Guitar Gluttony

doster · July 4th, 2008, 06:31 PM

There was a post here a couple months ago that offered a social commentary about the gluttony of guitars that often is showcased here.
It really got me to thinking about why I have been driven to buy guitars again over the past two years and it made me feel a little guilty.
I don't really want to find the original post and I certainly don't want to diss the author.
But for me this is is something wonderful. Why do you need another guitar? Well, why do you need to see the ocean? Or explore Europe, cook good food or do anything that makes you feel alive?
There isn't an answer, but if it feels right, if it nurtures the soul and if you've finally got a little money that won't be missed after a lifetime of busting your hump..then embrace it, whatever it is!
For me it's owning about seven guitars, the fact that I can't really figure out home many I have as I sit downstairs on the computer speaks volumes.

A message from the midlife crisis center for positive feelings

beep.click · July 4th, 2008, 06:46 PM

I've been going pretty bonkers lately, getting new gear. I'm sure to someone else, it looks like I'm trying to corner the market... or I've become obsessive-compulsive (well, OK, I'll cop to a little OCD stuff going on). Plus, people who know me think I "NEVER" sell anything.

Well, I've always thought it's about having the right gear to do what you need/want to do. Some people can do their thing with 1 guitar, 1 amp, and 1 cord. Maybe a pick. That just doesn't work for me.

But NOW, the time is right for me to start re-assessing my setup. Recently, I've picked up the things that just disappear from the stores, that I can't easily get (e.g., paisley Tele; floral Strat). I've got the LOUD amp bases covered; I've got the TINY amp thing going on; I've got the bass gear in order. NOW, it's time to work on a strategy for letting select stuff go.

I'll probably end up with quite a bit of STUFF, but that's just the way it goes.

geddins · July 4th, 2008, 06:52 PM

Anyone who seriously believes that there can be any harm in someone have a lot of guitars....guitar gluttany as you called it.....has way too much time to think IMO.

I usually don't have more than 2 or 3 at any one time....but that's my choice, and something i do to keep my cash flow from getting lopsided.....I know many many folks who have the disposable income and can literally afford to have 20+ high -end guitars....and I think it's fantastic!

It's personal choice....as long as the funds being used are not putting a pinch on the family budget you should have as many as you want.....to think any other way is ....well.....just not for me.

Five Finger Fender Fiend · July 4th, 2008, 06:54 PM

Believe me, most people on this site feel the same way. GAS within reason is actually quite healthy. Only the other day i decided that i need a Roland cube 60 for rehearsals. I don't know why i did it, but there you go. It keeps me happy i guess. I mean, it's not that i really need another amp...but...but..but...! Do i feel guilty? NOT AT ALL.

Colt W. Knight · July 4th, 2008, 07:02 PM

I don't think GAS or guitar glutany is unhealthy unless you are sacrfricing something important in order to keep acquiring guitars. Let's say you are going into debt, or keeping your family from buying things they need like shoes or a new wash machine. There are plenty of bad habits spend money on, at least GAS isn't hurting anyone unless its something on the lines of the a fore mentioned negative aspects of gas. Everytime I go guitar shoping I end up just telling myself I don't play the guitars I have well enough to own another. If it wasn't for that nagging in my head though, I'd have a Lester Flatt D-28, a Kitty Wells honky tonk angel small body auditorium Martin, a Gretsch 5120, and a Epiphone studio dot. Plus, Id probably have a nice black guard.

Mike Bruce · July 4th, 2008, 07:22 PM

I just wanna jam, man.

I have learned to accept my gluttony, besides, there's no 12 step program that would work anyway. It's also good for the economy, and I like to do my part. I don't drink, smoke, gamble, womanize (though...LOL) so I piously suggest I am excused. Man, I know lots of guys with boats that don't float, cars that don't run, and electronica in every room of the house...I just wanna jam, man.

