Guitar Disillusionment

[Swoop]

I'm really not sure what the point of this is. To vent I suppose.

 

Lately I've become disillusioned, and dissatisfied with a couple of my guitars. I'm talking about my SG and my Firebird. They just don't seem to do it for me anymore. I think it's because I'm now leaning more towards clean stuff, bluesy, rockabilly, rock and roll kind of stuff, and I can now actually make a guitar sound pretty good on clean. I very rarely use any distortion now, and if I do, it's only very light. The SG and the Firebird really aren't very good clean guitars, unlike my Strat and the Casino, which are perfect for clean stuff. The humbuckers in the SG are WAY too hot for clean stuff. To me, a clean tone is something sort of warm and rounded. The SG is just a powerhouse. If I really want to wail with some heavy sustain and distortion, it's perfect, but as I said, I'm not into that so much anymore. And the Firebird just hasn't sounded the same since I rewired it, and I'm just generally not feeling the Firebird love any more, which is HUGE because I loved that thing.

 

So it's kind of sad to not really be feeln' it anymore, and as much as I try to talk myself out of it, I'm thinking they might have to go, and make way for something else. Of course, I could swap out the pickups and things for some better ones, and have them professionally rewired and set up. I like the 496R and 500T hot ceramic pickups from the Gibson Les Paul Classic. They might go well in my SG. But it's probably more effort than it's worth to be honest. Not sure on mini humbuckers for the Firebird though. I actually liked those pickups, it's just that now they are wired differently. The old wiring had all these treble bleed caps and things everywhere. It sounded great, but boy was it complicated. I have to wonder too though, if my lack of love for those two guitars in particular is because they are the cheaper, lower quality guitars of the four I own. My Stratocaster is a Fender, and although it's a Mexican Strat, it really feels like a quality instrument in every way. The same goes for my Casino. Whilst it's an Epiphone just like my SG and Firebird, it feels like a quality instrument, which I would expect for the price, and I wonder if the fact that the Casino is an Epiphone original guitar, not a Gibson copy like the other two, has a role to play. The SG and 'Bird just don't give me that same feeling of quality, they feel, well... a bit cheap. I love Epiphone, don't get me wrong, but I guess I can now see why some people comment on the quality being a little iffy.

 

I just don't know whether I'm going through one of those 'off' phases. I don't really think so, because then all my guitars would seem rubbish, but it's just those two. They really are being neglected. They should be played, and I think I'd like to get something that I love to play (Gibson Les Paul Classic, I'm looking at you). I could pay off my Casino with the money I get from selling the SG and 'Bird, and put the LP on interest free finance instead.

 

I dunno, I'm just thinking out loud here. Anyone else got any suggestions or similar stories to share?

[tgifntx]

Yes sir, With regard to the SG in particular... I too grow tired of it purdy quick. Like you said, It's a monster and all But, I just don't

fool with it much. Okay as far as quality, Got know problem there. The LP's are doin' just great. The new GT is back home and came

out from the tech perfectly, Short of the indicators. (back ordered...) A friend of mine has a "bird" and rarely does he even get it out

of it's case. Mood thing I think..? No Swoop, I think it's all part of the journey/experience. Another guy I know went through 3 Gibby

LP's and finally got mad after sending them all back, (QC issues), and settled on a Carvin and an Epi Lp. You're likely to go thru an

untold number and manufacturer of gits over a lifetime. It always boils down to, You know what you like and what fits your style.

I'd have to say go with what your gut tells ya'... You'll know when it's right. Test, Check out, Retest, Go back... Ya' know buddy.

[Swoop]

Yes sir' date=' With regard to the SG in particular... I too grow tired of it purdy quick. Like you said, It's a monster and all But, I just don't

fool with it much. Okay as far as quality, Got know problem there. The LP's are doin' just great. The new GT is back home and came

out from the tech perfectly, Short of the indicators. (back ordered...) A friend of mine has a "bird" and rarely does he even get it out

of it's case. Mood thing I think..? No Swoop, I think it's all part of the journey/experience. Another guy I know went through 3 Gibby

LP's and finally got mad after sending them all back, (QC issues), and settled on a Carvin and an Epi Lp. You're likely to go thru an

untold number and manufacturer of gits over a lifetime. It always boils down to, You know what you like and what fits your style.

