Help From The “More Tenured”

[GSFV]

From what I can tell, most of the people here seem to be older than me. And some of y’all have been playing guitar longer than I’ve been alive (I’m 30), which I’m somewhat counting on that for the question:

What do you do when you have a guitar (or any instrument I suppose) that you are attached to and have long history with, but that no longer “does” what you want. Perhaps your tastes have changed, or your ears. You still love the instrument, but don’t play it. Or when you do play it, you’re disappointed because it isn’t what you remember.

I have an acoustic guitar I purchased at 16 years old after working a job all summer. I purchased it on a road trip with my dad. First road trip with my license and I got to drive the whole way. I’ve had it ever since. My dad brings up the trip when that guitar comes up. I think he’s really proud to have been part of me getting it as I’ve owned it the second longest of any guitar. But lately when I go to play it, I just find it lacking. Which became painfully obvious after playing a Guild and then a similarly priced a Furch. I’d love to get either one of those, but really can’t without selling something.

The other is an American standard strat, from ‘97. It was my only electric for quite some time. I played it so much and so hard I got the frets dressed twice (high school and college) and it is probably ready for a refret. First high end guitar I ever purchased, and I’ve had it longer than any other I own. But a refret or a new neck is several hundred. AND I don’t love the way it sounds. Just can’t seem to get along with it anymore. But I’m hesitant to try new pickups because even if I fall in love with those, it needs a refret. So in my mind it “needs 6-7 hundred dollars” of work. And that’s just to experiment. Maybe I just don’t like strats any more. (Is that allowed? )

I’m not necessarily looking for advice on what to do here specifically. But perhaps some insight on what y’all have done in these situations, AND how you came to that conclusion. The thought of parting with either of these is quite painful so I don’t think that’s on the table currently. But I do feel stuck.

 

[Cougar]

Sell those guitars. Transfer your nostalgia to your new-to-you Guild!

My dad played a 1939 Epiphone Zenith for as long as I can remember (which is, I'm afraid, a really long time). It was a bear, had awful action, was beat to hell, my brother and I finally got him a replacement Yamaha acoustic then later a Gibson Les Paul. I absconded with the Zenith, had it nominally fixed up, and sold it in a heartbeat to help fund another Guild 12-string, lol.

 

[GAD]

It depends on your finances, but I would say don’t sell that Strat. You’ll regret it forever and try for years to get it back and you never will.

 

[GSFV]

It depends on your finances, but I would say don’t sell that Strat. You’ll regret it forever and try for years to get it back and you never will.

Thankfully finances are okay. Right now to buy one I have to sell one. But I don’t have to sell one for food, mortgage payment, etc. and I don’t HAVE to buy one at all.

 

[chazmo]

But perhaps some insight on what y’all have done in these situations, AND how you came to that conclusion. The thought of parting with either of these is quite painful so I don’t think that’s on the table currently. But I do feel stuck.

Morning, GSFV...

I have two guitars in my collection that I am sentimentally attached to. And, yes, I've reached that "over 60" stage...

Of those two guitars, my Ibanez AW-75 was the first guitar that I ever bought, and it was new at the time in 1981. Fortunately, for me, that guitar was a great choice then and still remains a great part of my arsenal... So, sentimental or not, that guitar "does what I want it to." The other sentimental one is my Favilla C-5 classical, which really gets zero play time in my brood. But, I keep it in perfect condition and would never part with it...

So, as to your question, I think you will regret selling a guitar if you are emotionally attached to it, so I would never get rid of it if I were you. The odds of you getting it back someday are low. My advice, even if financial situation is difficult, keep it if you can. Of course, if you have no space or really when it comes down to it you don't have quite the attachment you thought.... then sell it.

 

[GGJaguar]

Heart vs head makes decisions difficult. Good luck!

 

[Brad Little]

Even though it sat idly in its case a lot, with other guitars getting the lion's share of playing time, I would never part with my F212. It was a gift from my mother, probably because I had stuck with playing for a few years on cheap instruments, and I've owned it for nearly 60 years. Lately, it's getting more and more playing time, seems to be my go to guitar for most things.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Thankfully finances are okay. Right now to buy one I have to sell one. But I don’t have to sell one for food, mortgage payment, etc. and I don’t HAVE to buy one at all.

Makes sense. That's usually been my situation, too.

Okay, what I'd do: Hold on to the bird in hand, and start saving for a better one. Think in months or years. Take your time, and make it a keeper. Maybe think of a sideline that'll just be for that. I met the poet Stephen Dunn at a writing workshop. His full-time job is teaching poetry, and his hobby is poker. So the deal with his wife is that he can only gamble what he makes selling poems. Which, as you can imagine, is no fortune. But it's enough to keep him in the chips.

