GET BACK TO PLAYING! (Page 5 of 6)

Zurf,
My knowledge of nylon-stringed instruments is on par with my knowledge of electrics: none. Sorry. I'm a steel string guy and probably a peculiar one at that; I prefer no gloss finishes (satin), no cut-aways, no electronics. I DO like curvy bodies so dreads are not my preference either but they are ubiquitous and therefore almost unavoidable so at least one will usually show up in my collection.

Take a look at the Art & Lutherie nylon offerings. I love their guitars!

Dino48,
You know I've never loosened my strings for air travel? In this case, I have a delightful Art & Lutherie "Ami" (think 0-size) which fits nicely in the overheard bin. In fact, that is why I bought it.

GAS attack! Can I make it out of the country before I quench this with a purchase?

On my way to Europe yesterday I met another American at the Amsterdam airport. I had my guitar and he was carrying a TROMBONE! Talk about a commitment to music, I've seen many guitars in airports but never a trombone. I struck up a conversation with him - how could I resist? He told me he always travels with his trombone and plays regularly as a "drop-in" wherever he goes. We were both waiting on a plane to Tbilisi, Georgia where i'm sure he will find somewhere to play. How cool is that?

There are several venues here where one could plug-in and play but I'm not quite ready for that. Although all the local "pub" music is American and British and sung in English even though the singers don't always know what they are singing and sometimes are reading the lyrics. Always a good time though and you have to give them credit, they are playing and singing and I am watching.

My guitar inventory is creeping up again but I am playing. Leaving the country again soon. A guitar will accompany me.

Back to Europe and home again! Guitar in tow. Worked out good for a 7 hour lay-over in Prague.
Serious GAS though. I am weak.

We are all weak when it comes to wanting another guitar.  It will not pass. Still, part of the excitement is wanting, looking and waiting.  Enjoy it and find something nice for yourself.  I played at a campsite of some friends last weekend and everyone enjoyed it, especially me.  I played so much, my beer kept getting warm.  That is just wrong.

I am ordering one right away.  great idea, topdown.  I have a good visual going here.  LOL.

I think certain people just have "charisma". A presence that others look at as confidence. I can only guess that it gets better the more you do it.

DJ, you are where you are in your guitar journey. Look at where you were 2 years ago. You've learned lots and there is still lots to learn. It doesn't matter how good you get, you always look at others and think they're better. As long as you like it and are having fun. Don't compare yourself with others, everyone is different. Did you put a time limit on your goal? If so, what does it really matter?  Maybe it will take you 2 more years before you think you're good. So be it. If you continue then you will accomplish.

I heard that Jimi Hendricks always thought highly of his 'rhythm' guitarist (who went on to found ZZ Top) and said that if you wanted to hear a 'real guitar player' that he was the one to listen to instead. 

Eric Clapton said of Stevie Ray Vaughan, "We didn't play together near enough.  Every time I heard him play, I knew that I was in the presence of greatness." 

So if Jimi Hendricks and Eric Clapton still listen to other guys play and think, "Wow.  They're really good.  I wish I could play like that," then I suppose it's also a perfectly acceptable thought for we amateurs and beginners. 

- Zurf

NGD: Seduced by GAS
Just when I thought it was safe to go back into the water, an opportunity presented itself and I succumbed to sudden onset GAS. I know, I know, GET BACK TO PLAYING, but what could possibly happen by looking at Craig’s List just once? After all is has been over three weeks since my last visit, and I’ve been doing so well. The price made this impossible to resist.

Alvarez Masterworks MD95
Dreadnought
Solid Engelmann Spruce Top
Solid Indian Rosewood back and sides
Maple binding
Rosewood fingerboard
Abalone rosette/headstock logo and “tree of life"  fingerboard inlay
System 600T Mk II Acoustic Pre-amp/EQ
Leather strap
Humidifier
25’ cord
Hard Shell Case

And a VERY good price!

Naolslager

There is hope my friend. GAS has put 6 acoustics and 1 electric in my house but I finally found what I was looking for! I have however been feeling a little under the weather, I think I caught a case of Martin fever but the budget will not allow for that purchase right now.