Have you ever bought a guitar principally because it just looked so darn good? - Page 2

TBman · #16 04-23-2017, 07:25 AM

When I see a guitar that is overly adorned with inlays, etc. I wonder what the maker is trying to make up for. I like a basic looking guitar, but I am a sucker for abalone sound hole inlays and wood binding. I try to avoid ivoroid, but sometimes you can't because the guitar sounds too good to pass over. But yeah, a little eye candy is good.

The Bard Rocks · #17 04-23-2017, 07:28 AM

Just like when you are looking for a mate. It's the looks that attract, but the personality that holds.

That said, I suppose I can sort of answer "yes" to the OP's question. I saw a stunningly-topped guitar by Harvey Leach that I couldn't get out of my mind. One thing led to another and before too many months had lapsed, we were planning a guitar using that topwood. Of course, practical matters took over and I ended up with a guitar that has an unique sound and folds for travel as well. It may not be my most-played guitar, but when I want a certain sound, it's there - and it goes with me on trips.

808K · #18 04-23-2017, 07:45 AM

Yes.

And I'm not embarrassed to admit it. My beautiful showy guitar does not sound all that good, but I sure enjoy looking at it! I think of it as a piece of art...and really nice woodwork.

islandguitar · #19 04-23-2017, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

I have to admit that I can be an excited fish when there are shiny things in the water, but it has to smell and taste good before I'll allow myself to get completely hooked.

THAT was a great response! too funny!!

Toby Walker · #20 04-23-2017, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

I have to admit that I can be an excited fish when there are shiny things in the water, but it has to smell and taste good before I'll allow myself to get completely hooked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandguitar

THAT was a great response! too funny!!

Yes, but I think that viewpoint represents the majority of players here. Unless you're blind, the first thing you notice about the guitar that you're about to try out is what it looks like. And while some won't admit it, they're also checking out the name on the headstock as well. In the final analysis, the guitar also must feel and sound right in order to for us to ultimately plop down the cash.

RP · #21 04-23-2017, 08:49 AM

In this day and time when many of us are buying guitars long distance, looks play a large role along with the hope/promise that the guitar will also play and sound great....

frances50 · #22 04-23-2017, 08:54 AM

Yes, pretty much all of them. I'm a girl and I like pretty things.

ewalling · #23 04-23-2017, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frances50

Yes, pretty much all of them. I'm a girl and I like pretty things.

Hey, well, I'm a boy and I like pretty things too!

rgregg48 · #24 04-23-2017, 08:59 AM

I like a very little bling, but it's not important to me.

If you want shameless gaudy, check out the custom builds page.

TomB'sox · #25 04-23-2017, 09:00 AM

Why would the answer be no. I won't buy a guitar unless it has good looks because it is easy to find a guitar that has both. Why buy ugly with good sound when you can buy pretty with good sound. Now that being said, it would have to be cheap to buy a pretty guitar that sounds bad. AND, what is pretty to one is ugly to another, but I have to say, I think all my guitars are pretty and sound amazing.

I love the looks of guitars so much, I am hovering over one on the classifieds right now that I don't need, but looks so cool, I may just buy to hang on the wall!!!! Now I have not done it, but the thought has crossed my mind.

6L6 · #26 04-23-2017, 09:07 AM

Yep, for sure!

Just last year I bought this beautiful Collings D-3 Custom:

German spruce top and Cocobolo back and sides complete with sapwood stripe on the back.

It sounds great for sure, but I bought it at Gryphon because it's looks just literally blew me away. Now K&K equipped, it's getting a lot of play. And... a lot of staring!

rgregg48 · #27 04-23-2017, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6L6

Yep, for sure!

Just last year I bought this beautiful Collings D-3 Custom:

That's tastefully, not gaudy!

ewalling · #28 04-23-2017, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Why would the answer be no. I won't buy a guitar unless it has good looks because it is easy to find a guitar that has both. Why buy ugly with good sound when you can buy pretty with good sound.

Yes, I'm not suggesting that anyone might abandon their aesthetic preferences. What I'm wondering is if your aesthetic preferences have ever overruled your judgement to the point where you've bought something that a) you didn't need, or b) really wasn't all that good?

musicman1951 · #29 04-23-2017, 09:27 AM

Well, I do like a pretty guitar, but I think most of them are attractive and a few are beautiful. I probably wouldn't buy an ugly guitar, but I might if I fell in love with the sound. It's got to be about the sound.

Alex6strings · #30 04-23-2017, 09:45 AM

Most of my guitars are the same or very similar for playing purposes so it's not really about looks. I quite like understated elegance in my guitars. Lowden do that well, among others imo. Modest looking, proud sounding.

I can say with absolute confidence that if a guitar is ugly to me, I won't be buying it, or playing it probably. It doesn't have to beautiful, but ugly is forever.