Guitar: Working vs Performance

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: JedMarum
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 10:13 PM

You gotta with what you're comfortable with ... but a great guitar needs to played. It will show wear as you use it, including dings and scratched. My 1997 Larrivee J10 has been used hard. It's got a lot of miles, and it shows. Actually, it might look a little better then the hard miles should allow. BUT I was getting worried about it being my only hard used instrument. Now I split the work load between two. It'll add years to the J10's life.

Did you ever know anyone actually put plastic covers over their sofa to save it's color and fabric? The movies sort of lampoon that practice - but some folks really did it.

I believe a great guitar wants reasonable care - but if you don;t play it, no one will notice it's a great guitar - and worse; it will develop its own voice!

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Fidjit
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 07:34 AM

It will show wear as you use it, including dings and scratched...

Yeah just look at Willie Nelson's guitar.

Has an extra hole in it even.

Chas

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 07:42 AM

...We must all bear the scars of life with dignity, musical instruments are no different. Get over it and play the damned thing it's what it's for! Yes I agree no-one wants to see the neck broken off your favourite instrument or have it used as a club by some nutter in a bar room brawl! but my best instruments have been all over the place with me, yes they've had the odd knock over the years. But SO HAVE I!

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: dwditty
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 07:44 AM

You have a few choices:

1. Put the guitar in a museum style glass case.

2. Do what you are doing, dreading the day.

3. Whack it with a blunt instrument and be done with it - the ding will have arrived.

I have a few guitars, but almost always play a Collings 000-2H. I really love this guitar, but a few years ago, I decided that ti si the guitar I use to make my best music and I should play it. I have managed to knock off most of those pesky sharp edges, taken a few divots out of the tip, and now I even tape the gig list to it! All that does not affect the sound though. While it is a nice guitar, and I may never have a spare $3000 to replace it, the fact of the matter is that it IS replaceable.

So, my bottom line advice is: Do whatever you want - just play the MArtin at home, etc, or play it out. Don't worry about your decision one way or the other.

dw

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: GUEST,Anonymously embarrassed Klutz squared
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 08:11 AM

Dear All--

Believe me, thank you all for the "attitude adjustment" and laughs, and moral support, and UNDERSTANDING!!!

No, I'm not about to *pay* someone to take this instrument off my hands! :) And I don't think I'm ready to take it out to a bar gig, but we don't play many of those anyway.

HOWEVER, yesterday, I got home from work, took the thing out of it's case (I swear it said "Ahhhhhhh....!") put my student guitar into the Martin case (it may have said "Ahhhhhh...." too!) and hung the Martin on the instrument stand. Then I took a deep breath, made sure I was well away from anything that I could possibly bash, picked up the guitar, and did my practice session. And when I was done, I hung it back on the instrument stand, and it stayed there safely all night, and it was still there this morning. When I looked at it this morning, I reminded myself that my student guitar has hung in that exact spot for over 3 years, and hasn't been ruined. (though it has picked up some dings, which I henceforth shall see as marks of character, wisdom, and experience...)

Now all I have to do is keep this perspective on a gig, while dealing with performance anxiety, memory lapses, and cramped spaces!

One Step At A Time--"progress, not perfection!"

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 08:16 AM

The consensus seems to be that you should play the guitar, GUEST.

But that doesn't mean you have to risk having it stolen or vandalised by taking it everywhere. As I said before, I decided to play mine whenever I feel happy that the venue is 'safe', but I've played a few gigs in rough pubs where I wouldn't have felt happy taking it along, so I substitute an older, less valuable one on those occasions.

Just use common sense. If you would feel uncomfortable taking it to certain venues, then don't. But try to use it the rest of the time, and get some pleasure from it while you can - you might end up under a bus tomorrow!

(I sincerely hope you don't, though, or I'll feel terrible about it!)

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 08:22 AM

Dear Guest Guitar-Playing Klutz,

Good for you!

