|
17 May 00 - 07:01 PM (#229571) Subject: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: mactheturk It's fun to hear folks speak about their attachment to an instrument that they have owned for several years. Sometimes this relationship can last a lifetime. I've played the same Gibson acoustic for 31 years now. Hardly a day goes by without me picking it up. A while back I had some repair work done and I was without it for about 10 days, well anyway, you know what I mean....
Mac |
|
17 May 00 - 09:26 PM (#229634) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mooh Friend! I talk to mine. I fall asleep with it on my lap or beside me in bed. I hold it like a security blanket! I have several, but there's one that's "the one". I would step between it and a bullet! Friend! Mooh. |
|
17 May 00 - 09:30 PM (#229635) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Callie Because I played cheap n nasty guitars for years, I've only JUST found the guitar of my dreams. It's more than just a piece of wood - it's THE guitar, and I'm sure I'll treasure it for years to come. I have a clarinet which I play very rarely now, but I've had it since I was 18, and wouldn't dream of parting with it. It's got lots of MY history in it. It's a lovely deep brown colour, but when the light falls on the wood a cetain way, there are deep shades of red in it. Sadly, because I play it so rarely, when I DO pick it up , I just get frustrated at how badly I'm playing. |
|
17 May 00 - 10:15 PM (#229649) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Cap't Bob I seem to have a harem of musical instruments. I love them all and feel sort of guilty when I neglect one for some period of time. My old Gibson arch top blues guitar is the one that I've had the longest, ~ probably around fifty years. Sometimes it pays to hang on to them. I bought a Vega extra long neck (Pete Seeger type) for $250 around 20 years ago and when I was in Elderly Instruments last week I saw one there with a $2700 price tag. Trouble is that I just can't seem to bring myself to part with a good friend. Cap't Bob |
|
17 May 00 - 10:29 PM (#229650) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: JamesJim I know how everyone feels. I started playing about 20 years ago and now have three guitars. I have really been thinking how much I'd like to have a new Taylor, but I wouldn't sell my Guild, Martin or even my Yamaha. The Guild flat top is the one I play most. I've had it for about 18 years. My Martin 12 String is a close second. They both set out, handy for me to pick up when I feel like it (which is daily). I just couldn't see myself without them. Jim |
|
17 May 00 - 10:37 PM (#229655) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Uncle_DaveO My banjo is OLGA, and while I've only had her for a little more than a year, the relationship is longer and deeper than that statistic might tell you. About thirty-six years ago, when my Beautiful Wife and I had only been married about four months, I had to call her and tell her, "Won't be home until all hours tonight. A rush job came up that I HAVE to finish before I can think about coming home!" My newlywed wife was not enthusiastic, but what can you do? I dragged my weary carcass into bed about two o'clock. The very next night I had to call her AGAIN and say, "I got ANOTHER rush job; you go to bed, and I'll be home when I can!" This time it was about four o'clock when I left the office. The following morning I was able to assure her that the situation that caused those late nights was over, and said, with a grin, "I hope you didn't think there was another woman!" My new wife's reply: "The thought had crossed my mind!" Over the years, with the crazy hours I had to work sometimes, we built up a legend of "the other woman" at the office downtown. She was a statuesque Nordic blonde, sort of a Swedish masseuse type, with long blonde braids down her back, and her name was Olga. When I retired three years ago I decided that I'd always wanted to learn 5-string banjo, so I did. When I could afford to replace the El Cheapo piece of junk I'd been learning on, I had Mike Ramsey build me a beautiful natural blonde curly-maple open back, and had him inlay the name "OLGA" at the 10th fret. My new mistress! Dave Oesterreich |
|
17 May 00 - 10:49 PM (#229662) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: GUEST,Frankie I keep my two favorites propped up on stands facing the bed so they're the first thing I see in the morning. It inspires to get up early and have a play. F |
|
17 May 00 - 11:41 PM (#229693) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: mactheturk They say that the definition of a "best friend" is someone that knows everything about you and still likes you anyway. After 30 years or so, I'm sure that old Gibson knows me better than most...... |
