A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ... (guitar)

Subject: Don't Say Goodbye To An Old Gibson Friend!!!
From: SharonA
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 09:26 AM

Jenny: Kinda looks and sounds as if you've found a second guitar and kept your old friend the Gibson as well. I certainly hope that that is the case, since I too would hate to have read that you'd parted with that faithful companion of so many years, who sings to you with the voice of so many shared experiences...

But just in case you're still considering, with even one brain cell, the sale of your Gibson, let me add my voice to those who are begging you: Please, please, don't sell her!!!

I'd like to make two points that haven't been brought up yet (or I missed them if they were brought up):

(a) The ideal guitar-sound you are seeking, the one that you'd be more comfortable singing along with (in the present incarnation of your voice), may be found in another used guitar, and some used models cost less than a new model depending on the vintage so you may not have to spend as much as you think you do. If I may wax romantic for a moment, some of these used guitars are pining for their old friends who parted with them, while others have never known a real friend at all. In either case, they're in need of new friends to love them and to listen to the old stories they have to tell.

(b) That 1965 Gibson B-25 is a treasure, an heirloom, that should be passed on to a family member or friend who will respect her as such and will play her with the reverence she deserves! I can't believe for a moment that you would want this dear companion to be cradled in a stranger's hands or, worse, to be abused in any way by someone who has no idea of who she is or where she's been or what she's sung to the world. Keep your Gibson friend safe, preserve her legacy, and make sure that her next home is with someone who loves and treasures both her and you!

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: harpgirl
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 10:16 PM

...hey someone erased this picture!!!

http://www.larp.com/~ddugas/friends/jennyt.htm

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 10:04 PM

Boy, it's been awhile. Moonchild became bbelle, and lots of other water passed under (over?) the bridge. What's the latest?

~S~

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Willie-O
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 09:54 PM

Try clicking on this for the above: some pictures taken in Nashville, featuring Jenny's guitar, but not Jenny who was taking the pictures!

Y'know, when this thread was happening I had never actually played a Gibson B-series guitar, as far as I know. This winter I tried a funky little B-15 a friend had for sale, and damn, it had a ton of soul and was great to play--and CHEAP for a mid-60's Gibson in good shape ($600 Cdn). That would confirm almost everyone's opinion that you should keep a guitar like that. Selling it for a few hundred bucks would be a mistake.

So what's the story Jenny? How many guitars do you have now?

W-O

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: harpgirl
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 09:24 PM

hey Jen...it looks like you have a nice new guitar! How are you doing?

Abby

http://www.larp.com/~ddugas/ASIA-2001.htm

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 11:42 PM

Hey Pete, I apologize. Not sure what was in me that day, but I was seeing something that wasn't. I am sorry for the smartass comment. And thanks to Jeri for setting me straight.

Mick

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST,Blind Desert Pete
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 06:38 PM

Very good guys! Ive been wondering who long it would take.BDP

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 03:36 PM

Drink all the water you can hold - wash your hands, cool your feet -

Leave the bottle full for others, Thankyou kindly, Desert Pete.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 03:02 PM

You gotta prime the pump
You gotta have faith and believe
You have to give of yourself
Before you're worthy to receive...

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Barbara
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 02:44 PM

Isn't [Blind] Desert Pete the dude who recommends keeping the water to prime the pump in that song?
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST,Blind Desert Pete
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 11:38 AM

Thanks jeri, thats xactl what I meant. keep the old guitar, sometimes it dont pay to try to be clever. sorry if I jerked your chain Mick BDP

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST,B25Babe
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:52 PM

Oh, I hope you held onto her! I have one, too and while I can't compare the sound to the Martin I got years later, there is still something funnky and terrific about the sound and the size. I hope you were able to hold onto it.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:46 PM

I think he was saying bbelle was gonna miss the guitar if she got rid of it. Because it was her "friend, not some construct of wood and steel." BDP missed the bit in the middle where she said she was gonna keep it. I completely missed anything close to a threat.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:35 PM

I am aware of where the line came from, Friend Jeri, I am just not sure what was meant by it. I am sure time will tell.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:34 PM

BDP was quoting a Bogart line, Mick.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:30 PM

Not sure what that is all about, maybe you would like to explain it in a PM. Threats are counterproductive, and sometimes one should be careful about making them. And use your own name. You fool no one. By the way, I am your friend as well.BML

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST,Blind Desert Pete
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:05 PM

Sweetheart,there will come a day, maybe not tommorrow matbe not next year but you will regret it for the rest of your life. This is your friend, not some construct of wood and steel. Wow lots of emotion on this subject.BDP

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 11:25 AM

So, Moonchild, ............... How about an update? Now that you have had the new guitar for a while, how does it play? Has it lived up to your expectations? Has it repaid the investment you have made in it? Has it become your friend and made you proud for trusting in it? Let's have an update on it, woman..............inquiring minds want to know.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 11:02 PM

Moonchild, that sigh of relief you hear came from your old guitar. It loves you as much as you love it. Jim

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Willie-O
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 02:15 PM

Make new friends...but keep the old.

