Pastor of Muppets
New member
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
Sell it all, buy one Tele...problem solved.
Sell it all, buy one Tele...problem solved.
Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
- Thread starter Gearjoneser
- Start date
Butch Snyder
ObsoleteChickenPickingologist
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
I'm going to go back to the original question - Should your best guitar be your main guitar? Depends....
I have a friend who was a mentor of mine early in my playing days. He had a Les Paul Custom and would only play it in certain bands. He said some of them couldn't keep up with it. I didn't know what he meant for years. I got a Les Paul Deluxe and jammed with a little band. I then caught what he was saying. These guys, while nice guys, were not quite ready for primetime. I had been playing about 25 years. But, whenever I would play out or had an audition, I brought the best thing I had; the axe I knew would deliver. At the time, it was the best guitar I owned....
I'm going to go back to the original question - Should your best guitar be your main guitar? Depends....
I have a friend who was a mentor of mine early in my playing days. He had a Les Paul Custom and would only play it in certain bands. He said some of them couldn't keep up with it. I didn't know what he meant for years. I got a Les Paul Deluxe and jammed with a little band. I then caught what he was saying. These guys, while nice guys, were not quite ready for primetime. I had been playing about 25 years. But, whenever I would play out or had an audition, I brought the best thing I had; the axe I knew would deliver. At the time, it was the best guitar I owned....
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
My favorite guitar and the one I gig with and record with is a '88 Made In Japan Fender Squier Strat I paid about $180. for about twenty years ago. It's been upgraded with Antiquity Surfer and a Custom Shop bridge pickup but other than that it's pretty much stock. It's just a great guitar.
I have a valuable 59 Historic Les Paul like yours, upgraded with Tom Holmes double cream humbuckers and a real '63 Strat and '54 Tele.
I play the Tele alot, but the Les Paul and '63 Strat don't get played much at all.
I'll tell you: that Japanese Squier is simply the best sounding and best playing Strat I've ever owned...that's why it's my fave.
People ask me about it all the time and my bass player asked me the other day why I didn't get a real Fender. (laugh!)
Lew
My favorite guitar and the one I gig with and record with is a '88 Made In Japan Fender Squier Strat I paid about $180. for about twenty years ago. It's been upgraded with Antiquity Surfer and a Custom Shop bridge pickup but other than that it's pretty much stock. It's just a great guitar.
I have a valuable 59 Historic Les Paul like yours, upgraded with Tom Holmes double cream humbuckers and a real '63 Strat and '54 Tele.
I play the Tele alot, but the Les Paul and '63 Strat don't get played much at all.
I'll tell you: that Japanese Squier is simply the best sounding and best playing Strat I've ever owned...that's why it's my fave.
People ask me about it all the time and my bass player asked me the other day why I didn't get a real Fender. (laugh!)
Lew
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
This has turned into a pretty good thread!
Very interesting points from everyone, and now that I think about it, I'll probably do a comprimise that falls somewhere in between keeping it in the case and using it. I won't be afraid of using it, but I won't take it into situations that could damage it, like places with a small cramped stage or anywhere like a party gig.
I agree strongly with the point Wah Wah made about a guitar like that needing musical life breathed into it, then making it a guitar. My best pieces have always been the ones that I played the most.
You really wouldn't believe how sweet that Black Beauty is. It was made in 89, when Gibson was just starting to really make great guitars.....This one was a "pre-Historic" The neck is just unbelievable, and the Custom 5 in a solid mahogany guitar just sounds huge. All the midrange is the body, and highs and lows are supplied by the C-5. It's also one of the only Customs with Klusons, so the neck resonates more like a Std. And, no maple top on 57's, only mahogany.
This has turned into a pretty good thread!
Very interesting points from everyone, and now that I think about it, I'll probably do a comprimise that falls somewhere in between keeping it in the case and using it. I won't be afraid of using it, but I won't take it into situations that could damage it, like places with a small cramped stage or anywhere like a party gig.
I agree strongly with the point Wah Wah made about a guitar like that needing musical life breathed into it, then making it a guitar. My best pieces have always been the ones that I played the most.
You really wouldn't believe how sweet that Black Beauty is. It was made in 89, when Gibson was just starting to really make great guitars.....This one was a "pre-Historic" The neck is just unbelievable, and the Custom 5 in a solid mahogany guitar just sounds huge. All the midrange is the body, and highs and lows are supplied by the C-5. It's also one of the only Customs with Klusons, so the neck resonates more like a Std. And, no maple top on 57's, only mahogany.
Pete Galati
New member
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
I almost never pick up what I'd generally call my best guitar. It's not a matter of trying to preserve it, it's more a matter of playing what suits my needs.
Pete
I almost never pick up what I'd generally call my best guitar. It's not a matter of trying to preserve it, it's more a matter of playing what suits my needs.
Pete
Butch Snyder
ObsoleteChickenPickingologist
wahwah
GumbyLoveologist
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
Yeah, that seems like a good compromise, particularly considering the Les Paul's propensity for 'losing their heads' in a collision. It's a shame that it might miss a good party, but if it's a really good party, I'd rather play somebody else's guitar!
