Guitar Sniffer.jpg
I know I'm guilty... ;D
My wife asks me why I have so many guitars when I can only play one guitar at a time. My response is always the same - "How many pairs of shoes do you have?"
He is outside my house again.
I'm now cutting up some Irish Spring soap bars and spreading them in my flower breads. I think that might fool them, lol. BTW Lately I've been looking at a Les Paul Jr.
Too many guitars, there's no such thing in my opinion. At the last count I had 24 and I still need one more to achieve a nice round figure. A Fender acoustic 12 string would be perfect. Farrell I have a Gibson Les Paul Junior, I haven't recorded with it yet but that's only a matter of time, sounds great through my little Fender amp. I would love to hear you play one, you would make it sing. Willie
As a person with probably too many guitars, the question is what is the optimal number. I'm not sure that I know - so I don't think about it, and keep looking to satisfy that itch. My life was simpler with one guitar and a couple of pedals. Now its a little bit more complex, but it makes me happy. I do feel guilty having guitars that I simply never play though.
B
It's been said before, but the optimal number of guitars is N+1 where N is your current number of guitars.
Does it count when you sell / trade away TWO and get TWO new ones back? Just asking for a friend...
I wonder if this was the 60's, would this topic be "too many sitars"?
#deepthinker
Quote from: bruno on June 12, 2024, 08:52:02 AMAs a person with probably too many guitars, the question is what is the optimal number. I'm not sure that I know - so I don't think about it, and keep looking to satisfy that itch. My life was simpler with one guitar and a couple of pedals. Now its a little bit more complex, but it makes me happy. I do feel guilty having guitars that I simply never play though.
B
I dragged multiple guitars out of closets to restring and ultimately play, but now they sit, strewn about my studio with John due over tomorrow.
I've got a thing about telecaster,s is four too many?
Then there's the Strat, Gretsch, HB 335,SG and acoustic,s.
Still got a thing for another tele
;D
Many of us are complete whores. There is no way around this.
What a schnoz!! ;D
I am wannabe at 9.... but honestly I don't have anywhere else to keep more... so if get any more... one gotta go... but I am taking my Jay Turser up to my sisters house to leave so when I go visit I can play an electric there... I already have an acoustic there... and any one visiting is welcome to play it there...
Screw the pooch!
8)
That was great T.C. and so true, lol!
Quote from: Blooby on June 12, 2024, 04:45:06 PMMany of us are complete whores. There is no way around this.
;D hehe that me laugh Blooby
Sometimes i think I am not as fixated as others about guitars. But then every now and again I think I can feel the illness taking hold in subtle ways.
I have 2 almost identical Mexican strats - even the same colour - this is just stupid. But creeping up on me when i don't expect it are thoughts about acquiring a decent acoustic. I have a fairly ok Yamaha but would love a quality acoustic some day. And lately I am having intrusive thoughts about having one of those semi-acoustic cool big guitars... like an Epiphone 335 or something along those lines.
Quote from: Mike_S on June 15, 2024, 05:11:54 PMI have 2 almost identical Mexican strats - even the same colour - this is just stupid.
I don't think so! Maybe there's a method to this madness... Pics might follow soon(ish) :D
I told my wife this would be my last guitar but she doesn't believe me, lol.
It's a Gretsch Streamliner T2627 and a I love everything about it.
Gretsch Streamliner rotate 90 #2.jpg
I have "some" guitars.
From this seat (the sofa, sat in front of Ghostbusters, original, Mrs R admiring Sigourney Weaver's legs) I can see, as I say, some guitars (ummm... 17).
Mrs R can't see most of them: from her sofa, the TV is blocking her view... the poor girl.
There are actually others in this room that are not in my line of sight.
Upstairs in my studio/office there are some guitars too, and basses.
In our bedroom there are some more guitars.
There might even be one or two in Mrs R's office - there's certainly a Gibson ES335 case and a Gretsch shipping box, both awaiting a trip to the loft...
Oh yeah, there are some guitars in the loft too.
There's no such thing as too many guitars.
Quote from: AndyR on June 18, 2024, 02:12:40 PMI have "some" guitars.
