Where Are You In Your Guitar Ownership Life?

[TaylorGirl]

I've got a young man stopping by the house tomorrow to likely buy one of my Taylor's. He's pretty excited. I'm continuing my "downsizing trend" (guitars and some other instruments). I actually feel good about it. After tomorrow, my guitars will be down to only my very special ones that will stay with me for awhile. They do what I need and I will be content.

So, I thought I'd do a little fun poll to see what our members' thoughts are on the topic.   

[Earl]

I'm pretty set with what I have now and still want / need to downsize further.  I have sold at least eight guitars (did not stop to count but there is now WAY more room in the closets) over the last 3-5 years and have three more to go.  Plus there are several nice ukulele that do not get played often and also have to go.  It is clear what I reach for first, second, and third, so there is no reason to hang onto 4th place or higher -- if you aren't a medalist, you don't stay.  First is my carbon fiber Emerald X20, second is my Rainsong WS-1000, and third is my 424 LTD.  My primary ukulele is a Blackbird Farallon tenor made from ekoa (linen composite) but I will always keep the nicest koa uke currently in hand too.

It took a lot of buying, playing, and selling to get to this point.  The answer today is not what it would have been 15 years ago.  At this point it would take something very VERY special to even consider a purchase, knowing that several must leave first.  But I'm interested to see where this poll goes....

[Strumming Fool]

I didn't vote, because my choice is a bit more complicated.  I used to think that seven was my ideal number, but I broke that rule last year when I gifted my 1995 GA-KS to a young talented man who needed to have a better instrument. I don't want to own more than the six I currently have, but at times, I think I might like to sell one to get something that appeals more to me.  I'm actually in one of those times right now. I'll let y'all know if any changes occur.

[Edward]

Cool idea!

I have been completely "set" with my gear for easily well over ten years now.  From electrics to acoustics to amps, (and pedals, too, though I might do a one-in-one-out if anything looks like a good try), but truly, there is nothing I want.  Weird, I know, because that is not how it had been in the past.  And that's the point. I have come to this time in my life and playing experience and know that I have arrived:

1. I've got genuinely great guitars, far nicer than I deserve.
2. No other guitar (or amp for us in the electric world) is going to make me sound better.  What I have sounds great in itself; I need to hold up my end as a player!
3. As much as I appreciate my wonderful stash of stuff, I have come to treat them like tools. 

On this last point, I know lots use the cliché, but I genuinely mean it.  My tools in the garage are all cared for well, but they are used hard, never neglected, but merely the means to an end.  I feel the same with my music gear.  All is cared for well, but nothing is pampered, nothing ever "can't" be gigged, everything gets worked hard to "earn its spot" so to speak, or it gets sold (save one special sentimental guitar I made when I was a kid).  So while I still appreciate some real beauties that come across this and other forums, I no longer get the itch; no GAS whatsoever.  I am grateful for what I own, I want even more to make music with what's already in the ol' shed.

Edward

[CoryB]

I’m pretty sure I have all of the guitars I need. And then some.

But I’m easily distracted by shiny things so you never know.








OH LOOK! A squirrel!

[KM Frye]

I'm 66, no longer gigging thanks to an inoperable medical issue, and don't really have a need for all 13 of the guitars I had pre-diagnosis. 

Being retired I gained a bit more perspective on my guitar needs and wants and realized I don't really have to have a walk-in closet filled with guitars I may not play for months, or in one case- years.

So when we changed homes, I began to downsize, one at a time... 

I'm now down to six, each with a different focus, and each with a different tonal structure..   

So I am holding at six guitars (and one piano).  Likely will be for a while, now.

[HasseFX]

I'm pretty pragmatic regarding guitars - they play well or don't and the keepers are a few of the once I get along well with and records well. Right now missing a 12-string acoustic and a 12-string electric (I don't like the Rickenbacker or Fender 12-strings).

[Taylor224]

Holding mostly steady.  Added a 12 string, Guild D1212.  Might add 1 more, but wold likely drop one.  I have my original, the Washburn.  I have the 214 and 224, but would like upgrade the 224, for a 524 or ??

M

[TaylorGirl]

I love it when you have a wonderful experience selling a guitar (or anything else). I ended up selling my guitar today and the young man was so nice and considerate. It was my 512ce, and he had been looking for a high-end fingerstyle guitar. He was so careful with the guitar as he tried it out (he was shocked that it was like new). It was exactly what he wanted. I had it at a good price (below what it was really worth), he was going to give me exactly what I had it listed at. So impressed by him, I dropped the price a bit, gave him 2 new sets of Elixir strings and a new leather Levy guitar strap. He was happy and so was I.

So, I'm officially down to 4 Taylors and will probably hold steady at this point for quite some time. 

[jamesepowell]

I got seven. Taylor 410, Taylor 458e, three Telecasters, a Stratocaster, and a Gibson Melody Maker set up for slide in Open E.

The only thing I'm lacking to get a sound I would like is a Rickenbacker 12 string.

Since I'm not in a band, I can't really justify the expenditure, but it would be one of the first things I buy after a lottery win.

I know it's silly to say so, but I may just be set for life.

[shorty]

I would consider myself "Holding Steady"...I do have quite a number of guitars but do play them all on a kind of regular basis. I will admit I would like a 914ce with v-class bracing but I would probably sell at least two of mine to acquire it.

There will probably always be something I would like but I don't plan on adding anything additional.

My most recent purchase was my GS mini+ which I may give to my granddaughter if she shows an interest in learning to play.

[Len J]

I'm a relative newby who took the guitar up a little over a year ago.  I have 2 guitars, a 714ce & a  Mini. 

At this point, I'm not sure what direction I want to take my playing, consequently, I don't intend to buy another guitar until I'm more certain as to what I want in the next guitar that I don't currently have. 

We will see.

Len

[Frettingflyer]

I had decided to sell my K14ce BE since I play the K24ce BE more anyway, so I considered myself reducing although I doubt I will go further. Unfortunately for me, UPS decided they should not let United be the only airline that breaks Taylor guitars https://youtu.be/5YGc4zOqozo.
It looks like the guitar is totaled, sides, tailblock and top cracked, so I guess I really did downsize. While I was ready to move on I am saddened that a beautiful AA grade Koa guitar that would have made great music for decades and been somebody’s “the one” is now gone.

[Ohio Tom]

I really should down-size, but I know I won't get much for the ones I want to sell.


Wouldn't mind thinning the herd a bit, but I just hate the hassle of dealing with folks to sell a $200-300 instrument.
Would rather find someone to gift them to,... like strummer..

[DennisG]

I really should down-size, but I know I won't get much for the ones I want to sell.


Wouldn't mind thinning the herd a bit, but I just hate the hassle of dealing with folks to sell a $200-300 instrument.
Would rather find someone to gift them to,... like strummer..

Tom, consider giving your unwanted guitars to Guitars 4 Vets.  You have no idea how precious used guitars are to vets with PTSD.