Sound choice there.

Love
Willie-O

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: RichM
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 12:04 PM

Let me add to this ever increasing chorus of Nays.

*Don't sell it!*

In 1974 or thereabouts, I gave away my '64 Gibson J50, to a friend who needed a guitar. From this he was inspired-by his beginnings on guitar- to compose many wonderful songs--and today continues to do so.

I don't regret that I gave the guitar to him; but I do miss it very much.

In 1990, I sold my '72 Martin D-35, because I wanted another martin. Wrong move, I still miss it too.

As an alternative, I suggest you put in a pickup of some kind, to give you the volume you need. There are many to choose from, and you can get all the volume you need. I have a Baggs mic+undersaddle combo in my all time gigging favorite (Beneteau dreadnought), and it works well.

Others have found similar satisfaction with B-Band pickups, or McIntyre pickups. And other people here can offer similar advice, I suspect.

Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: KT
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 11:29 AM

I have a beautiful Martin.....it was given to me by my brother and I just love it. But there's no way I would ever part with my old clunker Yamaha, a gift from a dear friend.....It's been with me for too long and we have too much shared history to ever give it up. You know the old saying, "If these walls could talk....." How 'bout "If this guitar could talk....." Sounds like a song challenge if ever there was one.

This thread reminds me of "The Red Violin." Anyone familiar with it?

Jenny, it's not like me to give advice on what to do with instruments....But, until YOU know for sure what to do, try finding something else to get rid of...maybe something you can toss in the fireplace or campfire........and keep that ol' Gibson. All the best..... KT

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 11:15 AM

Nah, just a sentimenal old sap that can't sell a fiddle either. At least, not until the right home comes along. I believe Jenny has it worked out, though.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 11:08 AM

Sorcha, you're wonderful.

Bert.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: jeffp
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 09:27 AM

I think you've made a wise decision; one which you are extremely unlikely to regret. I predict a renewed and wonderful relationship with your old friend.

jeffp

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Wesley S
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 09:09 AM

To paraphrase the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers - "A guitar will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times with no guitar". Good luck - Here's hoping everything works out.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 08:33 AM

Hi Moonchild,

I would like to tell you a story. I bought my guitar back in 1984. Not as venerable as yours and over the years not as well played as your. Still, like your it was always there for me. Then I began to concentrate on playing it better and realized that I didn't like the action or the sound, I thought I could do better with another guitar and started to look for one. And a miracle occurred. I went from shop to shop, trying out all the nice instruments. Then I'd go home and pick up the Madiera. Suddenly the action felt right, and the sound fit like a glove. I knew then that I couldn't let go of that guitar. And since then It has stood by me through some pretty rough emotional times. And now it is there for me as I celebrate new love.

Go ahead and shop but think very carefully before you decide. Then whatever you decide will be the right decision.

Best of luck,

Brett

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Helen
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 08:19 AM

I second that, Allan C. It's really hard to read the computer screen when it goes all blurry like this.

Helen

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Allan C.
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 07:33 AM

If this is such good news, then why are there tears in my eyes?!

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: bbelle
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 01:17 AM

I wrote the above at the urging of a friend. I was just going to post the fact that I was going to sell my guitar, but when I started writing, the words and emotions poured from my heart. I guess it was always there ... just buried. I've learned much in the last few days about friendship and about betrayal. I have to learn to trust again because without trust there's no reason to live. Your warmth and sincerity have overwhelmed me and helped me to see that maybe I'm not in the right space to make this decision right now. That is my way of placing trust in you. I do want another guitar, but I will find an alternative way to accomplish this goal. In the meantime, I will follow the stellar advice you've given me.

They call us obsessive because of the love we have for these odd shaped pieces of wood and string. That may be, but I would be hard put to try to explain it.

moonchild

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 12:41 AM

Hello, Dear Friend. I don't know if you should sell it or not. There are manny considerations, most of them known only to you. But I can tell you one thing for sure. I don't think I have ever read a more touching ode to an instrument. If it ever came to pass that I would have to consider selling my beloved old Guild 12, I doubt that I could write anything that spoke to the love one developes for the instruments that we play. You might be well served to go back and read your own post and consider it before you make your decision.