Mike Bruce

octatonic · July 4th, 2008, 07:37 PM

It is my money- if I want to own 20 odd guitars then I will.
The only other thing I could conceivably spend my disposable income on would be pornography.
To be perfectly honest, my guitars are in much better hands being in my possession than in someone else's.

StratDal · July 4th, 2008, 08:13 PM

I just bought my fourth electric, an Epi Explorer. I always wanted one and since Uncle Sam wanted me to spend my stimulus check, what the hell.

Whatever floats your boat.

SINCASTER · July 4th, 2008, 09:58 PM

Took me many decades and hundreds of guitars to decide on the mere 3 in the arsenal now.

CatfishStudios · July 4th, 2008, 10:12 PM

I love guitars. I love talking about guitars. I love playing guitars. I love watching other people play guitars. I love hearing guitars. I love talking about how they are built. I surround myself with that which I love. Simple really.

Tim73 · July 4th, 2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SINCASTER

Took me many decades and hundreds of guitars to decide on the mere 3 in the arsenal now.

But what a journey, right???? I've bought and sold on a few but it's been fun finding out. I've calmed it down but it was a few at one point. I now enjoy tweaking what I got... I expect I'll outgrow that one too.

kelnet · July 4th, 2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatfishStudios

I love guitars. I love talking about guitars. I love playing guitars. I love watching other people play guitars. I love hearing guitars. I love talking about how they are built. I surround myself with that which I love. Simple really.

Amen, Brother!
Yesterday, my wife suggested that I have become somewhat obsessed with guitar stuff. She wasn't criticizing, per se, merely observing. I told her that it's kind of like her cookbook collection. She rarely uses them, but she likes having them, reading through them. We all have our interests, and they are hard to justify sometimes. She's very patient with me, especially when I try to get her to hear the difference between a Tele, a Strat, and a Les Paul. I figure if I can get her to share my interest, then it won't seem so obsessive to her.

morroben · July 4th, 2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geddins

Anyone who seriously believes that there can be any harm in someone have a lot of guitars....guitar gluttany as you called it.....has way too much time to think IMO.

Well I might be that guy, but only a little bit and this is more to play devil's advocate than anything.
I used to know a guy that had probably 15-20 guitars and he was worse than me at playing them...that's pretty bad. He's not someone that is cursed in the talent department, he just never really played them, and NEVER actually practiced.
Harm? No...It's his money, he can spend it on whatever he wants, but I wonder what the point is?
Maybe they're just wall art to him.
It's his loss. I love a new guitar as much as the next guy, but the fun is playing it, not buying it.

CatfishStudios · July 4th, 2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morroben

Well I might be that guy, but only a little bit and this is more to play devil's advocate than anything.
I used to know a guy that had probably 15-20 guitars and he was worse than me at playing them...that's pretty bad. He's not someone that is cursed in the talent department, he just never really played them, and NEVER actually practiced.
Harm? No...It's his money, he can spend it on whatever he wants, but I wonder what the point is?
Maybe they're just wall art to him.
It's his loss. I love a new guitar as much as the next guy, but the fun is playing it, not buying it.

Im going to go out on a limb here...and say at least with the guys Ive met...the ones with HUGE collections play less than the ones with say 3-5 axe's.

geddins · July 4th, 2008, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morroben

Well I might be that guy, but only a little bit and this is more to play devil's advocate than anything.
I used to know a guy that had probably 15-20 guitars and he was worse than me at playing them...that's pretty bad. He's not someone that is cursed in the talent department, he just never really played them, and NEVER actually practiced.
Harm? No...It's his money, he can spend it on whatever he wants, but I wonder what the point is?
Maybe they're just wall art to him.
It's his loss. I love a new guitar as much as the next guy, but the fun is playing it, not buying it.

Ahh...a Devil!!

