I can't find a guitar I dig!

[phil_104]

I never thought I would have this problem. Ever. But it is here.

After selling off most of the heard to acquired my #1 guitar, I now find myself in a situation where I require a backup guitar for shows, be it for alternate tunings, or in case a string breaks mid set or something. I dunno, just feel like I need something to back it up.

I have a fair amount of money saved. Got a bad situation for months going well, and I can safely say that I am in the range of something quite nice. Problem is : nothing I have played in the last 3 weeks has made me go ''wow, this is worth spending my hard earned money on!''. At this point in time, even though I want a backup, there is no way I am spending a single dollar on something I am not 100% psyched about. I have played everything from Gibson SGs, PRS Miras and SEs, Taylor electrics, Fender (in all ranges), Schecter, Gretsch, Epiphone Les Pauls, Ibanez, Godin.... not 1 guitar that made me want to drop cash on it. It's not that I don't like the models, it's just that the individual guitars don't feel alive. I've played some that felt great, and looked great, but just didn't sound like they had mojo in em.

I need suggestions of instruments that might spark my interest. I have to go back to the store to try out a few G&Ls, as I have not played one in a few years, and I also want to check out some Suhrs.

Any recommendations, because right now the alternative is checking back with stores every few weeks to see if something speaks to me.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

get another blue matteo prs.

 

[d1dsj]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

I was going to say G&L's as mine is very lively but it's an older 3 bolt neck model although I don't know if that would make any real difference? But if I had the cash a Suhr would be top of my list.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

I never thought I would have this problem. Ever. But it is here.

After selling off most of the heard to acquired my #1 guitar, I now find myself in a situation where I require a backup guitar for shows, be it for alternate tunings, or in case a string breaks mid set or something. I dunno, just feel like I need something to back it up.

I have a fair amount of money saved. Got a bad situation for months going well, and I can safely say that I am in the range of something quite nice. Problem is : nothing I have played in the last 3 weeks has made me go ''wow, this is worth spending my hard earned money on!''. At this point in time, even though I want a backup, there is no way I am spending a single dollar on something I am not 100% psyched about. I have played everything from Gibson SGs, PRS Miras and SEs, Taylor electrics, Fender (in all ranges), Schecter, Gretsch, Epiphone Les Pauls, Ibanez, Godin.... not 1 guitar that made me want to drop cash on it. It's not that I don't like the models, it's just that the individual guitars don't feel alive. I've played some that felt great, and looked great, but just didn't sound like they had mojo in em.

I need suggestions of instruments that might spark my interest. I have to go back to the store to try out a few G&Ls, as I have not played one in a few years, and I also want to check out some Suhrs.

Any recommendations, because right now the alternative is checking back with stores every few weeks to see if something speaks to me.

What is your #1 guitar?

 

[phil_104]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

get another blue matteo prs.

I played 2 different CE24s (what I have), in 2 different stores, they still had them new. I did not care for them. The tops on them are nicer than on mine, but the bodies did not resonate.

I was going to say G&L's as mine is very lively but it's an older 3 bolt neck model although I don't know if that would make any real difference? But if I had the cash a Suhr would be top of my list.

Yeah, I need to check both of those out. The Suhrs might be out of my league in terms of price, but a G&L tele could fit the bill.

 

[CTN]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

What are you looking for in a guitar?

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

It is possible that you are psyching yourself out.

Hear me out.

On one hand, it's possible that truly nothing "spoke to you."

On the other hand, what I'm proposing, is that you are looking for "another #1," something that feels just like your favorite. We all know that guitars are so different that two identical models can be wildly variable in feel and sound. I think that embracing the difference is difficult, especially when you do have one guitar that "just feels right."

That said, I recommend that you basically just buy something. That sounds like a dumb course of action, but consider this: when I bought my new truck, I hated the way the seat felt. I couldn't get comfortable in it to save my life. I wanted the seat from my old POS car back.

Well, guess what --- now, it feels like home, and I can't imagine sitting anywhere else on my morning commute.

See what I'm saying? I don't think the "Eureka!" moments come as frequently as some guitar buyers may allude. Maybe they are simply people who relate more emotion in their experiences. What I can tell you, is that I have bought guitars everywhere from playing a hundred at a shop and picking "the one" to buying sight-unseen / mail-order --- and now that I have gotten used to the mail order axes, much like with the seat in my new truck, I like them just as much as the ones I hand-picked.

Good luck,
Hunter

 

[phil_104]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

What is your #1 guitar?

2006 PRS CE24 maple top, with wide-thin neck and 3 way toggle option.

What are you looking for in a guitar?

I'm open to all solid body guitars. My preference is towards humbuckers, but a great sounding instrument with single-coils won't turn me off.

It is possible that you are psyching yourself out.

Hear me out.

On one hand, it's possible that truly nothing "spoke to you."

On the other hand, what I'm proposing, is that you are looking for "another #1," something that feels just like your favorite. We all know that guitars are so different that two identical models can be wildly variable in feel and sound. I think that embracing the difference is difficult, especially when you do have one guitar that "just feels right."

That said, I recommend that you basically just buy something. That sounds like a dumb course of action, but consider this: when I bought my new truck, I hated the way the seat felt. I couldn't get comfortable in it to save my life. I wanted the seat from my old POS car back.