Mick

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: JamesJim
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 11:59 PM

You can never have so many friends that you can afford to lose one. That goes the same for guitars. You will find a way! Jim

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: rangeroger
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 09:04 PM

Moonchild,I also have to add my NO to the others.While I dearly love my Zink,I would do anything to get back the Gibson I killed.
I realize that these are different cicumstances than mine were, but you will always regret this action.
If you have to, take Sorcha up on her offer.I was going to suggest something like that before she posted. Someone should have it that you can go to and say, I want it back now.
If you keep it,getting another guitar also,and have it hanging on the wall,it will always be that old friend you can go back to again and again relishing remembrances of times past and expectancies of times to come.

rr

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Helen
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 08:51 PM

Moonchild,

I agree with most people's comments here. Try different strings first. My new Celtic harp still has the yukky strings on it that the harpmaker put on it (he told me that the string company uses tennis racquet strings - tough, tight, plinky sound, definitely not harp string material) and it sounds ukelele-ish and horrible but when I get some real strings on it it will sound 100% better.

I have sold two instruments: my first lever harp and my first flute. I regret selling the flute - I did it because I needed the money (I thought) and because I had recently bought another one which I thought was better value. The second one is not much different to the first and there was really no reason to do the swap, and I regret it because it was my first real instrument that I learned to play - other than the plastic whistle in primary school - which I still have.

I never really sent a backward glance to my first harp because I was never happy with the sound and even changing the strings made only a minor difference - it made it bearable and not dull sounding, but it never made it sound good. It was built with a big bit of metal pipe inside the sound box for strength, built for the future pedal/classical harpists who wanted to try out harp playing to see if they like it or can do it. It was built for young people to carry around and to withstand knocks and bumps. It wasn't built that way because of the sound it made. It was never going to come good, in my opinion.

Your B-25 belongs with you. Needing money to buy a new guitar is no excuse for getting rid of the old one. Sell a piece of furniture instead. Sell your skills - writing, singing, whatever - for a few extra hours a week. Do whatever it takes. Take up Sorcha's offer to do a short term solution for long term gain. Take Kim C's advice and plug into the Universal Classifieds (my label for it) and ask the Universe *how* you can make your B-25 sound the way you want it to sound or how to find the money and the right guitar for your current needs. The question is "what do I need to do to get a guitar to perfectly fit my needs?" (It's an action thing, not a passive waiting for the answer to fall out of the sky - like most people tend to see prayers etc.)

Look into the future and impagine yourself in a time when life has taken a lot of turns for the better - you have more money, better health, almost everything you want in life. How would you feel, looking back, if you had lost hope now and sold your guitar? Desperation = loss of hope. Be an optimist. Your posting is a cry from the heart. I don't really think you want to sell the guitar otherwise you would not have made this cry for help which says "Somebody stop me, please!"

Helen

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST,Barry Finn
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 08:18 PM

Hi Moonchild, no, no, no, no. Barry

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 07:57 PM

Well, I had a B-25 once, and the neck was too narrow for my fingers, but it was very cool looking and sounding--I sold it to someone who liked the way it fit their hands, twenty eight years ago, and I understand that they still play and love it today. But I only sold it after I bought a guitar that I liked a lot more--

By the way that you talk about the guitar, it seems like you love it--I don't understand why you would consider getting rid unless you have a guitar in hand that you like a lot more--is there something that you are not telling us? Was the guitar musically unfaithful?

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: GUEST,Southern Luthier
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 07:51 PM

Keep you guitar and have a second built they way you would like. There are alot of custom luthiers out there and the cost is often less than a factory built guitar. Some of the female builders in Canada built very very high quality guitars and are very resonable price wise. Contact any member of the Guild of American Luthiers or Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans ad they will be happy to help you find what you need. Just keep your old friend..... Dave

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: kendall
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 07:32 PM

Talk to a competent luthier, ask what, if anything, can be done..Maybe, say, scalloping the braces? I bought a J-45 Gibson in 1956, and when I found the guitar of my dreams, I gave it away. If you ever see Dave Mallett perform, he just might be playing it. The Taylor is so superior, I dont miss the Gibson at all.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: CamiSu
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 06:57 PM

Moon Child--I am almost in tears. Years ago my old friend had an accident, and I decided to sell my newer 12-string to pay for the repairs. That I have never regretted even tho my friend was worth much less. The guy who repaired her understood completely and she sounded even better after her repairs. Do try the new strings. Even different brands will make a big difference.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 06:48 PM

Jenny, I was convinced all the way through your post you were talking about your dog.........see, Allan, great minds do run on the same track.