Actually, I believe that to SOME people (not me) the pleasure is in the hunt and then the acquisition. I play my guitar(s) every day...for the most part, anyway...but I know folks (like you do) that have WAY more guitars than I do and they play maybe an hour a month.....I'd never be able to sit around in a room full of guitars and not pick on 'em..but to each his own I guess.

either way....I think we're really on the same page....I just have a problem with someone who'd make the argument that it's wrong to have a big collection...and I don't think that's you

XKnight · July 4th, 2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morroben

Well I might be that guy, but only a little bit and this is more to play devil's advocate than anything.
I used to know a guy that had probably 15-20 guitars and he was worse than me at playing them...that's pretty bad. He's not someone that is cursed in the talent department, he just never really played them, and NEVER actually practiced.
Harm? No...It's his money, he can spend it on whatever he wants, but I wonder what the point is?
Maybe they're just wall art to him.
It's his loss. I love a new guitar as much as the next guy, but the fun is playing it, not buying it.

I started playing guitar again after about a 20 year hiatus. I use to own one guitar when I was in high school and College simply because that was all I could afford and never really thought about owning more than one back then. Now that I have a career that pays well I feel absolutely no guilt in buying as many guitars as I want even though I'm not a very good player. That being said, I've played almost every day during the past year and I'm a better player now than I was in College. I don't believe there needs to be any correlation between how good a player is and how many guitars they own or how much they spent.

stantheman · July 5th, 2008, 12:02 AM

If I had the cash I'd get whatever I damn well wanted to get.
Life is short so enjoy the ride for all it's worth.

morroben · July 5th, 2008, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XKnight

I don't believe there needs to be any correlation between how good a player is and how many guitars they own or how much they spent.

It wasn't really that he wasn't good as much as the fact that he never really played at all. It was just something to buy, I guess. Just seemed kind of pointless.
You say you play nearly every day, so that's a very different situation. Buy as many as you can play.
Really, none of it bothers me that much either way. Everyone has the right to spend their money on whatever they want or need to. If I had the cash, I'd probably own a few more, and I'd play them all the time.

bender-freak · July 5th, 2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stantheman

If I had the cash I'd get whatever I damn well wanted to get.
Life is short so enjoy the ride for all it's worth.

as for owning multiple guitars..???..i understand owning multiple guitars but fail to see the problem with it

i have 29 currently and am sort of "casting" about for another one a buddy has for sale....wife don't care, or so she says, and i take her at her word...she has her stuffs she collects and enjoys and i have my stuffs....

i know part of my obsession stems from a time in the early 70's when i had NO guitar due to a nagging (i won't say it..!!!!) wife....when i escaped from that situation i promised myself no matter WHAT i wouldn't be without a decent electric again; back then usually a Gibson LP or similar type....now i mainly try to snag Teles....i dunno what would be too many...too many compared to what...?????....gluttony...??...maybe, but i will continue to gluttonize away...

will admit i don't gig any more and probably won't again, but i still play here at home an hour or so every day if possible...

ROADMAN · July 5th, 2008, 01:17 AM

guitars are like land ...eventually you will sell it on or your
living relatives will...getting into the mix , at whatever level
is part of the game.....buy and sell as many as you can ...
enjoy them , then move on

garytelecastor · July 5th, 2008, 01:23 AM

I personally can see no reason to feel guilt for the indulgence in something that does nothing but return clean honest enjoyment. There are a lot of things out there that someone could spend their money on that are A LOT more harmful than a telecaster.

beep.click · July 5th, 2008, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SINCASTER

Took me many decades and hundreds of guitars to decide on the mere 3 in the arsenal now.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

Big John · July 5th, 2008, 05:23 AM

If i own it then you don't !!

