Is acoustic guitar an old man's instrument today?

[Bernie]

Yes I know, but not many younger artists are being seen playing Guild acoustics these days. Whereas having new models at Namm each year, and fancy guitars coming out regularly, ends up having people talking about them more. It's a marketing thing pretty often, but Guild changing owners all the time tends to stay back...
Hence the kind of complaints, slight regrets and funny considerations that open up this topic...
If at least it could keep guitars costing less, it could be nice too, though....

 

[James Hart]

John Mayer fans aren't that brand specific when buying guitars.

HA! that is definitely not the case! guitars, pedals, everything... more than I've seen with most other guitar idols.

 

[davenumber2]

I’m kind of glad Guild hasn’t latched on to Taylor Swift type artist. I like Guild as a bit of an underdog. Keeps prices (especially used for me) reasonable.

I really couldn’t care less how popular they are as long as they don’t go under.

 

[adorshki]

Unveiling the new Polaras won't be 2024's major event I'm afraid - I've just discovered that S 100s were called Polara (is that right ?), so youngsters wouldn't know much about them...

Yep.

 

[plaidseason]

HA! that is definitely not the case! guitars, pedals, everything... more than I've seen with most other guitar idols.

I'm speaking more of the masses of casual fans. So what percentage of those people are really spending $1500 or more on a guitar. Like my niece loves John Mayer. She has signed photo in her living room. She named her dog after him. She owns a $200 guitar. Which she loves.

I'll carefully word this, but it surprises me that there is such a serious following of Mayer. Like if I was an aspiring guitar hero dude, I might be like "holy cow, Nels Cline" or Derek Trucks or something.

In reality I'm more Bert Jansch or Richard Thompson.

 

[James Hart]

but it surprises me that there is such a serious following of Mayer.

preach it brother! He will forever and always be that sappy "Body is a Wonderland" guy to me. I was shocked he had a signature strat for a while and openly puzzled by the hordes of guitarist falling over every aspect of his gear since the trio days. I'm on a social group for a guitar teacher I last studied that has a LOT of Dead and Phish head types (not a dig, I've been to and enjoyed a couple shows from each)... Mayer's latest stint with the Bobby Weir and the Grateful Dead remnants tours which is what really floored me over how many are infatuated with the guy. I mean he sings okay, and he has some chops, but Jerry he is not. They ALL play PRS strats or wish they had one.

 

[portsider]

What is the median age on this forum?

To be fair, I've been either here or on the previous Fender Forum for something like 25 years. That's terrifying!

Ah yes, the late lamented FDP run by the somewhat despotic Chris Greene.

My view on the original question is that Guilds are generally more of an investment than younger players will make and if they do get one they probably waste a lot of time learning how to play ("practice" I think it's called) instead of gabbing about about it online.

 

[Br1ck]

Young women taking up acoustic guitar. Can anyone doubt Taylor Swift is a force? I love everything about that woman but her music, particularly sticking it to the business guy that owned her recording rights. Rerecording them? Brilliant. Certain segments would be wise not to pick a fight.

 

[Bernie]

It could make the Forum more lively to have more younger people than what there is now...And kids, teen agers, and students usually listen to artists about their age, or 5/10 years older even more it seems, that's what I meant...
Artists I mentioned are known outside the U.S., and we dont get to know much more (or much better) than them in non English speaking countries (very few valuable international programs on French radios - other than local ones - these days)... I don't listen to T.S., E.S. or even J.M., and I'd be interested in knowing more of those that may be worth it among the younger generations). Thanks Al, James,Prince of Darkness, and all...

 

[chazmo]

It could make the Forum more lively to have more younger people than what there is now...

Sadly, for young people, that just isn't going to happen. Young people rely on modern social media for information, news, analytical thought, etc. Their loss, really.

 

[silverfox103]

Sadly, for young people, that just isn't going to happen. Young people rely on modern social media for information, news, analytical thought, etc. Their loss, really.

Very true Charley. Like most of us here, I belong to several other forums that I am in various degrees active. But, without a doubt none of them have the volume and activity of this forum. Some of them did, but have definitely tailed off. I think some of the off beat topics that have nothing to do with guitars, spice things up and keeps the interest going. YouTube has definitely taken a chunk out of forum activity, not so much for this one.

Tom

 

[chazmo]

Very true Charley. Like most of us here, I belong to several other forums that I am in various degrees active. But, without a doubt none of them have the volume and activity of this forum. Some of them did, but have definitely tailed off. I think some of the off beat topics that have nothing to do with guitars, spice things up and keeps the interest going. YouTube has definitely taken a chunk out of forum activity, not so much for this one.

Tom

Indeed. And, to be clear, I'm not including web forums (fora?) under the insulting category of social media.

 

[walrus]

Geezer: "Ah, some time to sip a coffee and read what's going on at LTG, maybe add a few comments. Maybe think about buying another guitar. Let me get my feet up and see what's happening..."

Much younger than a geezer: "OMG, did you see this video?! Let me send it to everyone I know - wait, there's more from this guy! OMG! I have to do whatever he is doing - right now!"

And so on...

I see it every day at my college. Sometimes in the middle of class...

 

[jeffcoop]

What is the median age on this forum?

To be fair, I've been either here or on the previous Fender Forum for something like 25 years. That's terrifying!

Seriously. I was on the Fender Forum when I was in my late 30s.l. Not that that exactly qualified as young, but it was a lot younger than I am now!

I do think that there are major generational differences in how the internet is used.

 

[Br1ck]

I for one don't want really famous players playing Guilds.They are getting more expensive on their own.

 

[wileypickett]

Taylor Swift runs for Taylor (you would have guessed)...

In the live footage I’ve seen, Taylor Swift is now playing Gibsons. (I don’t follow her, but man, she’s hard to avoid!)

 

[adorshki]

I see it every day at my college. Sometimes in the middle of class...

Ever consider having a staged meltdown to see who vids it?
Then you can award extra credit to them that did in hopes of inciting a revolt by them that didn't.
Social Engineering 101.

 

[walrus]

Ever consider having a staged meltdown to see who vids it?
Then you can award extra credit to them that did in hopes of inciting a revolt by them that didn't.
Social Engineering 101.

A former colleague actually did that, although it was not staged (or recorded). Grabbed the phone and smashed it! Unemployed soon after...

 

[adorshki]

A former colleague actually did that, although it was not staged (or recorded). Grabbed the phone and smashed it! Unemployed soon after...

A worthy premise once again embroiled in bad methoology.

 

[richt54]

No, especially a 12 string. Especially a Jumbo or a Dread. You need strong fingers and flexible shoulders. Lots of “old” men are dumping their dreads and Jumbos because of the later. They go to an OM or OOO or even a OO. So possibly those guitars.