Don't take it personally, though, if people keep adding more and more to this thread-- it's a topic more of us are interested in than may care to admit! Tell ya what-- how about you refresh it for new members' convenience annually, to let us know how it's going? That way, anyone else having the same problem will see all these great ideas and perspectives, when they may need it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: GUEST,Tim Ausburn
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:18 AM

Almost everyone is saying hang your guitar on a stand. I never hang my guitar on a stand. When not being played, a guitar or any other musical instrument should be in it's case with all the clasps fastened. I've seen a lot of guitars get knocked over and necks broken, when if they had been in their case this wouldn't have happened. It only takes 15 seconds to put a guitar in it's case and fasten it up.
I play a 1951 D-28 Martin and it has it share of nicks and scratches but it didn't get any hanging on a stand.
I agree with all who say, "Play a guitar." Change strings as often as need, if you're not qualified to do minor repairs and set-up on your guitar, take it to a QUALIFIED person at least once a year for a checkup. Money well spent, a loose brace could be discovered and reglued preventing a caved in top. Just like keeping an auto in tune and top running shape.
But, first and foremost, play, play, play that instrument or sell it to someone who will.
Just this Ole Hillbilly's humble opinion after 60 years of hanking around the music scene.
Tim

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:45 AM

Came late to this one. I come down on the side that says the marks are the sign of character. If you understand the nature of a wood instrument, then you will know that you are actually hurting it by not playing it. You can get away with leaving a cheap guitar in the case. But a quality instrument needs to be played. It has to do with wood fibers needing the vibration. I wouldn't put it at risk, but I wouldn't hide it either. Just use good sense. I am much less concerned about dings, than I am about good maintenance. Play it, expose it to people, and let it develope its voice and character. If you are truly concerned about it, then make sure you do these things:

• Develope a relationship with a luthier and take the instrument to him/her on a regular basis. I go semiannually and have the action checked and minor maintenance taken care of, but I play a ton. The average person could probably do this annually. Take time and find the best luthier in the area. Reputation is generally the best measure.


• Pay very close attention to the humidity levels in your home. A hygrometer is a very good investment. Also buy an instrument humidifier. No need to spend a ton, a very good one can be had for around $10.00 US. Keeping that instrument well humidified, especially in the winter months or in dry climates, will probably prevent much more damage than taking it out and playing it among people.


• If you travel, invest in a good case. I travel with a Calton. It has saved my beloved Larrivee from damage in a car crash that totalled my Jeep Grand Cherokee and put me in the hospital for a couple of days. The vehicle flew over 90 feet, rolled, and was destroyed. The bouzouki in the gig bag was demolished. The Larrivee D-05 in the Calton case was undamaged and still in tune. I went to these marvelous cases after my very favorite guitar was destroyed by baggage handlers. Expensive, but when one has a guitar that they have developed a relationship with, it is well worth the money. I recommend that you keep your instrument in the case anytime you are in a moving vehicle.


• Pay attention in crowds. A tabletop clamp, such as the Pub Prop is a great investment and a very effective tool. But you still need to make sure you don't prop the instrument in traffic areas, or around pitchers of your favorite brew. Good sense is the best defense of all. I am never afraid to take my instruments to a pub, but I also don't let staggering drunks, or rambunctious fools near my instruments. Just pay attention.

I am sure others will add to the list, but I would say to you that you should view the instrument as a wonderful tool used in the making of your music. Don't be afraid to take it out, you may be damaging it. Just take common sense precautions and let its character develope.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 10:13 AM

Regarding the dangers of leaving your guitar on a stand at home, as mentioned by Tim above, I take your point, Tim, but I would obviously recommend putting the stand in a place where people are not likely to bump into it or knock it over. I guess it depends how much space you have in your home. And it might depend who you share your home with - boisterous kids or pets perhaps being best kept away from the guitar!

I have an ideal place for mine, in a corner of the room, with an armchair almost on front of it (before anyone asks, no, the armchair can't be moved back into it because there is a lampstand there too). Nobody would be able to walk past it, but I can still reach for it easily. I wouldn't recommend putting it in a corridor or near a doorway, etc. But I realise some of us may not have a suitable place to keep a guitar on a stand where it might get damaged, in which case putting the guitar safely away after playing may be the sensible option.

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: GUEST,name withheld for daft reasons
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 10:49 AM

.. so on the subject of pets..

anyone else needed to dry out and deodourize a guitar

after leaving it on a stand

whilst blithely unaware of a manky stinking pub / festival dog

sniffin round it..

then cocking its leg and spraying any new wooden objects in its territory..