*Evil laughter*

ThreePlyGuy · July 5th, 2008, 05:44 AM

These days I'm that guy with the twenty plus guitars and basses who doesn't get around to playing them. Health issues last two years have left my collection a tad neglected but I still have managed to pick up a couple more teles and another amp and I play them as I am able. I do it because I can and because I enjoy it and I have been doing so since the early sixties. I have no other vices so I allow myself the pleasure and have no problem eyeing another instrument or purchasing yet more parts to finish another Esquire on the bench. My buying and selling have gone a long way in helping to provide for my daughters University education and the only remorse I may have are the pieces that I wish I had kept. Life is very short indeed and I think GAS a good thing as the enjoyment I get from the chase is well worth the price of admission and the pieces that I harbor for a time nearly always end up paying for themselves anyway. There are a very great number of us here and surely guilt or gluttony have nothing to do with it.

July 4th, 2008, 06:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
doster Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 325	Guitar Gluttony There was a post here a couple months ago that offered a social commentary about the gluttony of guitars that often is showcased here. It really got me to thinking about why I have been driven to buy guitars again over the past two years and it made me feel a little guilty. I don't really want to find the original post and I certainly don't want to diss the author. But for me this is is something wonderful. Why do you need another guitar? Well, why do you need to see the ocean? Or explore Europe, cook good food or do anything that makes you feel alive? There isn't an answer, but if it feels right, if it nurtures the soul and if you've finally got a little money that won't be missed after a lifetime of busting your hump..then embrace it, whatever it is! For me it's owning about seven guitars, the fact that I can't really figure out home many I have as I sit downstairs on the computer speaks volumes. A message from the midlife crisis center for positive feelings __________________ “You don't find a style, ... a style finds you.” Keith Richards

July 4th, 2008, 06:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
beep.click Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California Age: 49 Posts: 1,963	I've been going pretty bonkers lately, getting new gear. I'm sure to someone else, it looks like I'm trying to corner the market... or I've become obsessive-compulsive (well, OK, I'll cop to a little OCD stuff going on). Plus, people who know me think I "NEVER" sell anything. Well, I've always thought it's about having the right gear to do what you need/want to do. Some people can do their thing with 1 guitar, 1 amp, and 1 cord. Maybe a pick. That just doesn't work for me. But NOW, the time is right for me to start re-assessing my setup. Recently, I've picked up the things that just disappear from the stores, that I can't easily get (e.g., paisley Tele; floral Strat). I've got the LOUD amp bases covered; I've got the TINY amp thing going on; I've got the bass gear in order. NOW, it's time to work on a strategy for letting select stuff go. I'll probably end up with quite a bit of STUFF, but that's just the way it goes. __________________ "It looked like a giant green gum drop to me."

July 4th, 2008, 06:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
geddins Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texas Age: 46 Posts: 1,959	Anyone who seriously believes that there can be any harm in someone have a lot of guitars....guitar gluttany as you called it.....has way too much time to think IMO. I usually don't have more than 2 or 3 at any one time....but that's my choice, and something i do to keep my cash flow from getting lopsided.....I know many many folks who have the disposable income and can literally afford to have 20+ high -end guitars....and I think it's fantastic! It's personal choice....as long as the funds being used are not putting a pinch on the family budget you should have as many as you want.....to think any other way is ....well.....just not for me. __________________ www.myspace.com/gregeddins

July 4th, 2008, 06:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
Five Finger Fender Fiend Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bron-Yr-Aur Posts: 668	Believe me, most people on this site feel the same way. GAS within reason is actually quite healthy. Only the other day i decided that i need a Roland cube 60 for rehearsals. I don't know why i did it, but there you go. It keeps me happy i guess. I mean, it's not that i really need another amp...but...but..but...! Do i feel guilty? NOT AT ALL. __________________ I'm on the road tonight with this old hillbilly band. We may not be good looking but we sure get outta hand. -Neil Young

July 4th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
octatonic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: An Australian in London. Posts: 1,669	It is my money- if I want to own 20 odd guitars then I will. The only other thing I could conceivably spend my disposable income on would be pornography. To be perfectly honest, my guitars are in much better hands being in my possession than in someone else's. __________________ "A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges." Benny Green Last edited by octatonic; July 5th, 2008 at 07:40 AM.