I'd have to say go with what your gut tells ya'... You'll know when it's right. Test, Check out, Retest, Go back... Ya' know buddy.

 

 

 

 

[/quote']

 

Yes, I have no real issues with the quality of them. For the money they are above par. But they just don't make me feel as good as my Strat and the Casino. And in the end, that's what it's all about really isn't it? Feel. Such an important word for guitarists - although I would use that word, guitarist, very loosely when describing myself. I'm more like a guy who just likes guitars, and likes to play them than a 'guitarist'. Anyway, that's a different story all together.

 

I think I'm going to make a trip to the guitar store tomorrow and play the Gibson LP Classic they have on the wall again. Hell I might even go to the other store and play the Thinline Tele they have, just because I get the feeling that will be a beautiful guitar for clean playing. Maybe I need to try some other stuff too. Problem is I'm really traditional when it comes to guitars, and don't like much outside of the realm of Fender and Gibson. We'll see.

[Bender 4 Life]

If the SG is too much of a "powerhouse" sound.............you might want to spend some real time at high volume with that LP Classic before doing anything permanent.

My Flying V has the 496r/500t set, and it IS very articulate.......but also VERY sharp sounding.

I'd definitely class the 496/500 combo as a "powerhouse" p'up set !!

[Guest]

If you're not using and not digging a particular sound, no reason to keep it. I sold a Fender USA Strat Plus and later bought my Epi Wildkat because I went from a blues band that the Strat was perfect for, to a folky singer-songwriter thing where the Strat sounded woefully inadequate. Damn good trade if you ask me, the Wildkat is superior in every way to the Strat for the type of music I'm making right now, although I'd probably buy a Strat again if I joined another blues band. I also have an Epi SG (Emily yay) that I'm keeping handy for when I get my next heavier distortion-happy band started in a few months so I can play fat Tony Iommi style riffs and big fuzzy drones. Horses for courses, I guess. If it feels wrong, swap it for something that feels right.

[matiac]

Hey uh, Swoop? I volunteer my services as a surrogate "owner" of your Firebird. AND I'll even throw on a set of banjo tuners like a 'Birds supposed to have. But yeah I always seem to have that happen with Stratocasters...as much as I like them, I just...can't get a feel for them. Telecasters are another story, I KICK myself for selling off the one I had. Just about every time I get rid of a guitar I regret the HELL out of it, a particular Gibson SG Standard (2006) comes to mind. But I've finally found "my" guitar in 'ol Blue, that guitar fits me, defines me, it's blue (I'm a sucker for a blue guitar), and the price just couldn't be beat, even after mods. We all go through it at one point or another, keep 'em dude, you'll kick yourself for sellin' 'em, I guarantee.

[Lord Summerisle]

I don't think you are experiencing anything unusual - all new guitars have a 'honeymoon' period, and perhaps the real test of how you relate to a guitar is how you think about it after you've owned it for a few months. I was in a slightly similar position to you re: your G-400 and Firebird. I bought a Casino in June, but cut it loose last week, because I just never really bonded with it. My Hagstrom Viking, on the other hand (bought a year ago) - well, you'd have to shoot me to the pry that guitar out of my hands.

 

In your position, I'd consider keeping one or other of the SG and Firebird, and trading or selling the other. If you get rid of both, chances are you'll be making a recording one day, or working on a particular track, and find yourself wanting the Gibson solid-body tone (and therefore kicking yourself) - unless of course, you commit to that LP you're talking about.

 

If you have a Strat then you already own the most versatile of guitars. Perhaps wait until you see something you want in a music store one day, and then strike a deal with either the SG or the Firebird as a trade-in?

[JefferySmith]

Don't unload the SG. You'll have seller's remorse. Maybe try some different pickups on it. I had a Gibson Firebird for a year, and don't miss it.

 

And I always recommend the following: When in doubt, buy a Sheraton.

