If all of your buying and selling of guitars has taught you one thing, what is it?

For me it's that I MUCH PREFER solid body Fender style guitars over Gibsons, semi-hollows, Rickenbackers and everything else I've diddled with.

 

If something really, truly sounds great, chances are high I’ll miss it after I sell it. It’s happened more than I care to remember.

 

I know what I like, and if I end up trying something new I just end up trying to make it sound or feel like my preferred guitar! It's quite good really as it pretty much kills guitar GAS! 2x Gibson style guitars with humbuckers and P90s covers everything I need and want tonally.

 

That I'm an idiot.

 

Don't buy anything expensive enough I need to worry about getting my money back out of it if it's not a long-term keeper.

 

That I appear to really, really like guitars.

 

Try before you buy

 

Everybody lies.
When people sell stuff, they make claims and say things. Sometimes you’re in for a surprise. Learn how to evaluate gear you’re buying. You are the one who makes choices and commits to purchase.
Oh yeah, this

That I appear to really, really like guitars.

 

1 That “this one sounds slightly different from the other” is not a asset…but rather an annoyance. You need to dial your amp…to get the same result you always get..and even you can’t tell the difference from a recording.

2 you don’t need all the foodgroups…it’s counter productive…you only need the ones that tickle you

3 what i own is great…if there something better on the planet…it’s not gonna make me happier or sound better.


That said..the journey was necessary to learn what works for me…and to learn when it’s good enough.

 

Don’t sell stuff you like.

 

My guitars are obviously worth more than your guitars. It's obvious, why even debate it, shut up.

 

The secret to realizing one’s full potential as a guitarist lies not in the gear, however fun the pursuit.

 

I’ll never be happy or content.

 

Strats for life

 

I learned I really love most quality built guitars.

 

That I should been playing explorer bodied guitars since the start.

 

That I’m a Strat/Tele guy. Don’t bother with anything else. I’ll eventually sell it.

 

That I sound like me, regardless of how much money I spend…

 

-Embrace the difference between Fender and Gibson- they both do great things in their own way.
-Don't be tempted with any new ODs. Just don't.
-If the guitar isn't right, just spend the money on a new nut and set up. Get it over with.
-Even with an endorsement, Mesas are going to drive me crazy turning knobs and suck the fun out of it
-The Peavey amp I had as a kid 30 some years ago would probably do great at any gig after dialing in
-Anything with settings, apps, dials or anything remotely complicated isn't going to work out long term for me. It is what it is.
-Look at the most common back-lined amps and played guitars because there is a reason for it
-The most raved about gear is raved about and probably designed for music styles that has very little to do with what I do

 

The one thing I've learned by buying used guitars...there are deals out there BUT you gotta strike while the iron is hot. Have some mad money ready to go. I've bought guitars that were listed that very hour. I always try to negotiate. Most folks will compromise somewhat if they know you are serious. Cash talks and if you have the money in hand, strike while you can because there are plenty of fellas just like me that are going to grab it if you hesitate.