Help From The “More Tenured”

[midnightright]

I am in the sentimental camp as well, but it really depends on you, and where you place your value. If you view them more as tools, and don't grow that attached, then that is one way to proceed: discard, and move on. Replace, etc.

As someone who has sold a lot of guitars, the ones I regret the most, may or may not be the best ones. But are those that remind me of someone special from my life: a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a close friend. But that is me, and not necessarily you!

The other thing to note: is as has already been mentioned--for those that have left this world, they mean only even more.

 

[Rocky]

I've probably owned a couple hundred instruments, I've got around fifteen now, which is probably a few too many. I keep some of them around because they're nice examples (to me) of their type, and I know if I sell them, I will rebuy another at some point, and its replacement might not be as good. They all have purposes - acoustics for travel, beach/campfire, gigging and electrics for the different sounds they make. Not a lot of duplication. Some of them I won't really play for a year or two, then I pick it up and rediscover why I bought it, and it's "New Guitar Day" all over again.

As for sentimental attachment, I've really only ever had one - one my wife bought me. I'll never sell it, because I play it all the time both at home and professionally, and it's a great instrument. I do have another - a guitar a good friend of mine learned on, but it doesn't have any real monetary value, so I hold onto it

I've only sold one instrument I regret (but I made a bunch of money when I flipped it), and I bought a near exact duplicate years later.

I have seen a number of people try to find the exact guitar they had in their youth - usually unsuccessfully. Most settle for the same year/color, but we all know they're not really the same.

So I guess my answer is - if you have a real attachment to a guitar, even if it falls out of favor, hold onto it a while, if finances permit, you may come around again.

If finances don't permit, sell it, and do what you need to do. After all, it's really just a guitar and ultimately, while some are better than others, they're all ultimately replaceable. And it might be fun to find it's replacement.

 

[West R Lee]

I had a beautiful JF30 12 I sold to a member here a couple of years ago. It was a gift from my wife when we were first married. I'd gotten to the point that it was rarely played as these days, these old fingers have a full plate just trying to play a 6 string, let alone a 12. Well, for years, guitars were in and out of here all of the time. I'd buy one and sell another in a never ending search to find guitars I thought I loved. But I would never mention selling the 12 string simply because it was a gift from my wife.

One night, Mrs. West mentioned that I never played the 12 anymore........I should sell it. I told her I couldn't, as it was a gift from her and I was sentimental about it. Her reply was that she'd rather see my with one I'd play.......and that was that.

West

 

[GSFV]

Wow!! Lots of great responses and stories in here. Thank you everyone!

The guitar is a Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 from 2009. It’s a dreadnaught shape with they’re made in Australia using only indigenous woods. This one is a Bunya Top, with Blackwood back and sides. A maple neck with rosewood fretboard (and bridge). I got it because I needed an acoustic I could plug in. I remember it sounding good, but even better plugged in. Unfortunately I’m not plugging in much these days. And when I do it’s very quiet and can barely hear the amplified sound over the natural sound.

It just sounds…small? Thin? It has less dynamics than others I’ve played, and unfortunately I really rely on that. The sound totally changes with a capo. And for the worse. Gets physically quieter and doesn’t ring out as clearly.

Knowing me, I don’t know how I could sell it without regret. Or sadness of some kind. To get another acoustic I’ll need to save.

But hearing stories from other musicians who have described their ears and tastes changing over the years is definitely helpful! And it’s also encouraging to hear some talk about cycles (rediscovering guitars and such). At the very least makes me feel a little less loony. It’s encouraging and exciting to have evidence of growth in my music, but I didn’t expect it to come with downsides also.

 

[GSFV]

I had a beautiful JF30 12 I sold to a member here a couple of years ago. It was a gift from my wife when we were first married. I'd gotten to the point that it was rarely played as these days, these old fingers have a full plate just trying to play a 6 string, let alone a 12. Well, for years, guitars were in and out of here all of the time. I'd buy one and sell another in a never ending search to find guitars I thought I loved. But I would never mention selling the 12 string simply because it was a gift from my wife.

One night, Mrs. West mentioned that I never played the 12 anymore........I should sell it. I told her I couldn't, as it was a gift from her and I was sentimental about it. Her reply was that she'd rather see my with one I'd play.......and that was that.

West

That’s very sweet! And kind of her to be so understanding. That’s a win any way you slice it.