[Svet]

I think one of the advantages of having many guitars is the ability to revisit the Honeymoon period! I'll put a guitar down and the next time I pick it up again I'm like, oh yeah baby, this is sweet! So I read your thread and thought I’d pull out my SG and Firebird. I'm not having any trouble getting a nice clean tone out of either of these guitars. In fact I think the Firebird has a really awesome clean tone! I even busted out my old Uni Vibe just to really get some spacious piano sounding stuff going and I'm having a ball. The SG does this well too! I think you need to experiment with your amp settings a bit and remember you have tone and volume controls on the guitar as well. These needn't be dimed all the time and might help you achieve a better clean sound. Is it too late for you to rewire the FB back to the way it was? You said you loved it in its previous configuration so why did you mess with it!?!?!? Perhaps you'll fall in love all over again if you wire it up correctly. I love my Firebird and my SG and they are not going anywhere anytime soon!+

 

[deflepfan]

Don't unload the SG. You'll have seller's remorse. Maybe try some different pickups on it. I had a Gibson Firebird for a year' date=' and don't miss it.

 

And I always recommend the following: When in doubt, buy a Sheraton.[/quote']

I can't speak for the Sherry, but agree that you shouldn't do anything rash. How many posts have you read here about those who sold this guitar or that guitar and have regretted it ever since?

 

Set them aside for a while with no guilt. Like a favorite food, sometimes you need something different for a while. Play them again in a few weeks. If still nothing, then consider a sell or trade.

 

Your music playing style is developing, and the gear required will change along with it.

 

And if you don't want to pass anything on to Matt, I'm here and electric guitar-less!

[Ron G]

Perhaps you should refer to the "Are you a gear addict" thread:-k

[bluelake07]

Life is short. Get rid of the guitars that you don't care for and get what you want to play. No use having an item that is worth money just collecting dust unless you're fairly certain it will increase in value.

[charlie brown]

There is no "perfect" guitar...for everything. Well...maybe a Telecaster?! LOL! But, I go through what Swoop is going through,

ever once in awhile. But, that "dissatisfaction" doesn't last all that long, really. And...to be honest, it usually boils down to...

not the guitar, but either my "mood," or lack of progression, in playing/learning something new, etc. If you're into "Clean,"

now Swoop, get out a Tele, or even a Semi-hollowbody. That's where I go, when I'm in that mode. ;>) But, I always come

back, to a LP or SG, at some point. The mistake I (and I think other's here, too...maybe?) made, in my youth, was not recognizing that

these sorts of feelings come and go, and NOW I don't trade or sell guitars...I just put them up, until the need/desire for their

tone, comes back again. It always does. One doesn't have to have a LOT of guitars, just some "key" ones, I think. What

those "key" ones are, will depend on the person, and musical tastes. In my case, I HAVE to have a "Telecaster, "Strat,"

"Les Paul," "SG," and a "Semi," too. (Plus my ever present Ric 12-string). But, other's may not need that many, or even more?

Anyway...what you're going through, Swoop, is really "normal," IMHO. Human's are, by nature, a dissatisfied lot, anyway. So,

guitar playing humans, are no different.

 

Just my 2-cent's worth...

 

CB

[rafaelh]

Dich them if they aren't working for you. Life's to short to...oh wait...that's girls...never mind. What he said...Bluelake. It's not like you are talking about some expensive or rare guitars anyways. Off with their heads.

 

Although I play jazz with my SG....maybe you're not making the right faces.

[Guest icantbuyafender]

I had a huge fit of this. I did my cts and orange drop upgrades along with gibby pups. huge improvement. though, my lack of 500k pots kinda takes the edge off the overdrive. but that's why I love alnico II pups with 300k pots... deep soulful tones with ballsy overdrive. I let my wilshire's light weight body do the screamin.

[bonzoboy]

My G 400 Custom plays pretty clean except at very high volumes or if I set my gain High and Master Low(JCM 800-2204) I don't know if that has any thing to do with having 3 pups but even if I shut off the middle pup it plays clean.The same goes for myCustom Shop Firebird V.BTW Swoop is that lovely Firebird VII in your avatar yours?If it is I'll gladly give it a foster home.Have you tried backing off the guitar volume and increasing the amp volume?

