Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony65x55
Synchro, I know just what you are talking about. At present, my collection is back down to 32 guitars and I only need one more and then I'll be done.  |
I know the feeling.
Actually, the volley of transactions that led me to this point are all the product of a thought experiment I came up with a few years back. One morning I woke up and looked at all of my guitars hanging on the wall and thought to myself; "Which would I replace if I was starting over from scratch? If I had no guitars whatsoever and a check from an insurance company how would I choose to spend that check?" The results were revealing because when I thought in terms of how to use money I quickly realized that I wouldn't want to spend money on guitars that I was keeping only for reasons of sentiment. Specialization gave way to versatility and I found that I would be able to get the job done with fewer guitars if I chose based upon function, not GAS.
One of the first things I came up with is that my Strat and Jaguar were surplus to needs. I have a Dynasonic equipped Duo Jet for single coil sounds. The Jet was a guitar I would replace, the Strat and Jag would not be replaced.
My 6120 N is a keeper not to mention difficult to replace. As much as I admire the Setzer Hot Rod model it would be redundant with the 6120 N in my collection.
Next to enter my sights was the Country Club, a competent Jazz guitar with enough Gretsch twang to be useful for Country or Rockabilly. If it were gone I don't know that I'd buy a direct replacement but I would certainly find something similar, a 17" guitar that was versatile and had enough feedback resistance to be useful on a loud gig.
My Bass VI was a guitar I dreamed of owning for years but rarely ever played. Besides that, it was difficult to amplify. A bass amp could stand up to the low end but the sound got lost in the mix. A guitar amp brought out its character as a baritone but the lower two strings could nix even a 15" guitar speaker. Interesting axe but not all that useful for my purposes. It went on the do not replace list.
OTOH, my Mustang Bass RI and my Warwick fretless would definitely be replaced. The Mustang is a great value and the Warwick is awesome, my bass of first choice.
Surprisingly my Heritage Eagle was on the not to be replaced list. It's a wonderful sounding Jazz axe but I usually just grabbed the Country Club.
My Godin Nylon Duet is rarely played but would probably be replaced in view of the fact that it's my only classical guitar and I always keep a classical around.
My Tele FMT HH would not be replaced but its market value is low so I won't sell it. Likewise for my Melobar lap steel. It's cheap insurance against arthritis.
So, a few years down the road where did I end up?
One ringer, not in the plans was my unregretted impulse purchase of a 6120 DC. It's the perfect counterpart to my 6120 N, darker in sound, lighter in weight and the black finish makes it rare.
The Duo Jet still hangs where it always has, just to the right of my Tele and my Godin.
The Strat and Jag were traded towards the 6122-1959 HOF which is versatility on the hoof.
The Heritage is on consignment to be sold for cash.
The Bass VI will soon be following in its footsteps.
The 6120 N is hanging in the same spot next to the 6120 DC.
Likewise, the Country Club has retained its spot and now hangs next to the HOF.
I was able to thin the herd by two guitars and am happier than ever with my collection. I recommend this thought experiment to anyone suffering from GAS or a collection that has become too large.