 

[West R Lee]

Wow!! Lots of great responses and stories in here. Thank you everyone!

The guitar is a Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 from 2009. It’s a dreadnaught shape with they’re made in Australia using only indigenous woods. This one is a Bunya Top, with Blackwood back and sides. A maple neck with rosewood fretboard (and bridge). I got it because I needed an acoustic I could plug in. I remember it sounding good, but even better plugged in. Unfortunately I’m not plugging in much these days. And when I do it’s very quiet and can barely hear the amplified sound over the natural sound.

It just sounds…small? Thin? It has less dynamics than others I’ve played, and unfortunately I really rely on that. The sound totally changes with a capo. And for the worse. Gets physically quieter and doesn’t ring out as clearly.

Knowing me, I don’t know how I could sell it without regret. Or sadness of some kind. To get another acoustic I’ll need to save.

But hearing stories from other musicians who have described their ears and tastes changing over the years is definitely helpful! And it’s also encouraging to hear some talk about cycles (rediscovering guitars and such). At the very least makes me feel a little less loony. It’s encouraging and exciting to have evidence of growth in my music, but I didn’t expect it to come with downsides also.

GS, your attachment is primarily due to the involvement of your dad when you acquired it I gather. What would your dad suggest you do? I had never heard of a "Cole Clark", so I looked them up. They aren't cheap guitars, are they. I'd think for what you could get for yours you could afford something you love.

West

 

[Rocky]

Many people go their entire lives never needing to plug in a guitar. But if you do plan on doing to open mikes or other performances outside of song circles and the like, having some sort of on-board electronics makes life much, much easier.

I've never spent much time with a Cole Clark, but I know people who have them, and they've always sounded fine, though I've never used my hyper-critical ear on them, like I would my own instruments. They've got a pretty good reputation. They may not sound 'traditional' due to the different woods, but traditional isn't necessarily better. It's what works for you that counts.

In the states, at least, Cole Clark isn't available through a major distribution network (as West can attest), so depending where you live, that can alter the resale value, as people are less likely to spend big money on a used, unknown quantity, no matter how good it is. So it may make more sense to hold onto it, if the resale value is lower in your area.

 

[West R Lee]

Many people go their entire lives never needing to plug in a guitar. But if you do plan on doing to open mikes or other performances outside of song circles and the like, having some sort of on-board electronics makes life much, much easier.

I've never spent much time with a Cole Clark, but I know people who have them, and they've always sounded fine, though I've never used my hyper-critical ear on them, like I would my own instruments. They've got a pretty good reputation. They may not sound 'traditional' due to the different woods, but traditional isn't necessarily better. It's what works for you that counts.

In the states, at least, Cole Clark isn't available through a major distribution network (as West can attest), so depending where you live, that can alter the resale value, as people are less likely to spend big money on a used, unknown quantity, no matter how good it is. So it may make more sense to hold onto it, if the resale value is lower in your area.

Unless of course there's a Let'sTalkColeClark.com? Or LTCC?

West

 

[chazmo]

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.

Just found a picture of one of my sons hanging out with the two axes.

This was prior to my starting to acquire more guitars.... All the more reason to be attached to them.

 

[GSFV]

Many people go their entire lives never needing to plug in a guitar. But if you do plan on doing to open mikes or other performances outside of song circles and the like, having some sort of on-board electronics makes life much, much easier.

I've never spent much time with a Cole Clark, but I know people who have them, and they've always sounded fine, though I've never used my hyper-critical ear on them, like I would my own instruments. They've got a pretty good reputation. They may not sound 'traditional' due to the different woods, but traditional isn't necessarily better. It's what works for you that counts.

In the states, at least, Cole Clark isn't available through a major distribution network (as West can attest), so depending where you live, that can alter the resale value, as people are less likely to spend big money on a used, unknown quantity, no matter how good it is. So it may make more sense to hold onto it, if the resale value is lower in your area.

I play a lot at church, mostly electric. However, recently I’ve been helping with the youth students and plug in each week. The sound set up isn’t the best so I can only hear my acoustic sounds, and none of the plugged in sounds.

 

[GSFV]

GS, your attachment is primarily due to the involvement of your dad when you acquired it I gather. What would your dad suggest you do? I had never heard of a "Cole Clark", so I looked them up. They aren't cheap guitars, are they. I'd think for what you could get for yours you could afford something you love.