From this seat (the sofa, sat in front of Ghostbusters, original, Mrs R admiring Sigourney Weaver's legs) I can see, as I say, some guitars (ummm... 17).
Mrs R can't see most of them: from her sofa, the TV is blocking her view... the poor girl.
There are actually others in this room that are not in my line of sight.
Upstairs in my studio/office there are some guitars too, and basses.
In our bedroom there are some more guitars.
There might even be one or two in Mrs R's office - there's certainly a Gibson ES335 case and a Gretsch shipping box, both awaiting a trip to the loft...
Oh yeah, there are some guitars in the loft too.
There's no such thing as too many guitars.
Damn. Its not just me ...
B
Quote from: Farrell Jackson on June 16, 2024, 08:24:37 AMI told my wife this would be my last guitar but she doesn't believe me, lol.
It's a Gretsch Streamliner T2627 and a I love everything about it.
[imglink]https://1drv.ms/i/c/fb0a1f2e98540235/ETUCVJguHwoggPt4EwAAAAABGeccU29afD__UtZMmaZI9A?e=bsf2Dt[/imglink]
Ooh guitar porn. That is lovely and with a bigsby trem, yummy.
B
Quote from: Zoltan on June 16, 2024, 04:21:13 AMQuote from: Mike_S on June 15, 2024, 05:11:54 PMI have 2 almost identical Mexican strats - even the same colour - this is just stupid.
I don't think so! Maybe there's a method to this madness... Pics might follow soon(ish) :D
So a pic did follow... eventually :)
[imglink]IMG_7364.jpg[/imglink]
I am revising my thought process. I actually spent about half an hour the other day taking photos of the strat on the right and when it came to it, my body would not allow me to post the guitar for sale online! A force within was too strong!
However. And I risk being relegated to division 2 on SC :) I have made the decision to get rid of the HB Les Paul on the left. I don't like it, never have. I looks nice for sure but it had problems from day 1. Poor set up... I then got it professionally set up, but it's simply just "ok" to me. It's not worth a lot but we live in small house so 4 or 5 axes is about my limit.
So it's done ;D ad is up
BUT... it will be replaced with a much finer upgrade... details will follow when the dirty deed is complete!
Mike
Quote from: Mike_S on June 21, 2024, 05:16:00 AMQuote from: Zoltan on June 16, 2024, 04:21:13 AMQuote from: Mike_S on June 15, 2024, 05:11:54 PMI have 2 almost identical Mexican strats - even the same colour - this is just stupid.
I don't think so! Maybe there's a method to this madness... Pics might follow soon(ish) :D
So a pic did follow... eventually :)
[imglink][url="https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196615;type=preview;file"]IMG_7364.jpg[/url][/imglink]
I am revising my thought process. I actually spent about half an hour the other day taking photos of the strat on the right and when it came to it, my body would not allow me to post the guitar for sale online! A force within was too strong!
However. And I risk being relegated to division 2 on SC :) I have made the decision to get rid of the HB Les Paul on the left. I don't like it, never have. I looks nice for sure but it had problems from day 1. Poor set up... I then got it professionally set up, but it's simply just "ok" to me. It's not worth a lot but we live in small house so 4 or 5 axes is about my limit.
So it's done ;D ad is up
BUT... it will be replaced with a much finer upgrade... details will follow when the dirty deed is complete!
Mike
I've been moving towards a "trade-in" approach, with mixed results...
I have 5 fully operational single coil Fender Strats (1 Crafted in Japan, 3 Mexican Roadworn, 1 AM Professional II), they all feel and sound different. And I
want another.. an American Vintage II 60s, which could retire either the CIJ (if I went Fiesta Red) or one of the roadworns (if I went sunburst).
(I also have a Mexican Noventa P90 strat, and a Squier Paranormal Nashville Strat, but they don't count as Strats!)
Anyway, they all feel and sound different. I've considered trading for something (eg lose two plus some money for the AVII), but when I audition them for "who gets the chop" even the one I like least is MINE and I can't really part with it.
However, I was able to ditch a Gibson Les Paul. It was a 50s Standard in Tobacco. I'd been dreaming about such a thing, but it just didn't do it for me after a year or two. This was lucky - it was apparently my most saleable LP, but the least saleable ones are "better" for me (phew!).