|
18 May 00 - 12:46 AM (#229720) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Rick Fielding Everyone of my 25 odd instruments is a very personal friend, but I think we have dysfunctional relationships. The co-dependence is getting ridiculous! Rick |
|
18 May 00 - 12:54 AM (#229725) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Racer I was at a party one night. I was outside smoking when I heard a familiar sound coming from the basement. I heard my guitar. There were many guitars at in the house at that time, but this was my guitar. I pitched my cigarette and bolted downstairs to find out who was fooling around with her when I wasn't looking. On my way in the house, I could figure out who was playing her just by the style he was playing her in. It was one of my best friends. Normally I wouldn't be that concerned, but he's a drummer. I could just picture him thinking he could understand the strap (getting one of the ends flipped around), and letting the guitar fall down around his knees. I would be heartbroken. I found him on the floor of the basement cross-legged with the guitar in his lap. I knew then that I could trust him. I counseled him on asking before doing, and went back outside and smoked a cigarette. This time I finished it. I never knew much I valued that Ovation until that night. I think I've got a friend for life. -Racer |
|
18 May 00 - 02:04 AM (#229749) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Melani My dad made both my guitars. I don't play them very well, but of course they're friends. |
|
18 May 00 - 02:12 AM (#229752) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Slight correction Melani,(forgive me) they must be "family" LOL. Yours, Aye. Dave |
|
18 May 00 - 02:20 AM (#229754) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Clinton Hammond2 Tool or friend?? yes... {~` |
|
18 May 00 - 02:46 AM (#229758) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Baba Rick, have you considered a trial separation from these clingy little friends? I've heard a rest beats being crotchet-y. Although this tactic might cause a riff...t. |
|
18 May 00 - 02:48 AM (#229759) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Baba ;-) |
|
18 May 00 - 07:40 AM (#229812) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mooh I hang my best and most treasured by my bed so I can see her at night and when I awake, and hear her gentle humming in sympathy with whatever noise may be happening...like SO's snoring... I once took her to visit her builder who was only mildly curious about how she'd been doing. I knew she was mine then. Btw, do you name yours? Mine's "Brookie" 'cause there's a brook trout inlaid in the fingerboard. Peace, Mooh.
|
|
18 May 00 - 08:03 AM (#229817) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: GUEST,S.P. Buck Mulligan My 1971 Gurian lay rarely touched for many years until my son recently began taking guitar lessons. I spend the half hour waiting for him in the acoustic showroom of Daddy's Junky Music in Manchester New Hampshire, enjoying the stuff for sale; and have begun picking up the Gurian again, and have been reminded of that longstanding friendhip. |
|
18 May 00 - 09:55 AM (#229855) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Midchuck This old Martin Gittar Built in 1946 It's scratched and stained and splintered With nails and guitar picks. But it's been my close companion, Since 1962. Please don't ask me to decide Between this guitar and you. Tom Russell; What Do You Want From Me Peter. |
|
18 May 00 - 11:33 AM (#229908) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Dharmabum I can remember my first wife saying to me,"you love that damn guitar more than you love me" It may have been the hesitation that caused her to become my "first". Ron. |
|
18 May 00 - 11:47 AM (#229916) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mbo Sho' 'nuff my guitar is my friend! Good old Yamaha Eternal EF-10. I got it when I was 14, when we were in Okinawa, Japan. I took it on the plane with me back to America, I have it here at my apartment, and it goes with me to my folks house every weekend. One weekend I had to leave it here...the horror! The horror! There's not much of my free time when you will see me WITHOUT my buddy. It's nicked and dinged, the grain is raised around the soundhole from too much hard strumming, the pickguard is all scratched up, and since I only have a guitar strap knob on the bottom of the guitar, the other end of the strap is held on with a suction cup & hook by the neck...but I love it! BTW my sister named it "Pete" after big Phillies outfielder Pete Incaviglia. I call it "Bubba" and "Vox Aeterna" sometimes. --Mbo |
|