West

Holy smokes!!! I haven’t looked them up in some time. I can tell you this, that’s not what I paid for it back then. They’re well out of my price range now.

Which makes things more complicated. Because to repurchase someday (if ever desired) would be much more complicated than just “working all summer” as I did the first time.

 

[GSFV]

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.

I had a new set on standby (elixir PB, 12’s), so I put those on. It definitely made a difference. Same strings as before, just a new set. Not sure by how much different, but certainly fresher. Enough to make me do some research into strings and string types and see if there’s one that can maybe push me in the direction I’m trying for.

I also took the time to clean the fretboard and all that. So it definitely plays better too!

 

[Boneman]

I come from the camp that had a hoarder in the family, so my thought is, no matter the sentimental attachment, if it’s not getting used, sell it, give it away, get rid of it. To me it’s just stuff, sometimes there’s more regret than other times when you move it along but in the end having less clutter and less things to worry about is the way to go.

 

[wileypickett]

I come from the camp that had a hoarder in the family, so my thought is, no matter the sentimental attachment, if it’s not getting used, sell it, give it away, get rid of it. To me it’s just stuff, sometimes there’s more regret than other times when you move it along but in the end having less clutter and less things to worry about is the way to go.

That way lies madness!

 

[chazmo]

I come from the camp that had a hoarder in the family, so my thought is, no matter the sentimental attachment, if it’s not getting used, sell it, give it away, get rid of it. To me it’s just stuff, sometimes there’s more regret than other times when you move it along but in the end having less clutter and less things to worry about is the way to go.

Bummer to hear that, Boneman, but misery loves company. You are not alone. Sorry for your troubles with your hoarder relative.

 

[Boneman]

Oh, key word was had. They passed away. Though having seen what a place can be like with all the clutter I decided that won’t be my place. In fact, once the weather cooperates it’ll be time to purge some more stuff.

 

[Minnesota Flats]

Here...



...consider yourself "10-ured".

 

[tonepoet]

So in my mind it “needs 6-7 hundred dollars” of work.

Hi GSFV,
I think your estimate on work needed on your Strat of $600 to $700 may be a bit high.

In the past 2 years I had a complete refret done on my 1958 Guild M-20 by a full-time luthier near Sacramento, California for $300.

If you budget yourself for that first, that would be a good first step.

The next step would be to determine which Strat model has the sound that does stand out to you and research which pickups it has.

My first new electric was a 1990 MIM Stratocaster, which I still have. I played it stock through 1995 and thought I'd like to upgrade the sound. I was very into the Stevie Ray Vaughn sound at the time. So, I thought, what did Fender put into the SRV signature model Strat?

I got a Fender catalog with specs and saw that the SRV model had Fender Texas Special pickups and jumbo frets.

At the time, the set of 3 pickups were $199 (today they average $269) and a refret to jumbo frets back then was $175 (today probably in the $300 range).

I had a luthier do the refret and I did the pickup swap and sold the old pickups on eBay to defray the expense.

The SRV model, at the time, was in the $1,100 range. My cost was the MIM Strat new on sale for $269 + $199 for the Texas Special pickups + $175 for the refret. So, probably close to the sound of the SRV model for about half the price of the SRV signature model.

And you can probably find a set of your desired pickups used, as well. I've bought used pickups with success.

When I first played a Strat-style Guild Detonator, I was blown away by the single coil pickups. I found out that they were called DiMarzio VS-1 single coils but were out of production. I contacted DiMarzio to ask what replaced the VS-1 in their line up and the Tech said the "Class of '55" single coil. I found a used set of 3 on eBay and loaded those into my other Strat, a 1995 MIJ.

Enjoy your adventure.

Photo of my 1990 MIM Strat I put a set of Texas Special pickups in:



Photo of my 1995 MIJ Strat that I put a used set of DiMarzio "Class of '55" pickups in:

 

[chazmo]

Photo of my 1990 MIM Strat I put a set of Texas Special pickups in:

I love that maple pickguard on the black. That is wonderful.

 

[tonepoet]

I love that maple pickguard on the black. That is wonderful.

Thanks Chazmo, The Strat was originally a standard black body with white accessories, but I wanted to spiff it up a bit. So, I found the maple veneer pickguard and the black knobs, switch tip and pickup covers to make it a maple/black two-tone.

The flamer also had white accessories and I went all black with that, which I think makes the cherryburst pop much more than the white did.