Cruznolfart Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Some of us have extensive instrument collections. Some of us only a few. I was talking with a friend the other day and told him I had passed my one-off Benavente custom on to my Son. I had it built in '98/99 to honor my Father, and always intended to keep it in the family. He asked me if I would miss it and I explained that, in spite of the incredible craftsmanship and playability of the guitar, I had just never bonded with it. So it wasn't that difficult to pass it along. Then I got to thinking about my keepers. I don't have that many but I have a reason for keeping each of them. And, just like everyone else, I have my favorite(s). Mainly, it's gotta feel good in my hands and in my arms, like a long-time lover, as well as give me the musical vibe I want in order to stay in my favor. As it turns out, every one of my keepers does just that; fits me like it was made for me, and sounds like it wants to please me. If I don't play it or it doesn't feel perfect while I play, I won't keep it. Do your keepers speak to you? Do they tell you to take them in your arms and make them sing? Can you keep one that doesn't? Or is something else your motivation? Which ones make your cut? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Nice. Benavente guitars used to feature Searcy pickups for a little while there. I have a silly amount of gear because I am something of a history geek. I like being about to open up old gear and see what makes it tick. However that has left me with some gear that just don't use much. Mostly pedals. Guitars? It's hard for me to sell guitars and basses becuase over the years I have gone broke and few times and had to sell all my guitars and basses. Now I find myself wishing I had them back. I'm at the point now where I need to start cutting some things from my collection. I'm having a hard time trying to figure it out. My Les Paul Studio DC is on the chopping block right now becasue I just don't use it all that much I got rid of my 1991 Fender American Standard Tele because it spent 2 years in its case... and ...well.... it was blue. I got ride of a bunch of cheap acaustics. The keeper? My 1989 Gibson Country Gent because there is no other guitar like it and you can't buy them any more. My 1964 Melody Maker because I'll never see one like it again. My Raw Power Les Paul and my faded SG special because they are nearly perfect guitars that play just ike I like them. Most of the rest could go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlashPerryBurst Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Well I have had close to twenty guitars over the past 8 years. A lot of them were traded for something else, hence why the number is so high. My Les Paul Standard is my keeper. It was the first "real" guitar I owned and I've never even considered selling it, despite going through some hardships. It is also the only guitar I have right now. If I had to talk about my "keepers", I had a 61 reissue SG stolen from me when I was younger. I'd like to have that back, but have accepted the fact that it's long gone. More recently, I sold a Les Paul standard Goldtop with p90's in December 2010. I sold it to finance my travels. A friend has it and I have first pick if he ever decides to sell it. Aside from that, all the other guitars I have owned, while mostly great, don't come close to my Les Paul or the SG or the Goldtop. If I was assembling a list of my keepers, those three would be on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Nice. Benavente guitars used to feature Searcy pickups for a little while there. I met Chris not long after he went into business. Builds some awesome basses, his main instrument. He just seems to keep getting better at his craft. I have a silly amount of gear because I am something of a history geek. I like being about to open up old gear and see what makes it tick. However that has left me with some gear that just don't use much. Mostly pedals. Guitars? It's hard for me to sell guitars and basses becuase over the years I have gone broke and few times and had to sell all my guitars and basses. Now I find myself wishing I had them back. I'm at the point now where I need to start cutting some things from my collection. I'm having a hard time trying to figure it out. My Les Paul Studio DC is on the chopping block right now becasue I just don't use it all that much I got rid of my 1991 Fender American Standard Tele because it spent 2 years in its case... and ...well.... it was blue. I got ride of a bunch of cheap acaustics. The keeper? My 1989 Gibson Country Gent because there is no other guitar like it and you can't buy them any more. My 1964 Melody Maker because I'll never see one like it again. My Raw Power Les Paul and my faded SG special because they are nearly perfect guitars that play just ike I like them. Most of the rest could go. LOL! I am very familiar with your dilemma. Best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Well I have had close to twenty guitars over the past 8 years. A lot of them were traded for something else, hence why the number is so high. My Les Paul Standard is my keeper. It was the first "real" guitar I owned and I've never even considered selling it, despite going through some hardships. It is also the only guitar I have right now. If I had to talk about my "keepers", I had a 61 reissue SG stolen from me when I was younger. I'd like to have that back, but have accepted the fact that it's long gone. More recently, I sold a Les Paul standard Goldtop with p90's in December 2010. I sold it to finance my travels. A friend has it and I have first pick if he ever decides to sell it. Aside from that, all the other guitars I have owned, while mostly great, don't come close to my Les Paul or the SG or the Goldtop. If I was assembling a list of my keepers, those three would be on it. I gotta say, the original '61 SG custom, played by my rhythm player at the time, is still the finest neck I've ever felt. I suspect that axe is worth a small fortune by now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlashPerryBurst Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I gotta say, the original '61 SG custom, played by my rhythm player at the time, is still the finest neck I've ever felt. I suspect that axe is worth a small fortune by now. Nice. I wonder what kind of condition it is in now. I think those early SG customs are worth a fortune now too. My reissue was of the SG standard of that year, but I have very fond memories of the neck. It was absolutely perfect for my hand. Perhaps the neck profile on mine was the same as your rhythm player's SG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I would never, ever part with Black Betty. You can put her in my coffin, 'cause we are going to be together forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FenderGuy1 Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 my keepers are the Squier and the SX, i want to sell the Ashton so i can buy another cheap guitar :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I've weeded out most everything that doesn't get played. From a personal high of 15 down to those currently in my sig. I'll be adding one more to the stable this year a Breedlove acoustic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I had a 'cull' about 2 years ago Dropping a few inferior copies and trading up to quality guitars like Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker All agonised over before purchase, so all keepers.... Particular favourites.... Gibson ES 137, ES 335, ES 330, Firebird V Fender USA Strat, Texan Tele B-Bender... