Just thinking out loud about guitars again. Non guitar players might want to go fix a cocktail at this point in the proceedings. Snooooooze....
Went traipsing up and down Sunset Blvd in LA over the weekend, poking my nose into a bunch of guitar stores with John and getting surled by some junkie rockers who desperately needed to find the nearest deli and have a sandwich or twelve. I'm getting that hankering again for a new guitar. Something different, something I've never really played before, something so damn cool I'd need shades just to play it. Not a used one out of the dustiest corner of Real Guitars, but a brand new one, without anyone else's dead skin and spilled beer caked into the frets. One I can call my own and abuse as I see fit. If you put a gun to my head I couldn't count how many guitars I've owned over the years, although it might be fun to try. They just come and go, and that's kind of what they're for.
My American Tele certainly is my favorite of all of them ever, but it's time for a different flavor. At the moment the main ones in the quiver are the Tele, the Phantom Teardrop, the Epi 12-string Les Paul, and the Fried Yamatele. I need something to fill the obvious hole that leaves. Any ideas anyone? What would I wear well? What would play these tunes well? Another Fender? I've been a Telecaster dude for many moons now, and that Thinline at GC was awfully nice. But I've owned too many Teles. I need a real Strat, but I just can't be a Strat guy full time. My fake (Chandler) Strat will do for now. Jaguar/Jazzmaster/Mustang family? Mmm, not quite me. My wardrobe won't support it.
Rickenbackers are out of the question. I've owned two, and there won't be a third unless I find one that plays like a guitar and not an goddamn egg slicer. The first was a 481. They're rare for a reason, and that's all I'll say about that sorry-ass instrument. The second was an Atlantis, which I would have loved to death were it not for its complete inability to get in tune. Sounded and looked great, played like fifty pounds of ass. So close, Ricky, and yet so very far.
So howsabout a Gibbo? The second electric guitar I ever owned was a Gibson Marauder, and Bill used to make fun of me because of it. I'm sure I deserved it at the time, but I saw one for sale at the Hollywood Guitar Center for $1300. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. I had an L6-S for some time, which was a great guitar. Kind of looked like a squashed Les Paul. Smelled funny, but sang like an angry bird. I also had a Flying V briefly which was a ton of fun. You really can use them for anything. Chris Fortier needs a V badly. I'm probably not a Les Paul guy. My back is already shot. Explorer? HA! I'm thinking a LP Jr or a Melody Maker might be just perfect. P Rusty has a nice Jr, and John has an absolutely beautiful MM. The 335s and their ilk are too damn expensive, and I look and feel stupid (er?) playing them. Yeah. Les Paul Jr. I'm liking that idea a lot. And I think tomorrow might be a great day for a test drive. Can I borrow $850?
By the way, while enjoying the dulcet sounds of the Riptide open mike this evening, I was treated to the absolute worst guitar sound I've ever heard in my life, spewed forth from the rancid plastic innards of a Fender Telecoustic. To my guitar player friends; if ever I see you playing one of those bits of kindling, I'll snap off your arms and beat you soundly with them.
Posted by eric at September 27, 2005 02:44 AM