I traded it in part-exchange for a new ES335 in Cherry a few months back and... WOAH!! That one is possibly THE "ok take all the others but leave me this" guitar. I've wanted a cherry ES335 since 1979 or so, but never felt able to stump up for it. The 50s standard made room and supplied almost half the dosh...
But since then, the "trade to get a new one (for space reasons)" plan has stumbled a bit.
Some idiot introduced me to the idea that Gretsch might be worth exploring as a brand, especially the Streamliner and Electromatic ranges - wow, what value for money!! Wow... how much variety!! Wow... a Bigsby is a thing of wonder!!! Wow... how many guitar stands are they filling!!!!!!!!
I'm starting to think of fitting Bigsbys to several other guitars, especially the P90 ones (eg if it had a Bigsby, a Pelham Blue SG Special would make a cute companion to a Gretsch G5210T-P90 Electromatic Jet in Mako - latest member of the clan)
I just noticed this thread is in "Just for laughs" - I rarely go in there - so this was meant to be a joke thread?!!?!? ;D
I think the fact that many of us seem to have treated it seriously says more about us than the fact that we probably have hundreds of guitars (thousands?) between us!!! (too many or not)
I feel we should arrange an intervention for Andy!
You could hold him back and reason with him... While i sneak away with one of those roadworns :)
img_1_1718978019971.jpg
;D
Quote from: Mike_S on June 21, 2024, 05:16:00 AMQuote from: Zoltan on June 16, 2024, 04:21:13 AMQuote from: Mike_S on June 15, 2024, 05:11:54 PMI have 2 almost identical Mexican strats - even the same colour - this is just stupid.
I don't think so! Maybe there's a method to this madness... Pics might follow soon(ish) :D
So a pic did follow... eventually :)
[imglink]IMG_7364.jpg[/imglink]
I am revising my thought process. I actually spent about half an hour the other day taking photos of the strat on the right and when it came to it, my body would not allow me to post the guitar for sale online! A force within was too strong!
However. And I risk being relegated to division 2 on SC :) I have made the decision to get rid of the HB Les Paul on the left. I don't like it, never have. I looks nice for sure but it had problems from day 1. Poor set up... I then got it professionally set up, but it's simply just "ok" to me. It's not worth a lot but we live in small house so 4 or 5 axes is about my limit.
So it's done ;D ad is up
BUT... it will be replaced with a much finer upgrade... details will follow when the dirty deed is complete!
Mike
I applaud you Mike for realizing this ain't working for you and someone will like it... and use it...
I think what Andy said about the Les Paul makes sense for someone who loves Strats so much... I mean I have only ever played a couple strats in my life but I spent years with both Gibson (black 1980 standard) and Epiphone Les Paul... If you are really into strats I doubt you would love Les Pauls... they are just so different and heavy too...
I am not as in love with mine as I used to be... lately I haven't played it at all... but I won't part with it... the Strat I have is a total garbage Jay Turser knock off and I really love it for distorted rock, which is more my thing... I don't like it much for clean stuff... it's too chimy for me... and I have played a fairly expensive American strat and felt similar to that .... but I would not hesitate to get one if I had the money available and the right one came along... but I want a Tele more... I don't know why because I never even played one.. I just think they look cool.
but I really don't think I need any new guitars... if I did it would be a really good acoustic.
Here's my real contribution to this topic! And also a parallel to why one would have two of the same: they can have babies!
Black stratocasters from left to right:
1. This has a MIJ neck from 89/90. Pure vintage '57/'62 pickups. Jumbo frets.
2. The OG. MIM 90/91. The bridge pu is Seymour Duncan JB jr.
And their baby is the Richie Blackmore Stratocaster. Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder pickups, scalloped U-shape neck, vintage 7,25" radius, 70s vintage tuners. 3-way selector.
I few weeks back i was going to buy some strings and i came out with the (1.) strat. It felt right, it sounded right. About a week ago they had their offspring.
strats.jpg
Also it seems like there's a common thread of Les Pauls exchanging hands. Currently i don't own any. I let that Epiphone go.
