What is happening to me?

gball

gball

Ambassador of Boogie
Country flag
As most of you know, for about a decade I played nothing but Les Pauls.
About 10 months ago I ended up with my first Fender in a long time. Didn't take long before I got a bunch more
Now, I play the Strats and Teles much more than the Les Pauls.
I picked up my '50s Standard today, felt that giant fat neck, and put it right back down.
I suddenly prefer the way the Fenders feel, play and sound, and I find myself using a lot less gain and a lot more reverb that I used to.
What is going on? Just getting older and mellowing? Something more sinister?
 
gball said:
As most of you know, for about a decade I played nothing but Les Pauls.
About 10 months ago I ended up with my first Fender in a long time. Didn't take long before I got a bunch more
Now, I play the Strats and Teles much more than the Les Pauls.
I picked up my '50s Standard today, felt that giant fat neck, and put it right back down.
I suddenly prefer the way the Fenders feel, play and sound, and I find myself using a lot less gain and a lot more reverb that I used to.
What is going on? Just getting older and mellowing? Something more sinister?
Click to expand...
Too much Surf Guitar, not enough Surfing.
 
gball said:
I suddenly prefer the way the Fenders feel, play and sound, and I find myself using a lot less gain and a lot more reverb that I used to.
What is going on?
Click to expand...
Step 1 is admitting you have a problem.
Check for local listings of Les Paul support groups.
I'm sure you'll find lots of fine people who will help you through this difficult time.

In the meantime, get a large Marshall, turn all the knobs to 10 and grab that Les Paul by its fat neck and do some Townshend windmill power chords.
You'll come back around.
One day at a time.
It works if you work it.
 
Just calm down over there. It’s just a phase. I’m going through much the same. 335, Gretsch, Strat…. The LPs haven’t seen play in months. A 72 and a new 50s Standard. I felt the same fat neck with the Standard. Put it down. But it’s not going anywhere.

And the Fretless Wonder is still my keeper through the ages. So easy to play. And sounds almost as warm naturally as the White Falcon. I’m sure a little tweaking of the knobs can accentuate the tone to achieve this.

Also, I remind myself that Les himself played his slab to the end. He didn’t see a need to change.
 
gball said:
As most of you know, for about a decade I played nothing but Les Pauls.
About 10 months ago I ended up with my first Fender in a long time. Didn't take long before I got a bunch more
Now, I play the Strats and Teles much more than the Les Pauls.
I picked up my '50s Standard today, felt that giant fat neck, and put it right back down.
I suddenly prefer the way the Fenders feel, play and sound, and I find myself using a lot less gain and a lot more reverb that I used to.
What is going on? Just getting older and mellowing? Something more sinister?
Click to expand...
The Fender 25-1/2" scale feels brighter and clearer with more tension to most players (myself included).

Gibson 24-3/4" scale feels warmer and thicker - more pliable feel to it.
 
I've had some irritating right hip issues for some months, (old Cameraman's disease),
finding myself sitting down to play as much as standing.

I hate it!!! My promise has been to get people standing again with my strapwork, but I can't do nothing for a buggered hip. Good thing I ain't in a band, that would be way worse.

Grow, adapt but still find ways to enjoy!
 
gball said:
As most of you know, for about a decade I played nothing but Les Pauls.
About 10 months ago I ended up with my first Fender in a long time. Didn't take long before I got a bunch more
Now, I play the Strats and Teles much more than the Les Pauls.
I picked up my '50s Standard today, felt that giant fat neck, and put it right back down.
I suddenly prefer the way the Fenders feel, play and sound, and I find myself using a lot less gain and a lot more reverb that I used to.
What is going on? Just getting older and mellowing? Something more sinister?
Click to expand...
I am sort of doing a similar thing.
Whatever is fun.

I had nothing but V’s and SG’s now I have a few Fender style guitars. There is something I like about the 25.5 scale.

On another note, Dave Mustaine specs his sig. guitars 25.5 , 24 fret I believe. I don’t know why he chooses that setup.
 
gball said:
As most of you know, for about a decade I played nothing but Les Pauls.
About 10 months ago I ended up with my first Fender in a long time. Didn't take long before I got a bunch more
Now, I play the Strats and Teles much more than the Les Pauls.
I picked up my '50s Standard today, felt that giant fat neck, and put it right back down.
I suddenly prefer the way the Fenders feel, play and sound, and I find myself using a lot less gain and a lot more reverb that I used to.
What is going on? Just getting older and mellowing? Something more sinister?
Click to expand...

Embrace it!

You’re experiencing a growth - a further development of your musical journey.

Maybe your former guitar player self was a little too self-restricted. Enjoy the freedom in variety.
 
I played only a LP (and humbucker gtrs) for nearly twenty years before I got my first strat (about 26 years ago). And I instantly fell in love with the new tone and feel. It was a whole new world.

And now I happily enjoy both worlds. Different tools for different tasks. Not the best analogy - but you catch my drift.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top