Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.

Subject: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 08:11 PM

I couldn't find Ricks thread on buying more guitars, so here goes nothing, today I just got a fever to get a new guitar, I don't know what brought it on, but I have to have a new guitar, I already have 7 guitars, and a bariton uke, but I just can't seem to stop this urge.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 08:44 PM

Aha, a fellow sufferer. You have contracted a form of MIAS known as GAS.

What's that? You don't know? You mean to tell me you have 7 guitars and haven't ever heard of M(usical) I(nstrument) A(cquisition) S(yndrome)?

Among the more advanced states of MIAS is GAS, or Guitar Acquisition Syndrome...in states where much bluegrass is played, one can also suffer from MAS, or Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome. Funny, but one almost never sees the Banjo subsect of this insidious disease.

There is no known cure. Frequent massaging of affected areas with raw billets of quartersawn tonewood is the homeopathic treatment of choice, but the allopaths maintain that the only cure is to indulge in the sickness itself.

The only hope for you, sir, is to get thee to a luthiery!

'Hootz

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 08:48 PM

I heard of that disease, but i couldnt remember what it was called, indeed i will satisfy my need of a new purchase very shortly.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 09:04 PM

Here's a possible partial mitigation solution. I suffer from G.A.S. and lack of funds. This place might be a help. Of couse the alternate view is that this place is the home of really deviant G.A.S. Subway Guitars

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 09:11 PM

Bob53- I remember you said you've never had a Martin. It's time, m'boy.

:)

Eb

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 09:37 PM

You know Ebbie a Martin would be nice, but right now I don't think I could afford one, so maybe i'm thinking along another line, but you can bet your bottom dollar,I'll figure out a way to get my need fulfilled, boy ain't this a great illness to have?

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 09:44 PM

Martins are passe.

If you are going to succumb to GAS, then go BIG. Call up a boutique maker somewhere, go in search of the perfect fretted friend, make it an odyssey of indulgence in the disease of want.

Then, after you've blown a few K on a hunk of wood and wire, try to explain to your spousal unit how THIS one is the last, and is certainly different from all the other ones...

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 09:51 PM

Yeah, right. The only wood i'd need then would be a coffin.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 10:03 PM

Congrates, 53. Hey, a nice Mertin won't cure ya'. I've owned the nicest sounding 1964 D-18 there is but for some reason, I'll just by some beater off ebay of at the local pawn shop and justify it by telling myself that it is is just be kept in some strange tuning that if I ever took it out of that tuning I would never be able to find that tuning again... Like I said, congrates... Oh, if you have problems with your significant other, a good way to introduce the new one is to find a room in the house where you leave guitars out and just leave the room cluttered for a few days with 5 or 6 guitars and then just introduce the new one with a room full of the old ones and maybe, just maybe, the S.O. won't notice...

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: NicoleC
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 10:30 PM

Hmmm. Maybe ya'll ought to set up a guitar-lending ring... when the urge hits really hard, everyone pass a guitar to the person next on their list :)

Okay, it wouldn't have worked for me, either back when I was collecting guitars. I worked my fixation by insisting on going to obscure corners of flea markets and finding abandoned friends. Once I got a Taesco Del Ray (did I mangle that spelling?) for $10!

'Course it sounded like $10...

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 10:45 PM

Yeah, a guitar lending ring...so I can trade my $48 Hohner for Bobert's $5000 '64 D-18, then suddenly "renounce" instrumental greed.

What say, Bobert?

'Hootz

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 11:08 PM

Ahhhh, yeah Anahootz. Sounds like a heck of a deal to me. Your vintage Hohner for my beat up old Martin? Danged, I'd even pay the postage. Yeah, sounds like an..... (Excuse me... The Martin just invited me to the back yard for a rosewood ass whoppin'... Back later...) Sorry, Ana-hootz but I'll have to get back to you on the Hohner for Martin swap......

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Deckman
Date: 08 Feb 02 - 11:14 PM

SHEEEUH! There's gotta' be a support group for this fellas. CHEERS, Bob (who owns two vintage Martins) ((hee hee)).

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From:
Date: 09 Feb 02 - 05:33 AM

You can re-translate GAS as Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Capos, straps, humidifiers, etc. are relatively cheap.