Oooo! Don't get me wrong Stephen - I love Les Pauls too.
In fact, the guitar the ES335 might supplant as "the one" is Lucy the Les Paul. It's a wine red Traditional from 2012. Although it has the "swiss cheese" weight relief it is somewhat heavier than the Standard 50s (from 2021 I think) that I let go.
I wanted a sunburst, I wanted "full-fat", I got a good deal. But I never bonded with it. I could have got used to it, especially if it had been the only guitar. But it was too "rich", not enough "top-end", didn't sing as much, I couldn't get what I think of the Les Paul bite out of it.
It was "better made" than Lucy, but Lucy just talks in my hands. She can be plummy and bell-like, she can growl, all points in between - and all done on the volumes and tones, using the same amp setting, no pedals. I get blues, rock, jazz, clean, pop, all of it in one guitar.
The 50s needed too much help, was worth X, and I wanted a 335 ;D
I have another Les Paul, a honey burst in a satin finish. That has "modern weight relief" so is loads lighter. That one is more of a "biting" Les Paul. Acoustically it doesn't have the "beef" the other two have/had. It's a great recording guitar for when you want a more "rock" thang. It has some build issues that would put some off in resale (the bridge, tailpiece, and pickups perfectly in line... but off centre on the body and neck!), but it plays fine, and it looks gorgeous. The 50s was likely to retire that one for me... but it didn't! Not even close.
We could talk about SGs too (::);D)
Zoltan - yeah, that Les Pauls changing hands thing... I've heard that Les Pauls are funny things, when you find one you like it's "oh yeah" ... otherwise it's "it's alright, but..."
Most of us don't have the funds or access to try enough of them!
What got me a few months back was my "cheap" Gretsch Streamliner costing about a quarter of the Standard 50s, felt as well made and as yummy as the 50s - and it was working better for the stuff I'm playing at the moment. And the semi-acoustic vibe was re-awakening the longing for a Cherry 335 (let's not even discuss the black 335 I've had for years!) ;D
And... btw... I've wondered about a Ritchie Blackmore strat!! But the AM Pro II, and the 50s roadworn, are close enough for when I want to play Highway Star or Lazy. And one of the reasons I love Lucy the Les Paul so much is she does that Ritchie Blackmore thing as well.
And the new 335 - the volume and tone controls have different profiles, so I have to adjust, but the guitar and pickups do the same as Lucy. It's FABULOUS.
Standing against a backdrop of my current bête noire, these 4 Harley Benton variables cost roughly £700 UK. For that wedge you may get a decent MIM Fender or Epiphone or some-such. However, all 4 of these do the job they are designed for remarkably well, and certainly up to the satisfaction and playing-ability of this owner. Win-Win, eh? Yep, I do have Fender's, Squier's and others, possibly about 15 in all, but if I were put on the spot right now to choose just one to take with me to a desert island, it would be the HB semi-acoustic 335-style guitar. Just how the heck they produce something so decent at such a price-point is a puzzler – (though I'm sure there must be real turkeys as well. I've been lucky 4 times). 8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3xDZD3mV/000-34a-June-24.jpg)
Quote from: AndyR on June 21, 2024, 11:23:06 AMfor when I want to play Highway Star
do you have a recording of that Andy? I would love to hear it.
and to Steve B.'s note above... those all look nice... I have one HB, it is a PRS copy and I love it...
I think your photo above and Zoltans says we should all photo all our guitars and post it...lol
good luck to some of you.
Quote from: StephenM on June 22, 2024, 06:28:59 AMQuote from: AndyR on June 21, 2024, 11:23:06 AMfor when I want to play Highway Star
do you have a recording of that Andy?
;D ;D ;D ;D
Nah... Of course not!!! ;D
Not the sort of thing I'd put the effort in to record.
Sounds quite good on this thing too:
WIN_20240622_14_35_02_Pro.jpg
When I was working, I had some in my flat in Lyon, the city where I worked, and another in Savoie, in the countryside where I'm now retired, and in my attic home studio, they're now all grouped together,
I read in the thread that there were 24....
