Should I Buy a New Guitar???

smitty_p said:
So, now that we (sort of) have the mystery of the dual strap buttons addressed, perhaps I’ll take a stab at the point of the OP…

Here goes….!

I think the only real questions are whether it would be financially irresponsible for you to purchase it or whether it would create familial strife. If the answers to those questions are in the negative, well…it really puts the ball in your court of personal preference.

I will say, one attitude that seems to exist in the guitar-playing community is this idea that, “I‘m not really that good of a player, so it doesn’t make much sense to get an expensive guitar.”

I reject this notion that a person only really should be dropping money on a really nice rig once that person has reached a certain esoteric, undefined, subjective level of “proficiency,” as if, getting nice gear is limited to the “worthy” who have earned the privilege of owning it.

So, whereas I really doubt your skill is as poor as you suggest, I would say if other practical matters, as mentioned earlier, are in line, there really is no limitation to your getting it.
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Simply put: if you have the means and you want something, get it as long as its not going to hurt your other finances in the long run. If you are a paid musician then something costly even when you cant afford it, could be considered a necessity or an investment, much like having to buy tools if you work a job and need them ( a better tool does indeed mean better performance sometimes in that aspect).

But even if you aren't a paid musician and the cost of a piece of gear isnt gonna hurt you: go for it.

I wound up with better gear even when i wasn't even considered a basic beginner, because its what i wanted and i was able to get it without going into debt. Im still barely a beginner, but now have chosen to keep what i got until i improve but thats my own belief
 
I pulled up HOW not to give up on guitar and got this.

How To Not Quit Guitar (or Bass or Uke)
  1. Set Attainable Goals. One of the biggest reasons why people quit an instrument is due to the perceived lack of time. ...
  2. Reward Yourself. Yes, playing an instrument like guitar, bass or uke should be all about fun, but learning is HARD. ...
  3. Set A Practice Schedule. ...
  4. Believe in Yourself!

Fender Guitars | Electric, Acoustic & Bass Guitars, Amps, Pro Audio

Since 1946, Fender's iconic Stratocasters, Telecasters and Precision & Jazz bass guitars have transformed nearly every music genre.
www.fender.com


I might add, Find a buddy/buddies to play with. Just like when we were kids, the stuff we had most fun doing, we did with friends most times.
Skills on Musical instruments definitely improve as we learn from and play with other people.

Also, record yourself, this way you can go back and see what you did in the past and not forget the strides, or to go back and redo the weak parts and nail them.
 
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I have the means, but I'm wondering if the money could be better spent? I'll have to mull it over for a while.

I'm going to play what I have for a couple of weeks and see how I feel about it. I don't have a holy grail guitar in mind that has to be purchased right this instant...

I do know I'm going to sell a couple more of the ones I have. I'm going to try and price them to move.
 
Sp8ctre said:
I have the means, but I'm wondering if the money could be better spent? I'll have to mull it over for a while.

I'm going to play what I have for a couple of weeks and see how I feel about it. I don't have a holy grail guitar in mind that has to be purchased right this instant...

I do know I'm going to sell a couple more of the ones I have. I'm going to try and price them to move.
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That's been a big factor for me: money better well spent elsewhere. I can always improve things around the house, get the kids something fun or take the family on a nice vacation. A guitar or amp would give me pleasure, but it does jack poop for anyone else or the place i live in
 
Sp8ctre said:
I have the means, but I'm wondering if the money could be better spent? I'll have to mull it over for a while.

I'm going to play what I have for a couple of weeks and see how I feel about it. I don't have a holy grail guitar in mind that has to be purchased right this instant...

I do know I'm going to sell a couple more of the ones I have. I'm going to try and price them to move.
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I think you will agree with me here, Chris. You are wise with your financial resources. You worked hard during your life and it has enhanced your life with great taste in your lady, home, and hobbies. Lots of kudos for all you have filled your life with, bro.
 
Sp8ctre said:
I'm going to play what I have for a couple of weeks and see how I feel about it. I don't have a holy grail guitar in mind that has to be purchased right this instant...
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That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
 
smitty_p said:
That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
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HEHE I got one of my Holy Grail guitars, Smitty. It is a 335 killer. WHITE HB30 Washburn.
 
smitty_p said:
That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
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I read the hidden messages...
 
smitty_p said:
Hidden messages in guitars?
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smitty_p said:
That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
 
Robert Herndon said:
smitty_p said:
That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
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Dude, that’s hilarious! I should have typed it backwards!
 
