Have I Acquired An Addiction?

[adorshki]

I resemble that remark (though not with Guilds).

Thus proving, contrary to popular belief, guitarists are actually frustrated bass players.

 

[GGJaguar]

Thus proving, contrary to popular belief, guitarists are actually frustrated bass players.

I was a bass player first. Then I switched to guitar.

 

[chazmo]

I was a bass player first. Then I switched to guitar.

I didn't know that, GG. That's an awesome wall of basses. Do you still have them?

 

[GGJaguar]

Do you still have them?

Just my favorites from the bunch.

 

[Uke]

Your collecting sounds fun, but the guy in the story was only into plain, white T-shirts. Your logo T-shirt collecting habits sound absolutely sane.

 

[bobouz]

Thanks for the welcome and all the comments.

@Br1ck , do you charge by the hour? I may put you on a retainer...

Here's the thing; yes, this could well be a version of 'retail therapy' and there's no denying that a new musical acquisition provides a buzz. Is this healthy? Possibly not but it's preferable to other vices in that at least it doesn't have a detrimental effect physically. I don't drink, smoke or partake of illegal substances. One of my closest friends, also a guitarist, died not so long ago and his wife often says to me that she wished he'd bought the J-200 he'd always fancied. This resonated with me; we never know how long we've got and I don't want to be about to sputter out thinking "I wish I'd bought that (whatever)..."

Had each of my Guild purchases not been ridiculously good deals, I wouldn't have bought them; maybe that means I'm addicted to 'an opportunity too good to miss' as much as acquiring guitars. I'm sure I can spin some attempted justification for my actions and these can be interpreted one way or another depending upon one's perspective. Ultimately, if I decided to get rid of them, I'd either break even or profit; if I did lose a bit, it wouldn't be much. However, like it says on the box, they're 'made to be played' and that's my intention for them.

Who knew there was so much more on 'Let's Talk Guild' than talking about Guilds?!

No need to spin anything GB. We’re all wired differently & approach music and instruments uniquely. I’ve owned hundreds of guitars over the years, slowly retaining the ones I’ve found to be most satisfying, and have happily settled on the 33 instruments I currently own. I tend to operate the same way with all my hobbies - reaching a certain point & knowing I’m done. They’re basically all just feel good distractions from the daily grind of life, and thank goodness for that!

 

[mavuser]

 

[Br1ck]

Thanks for the welcome and all the comments.

@Br1ck , do you charge by the hour? I may put you on a retainer...

Here's the thing; yes, this could well be a version of 'retail therapy' and there's no denying that a new musical acquisition provides a buzz. Is this healthy? Possibly not but it's preferable to other vices in that at least it doesn't have a detrimental effect physically. I don't drink, smoke or partake of illegal substances. One of my closest friends, also a guitarist, died not so long ago and his wife often says to me that she wished he'd bought the J-200 he'd always fancied. This resonated with me; we never know how long we've got and I don't want to be about to sputter out thinking "I wish I'd bought that (whatever)..."

Had each of my Guild purchases not been ridiculously good deals, I wouldn't have bought them; maybe that means I'm addicted to 'an opportunity too good to miss' as much as acquiring guitars. I'm sure I can spin some attempted justification for my actions and these can be interpreted one way or another depending upon one's perspective. Ultimately, if I decided to get rid of them, I'd either break even or profit; if I did lose a bit, it wouldn't be much. However, like it says on the box, they're 'made to be played' and that's my intention for them.

Who knew there was so much more on 'Let's Talk Guild' than talking about Guilds?!

The last few years I had a very gear addicted friend who used to call me when he was contemplating buying a new guitar or amplifier. I talked him out of buying quite a few. After a while he decided indulging his addiction was more fun, and he has the money to take a bath on everything he sells. Every guitar has the best hum bucking pickups he's ever heard, then two weeks later it has a boutique set of pickups in it. It's a running joke every time we talk. This is perfectly fine, but we all should be aware that if add guys were in Russia, they'd be top propaganda content providers. Then there is the whole dopamine thing. That is just proven science. I like fine scotch, but my intake is such that $100 bottles are not a problem. If your income supports two guitars a year it's not a problem other than storage after a few years.

I have found that upping your quality can overcome GAS, if indeed you want to. Sooner or later most will arrive at a ceiling where their wants exceed their bank account. Not a bad way to go, whatever the level. I have come to the conclusion I could be happy with my 70 D 35 as my only guitar. So too the Santa Cruz, Martin D 35 Custom or my 65 Texan. I am glad for all of them though. I also have learned there is a special connection you can have, and if you play guitars within your means, it is a very rare occasion. I had it with my Texan and my Santa Cruz. My Guild was a roll of the dice, the Martin went through Bryan Kinsey's hands and got his endorsement. I first had the feeling when I mistakenly picked up a 39 J 35, which is why I don't play guitars I can't afford anymore.

The picture above reminds me of when the wife asked me why I needed more than one guitar. I answered with why do you need more than one purse? Then she replied, you think guitars are cute? A wisely answered yes. End of story.

 

[jeffcoop]

Just ask my basement about addiction. Oy.

Welcome to LTG. Be careful out there.

 

[Rayk]

Welcome GuildedBilly . That’s one heck of entrance . Enjoy those guitars but incase no one told ya there’s more out there !

 

[chazmo]

Yes.