The sideline I chose a few years ago, no surprise, is gigging. Lots of pubs will pay $75 or $100 per band member. I've played at one that pays $200 per. That's how I pay for gear these days. Just got a Guild D-50 and a Red Line Econoline squareneck, brag brag brag. Took a few years to stash the cash, but so what? No hurry, no worry.

Anyhow, doesn't sound like you need to part with a guitar you know you'll regret getting rid of. And guitars are great decor and conversation pieces, two more reasons to hold onto the dern things.

The most important thing is that if you have a life partner, make a plan you're both happy with. At my house, the deal is one-in/one-out. I've fallen a little behind on that lately, but so far, no blowback. And I have good intentions.

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PS - But if you really do have to sell one, it doesn't sound like you're as attached to the Strat. I used to have a nineties American Standard, and it was a middling instrument. Can't speak for you, but selling it was a happy day for me. So there's that.

 

[AcornHouse]

Our tastes, and ears, develop as we develop as musicians. An instrument that thrilled us when we were younger can disappoint when we get older and refine our abilities and sensibilities.
The acoustic, since you don't name a brand or model, sounds like it might be a lower end model that you were thrilled to get when it was all you could afford, but now you can see it's limitations. But, it does sound like you have an emotional attachment to it with your father's association. I'd say keep that since you may not be able to get much for it. (If it doesn't inspire you, it may be hard to inspire another.) You may have a child who might be thrilled to have that as THEIR first guitar.
I'm going to go against the trend and advise selling the Strat. If you don't like it's sound, then you can either spend a lot trying to find pickups that work for you, as well as getting it refretted (no need for a new neck), or you can shop for something you do like. My first Strat was an Amer. Standard, I forget which year, that I was thrilled to get. Then I got a G&L Strat which felt and sounded SO much better that I quickly got rid of the Fender.
Unless they are vintage, Starts are plentiful and are, after all, just mass produced factory instruments.

Just my 2¢.

 

[walrus]

My '84 Guild D64 was my only acoustic for 30 years. I was definitely attached to it. But because of an aging body, it bothered my right shoulder to play it. So there came a point where I literally was uncomfortable playing it for more than 20 minutes. I sold to a fellow LTGer, and used the money to help purchase my '11 Guild F-30. Some emotional baggage for a few days, no regrets any more. It's in good hands, and I can once again play for as long as I want.

 

[adorshki]

From what I can tell, most of the people here seem to be older than me. And some of y’all have been playing guitar longer than I’ve been alive (I’m 30), which I’m somewhat counting on that for the question:

What do you do when you have a guitar (or any instrument I suppose) that you are attached to and have long history with, but that no longer “does” what you want. Perhaps your tastes have changed, or your ears. You still love the instrument, but don’t play it. Or when you do play it, you’re disappointed because it isn’t what you remember.

I never would have believed this myself a few years ago, but on a flattop, try a significantly different alloy. I always stuck with PB and tried 80/20 a couple of times, but about 5 years ago decided to see if I could "re-voice" my F65ce, a maple archback . I actually tried silk and steel for a couple of reasons, and was amazed at the change. Along with the slightly reduced tension enhancing playability, it was like having a whole new guitar. Who'd-a thunk?
Liked it so much I extended it to the D25 with Silk and Bronzes, but still keep the D40 strung with good ol' D'Addario Ej16 lights.

Our mod Chazmo said it years ago: the most significant change you can make to the sound of your guitar is the strings, and I'm a believer now.

The other is an American standard strat, from ‘97. It was my only electric for quite some time. I played it so much and so hard I got the frets dressed twice (high school and college) and it is probably ready for a refret. First high end guitar I ever purchased, and I’ve had it longer than any other I own. But a refret or a new neck is several hundred. AND I don’t love the way it sounds. Just can’t seem to get along with it anymore. But I’m hesitant to try new pickups because even if I fall in love with those, it needs a refret. So in my mind it “needs 6-7 hundred dollars” of work. And that’s just to experiment. Maybe I just don’t like strats any more. (Is that allowed? )

Not an electric guy, but I had a buddy who picked one of those in '97, believing it was one of their finer builds, and true "classic" material. I'm a big believer in keeping an instrument you've got a bond with.

 

[Minnesota Flats]

Hard call. I've sold off a lot of guitars over the years and only regret getting rid of 3 or 4:

•Early 1970s Gibson Howard Roberts re-pop model hollow-body. Venitian cutaway, single floating pickup, oval sound hole.

•Mid-1960s Epiphone Riviera (made in Kalamazoo, MI). Killer, baseball-bat neck, Grover Rotomatics, mini Humbuckers, "Royal Tan" sunburst, trapeze tailpiece (not a "Frequensator")

•Early-mid 1960s Epiphone Crestwood ("poor man's SG") made in Kalamazoo, MI, wine red, mini Humbuckers, bar stop tailpiece. 3+3 tuners: not the "bat-wing", 6-in-a row headstock. Another chunky-necked one.