I don't have that as a chronic disease; but I calmed down my last acute attack by collecting a few Marine Band harmonicas.

Murray

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Clifton53
Date: 09 Feb 02 - 07:20 AM

I've been keeping the beast at bay by purchasing all kinds of thumb and finger picks, strings, books etc. Go get 'em bob,marriage is over-rated, heh heh.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 09 Feb 02 - 06:57 PM

I went shopping today but I didn't buy one today, but that means only today, there is tomorow I hope.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 09 Feb 02 - 10:54 PM

It seems that the urge gets worse at night, and i'm greatful for that because if I got it this bad during the day, no telling what would happen.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Dave T
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 09:21 AM

I thought I could cure my condition by taking up fiddle. Then I had to buy a better bow (well, actually two). I'm considering a better violin (I only have two), so I guess I'm in danger of contracting VAS (violin acquisition syndrome)...evidently a VASectomy is ineffective in these cases.
- Dave T

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: reggie miles
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 09:49 AM

Rolfyboy6, thanks for the link to Fat Dog. It was interesting and informative. I just spent an hour there.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: luthier
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 09:55 AM

I have just picked up your communications about the G.A.S. syndrome and can tell you with certanty it only gets worse. My spouse stopped counting at thirty something instruments and now tells me I am incureable, her logic being that as a luthier spending most of the week working on guitars I should not have the constant desire to have one in my hands for the rest of the week. The other bad news is that I am develloping a passion for ukes so if any one has information about baritone ukes that you could let me have I would be most grateful. Luthier

Subject: Guitars, More Of Same...
From: saulgoldie
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 10:07 AM

Dear 53, Most of us can relate, as you have seen from many of the postings. If you have the space and the "butter and egg money" is not in jeopardy, then the only problem might be your own discomfort; you are not hurting or defrauding anyone. But if there is a money or space limitation, or if this is causing you unendurable anxiety, then at some point you will just have to reach down (or up, or wherever you "reach") and come up with some home-grown self-discipline.

This condition is similar to what I see with my fountain pen friends who jokingly "complain" about having 40, 50, 200 fountain pens. And we are talking fancy-schmancy, here, like $150 each and more!

When I think of my own acquisition beyond what I really need, I eventually reach a core feeling of not having enough of what I truly *need* IN LIFE. That is, more playing time, rather than more guitars; more writing time and people who would appreciate letters, rather than more pens; and of course, more good times, rather than increased anxiety about life's issues and the bigger (ominous!) directions of humanity at large.

Rationally speaking, of course, more guitars, pens, whatever will not change any of that for me. And any "relief" I get from a buying a new thing is fleeting. But that doesn't mean that I don't still get stuff, or that I condemn you in any way for doing so, either.

I hope this gives you some insight, or helps you in some way.

Sincerely, Saul

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 03:26 PM

..."Hi, My name is Anahootz, and I, uh...I...I'm a mandoholic..."

I have to show the recent object of my desire to y'all...

Click Here to see it.

Go Here to see more of these exquisite instruments.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 04:26 PM

Luthier, i have just recently purchased a JOhnson bariton uke, and for the money I like it, but its only a cheapo, 55.00 US.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 04:43 PM

Just got back from a music store, but no purchase yet, i'm still trying to hold back.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 10 Feb 02 - 10:30 PM

If you are talking about acoustic guitars I doubt that you would actually need over six total unless you are a collector. Some of these may need upgrading as money becomes available. Dreadnought ~ when you are playing with a group and need a lot of sound. Classical ~ easy playing ~ nice wide fingerboard

Parlor ~ Small ~ some with great sound ~ good take along guitar

Blues Guitar ~ You just need one of these

12 String ~ some songs just require a 12 string to sound right

Knockabout ~ If you need a guitar for canoeing etc. (my knockabout needs replacing due to fire damage)

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 11 Feb 02 - 12:36 AM

Who plays ANY instrument and doesn't collect?

I have 4 mandolins, 3 of which are F-5 style, and I really feel no need to "rationalize" why I own them.

"...well, this one is for when I play in A, in small jams, or old-timey...THIS one is for chop chords, so I have to change in the middle..."

