I've sometimes owned up to 12 guitars at a time, in my life I've probable owned a hundred or so. I currently have nine, including a Martin D18 and a Yairi classic I've kept since '68. Oh, and a mandolin, a baclama (mini bazouki), a bowed psaltery, an Appalachian dulcimer, a keyboard, a piano, and umpteen recorders, quenas, pan-pipes and sundry wind instruments.

I guess I have IAS, because I'm currently ogling another guitar ( a Taylor ) and a hammer dulcimer.

My wife seldom complains about the instruments - it's the cases! Virtually each of the above has its own individual case, and storage can be a problem. They can't go in the attic, because they might be needed at any time.

I have a friend with 35 guitars, but he has a big house and barns and things.

Dear Aunty Mudcat, what's a chap with CIPS (Compulsive Instrument Purchasing Syndrome) to do?