort sometimes to like other "more desirable" guitars. Adamas I is a good example. This is one of the most highly regarded guitars by this OFC community and some members own dozens of them. But I just have a very hard time liking that guitar, for whatever reason. But the Adamas II guitar I completely LOVE. It's hard to explain. Do we pick a guitar with our eyes, ears, wallets, etc. ??? I think you pick it with your heart and you have to go with what your heart tells you. Just like the WIFE comment at the beginning of my post.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | I think you need to get out more. Try joining some clubs and playing some other guitars. When you meet a new guitar, pick it up and flirt a little. Maybe change your hairstyle or grow a mustache, it might help you feel like a different person.
Try not to think of your old guitars, if you find yourself doing this, call up a new guitar that you recently met and meet for coffee, or go down to the music store and mingle. And try just imagining yourself playing a totally stange guitar, let yourself go and fantasize a bit, even about wild crazy things that you dare not explore.
It takes years to build strong attachments, and it takes just as long to forget them and move on, but in the end you will have more meaningful relationships and you won't seem as needy when you meet new guitars.
Good luck, and remember, You are a special person! Live for today! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Just the other day my wife said I have been neglecting the "poor little" Trekker as of late.
I think I'll freshen up the strings and give that ol' spruce sandwich top a work out this weekend. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Some of us have pet names for our wives, but Ol' Spruce Sandwich is a new one. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | sheesh...you guys! :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2005
Posts: 331
Location: San Angelo, Texas | Think I will go read another thread...this one makes me feel like a pimp for being a dealer.... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | I understand what you mean...I think.
My old 1869 was my first O, and to this day nothing else "feels" as right as that one did. I have several guitars that I love, but that one that I spent 13 years with still calls as the perfect fit to me.
True, wives can be like that too, but just like the perfect guitar, when you find just the right one...you will be perfectly happy for the rest of your life with just that special one.
(okay, so maybe guitars are a tiny bit different :D ) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 370
Location: Isle of Man, UK | Prof - I'm with you.
My first one was love at first sight. I was across the street and saw her, and knew that we'd be together. So I went in and asked the music shop guy if I could have her hand in Credit Card, and the rest is history! She's only a Celeb, but we fit each other really well. I have 15 guitars now all special to me in some way (including 2 special orders, plus one I hand built myself) but still I play that first Celeb if I have the choice (ie just playing for the sake of it rather than gigging).
I have no idea why, but we just fit together. Maybe it's just a Karma thing, fulfilling part of whatever plan there may be, and part of my learning process.
Tup - yours made perfect sense, although did make me laugh out loud at my desk to comments of "You're looking at Guitar Porn again, aren't you? We've told you before..."
If my girlfriend ever reads this in the future, please take note that this all happened before I met you, and you're naturally the most important thing to me.
If the guitar I've mentioned above reads this, please take note that the above paragraph regarding the girlfriend is a lie. It's you, and it's always been you.
JB |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | I concur with the Professor; I had two guitars (Yamaha classical and 3/4-sized cheesebox) before Gertrude (my G-1111-4), and the first time I played her I was amazed at how easy it was. Even barre chords. It's going on 30 years now, and every guitar since gets compared to her. Even the new LX--I had the mothership custom make the neck to match hers, and it still isn't exactly the same. The measurements are almost exact (within 1/64th to 1/32nd--I measured), but somehow, the feel isn't. There's that indefineable "something" that sets the special ones apart. I play Jewel (the LX) out of necessity because the chronic bursitis in my right shoulder is aggravated by Gertrude's deep bowl, but I find myself yearning to play my first love. Every once in awhile I will, knowing that I'll pay for it afterwards. And, as an aside, my shoulder has taught me that the worst part about living for today is usually tomorrow.
--Karen
The menagerie: Gertrude, Jewel, Blanca, "Nonnie,"
Ivory, Sugar, Plink, "Plink-to-be," Twang and Shriek. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Just keep at it and buy more. You'll learn to love then all. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2005
Posts: 331
Location: San Angelo, Texas | Thanks guys (and girls)...you made me realize that as a dealer, I'm not a pimp, but a match making service :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | You're still a pimp :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | A licensed pimp.  |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | We all know what we are. We're just haggling over prices at this point. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I like too many of them. I only have one with me right now and it's the 1537. It is just such a great guitar that I could see how someone with "just" a 1537 would think no other guitar is necessary. But when I get home and look at the others, they each have special characteristics and sounds that make each a joy to play. More like children than wives. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | I feel like a downright Hutterite next to all of you!
I do 90% of my playing on the Balladeer, record leads with the T-head, and take the noname bass out on gigs. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
I only have one with me right now and it's the 1537. Not for long, Bubba. I'm getting ready to come take it away from you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | ...and now she's MINE!!! Bwahahaha!
...till the 19th. And yes, I'll change her strings. And yes, I'll fix her rattle. And yes, I'll sing her a little song every night before bed... |
|
| |
Sticking with your favorites