Limiting yourself to the "monogamy" of one guitar, or only one of any musical instrument, is in my opinion a bad thing to do. If all instruments were equal in tone, timbre and volume, then sure, no need for duplicity. My 3 F mandos? All different, all instantly recognizable by voice, all beautiful instruments.

And, paycheck willing, they will have another sibling soon.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 11 Feb 02 - 06:05 PM

I've solved my own problem, ain't that great? I'm going to use my Takamine GS330GS as my beater. I got this guitar at a bargain, so I said there's no use in laying out bucks right now for a beater unless a real bargain comes along. The Tak is a great guitar and is in great condition, but it was a factory second when I bought it, so, there you have it I've said it.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 02:07 PM

Since I've solved my problem, then maybe some of you in the forum can solve yours.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 03:40 PM

53 ~ I'm glad that you solved your guitar problem. "Congratulations" ~ You should now consider working on your ukulele problem. One baritone uke is not goint to make you happy. Think of it, the money you saved by not buying the new guitar can be used to build up your ukulele collection. A baritone uke is nice in its own right but somehow does not have the sound of the normal sized uku. Although the prices are getting a bit carried away these days, there are still a lot of really great uke out there at bargain prices. I recently purchased a "NOBILITY" uke for $125.00. It appears to have been made in the 20's or 30's and I can't find anything about the maker but it is very well made and has a great sound.

Good Luck Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 09:02 PM

I have never had GAS. I have had the same guitar for the last who knows how many years - and Ol' Mose just gets better.

But I have been the subject of a weird plot - the local music shop refuses to say no to my offers and in the last week or so I ended up with a danged banjo - What? I don't know Honey - he just said yes?

And if that wasn't bad enough I figured out how to fix my old S.S. Stewart Banjolin - what a sweetie! Had to go with a gentler pick though - my partner says she refuses to wear earplugs in the home - drat -

Anahootz - OMG!!! Those are gorgeous! I need one - but it will have to wait until my new guitar is paid for - the one that isn't even built yet - Cripes ArGhGhHHHHhhhhh

I have I A S -

Instrument acquisition syndrome -

Steve

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 09:02 PM

No I think that 1 baritone uke in the family is enough for me. I will be purchasing other things for my music room,it seems that I never can get enough of buying things to do with guitars, etc. The fever is just too bad, and nothing I do can get rid of it. But it's a good fever to have, better that arguing about guests and other non musical stuff.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 11:54 PM

Norton1-

I bit the bullet...I Offered one of my other mandolins as trade for the Silver Angel. Now, I wait, biting my nails to the quick, opening my email every half-hour to see if there is a reply, issuing guttural cries of alarm when the phone rings...

Just in case you want to see what I will be trading (hopefully)...I found the mandolin made before mine in a shop in Seattle. Mine is finished identically, but has a custom tailpiece and frets 22-29.

This is the front, and This is the back.

That's all for now, hafta go check the email to see if I won the lottery...

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 12:05 AM

Good luck.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: 53
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 09:51 PM

I had another attack of guitar fever today and I went shopping. I didn't buy anything today but it might happen tomorrow. I think that I might have to get a diet pill made for taking when I get the GAD. Mnnnnnnn. Bob.

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Apr 02 - 11:26 PM

Anahootz, did you get that gorgeous Silver Angel? BTW, do you know Frank Solivan?

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: Anahootz
Date: 01 May 02 - 12:55 AM

Hi eb, yeah I got the Silver angel...Her name is "Alma"...Frank and I have played together a few times, he's a helluva picker. Lat time we played was at folkfest, upstairs at the Alaskan, about 5am sunday morning, loaded beyond hope and still pickin' "Salt Creek" at about 240 bpm... I think He just vamoosed to tour on his new cd

Subject: RE: Guitars, Guitars and more Guitars.
From: GUEST,mcnutcase
Date: 01 May 02 - 04:23 AM

My name is mcnutcase and I'm an instrumentaholic. I keep finding myself buying guitars I don't really need, my harmonica collectin won't stop growing despite having them in pretty much any key, chromatic, tremolo and bass, and I'm starting to lust after mandolins now as well... anahootz, I want that silver angel! I don't even care that it probably plays like a dream, it just looks so wonderful...