Cheers.........................wahwah
Yeah, that seems like a good compromise, particularly considering the Les Paul's propensity for 'losing their heads' in a collision. It's a shame that it might miss a good party, but if it's a really good party, I'd rather play somebody else's guitar!
Cheers.........................wahwah
d1dsj
Cornographer
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
Hey GJ, I think I once told you about the '59 R.I I had .... the one made for the NAMM show in '92 by a certain Mr. Murphy? Anyway... I had to sell it for various reasons, one of them was that it was "TOO NICE TO USE"! I can tell you that I really regret it, it was a fantastic guitar, and I wish that I had played it and beat it up! Anyway I say..... USE THEM!!!! Here's my beat up L.P's .... mind you, I'm NOT suggesting you beat THAT one up!!!
I LOVE this guitar!
This ones great.. it's a '96 Page with the crappy electrics ripped out.. and the Bro/ PGn combo YOU recommended!! Still love the B.B more!!
USE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, my best guitars ARE my MAIN guitars... that's what they're for...
Hey GJ, I think I once told you about the '59 R.I I had .... the one made for the NAMM show in '92 by a certain Mr. Murphy? Anyway... I had to sell it for various reasons, one of them was that it was "TOO NICE TO USE"! I can tell you that I really regret it, it was a fantastic guitar, and I wish that I had played it and beat it up! Anyway I say..... USE THEM!!!! Here's my beat up L.P's .... mind you, I'm NOT suggesting you beat THAT one up!!!
I LOVE this guitar!
This ones great.. it's a '96 Page with the crappy electrics ripped out.. and the Bro/ PGn combo YOU recommended!! Still love the B.B more!!
USE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, my best guitars ARE my MAIN guitars... that's what they're for...
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BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
^That's awesome.^
^That's awesome.^
Pierre
Stratologist
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
I don't see why it should.
For everyone it's going to be their favorite guitar. Best has nothing to do with it. Now their favorite may be their best of course. Mostly it's their most adapted. If the dude has a PRS and a cheap Mexican vintage but he prefers the Strat, it's most likely going to be his favorite.
I don't see why it should.
For everyone it's going to be their favorite guitar. Best has nothing to do with it. Now their favorite may be their best of course. Mostly it's their most adapted. If the dude has a PRS and a cheap Mexican vintage but he prefers the Strat, it's most likely going to be his favorite.
lex666
New member
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
+100%
You've got a Ferrari in the garage. You can sit in it parked on the driveway and admire it all day, or you can take it for a spin and enjoy it. Life's too short to admire possesions. Get out there and enjoy it while you've got it. :14:
Hey GJ, I think I once told you about the '59 R.I I had .... the one made for the NAMM show in '92 by a certain Mr. Murphy? Anyway... I had to sell it for various reasons, one of them was that it was "TOO NICE TO USE"! I can tell you that I really regret it, it was a fantastic guitar, and I wish that I had played it and beat it up! Anyway I say..... USE THEM!!!! Here's my beat up L.P's .... mind you, I'm NOT suggesting you beat THAT one up!!!
I LOVE this guitar!
This ones great.. it's a '96 Page with the crappy electrics ripped out.. and the Bro/ PGn combo YOU recommended!! Still love the B.B more!!
USE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, my best guitars ARE my MAIN guitars... that's what they're for...
+100%
You've got a Ferrari in the garage. You can sit in it parked on the driveway and admire it all day, or you can take it for a spin and enjoy it. Life's too short to admire possesions. Get out there and enjoy it while you've got it. :14:
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
i always bring two guitars, just in case. i play in a variety of situations as im sure you do as well, probably even more so. when im doing a swing gig, i like to hear a certain tone. when im doing a rock gig i want a different tone.
i always sound like me no matter what. it doesnt matter if im playing a tele with buckers, a strat or a sg or even a hollow body it still sounds like me for better or worse.
i always bring two guitars, just in case. i play in a variety of situations as im sure you do as well, probably even more so. when im doing a swing gig, i like to hear a certain tone. when im doing a rock gig i want a different tone.
i always sound like me no matter what. it doesnt matter if im playing a tele with buckers, a strat or a sg or even a hollow body it still sounds like me for better or worse.
Fender_Punk
BerriesAndCreamologist
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
Mike Cambpell bought a Fender Broadcaster and after it got some salt water in it's case on a tour he kept it in storage and used other guitars. But last year, he said in GP he started using it again and I'm sure he found it irreplaceable and and needed. NOTHING replaces the tone of a true Fender Broadcaster that's 57 years old!
If you want to get a good first step with getting comfy gigging with that guitar, at your next jam, Jump with that guitar and ring out an E5 and feel the joy that brings and the power it delivers, the more you dig into your playing and get into the feel and energy, the more you'll be focused on the song and less on "oh no, the neck is a foot away from the mic stand!"
Cheers.