18 May 00 - 12:03 PM (#229931) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Clifton53 Hey Midchuck, "This Ol' Martin", maybe the best guitbox song ever written, Jeez, can Tom Russell turn a phrase or what? I've had my Gibson J-45 for 15 years now. It needs a little work because the piezo pickup which constitutes the bridge has become a problem. Ya know what? I don't care, because I never plug it in. I know it needs to go to the shop, and I will take it to Mandolin Brothers eventually, but since I switched to lighter strings, there is no buzz. I just don't want to part with it, for even a week! Recently, on my forays to music shops, I have been playing Taylors, which sound so sweet it is almost criminal. I haven't picked up a bad one yet! Believe me, there are no bad Taylors, but, "This 'Ol Gibson Guitar", lordy, lordy. I don't care what anyone says, the proof is in the pickin'! Clifton53 |
|
18 May 00 - 12:33 PM (#229964) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Bert My old Yamaha is named Fred. It started off being named Beryl. My friend Dave named it that for his wife. When she ran off with another guy he promptly renamed MY guitar. |
|
18 May 00 - 04:37 PM (#230090) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: bbelle I've had my Gibson B25 for 35 years. It's not considered one of Gibson's best, but it is a one of a kind with a wonderful sound. It's the only "thing" in my life that has stayed constant. It plays the same whether I'm dressed to the nines or in my jammies and slippers. And it's felt the curve of my breast more times that anyone else on earth. Like Clifton53's J45, it needs some work and when I get to Toronto, I'll have Rick's luthier work on it. It has traveled far and wide, by plane, auto, and ship. While the rest of my house may be tidy ... it usually sits right in the middle of the living room floor. It's fully aware of it's place in my heart. There's something warm and cuddly and inviting about a guitar ... perhaps it's the shape ... perhaps it's the sound ... whatever it is ... Jenny |
|
18 May 00 - 04:46 PM (#230094) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Wesley S My first good guitar was { and is } a 1967 Martin D-18. I could never sell it. If I ever have children it will be passed down to them or given to someone who will play and enjoy it. I'm sure it has a lot of good years left in it. I love some of my newer instruments but the D-18 is the one I'll ALWAYS keep. I've told the Mrs. that if the house ever catches on fire just to grab the D-18 and the new mandolin. If we leave the doors open the cats will make it out by themselves. |
|
18 May 00 - 06:40 PM (#230159) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: mactheturk Years ago I would play "Dancin' Boy",a Harry Chapin song, to my son Scott, who was just a toddler at the time. I haven't tried that tune in ages, Scott is 23 now, but just the other day I did and that Gibson remembered the thing from start to finish, but there again, we used to play it quite a lot way back then.... |
|
18 May 00 - 08:33 PM (#230220) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: McGrath of Harlow The first guitar I ever got was a second hand one from Yugoslavia, back in 1958 I think. She's in a lot better shape than Yugoslavia is, but she's got a pretty lived-in quality.
I had to change from steel strings to nylon eventually because the neck was feeling the strain, and she rattles a bit if you shake her, and a few of the struts have fallen out, and the wood on the front is worn down so that all the ridges in the grain stand out.
But I think she sounds better than it ever did. The only time I take it out is when I'm going to a festival where the campsite is miles from the places where I'll want to play, because she's so small and light you hardly know she's on your back.
But most of the time I use my Angelica - that's the make on it, with a phony diamond stuck over the G next to the machine head. I came across her about six years ago in a Cancer Charity Shop in the High in Harlow. No strings, no nut, a couple of dents in the front and black marks all over, and a place at the side where a hole in the body had been patched up, not too well. But she had something about her. "How much" I asked, and the lady asks me back, so I offered £10, and the lady jumped at it, and I nipped out and got the money from a cash-machine. And she really is a lovely guitar, with the best action I've ever come across, and incredibly light for her size. If you go to the bbc resources you can see her. Still got a very lived-in look to her, mostly from before my time. I sometimes wonder about that - given where I got her, it seems likely she was passed on, after someone died. But she's with me for life, I hope. And then on to some other lucky soul.