Robert Herndon said:
smitty_p said:
That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
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Holy poop that is genius! Lol like Indiana Jones deciphering the secrets of the Ark's location
 
case in point-- recently snagged an Epiphone reissue Coronet -- single dog ear-- as basic as basic as a guitar can get
its light-- its fun-- its cheap and since the coronet was ORIGINALLY an Epiphone model its a more true to "reissue" than say a Les paul or sg "reissue" as those were never EPIPHONE original brands.... but-- anyway thts not the point

went to my favorite opium den (Jimmys Vintage MUsic) and was looking around a fellow was in there (good player) wailing on several guitars (amps cranked TOOOOO loud IMHO) ....and was lamenting LOUDLY that he JUST COULDNT find the right one .....
I wonderered around looking and checking ..... then Jimmy asked if I was looking for anything in particular -- said "that used EPi Coronet you had online I dont see it"

HE said it had sold but he had a black one --- I took it -- tuned it -- strumed it ...... and said .... O.K. and we went to the counter ..... I bought it-- the other guy was AMAZED "you bought one that fast?@!?!?!?@?!?@" ---(he had been there AWHILE I could tell as Jimmy looked a bit annoyed)
me: "yep....I do that"
and I left with his jaw still wide open and ....... shocked.
Im playing the little coronet now .... the FEEL of the vibration of a simple A note resonates THROUGHOUT the body and neck it vibrates -- it wiggles -- and it sounds AMAZING plugged and unplugged........ no need to agonize over all that miniscule minutia ... wires-- pups -- pots-- etc etc etc
IF THE NECK FEELS GOOD --actions decent (or adjustable) and the guitar MOVES when you strum a chord...... done deal
in my book
yes yes I know ......pics or it didnt happen ...................
coronet black.jpg
 
eSGEe said:
case in point-- recently snagged an Epiphone reissue Coronet -- single dog ear-- as basic as basic as a guitar can get
its light-- its fun-- its cheap and since the coronet was ORIGINALLY an Epiphone model its a more true to "reissue" than say a Les paul or sg "reissue" as those were never EPIPHONE original brands.... but-- anyway thts not the point

went to my favorite opium den (Jimmys Vintage MUsic) and was looking around a fellow was in there (good player) wailing on several guitars (amps cranked TOOOOO loud IMHO) ....and was lamenting LOUDLY that he JUST COULDNT find the right one .....
I wonderered around looking and checking ..... then Jimmy asked if I was looking for anything in particular -- said "that used EPi Coronet you had online I dont see it"

HE said it had sold but he had a black one --- I took it -- tuned it -- strumed it ...... and said .... O.K. and we went to the counter ..... I bought it-- the other guy was AMAZED "you bought one that fast?@!?!?!?@?!?@" ---(he had been there AWHILE I could tell as Jimmy looked a bit annoyed)
me: "yep....I do that"
and I left with his jaw still wide open and ....... shocked.
Im playing the little coronet now .... the FEEL of the vibration of a simple A note resonates THROUGHOUT the body and neck it vibrates -- it wiggles -- and it sounds AMAZING plugged and unplugged........ no need to agonize over all that miniscule minutia ... wires-- pups -- pots-- etc etc etc
IF THE NECK FEELS GOOD --actions decent (or adjustable) and the guitar MOVES when you strum a chord...... done deal
in my book
yes yes I know ......pics or it didnt happen ...................
View attachment 76863
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Congrats looks like a fine instrument
 
smitty_p said:
That‘s much the way I am. If I think I want something, I stew on it for awhile to see if the inclination holds or if I’ll lose interest. I rarely make impulse buys.

I‘m the same way with “holy grail” guitars. I don’t even think I’d want such a thing! I truly enjoy the uniqueness each guitar offers. Each time I pick one up, I like its own features, feel, and appearance.
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I was trying to stay out of this thread, but Smitty's post got me. I try to only buy guitars that I have a chance to play. As I'm playing them, I wonder where they fit into the sonic spectrum of what I already own. Is there a hole that it can fill for certain projects? It is something I really need, or just really want? And, do I have the cash on hand to buy it?

That being said, I wish that I had the time to play stuff that I already own. I couldn't imagine buying anything else right now, other than an acoustic that can be plugged into an amplifier, and not have to be mic'd.

So, I don't want to ever say no to someone, and we're supposed to encourage others here to fulfill gas. Just make sure it's really nice first, and will fit in with your other nice guitars.
 
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