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 11:27 AM

As I said earlier- insure it!
chris

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Midchuck
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 12:38 PM

If you want to leave it out from time to time, wall hangers - above pet or toddler reach - work a lot better than stands, especially if you mount them in a corner where there's low traffic, and make very sure they're securely mounted - don't trust screwing into wallboard alone.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Stringsinger
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:32 PM

I'm proud of my old Martin 0021. people have asked me if it is vintage 1930's because it sounds good. No, I tell 'em, 1957 but I beat on it and played it hard. I had it repaired when it fell off a table and splintered the neck but got it in the hands of a good guitar doctor who made it like new. It has a "patina" on it now and when folks see it, (those who appreciate guitars) they say "ahhh!" It has never sounded better...much better now than when I bought it. I was the first owner. There are so many good guitar doctors out there ....but be sure to pick the right one.

Moral: Play the hell out of it and make it sing. It loves it and it gets better.

Frank

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: mandotim
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 04:12 AM

Personal view; guitars are tools, not ornaments. They are made to be played, not just viewed. Personal solution for the gigging damage dilemma; I bought a Rainsong. Made from carbon fibre, and as tough as old boots. If scratched, I grab some T-Cut auto paint cutter, quick rub, refinish with Autoglym hard glaze car polish. (That's exactly how the makers recommend you do it). Still get a lot of stick in folk clubs about my 'plastic' guitar though. I usually point out that it's made from trees, it's just that they are 30 million years old. How traditional do you want? ;)
Tim
PS it sounds pretty good too.

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Scrump
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 04:52 AM

...then cocking its leg and spraying any new wooden objects in its territory..

I would say LOL but I guess you wouldn't have felt like laughing when that happened, GUEST. I would be pretty p***ed off.

Never happened to me, but we were a bit concerned at a pub gig a few weeks ago, when the pub's tomcat kept going under the small table where we had put the sound desk. Underneath the table were a lot of electrical gubbins, and having cats ourselves we were a little concerned that the tomcat might want to assert his ownership of his territory in the way that cats do, causing an explosion in the process :-)

Luckily when we mentioned it to the landlady she locked it away in the back room (or somewhere).

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Bee
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 11:34 AM

I'm still a beginner, had my guitar for a bit more than a year. It's not fancy, but it's the only one I have, and I adore it. I leave it out all the time, so I can play five minutes whenever I want to. I'm no graceful swan. I have: dropped it flat on a hardwood floor; knocked the neck on doorposts a dozen times, walked into the Christmas tree with it, slid it on its back down the deck steps (just caught it before it hit the concrete bottom step); the cat tried to use it as a scratching post and knocked it down; and so on.

There's not a scratch on it.

Apparently Epiphone DR100s are made just for people like me: too tough to traumatise.

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 11:40 AM

Bee - its sulking, and waiting its opportunity for revenge.

One day you'll get that audition with the A and R man, you will get your axe out of the flight case you borrowed just to impress MR Big....and the guitar will fall in half, all the strings will snap as you look at them, and it will spontaneously combust on coming into contact with the air.

guitars are never to be trusted.

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: Scrump
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 11:50 AM

Something I didn't mention before, but I think having more than one guitar helps you worry less about your 'best' one. I used to only have one, and worried about it getting damaged, even though it wasn't expensive. But it was my only guitar, and I hate the thought of not having a guitar at all. So just having one made me worry more about anything happening to it.

Now that I have a few guitars ranging from a cheap one to an expensive good one, I don't worry as much, because I know that even if I lost my best one, I'd still have another one to fall back on (ven though it isn't as good).

I hope that all makes some sort of sense?!

Subject: RE: Guitar: Working vs Performance
From: pirandello
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 05:28 PM

My best guitar is the best because it sounds great, plays beautifully easily and consequently gets played the most. It also inspires me musically so why on earth would I want to to do myself, it and an audience a disservice by not using it as it was intended?

Give your guitar reasonable care and, if you're gigging with it, keep it in a case whenever it's not being played, e.g between sets. It's just common sense.

A guitar isn't an ornament to be polished and pampered but a musical instrument which will pick up a good collection of beauty spots during a working life. A G7th capo fell out of my shirt pocket and bounced off the top of a Martin J40 I once owned while I was bending over to put it in its case-three lovely dings. Shit, as they say, happens.