Mike Cambpell bought a Fender Broadcaster and after it got some salt water in it's case on a tour he kept it in storage and used other guitars. But last year, he said in GP he started using it again and I'm sure he found it irreplaceable and and needed. NOTHING replaces the tone of a true Fender Broadcaster that's 57 years old!
If you want to get a good first step with getting comfy gigging with that guitar, at your next jam, Jump with that guitar and ring out an E5 and feel the joy that brings and the power it delivers, the more you dig into your playing and get into the feel and energy, the more you'll be focused on the song and less on "oh no, the neck is a foot away from the mic stand!"
Cheers.
lex666
New member
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
exactly my point.
you've got a sweet axe, get out there and enjoy it.
exactly my point.
you've got a sweet axe, get out there and enjoy it.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
D1dsj, those Les Pauls remind me how cool worn out Gibsons look. It's always amused me that players love reliced Fenders, but treat Gibsons like cars.
And there's no way to relic something quite like breathing musical life into it over a decade or more.
I'm glad to see you tried the Brobucker/PGn combo in the Page LP. For vintage LP tone, that's my favorite. What's in your Black Beauty, the stock 57's or Patent # Gibsons?
D1dsj, those Les Pauls remind me how cool worn out Gibsons look. It's always amused me that players love reliced Fenders, but treat Gibsons like cars.
And there's no way to relic something quite like breathing musical life into it over a decade or more.
I'm glad to see you tried the Brobucker/PGn combo in the Page LP. For vintage LP tone, that's my favorite. What's in your Black Beauty, the stock 57's or Patent # Gibsons?
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Pierre
Stratologist
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
But not mine.
You can have a sweet as hell car, LOVE IT TO BITS and be real happy with it. And drive it all the time.
But it doesn't mean you won't like a less good car better.
Sentimental value, maybe it fits you more, maybe it's just... got more mojo.
But not mine.
You can have a sweet as hell car, LOVE IT TO BITS and be real happy with it. And drive it all the time.
But it doesn't mean you won't like a less good car better.
Sentimental value, maybe it fits you more, maybe it's just... got more mojo.
Dr.Mavashi
neonderthalotonalogist
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
Well, I am into martial arts a bit, so for a while I fooled around with Janese fencing(Kenjitsu not Kendo) and my Sensei said an interesting thing sowrd are meant to be used not to collect dust, that is test cutting you dont have to chop up a human rolled up, wet, rice mats are good enough. I believe guitars are the same way, however I am really jonesing for my strat clone project so I can have a go to guitar that blends in qualities and features of my Kramer Barreta(plywood but sound great 16 years later) and my beloved MIA 1999 LoneStar strat. Important gigs, recording, those two would go hands down, but for rehearsing, practicing and semi-important gigs like in a dush-hole club(since I am a metal guy I play those a lot) I want my universal clone to handle the biz.
Well, I am into martial arts a bit, so for a while I fooled around with Janese fencing(Kenjitsu not Kendo) and my Sensei said an interesting thing sowrd are meant to be used not to collect dust, that is test cutting you dont have to chop up a human rolled up, wet, rice mats are good enough. I believe guitars are the same way, however I am really jonesing for my strat clone project so I can have a go to guitar that blends in qualities and features of my Kramer Barreta(plywood but sound great 16 years later) and my beloved MIA 1999 LoneStar strat. Important gigs, recording, those two would go hands down, but for rehearsing, practicing and semi-important gigs like in a dush-hole club(since I am a metal guy I play those a lot) I want my universal clone to handle the biz.
d1dsj
Cornographer
Re: Should your best guitar be your main guitar?
Yep, that's my point. I'm such a pratt for selling that '59, 'coz by now that would have been a real player by now... I just thought it was too nice to scratch and ding! But in saying that, if I had never owned that guitar my attitude may still be the same now.. which was get it out of the case, play it for 10 minutes, look at it... polish it for 10 minutes then store it away again. I swear I'd never do that again... if I've got them I'm going to play them. I do take care of them, set ups and clean the boards etc.. but as long as they're still in one piece and play great who gives a sh!t whether or not they're mint? You wouldn't believe how many people have said to me "are they the real deal?". I just say, if they were.. do ya think I'd bring them here! Lol....
I have to say though, you're guitars do look real nice! I still say use it, as someone else said... even if only for the "better gigs/ venues"!
Yep, that's my point. I'm such a pratt for selling that '59, 'coz by now that would have been a real player by now... I just thought it was too nice to scratch and ding! But in saying that, if I had never owned that guitar my attitude may still be the same now.. which was get it out of the case, play it for 10 minutes, look at it... polish it for 10 minutes then store it away again. I swear I'd never do that again... if I've got them I'm going to play them. I do take care of them, set ups and clean the boards etc.. but as long as they're still in one piece and play great who gives a sh!t whether or not they're mint? You wouldn't believe how many people have said to me "are they the real deal?". I just say, if they were.. do ya think I'd bring them here! Lol....
I have to say though, you're guitars do look real nice! I still say use it, as someone else said... even if only for the "better gigs/ venues"!