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 I would never, ever part with Black Betty. You can put her in my coffin, 'cause we are going to be together forever. A definite beauty, Todd, no doubt about it. I was thinkin'...(I know, I know, you hate it when that happens) but, since B. Betty's a hollowbody, mebbe you could just have yerself dehydrated a little bit and have the ol' undertaker sorta stick you in through the f-hole and just bury you right inside 'er. Whaddaya think? You can thank me later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinner 13 Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I have one guitar that I have never really "bonded" with, it is a Hamer Echotone 335 copy. it plays fine, good looking axe, I bought after seeing "Rudeboy" when I was going through my re-discovered obsession with The Clash. I will be Culling it from the herd and passing it along to my nephew this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 I have one guitar that I have never really "bonded" with, it is a Hamer Echotone 335 copy. it plays fine, good looking axe, I bought after seeing "Rudeboy" when I was going through my re-discovered obsession with The Clash. I will be Culling it from the herd and passing it along to my nephew this summer. Onya for keeping it in the family, Sinner. Y'never know, yer nephew might pick up the vibe from that Hamer and make it the best thing that ever happen for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 Unfortunately, when I got 'out of music', I got rid of EVERYTHING! Therefore, everything I own is a "keeper", (with the exception of the Ovation 12-string, since it's virtually un-playable). However, when/if I have have grandkids, I'd gladly give them all my stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 Unfortunately, when I got 'out of music', I got rid of EVERYTHING! Therefore, everything I own is a "keeper", (with the exception of the Ovation 12-string, since it's virtually un-playable). However, when/if I have have grandkids, I'd gladly give them all my stuff. I hurt for you, brother. Ache, in fact. All over! It's a shame all your grands would/will get is all your "new" stuff. As for the Ovation, I've been told you can make some killer picks outta the body. A little on the heavy side but they'll get so much more use as picks than they ever did as a guitar. Seriously, Bob, I hope you don't kick yerself too often for liquidating your pro gear. Probably some really nice stuff in there.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidl Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I don't have a collection like many of you. What I do have I really like and hope to never sell. Ideally, my step daughter will care for the herd when I'm gone. Her dad (a good friend and guitar buddy) also has 8 or 9 guitars, amps, PA.... Maybe Tina can open a store if the guitar bug doesn't bite. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 The ones I kept in non playing-out days include the early 70s AE Ovations, steel and nylon, the 175 and Guild S100c. All from the same era. Still have 'em; they ain't goin' nowhere. I played 'em "out" until I got some nice new Epis the last 3-4 years that play and sound very good but aren't the end of the world if something happens even though I've kinda bonded with two of the three. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flight959 Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 most of my little collection is going to go... <_< Just going to keep my G0 and my LP Goddess.... Half of them dont see any playing time... Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brundaddy Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I don't buy gear if I don't connect with it. So I still have all my crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 most of my little collection is going to go... Just going to keep my G0 and my LP Goddess.... Half of them dont see any playing time... Regards I'm shocked you'd consider being without that Epi Texan. But very glad to hear you're not liquidating the Goddess. B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I've only got one 'keeper'. Best sounding guitar I've ever played. I've three more LPs including a very early ('93) R9 but this one, sonically, is in a different league despite having identical electrics and fittings to the R9. I might have posted this snap once before but there are several new folks so, any excuse being a good excuse...................................................... For those who don't already know, it's a '95 Historic Division 1960 re-issue; one of the so-called 'Ginger-bursts'. P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruznolfart Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 I've only got one 'keeper'. Best sounding guitar I've ever played. I've three more LPs including a very early ('93) R9 but this one, sonically, is in a different league despite having identical electrics and fittings to the R9. I might have posted this snap once before but there are several new folks so, any excuse being a good excuse...................................................... For those who don't already know, it's a '95 Historic Division 1960 re-issue; one of the so-called 'Ginger-bursts'. P. No excuses required for posting that snap, Pip, she's gorgeous! Sounds like true love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I hurt for you, brother. Ache, in fact. All over! It's a shame all your grands would/will get is all your "new" stuff. As for the Ovation, I've been told you can make some killer picks outta the body. A little on the heavy side but they'll get so much more use as picks than they ever did as a guitar. Seriously, Bob, I hope you don't kick yerself too often for liquidating your pro gear. Probably some really nice stuff in there.... I can feel your pain feelin' my pain! Actually, the new stuff I bought FOR the future grandkids! I was expecting to have some by now, but the son's divorce put a stop to that! Son has a new GF that seems like "marryin' material"! My stuff was nice...but well used.... and would be worth a lot now. Hard to keep that stuff when you live in a tiny apartment, then drafted...just no where to keep it, (didn't have storage places then). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 A definite beauty, Todd, no doubt about it. I was thinkin'...(I know, I know, you hate it when that happens) but, since B. Betty's a hollowbody, mebbe you could just have yerself dehydrated a little bit and have the ol' undertaker sorta stick you in through the f-hole and just bury you right inside 'er. Whaddaya think? You can thank me later. Cruz, I kind of like the idea of me laying face up in the coffin with Black Betty right on top of me. Left hand on the neck. Right hand over the strings. But then who knows... one of my kids may end up with her too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I'm surprised about the Ovation 12. A lady friend of mine had one that almost could play itself. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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