July 4th, 2008, 07:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Colt W. Knight Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: West Virginia Age: 24 Posts: 2,135	I don't think GAS or guitar glutany is unhealthy unless you are sacrfricing something important in order to keep acquiring guitars. Let's say you are going into debt, or keeping your family from buying things they need like shoes or a new wash machine. There are plenty of bad habits spend money on, at least GAS isn't hurting anyone unless its something on the lines of the a fore mentioned negative aspects of gas. Everytime I go guitar shoping I end up just telling myself I don't play the guitars I have well enough to own another. If it wasn't for that nagging in my head though, I'd have a Lester Flatt D-28, a Kitty Wells honky tonk angel small body auditorium Martin, a Gretsch 5120, and a Epiphone studio dot. Plus, Id probably have a nice black guard.

July 4th, 2008, 07:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mike Bruce Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Goderich Posts: 266	I just wanna jam, man. I have learned to accept my gluttony, besides, there's no 12 step program that would work anyway. It's also good for the economy, and I like to do my part. I don't drink, smoke, gamble, womanize (though...LOL) so I piously suggest I am excused. Man, I know lots of guys with boats that don't float, cars that don't run, and electronica in every room of the house...I just wanna jam, man. Mike Bruce

July 4th, 2008, 08:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
StratDal Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2004 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 296	I just bought my fourth electric, an Epi Explorer. I always wanted one and since Uncle Sam wanted me to spend my stimulus check, what the hell. Whatever floats your boat. __________________ "My wife...yes. My dogs...maybe. My Strat...NEVER."

July 4th, 2008, 09:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
SINCASTER Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 20 miles outta town and cold irons bound Posts: 473	Took me many decades and hundreds of guitars to decide on the mere 3 in the arsenal now.

July 4th, 2008, 10:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
CatfishStudios Banned Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon , United States Age: 33 Posts: 727	I love guitars. I love talking about guitars. I love playing guitars. I love watching other people play guitars. I love hearing guitars. I love talking about how they are built. I surround myself with that which I love. Simple really.

July 5th, 2008, 12:02 AM	#17 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,016	If I had the cash I'd get whatever I damn well wanted to get. Life is short so enjoy the ride for all it's worth. __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

July 5th, 2008, 01:17 AM	#20 (permalink)
ROADMAN Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: delta b.c. canada Age: 53 Posts: 1,131	guitars are like land ...eventually you will sell it on or your living relatives will...getting into the mix , at whatever level is part of the game.....buy and sell as many as you can ... enjoy them , then move on

July 5th, 2008, 01:23 AM	#21 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,633 18 Photos	I personally can see no reason to feel guilt for the indulgence in something that does nothing but return clean honest enjoyment. There are a lot of things out there that someone could spend their money on that are A LOT more harmful than a telecaster. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

July 5th, 2008, 05:23 AM	#23 (permalink)
Big John Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 4,690 36 Photos	If i own it then you don't !! Evil laughter __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

July 5th, 2008, 05:44 AM	#24 (permalink)
ThreePlyGuy Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern California/Arizona Age: 60 Posts: 391	These days I'm that guy with the twenty plus guitars and basses who doesn't get around to playing them. Health issues last two years have left my collection a tad neglected but I still have managed to pick up a couple more teles and another amp and I play them as I am able. I do it because I can and because I enjoy it and I have been doing so since the early sixties. I have no other vices so I allow myself the pleasure and have no problem eyeing another instrument or purchasing yet more parts to finish another Esquire on the bench. My buying and selling have gone a long way in helping to provide for my daughters University education and the only remorse I may have are the pieces that I wish I had kept. Life is very short indeed and I think GAS a good thing as the enjoyment I get from the chase is well worth the price of admission and the pieces that I harbor for a time nearly always end up paying for themselves anyway. There are a very great number of us here and surely guilt or gluttony have nothing to do with it. __________________ Good luck with your projects!