• From: Gander Newfoundland
  • Registered: 2007-05-05
  • Posts: 246

Topic: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

If I wanted my instrument to do ten different things, I'd buy a keyboard. (I have one, but that's besides the point). As a guitarist, I pick the sound I like and stick with it. No fancy digital crap, no modeling to make my SG sound like a Telecaster, Strat, or anything else.

And one more thing: I can tune my own damn guitar, thanks anyway Gibson.

"You have to get over the love of power, and enjoy the power of love, in order to know peace."
-Jimi Hendrix.
  • From: Tennessee USA
  • Registered: 2008-01-12
  • Posts: 99

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

Hi SGinCYQX!  here comes the direct echo to your post. I can only agree.

Versatile guitars are in demand by people who play band gigs, perhaps the Classic Rock spectrum, with a different tone for each piece... I used to do it, even sclepped a Roland VGA 7 modelling amp with me -today I swear by my Tele, Strat hooked up to a 59 Bassman LTD.

Play On!

3 Reply by SGinCYQX (edited by SGinCYQX 2008-02-14 22:24:38)

  • From: Gander Newfoundland
  • Registered: 2007-05-05
  • Posts: 246

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

I have a modeling pedal, a very nice one that was given to me by a friend of mine when he sold off his gear. I used to use it all the time to emulate different tones, now I use it just for wah, reverb, chorus and delay. Not all together. If I'm modeling an amp with it, I'm getting as close as I can to my Valve Junior, most likely because I'm plugged into a PA or into my computer.

Now, it's the same few guitars for me every time. Either my Casino or my SG. Usually the SG. That goes into my Valve Junior with everything up at eleven. Occasionally the RP with the effects I listed above. I always sound the same and I love it, personally.

"You have to get over the love of power, and enjoy the power of love, in order to know peace."
-Jimi Hendrix.
  • From: Nottingham, UK
  • Registered: 2006-08-08
  • Posts: 690

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

If you're a long time player and have settled on a certain style or repetoire then a one-trick guitar is fine. However I reckon all beginners need to mess around a bit and try out all the classic sounds. Even if you don't intend to play metal a few hours noodling away with in a full on shred-storm is instructive, and gets it out your system...

It isn't too hard for a guitar to have a range or voices (SSH or HH-tapped will do it) so why not? I feel there's too much pressure on these forums for newbies to declare 'I'm A Strat man' or 'I play blues only'. For me the worst thing a developing player can do is file themselves away in a box. A guitar that allows you to attempt plenty of different songs and styles is an asset.

'The sound of the city seems to disappear'
  • Registered: 2007-04-25
  • Posts: 551

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

I'm one of those people who wants versatility, mainly because I like many types of music, including country, rock, and some early metal.  Buying a guitar for each type is not practical, especially for me.

"A steering wheel don't mean you can drive, a warm body don't mean I'm alive"
Switchfoot

06sc500's Website

  • Registered: 2006-05-26
  • Posts: 3

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

Mmmm, I'm not sure what I'd class myself as.

I've been playing for about 25 years now and I have a few guitars.  One is particularly great for blues and has a really unique look, so I've held onto it for those reasons, but when I am performing I'll stick with the one guitar my Fender California Fat Tele.

The decision to buy that originally was based on the feel of the neck, how it felt 'hanging' on me if I was comfortable or not with it, sound (I tried about 30 guitars out that day before I narrowed it down the Fat Tele) and versatility (because at the time I was in a covers band and needed to be able to play EVERY style and the tele was great for that).

Like we used to say, from Abba to Zappa.. we covered it all.

As far as amps go, it's usually been my old Peavey Special 160 watter.  It's old, it's solid-state, has a 12 inch speaker but it can *just* keep up with a quadbox and decent head (I went up against a Soldano head once and I just about matched it and the quad-box it was paired with) - plus it just sounds great.

So that's been my amp mainstay, until now.. I recently bought a little 15watt Roland Cube.. the portable one.  It's fantastic for the price and it's fun to try the amp simulations.  I've even done a couple smallish gigs and jams with it and get stunned comments.

So I think more than having a big array of instruments, or the instruments themselves being versatile (altho that is certainly an option) it's important to keep yourself versatile.

Why hedge yourself into one little niche when there is so much out there to experience?

  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

lotness wrote:

Like we used to say, from Abba to Zappa.. we covered it all.

As far as amps go, it's usually been my old Peavey Special 160 watter.  It's old, it's solid-state, has a 12 inch speaker but it can *just* keep up with a quadbox and decent head (I went up against a Soldano head once and I just about matched it and the quad-box it was paired with) - plus it just sounds great.

So that's been my amp mainstay, until now.. I recently bought a little 15watt Roland Cube.. the portable one.  It's fantastic for the price and it's fun to try the amp simulations.  I've even done a couple smallish gigs and jams with it and get stunned comments.

So I think more than having a big array of instruments, or the instruments themselves being versatile (altho that is certainly an option) it's important to keep yourself versatile.

Why hedge yourself into one little niche when there is so much out there to experience?

***********************************************************************
I agree with you all this...I've also got a couple of Peavey amps...A classic 30 (tube) and a Bandit. Probably my most used amp is the little Roland Cube...those things are absolute great and easy to carry around everywhere since it also runs on batteries. Been using it for some Church stuff and we just set it up and mic it into the PA.
We like the versatility of being able to play anything from Country to Hard Rock! It's nice to have a Telecaster for that real "twang" but also nice to have other guitars that covers most!

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.
  • G S E
  • Senior Member
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  • From: Detroit Lakes , Mn , USA
  • Registered: 2008-01-30
  • Posts: 330

Re: Why is everyone so obsessed with versatility?

Hi guys ,
  My idea of versatility , is setting up my es-330 copy , my guild f-30 (w / fishman )
and my electric fiddle ( run through a stand alone preamp along with the guild )
then run through a chorus pedal . Then I plug everything in to what ever is available , whether it be a mixer or amp . I figure if I can't cover it with that , I might as well pack up my toys and go home ........

" Just reading the lyrics , it's hard to hear the song , but if the words tug at the heartstrings......it's enough for now........... "