..even my wife doesn't know how many guitars I have
At the last count I've just taken, there are 27 around me... including guitars and similar instruments (mandolin, banjo, ukulele, violin, autoharp, dulcimer...).
...but of all of them, the one I prefer is not the most beautiful, nor the most expensive, but a Harley Benton Telecaster clone, bought in kit form and assembled myself, for 88 euros (whereas I have a luthier's classical guitar costing more than 3000 euros).
Here's a photo (I found the photo taken with my computer's web cam quite amusing, against the light under the Velux window in my attic)
(https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196625)
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Just a wee bit more context on the Harley Benton I am trying to get rid of, never really fell in love with. I have heard so many good things about HBs in general. A few negative too but not many. The main thing you do hear is they often need a pro set up , but again many have said they play well out of the box.
I know next to nothing about guitars in reality. I can change strings, adjust a truss rod but beyond that I don't really know what I am doing. I bought the HB LP at a very slightly reduced price as it was a returned item for whatever reason. But in their small text on the site they verify that these items have been inspected /checked etc and are good to go.
I was happy with that and went ahead with the purchase. On arrival to say the guitar was unplayable is being kind. You needed hands like Billy Gibbons to try and fret a note. Attempted to adjust action/ truss rod etc to little avail. Went out of tune very easily.
Ok so took it to a pro luthier about 50 miles away. He was a good guy. He upgraded the tuners and did a full set up. He did point out that the neck wasn't straight which I didn't notice. In fact when he pointed it out even to me it looked pretty off.
Well even after that I didn't gel with it. It doesn't stay in tune as long as my strats in my opinion and there's other things I don't even remember I am not a fan of. The plastic plate that covers the hole where you plug in the lead smashed easily and needed replacing with a decent metal one.
I suppose it is like even some relationships in life. It didn't work. But my main advice would be don't purchase anything off the bargain/returns section even if they say they have been checked / inspected etc. it's BL.
In saying this I think I equally learned I am not a Les Paul guy
Mike
So a pic did follow... eventually :)
[imglink]IMG_7364.jpg[/imglink]
I am revising my thought process. I actually spent about half an hour the other day taking photos of the strat on the right and when it came to it, my body would not allow me to post the guitar for sale online! A force within was too strong!
However. And I risk being relegated to division 2 on SC :) I have made the decision to get rid of the HB Les Paul on the left. I don't like it, never have. I looks nice for sure but it had problems from day 1. Poor set up... I then got it professionally set up, but it's simply just "ok" to me. It's not worth a lot but we live in small house so 4 or 5 axes is about my limit.
So it's done ;D ad is up
BUT... it will be replaced with a much finer upgrade... details will follow when the dirty deed is complete!
Mike
[/quote]
Mike, sorry to hear about your Harley Benton experience. I guess at the price they're charging it's gonna be a bit hit-&-miss as to what you get. Thankfully, the ones I've purchased have all been of a decent quality, build and sound-wise. This is the first LP-style guitar I've ever had, always been a Strat or Tele person, but boy, I'm a convert. Given how cheap these guitars are, for them to include, is it called 'coil-tapping'?, where you can use the humbucker or change to single coils – wow!! So much potential. Now, the reason that I've included your photo, is that, from my angle, the headstock on your HB LP looks as though it's angled-upwards away from the neck – can this be so? Look how the Strat headstocks seem to be a continuation of the fretboard, and then look at the LP. Maybe it's the angle of the photo or my old eyes, but it is certainly noticeable. If it's true, then no wonder you can't get it to play nice. Good luck with any future purchases.
ah yes, here's a tee shirt or poster you can give to your wife
(https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196626)
(https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196627)
That's a great Tee Shirt JP! I counted my guitar harem this morning and I have 24. That number includes 3 basses, 5 acoustics, 1 Guilele, and 15 electrics.