|
|
19 May 00 - 01:23 AM (#230350) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Rick Fielding MBO! A hook and SUCTION CUP!!?? My God man, get a hold of yourself! Actually one of my pet peeves is seeing someone wear their guitar with the strap all twisted around and looking like it's going to fall off the guitar. I dropped one once (it was an Ovation so it bounced rather than splintered) so I've become a "compulsive strap straightener outer". Someday someone's gonna take it the wrong way and punch my lights out! Rick |
|
07 Feb 02 - 11:27 PM (#645029) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: 53 refresh |
|
08 Feb 02 - 06:46 AM (#645197) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: 53 A true picker will cherish his or her instrument, and treat it like a part of the family. I love all my guitars and like I said earler, I try to play them all at least once a day, except for my Strats, and them I usually play about once a week, cause it's harder to set the amp, the effects, and all that jazz, so maybe i'll just play them not plugged in. they need some exercise too. Guitars are great, just think about all the music you can make with them, man you just can't fathom it. |
|
09 Feb 02 - 01:15 AM (#645830) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mudlark I had a chance, a few years ago, to realize just how much my instruments mean to me. I live way out in the country...very dry country...and on a hot and windy day wildfire came over the hills faster than it seemed possible. While my husband was out watering down the perimeter it was up to me to load the truck. Dogs first, but the guitars and dulcimer went in next...before family photos, important papers, original paintings. Along with the dogs, I knew I would need my instruments to feel grounded and "at home" if we had to make a new one. Luckily, at the last minute, the fire dept showed up and saved the day. But I still get the shivers every once in a while, thinking about just how fast they would burn. |
|
09 Feb 02 - 07:08 PM (#646215) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: 53 Boy that is scary, but I feel the same way about my guitars. Me and my wife first, then guitars, and then my box of coins. We don't have any animals. |
|
09 Feb 02 - 09:46 PM (#646293) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mudlark And what is that great Doc Watson tune...chorus something like "Gonna lay down my old guitar, gonna lay down my old guitar...wish I could strap it to my side...and take it along with me" |
|
09 Feb 02 - 09:49 PM (#646296) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: 53 Laying a guitar down is a hard thing to do for any true picker. |
|
12 Feb 02 - 09:32 PM (#648742) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull |
|
12 Feb 02 - 10:16 PM (#648780) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: 53 Well John, why the hell don't you say something? |
|
13 Feb 02 - 08:51 AM (#649033) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mrrzy There is a great French song, lessee if I can remember it... My guitar and I never leave each other / who plays whom, no one can tell / when I met her all dusty / she was languishing in an antique shop / and I couldn't, just couldn't resist / her broken strings and flaking paint / but as we two were leaving, the old guy didn't get it / she was already my guitar, my friend: Ma guitarre et moi, nous ne nous quittons pas There is more but I don't have it memorized, will have to look for it. |
|
13 Feb 02 - 08:53 AM (#649035) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Mrrzy Rackin frackin html! For "r&eactutesister" read résister; and for "d&eacatejà " read déjà. |
|
13 Feb 02 - 09:28 AM (#649052) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: C-flat Out of necessity I have parted company with many guitars in order to upgrade.As I get older and a little more financially stable I find I can't part with anything and think back on some of the (now collectable)instruments I've lost with regret.On meeting an old friend after a period of some 20 years I was reminded of a guitar that I'd sold him which, he confessed,to never having got round to learning to play.Although I couldn't actually remember what the guitar was I, offered to buy it back(a bottle of single malt)and was delighted to find my first ever guitar complete with my initials transfer-laquered on the front(something to do with being a 15 year old boy and ownership).The EKO Ranger was always a dog of a guitar in terms of tone,but it's built like a tank and hasn't altered a bit! My newer aquisitions are certainly classier but I love this one for other reasons! |
|
13 Feb 02 - 10:54 AM (#649126) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: Wesley S I had an EKO Ranger 12 string that had enough steel in the neck to build a bumper. Mine had a peace symbol stuck on the old batwing pickguard. You've brought back some memories. |
|
13 Feb 02 - 11:54 AM (#649163) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: 53 I was thinking about the same thing the other day, in fact how I wish I had all the guitars that I"ve sold or traded or whatever, I wish I had them back. |
|
13 Feb 02 - 01:46 PM (#649238) Subject: RE: This ol' Guitar: instrument or friend? From: kendall The only guitar I ever wished to have back is the original Gene Autry club that I first learned to play. If I had it, I wouldn't try to play it; it was a piece of junk, but, I'm sentimental; or maybe just mental. I only have two guitars now, my Taylor 810 and my Apollonio 12 string. These are not tools, they are special friends, and if I HAD to choose which one to keep, it would have to be the Apollonio 12 string. He built it for me to my specs,it is unique, and, I'll never part with it. |