•Early-mid-1960s(?) Guild T-100 "Slim Jim. Single Franz piuckup, sunburst, "open-book" headstock

I wonder how I'd like them if I could play them again, now. Sometimes we remember things as having been better than they really were, but I sold all those because, at the time, I needed something better suited to playing something different and had limited funds, not because I didn't like them for what they were.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Having sold a lot of guitars for this very reason you cite, looking back I wish I had kept them and just left them alone, till they made sense again. Or given them to kids, friends etc. But I digress.

 

[Midnight Toker]

As for the Strat, I actually prefer a played hard well worn one. If it’s a basic American standard, I’d probably pop in a 57 preloaded pick guard (right now 35% off on Amazon! ($199…reg price $299!) https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Original-57-Prewired-Stratocaster-Pickguard/dp/B07WD1C2DB
I’ve installed 2 of these for friends and it really kicked some serious life into them. Especially if your guitar is an 80’s model w/ lace sensor pups. (never was a fan of those) It’s an easy way to turn a plain strat into a great sounding touch sensitive 57 reissue that you’ll definitely want to plug in and play!

 

[West R Lee]

I can attest that we go through this, even after playing for 55 years. Detach yourself emotionally and find something you are excited to play. If cost is an object, then buy used. You'll find plenty of overpriced used guitars out there, but if you really spend time looking for an awesome replacement, one will turn up, at a price you can live with.

West

 

[jp]

This is a great question that I think all active players experience. I too believe that it depends on how sentimental you are. I really haven't kept any of the guitars from my youth. I've even sold those that I've had some amazing experiences with. For me, the here and now are most important, and the memories are enough for me. I don't need the physical guitar in hand to remember all the good times I've had with it.

Of course, I do have regrets, like the refinned '64 Duo-Sonic II that was such a great player, and I sold it because I needed the cash. Or the awful-heavy '76 Strat that I toured with for many years and played so hard I bled all over it every week--ahh youthful exuberance and poor technique :C(

I say it's best to continue the journey until you find the ones that really grab you. Most likely, they will, of course, be Guilds! ;C)

 

[Midnight Toker]

I can attest that we go through this, even after playing for 55 years. Detach yourself emotionally and find something you are excited to play. If cost is an object, then buy used. You'll find plenty of overpriced used guitars out there, but if you really spend time looking for an awesome replacement, one will turn up, at a price you can live with.

West

This comes up from time to time w/ my guitarist friends….that we all think there’s also a bit of mental sickness that comes with being a guitarist in today’s world. Give a bassist a semi decent bass and amp and all they do is practice/play the thing. Give a guitarist a semi decent guitar and amp they’ll spend as much time nitpicking over strings, pups, tuners, nuts, bridges, tubes, speakers, pedals, and other modifications as they ever do just playing the damn thing. 1/2 the time it’s likely just an excuse to get them to play more by having something new to play with. Seems no guitarist is ever really happy w/ their gear. And the ones not willing to cut or drill into their gear….just buy more gear! It’s mainly accomplished songwriters that can have one guitar and be happy with it as long as it’s a properly working tool.

 

[johnreardon]

Normally I would say sell stuff you don’t use, however if there’s something you have an ‘attachment’ to, then keep it.

I bought a 92/93 Strat when I left the RAF in 1993. It was the first electric I had bought since I sold my old pre CBS Strat in 1980. I rarely gig with a Strat, preferring the sound I get with one of my LPs. The Strat sits near me for when I want to noodle while watching TV.

I’ll never sell it though. A few mins ago

 

[gjmalcyon]

My first (and only) guitar for 40 years was my Yamaha FG-110 (that's me playing it in '74 or '75 in my avatar pic). My folks bought it for me when I was 10 or 11 (I'm 66 now) and I happily toted it everywhere and was playing it when I first set eyes on the young lady I would someday marry.

Objectively, it cannot approach the sound of the acoustic Guilds that followed it, and it does not get much playing time, but when I do play it, it is like falling into a conversation with old and dear friend. I had some work done on it (new bridge, saddle, nut) more as a thank you for all it's meant to me than anything else. And to this day, it is the guitar that is the easiest for me to form chord shapes on.

It stays with me forever.

 

[Opsimath]

Well, as one who tends to be sentimental I would keep a guitar I got while on a special trip with my dad, especially if he takes some pride in being associated with it, but my dad has been in Heaven for over ten years and I miss him a lot so that likely influences my position. Anyway I'd hang onto it and like Al said maybe try different strings, or like I read in another thread make sure the saddle is well seated. I suppose there are other tweaks that won't break the bank but might help the guitar sound better to you.

Do you mind sharing what your roadtrip guitar is? What woods are on it? How is the sound now different than the sound you perceived it to have had before?

Do you currently have an acoustic that has the sound you're looking for?

I would save up for my next one but hang onto that one. That's just me though.

Best of luck with your decision.