This is a SERIOUS offer, if Jed's wasn't------I don't play guitar, but I would buy it for your price and keep it (having friends play it) until you are financially able to buy it back. PM me if you need this to happen. I can do it, I have stock options.......let's mend some fences, here, woman.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Jed at Work
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 06:23 PM

Don't do it, moon child - but if you must; sell it to me!!

;-)

Actually I do suggest you try differnet strings sets, first; Elixers have different sounds and last four times as long, if you're using lights guage, switch to mediums (meatier sound). Then while you're experimenting, look at various new guitars, and see what fits your budget and you style. It may take months, but you'll find one to fit both.

I'd hang on to that sweet old Gibson, if I could!

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: jayohjo
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 06:10 PM

My god, this is dreadful! The thought of you parting with a guitar you obviously love so much is causing me pain! Everyone has said everything really; it doesn't sound to me like you'll ever find another like her, so at least wait before getting rid. I just hope so much you're able to keep this guitar; you obviously DO belong together!

hugs and supportive guitar-type thoughts jayohjo XX

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 05:38 PM

Well Moonchild, I am yet another says don't do it unless you really need to. That guitar means far to much to you. If it were mine, I would certainly try the options that spaw has suggested before going for a replacement.

Jon

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: annamill
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 05:10 PM

Moonchild, don't be silly! You'll be able to get another one day. You two belong together girl!!

Love, annap

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: dwditty
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 05:06 PM

Ok, here's the deal. Every time, yes every time, I have sold an instrument I have regretted it - a 1917 Gibson L-1, A 1929 Martin 018K, a Gibson J-45 (my favorite), and various and sundry. Why? Because I was too damn impatient to set a goal to save for a new guitar and wait til I had the funds. Oh, almost forgot the Dobro Model 36. Few of us can just go out and buy another guitar. It's part of the definition of a folkie. So take the next year or so to decide on what that new guitar will be. Play some and play some more. You'll find that with some, the beauty is only skin deep. By the time you are really settled on what you want, you'll have the dough. In the meantime, do what 'Spaw says - different strings etc. to mellow the tone. You may want to even try stuffing a small possum inside to absorb some of the brightness. Now, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the experience. Remember, it's wise to choose friends and instruments carefully. Good luck.
dw

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Allan C.
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 05:01 PM

Well, let me add my voice to the chorus. Don't do it, mc. If you simply MUST have another guitar, let it keep your old friend company. (BTW Have I ever mentioned my easy payment loan program? Only 46% interest. No, not simple interest - it's compounded semi-weekly. And there is no amount that is too small to request.) In your post you carefully articulated the very good reasons for keeping the Gibson. You have a history with it. It belongs with you. And with some small changes you can alter its voice to suit you. Bring it to someone who knows a few things about guitars and let them help you to implement one or more of the suggestions mentioned above.

Sorry to say this, but to me this is tantamount to sending your dog to the pound because he will no longer eat the same brand of kibbles he has for years.

There are solutions. Seek them out and give them a try. Most of them won't cost much at all.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 04:26 PM

Moonchild - I predict that someday you'll be holding your Gibson in your arms coaxing lovely sounds out of it and you'll say to yourself - "I can't believe I ever considered selling it".

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Giac
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 04:20 PM

Hey, Moonchild,

Only you know what you need to do, and all I can offer is experience. I'm a few years older than you, but I once had a Gibson B25 of that same vintage. I've done a lot of stupid things in my life, and selling that guitar was probably one of the most stupid (for me, not meaning any disrespect to you)~:)

Now I have a beat up old 50s-something Guild with which I would never part. I've played other instruments along the road. None has ever fit my hand, or nestled in my arms as did that Gibson. No neck ever felt as "right" as that Gibson neck. The Guild is close, but no cigar.

Bigger guitars have lovely voices, oh, how they ring, but, to me, they are not the same as that B25. And, it takes quite a while and a lot of playing to help a new guitar cultivate that mellowness that is so wonderful in an older instrument.

That's my 2cents, I wish you well, whatever you decide.

Giac

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: Dharmabum
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 04:19 PM

Moon, I have never sold an instrument that I didn't end up regreting. I suggest you reread your own post,better yet, have someone read it to you.

Ron.

Subject: RE: A Sad Goodbye To An Old Friend ...
From: oggie
Date: 20 Jul 00 - 04:19 PM

May I add my voice? Please think very carefully before you do it.

It is not just it's sentimental value, I've found it takes years to adjust to a new instrument. When my concertina and mandolin were stolen I couldn't find another concertina I could play to my satisfaction and no longer play one, the mandolin has taken 2 years and I still ain't happy.

If you CAN find an instrument that plays right and are happy with then I suppose fair enough BUT FIND THAT INSTRUMENT FIRST!

All the best and hoping it works out

Steve (oggie)