Well, guess what --- now, it feels like home, and I can't imagine sitting anywhere else on my morning commute.

See what I'm saying? I don't think the "Eureka!" moments come as frequently as some guitar buyers may allude. Maybe they are simply people who relate more emotion in their experiences. What I can tell you, is that I have bought guitars everywhere from playing a hundred at a shop and picking "the one" to buying sight-unseen / mail-order --- and now that I have gotten used to the mail order axes, much like with the seat in my new truck, I like them just as much as the ones I hand-picked.

Good luck,
Hunter

You know what dude, I'll keep that in mind. I might be a bit of a control freak over the whole situation, not wanting to spend any cash unless it's perfect off the start. Perhaps I shall try looking for something that is a great example of it's model, and then let that model grow on me, and let it be great at being a (what ever it is).

 

[cakire82]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

Get a custom build for your taste? Or buy one the guitars that felt and played great but sounded without mojo and play with pups and other electronics to achieve the sound you like.

 

[CTN]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

Personally, I think you need to know what you're looking for to be able to find that one.

Similar to knowing that you want to buy a family sedan. What you're describing is like saying you go to the lambo, ferarri, porsche, Mack trucks, Caterpillar and john deere showrooms, and can't find the vehicle for you.

no sh*t sherlock
If you know what you want, it'll be easier to narrow your range, and zero in on the perfect one.

 

[phil_104]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

Personally, I think you need to know what you're looking for to be able to find that one.

Similar to knowing that you want to buy a family sedan. What you're describing is like saying you go to the lambo, ferarri, porsche, Mack trucks, Caterpillar and john deere showrooms, and can't find the vehicle for you.

no sh*t sherlock
If you know what you want, it'll be easier to narrow your range, and zero in on the perfect one.

Like I said, I am a humbucker kinda guy.
I traditionally am fond of maple necks with light finishes, and love locking tuners.
I would ideally like something with no trem.
My favorite body wood combo is mahogany and maple, and when it's just 1 wood, mahogany.
I don't want another 24 fret guitar. It's nice for certain pieces, but I want that sweet spot that a 24 fretter can't offer.
It needs to be light. Not fond of heavy instruments.

So yeah, I am open to so many things, because I have preferences, but nothing set it stone. Sedans are not like guitars : guitars have character and life even within 2 guitars of the same model, made by the same person, on the same day. If a guitar is great, I will prefer it to the ideal guitar for me. Besides, I have already found my ''perfect'' guitar, and what I am looking for is something different (difference for recording mostly), so it won't be 100% of what I want, or it would be another CE24.

I like I6's idea. I think I just need to wait until something with real life shows up, and jump on it no matter what it is.

 

[CTN]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

you should get a HH Carved top tele with a tune-a-matic bridge

 

[MojoMonster]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

2006 PRS CE24 maple top, with wide-thin neck and 3 way toggle option.
I'm open to all solid body guitars. My preference is towards humbuckers, but a great sounding instrument with single-coils won't turn me off.

Have you played any of the high-end Carvins?
Same 25" scale as the PRS and more options than you can throw a stick at.
They've got a new California Double-Cut along the same lines as the California Single and California Carved Top.

MM

 

[phil_104]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

you should get a HH Carved top tele with a tune-a-matic bridge

Have you played any of the high-end Carvins?
Same 25" scale as the PRS and more options than you can throw a stick at.
They've got a new California Double-Cut along the same lines as the California Single and California Carved Top.

MM

That's what I'm talking about! I could live with both of those.

I'll check those out, and see if there are specific models that stick out.

 

[CTN]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

lol I'm lusting after a HH carved top tele with a floyd

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

 

[blueman335]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

I have the opposite problem, I'm happy with a lot of guitars. I think an LP, SG, and 335 is mandatory for a serious guitarist, along with a full hollowbody. Rotate between them. You get in a rut with one or two guitars. You're being awful fussy, sometimes guitars have to grow on you.

 

[phil_104]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

I have the opposite problem, I'm happy with a lot of guitars. I think an LP, SG, and 335 is mandatory for a serious guitarist, along with a full hollowbody. Rotate between them. You get in a rut with one or two guitars. You're being awful fussy, sometimes guitars have to grow on you.

I know I'm being fussy, lol. I reserve the right to do so, as I am shopping for a guitar that I want to keep for decades.

I do like your suggestion though. Perhaps something with a set neck, and a darker tone would add versatility to my arsenal.

Alright, well, I have new things to scope out. Should be a fund week hitting the stores. I'll keep you all posted, and if there is anything else I should consider, let me know.

 

[blueman335]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

I do like your suggestion though. Perhaps something with a set neck, and a darker tone would add versatility to my arsenal.

Variety baby. Different-sounding guitars inspire you in different ways. Keeps you fresh.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: I can't find a guitar I dig!

Like I said, I am a humbucker kinda guy.
I traditionally am fond of maple necks with light finishes, and love locking tuners.
I would ideally like something with no trem.
My favorite body wood combo is mahogany and maple, and when it's just 1 wood, mahogany.
I don't want another 24 fret guitar. It's nice for certain pieces, but I want that sweet spot that a 24 fretter can't offer.
It needs to be light. Not fond of heavy instruments.

sounds like you're describing something by Parker Guitars.