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[bonzoboy]

I forgot to add the most important point to my previous post.Never!!!!Part with a guitar,I know from experience,some time down the road believe me you'll regret it no matter how much you may dislike it now.I had a MIJ Pan Moserite Ventures copy and traded it for a Hagstrom II and at the time I could have afforded to by it without trading,I've been kicking myself ever since.

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[Fadedepi]

Guy's

 

We we're talkin Epi's here, at least we were to start with. IMHO, if what I'm playin ain't cuttin it. It's time to find something that will. Whether I modify my current gear, trade it, sell it, or buy someting new, for me, it's a must do. Something like, a change in playing style and the necessity of a different sound, becomes my bottom line. I say do whatever you need to do. Empower yourself to stay focused, creative and committed. Epi's are always available, if you find you can't live without one.

 

Faded....

[charlie brown]

Also...Again...the Amplifier will have the most effect, on tone...clean or otherwise. Fender "Cleans" still have a bit of "grit/gravel," to them.

Vox and Marshall Cleans are more "chimey," or "bell like," more "rounded," to my ear, anyway. Roland Jazz Chorus is incredibly "Clean!"

Almost TOO clean, in some respects. But, of course, one can dirty them up, with their wonderful "Boss" pedals, or other brands, too. So...???

 

CB

[vomer]

"To me, a clean tone is something sort of warm and rounded."

 

Jeffery beat me to it, but it sounds like you may need a Sheraton. Possibly with replacement p90's. Fatter and rounder than your strat but without the humbucker thickness, not too hot but will rock if you need it.

[pohatu771]

I had the same thing happen with my Strat - which is up for sale. I picked it up again last week after not playing it for over two months, and it still didn't do anything for me.

[flyingfrets]

Usually goes in cycles for me (like most of you). I'll play something for awhile, then pick up one of the guitars I haven't touched in awhile (sometimes years) and rediscover why I bought it. Only one that comes to mind that just did nothing for me after the initial "honeymoon" period was over...and sadly still doesn't, is a 3 pup G400 Custom I've had sitting in it's case for almost 3 years.

 

On the other hand, once in awhile you find a guitar that pretty much covers all your bases. I bought a Hamer US Studio off the 'bay last spring with the intention of reselling it (got an absolutely killer deal on it), but as soon as I played it, my jaw dropped and I thought, "Nope, this aint going anywhere." It's pretty much the only thing I've played since. It screams, it sings...beautiful clean tones...just flawless. "Honeymoon's" not over yet...

[AlanH]

I'm with Svet and Charlie. It's good to have access to a varied tone palate to enable you to play a variety of styles whenever the mood takes you. If you love listening to any guitar based music then you may well find yourself going through various phases. I've recently gone from an Angus phase to a Setzer phase to a punk phase to my current speed metal phase. If you've never liked distortion based music then I can see a point for selling the SG and the Firebird but if you have a number of these types of albums in the rack I'll bet that it's just a matter of time before you want to get mean and dirty again. It just takes something to trigger you off getting back in to a particular artist and that's it. This can be quite dangerous though because, before you know it, you're wanting another style of guitar because of who you're currently listening to.

 

Alan

[Swoop]

^ I think you're probably right, which is why I am reluctant to sell them, and will probably regret it if I do. I think I'm going to change the tone caps in my SG back to the .022 Orange drops, just to brighten it up a little.

 

I don't think I'd want to get another 335 style guitar. I already have the Casino, and the others don't really interest me. If I want to add something else with a nice clean tone to my collection, I'll probably go for a Tele, probably a run of the mill Mexican one. I loved the one I played in the store a while back. Maple neck is a must too!

[zombywoof]

Don't let it worry you - after more than 45 years I have not even appeared in public with any electric in some two years. Now its pretty much a 1956 Gibson SJ or 1960 J-200 with a DeArmond 210 pickup slapped across the soundhole.

 

I'm as happy as a pig in clover and feel I have never played better. And it ain't just my opinion - been asked to join two blues bands in the past six months. Sometimes a change does a body good.