QuoteI counted my guitar harem this morning and I have 24
t's a good start...one more and your wife won't even notice...the difficulty is to get her discreetly into the harem
..and if you buy this one, you'll have 12 more in one go! ;)
(https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196630)
20240623_202542_resized.jpg
here are mine nine
It's funny Stephen ... we've got at least two things in common the same black strao and the same sofa :D
(https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196638)
(https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=196639)
Quote from: StephenM on June 23, 2024, 06:42:12 PMhere are mine nine
You mean TEN? Or are you leaving the mighty Jay Turser out from the count? :)
Quote from: Jean Pierre on June 24, 2024, 12:23:14 AMIt's funny Stephen ... we've got at least two things in common the same black strao and the same sofa
JP channeling Eric Clapton.
Quote from: Zoltan on June 24, 2024, 05:49:51 AMQuote from: StephenM on June 23, 2024, 06:42:12 PMhere are mine nine
You mean TEN? Or are you leaving the mighty Jay Turser out from the count? :)
Quote from: Jean Pierre on June 24, 2024, 12:23:14 AMIt's funny Stephen ... we've got at least two things in common the same black strao and the same sofa
JP channeling Eric Clapton.
yeah, obviously I can't count and also I do have one more up in Tupper Lake at my sisters place... a Fender acoustic. but the Jay Turser Strat is going to NY also
JP... interesting commonalities
JP... des points communs intéressants
I just had a thought - maybe I can buy a new "Bass" because maybe it wouldn't be classified as a "guitar" by my wife? After all, most people just call it "Bass" not "Bass guitar" right? In fact, screw those people who say "guitar". It ain't no guitar, its a BAZZZ, and I'm gonna buy another one and it won't count against my "guitar allocation", OK?
Quote from: des0free on August 07, 2024, 01:26:12 AMmaybe I can buy a new "Bass" because maybe it wouldn't be classified as a "guitar" by my wife?
Of course you can! It's a totally different instrument.
Also you have remember all the different shades / variants of these things. Baritone guitar is not a regular guitar. So you might as well buy one of those too. A nylon strung Spanish guitar is different than electro acoustic. The list goes on.
Also it's worth nothing that different styles of guitars are also in their own category. Souped up superstrat is not the same as say... Gibson SG.
So buy away! :D
Quote from: StephenM on June 23, 2024, 06:42:12 PM20240623_202542_resized.jpg
here are mine nine
That's quite a collection! Nice one.
Quote from: des0free on August 07, 2024, 01:26:12 AMI just had a thought - maybe I can buy a new "Bass" because maybe it wouldn't be classified as a "guitar" by my wife? After all, most people just call it "Bass" not "Bass guitar" right? In fact, screw those people who say "guitar". It ain't no guitar, its a BAZZZ, and I'm gonna buy another one and it won't count against my "guitar allocation", OK?
all is fair in love of guitars and war...
What my friend does is buy the guitar put it in the corner of the garage by the band stuff leaves it for a couple weeks then pulls it out in front of the wife if she says anything he says this one from my old band stuff
Tim
I'm well into double figures for guitars, I'm struggling to play the ones that I have - I'm probably maxed out. However, if "the one" pops up, I may just have to ...
I said to my wife;
-by the way, I'd like to buy a Baroque Lute.
she replies, slightly annoyed
- another guitar! but you've already got 24!
I reply
- no, 25, but a Baroque lute isn't a guitar
and she adds, relieved
- ah well, that's okay then
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFgz_lNDQI
Quote from: Jean Pierre on August 15, 2024, 12:44:26 PMI reply
- no, 25, but a Baroque lute isn't a guitar
and she adds, relieved
- ah well, that's okay then
Well played! lol
Quote from: Jean Pierre on August 15, 2024, 12:44:26 PMI said to my wife;
-by the way, I'd like to buy a Baroque Lute.
she replies, slightly annoyed
- another guitar! but you've already got 24!
I reply
- no, 25, but a Baroque lute isn't a guitar
and she adds, relieved
- ah well, that's okay then
I'm assuming you lied
about having 25 and currently have 24, so now you can buy 1 lute and 1 guitar. Then when she counts your guitars, after you remind her the lute is not a guitar, she will verify that you still have "only" 25 guitars. ;D
Quoteabout having 25 and currently have 24, so now you can buy 1 lute and 1 guitar. Then when she counts your guitars, after you remind her the lute is not a guitar, she will verify that you still have "only" 25 guitars. [/quote
]excellent Doug, I like the subtle and sly idea