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  #1  
Old 01-17-2018, 07:47 AM
musicman1951 musicman1951 is offline
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Default Finding "the one"

I recently made a trip from Albany, NY to The Music Emporium. Despite outward appearances, a wonderful collection of fine instruments and a very nice staff.

I played a bunch of guitars I have been reading about here for quite a while. I find it interesting how quickly I know when a guitar is "not the one." I can usually tell in a few seconds if a guitar speaks to my heart/soul. If it doesn't have that sound (whatever that may be) it whispers quickly, "not me."

I played some fine guitars and recognized them as fine guitars, but never to be my guitar. The Lowden's all wanted to come home with me. I also played a wonderful Bourgeois.

How quickly can you tell if a guitar is "the one," or does such a concept even exist for you?
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Old 01-17-2018, 08:36 AM
Tommy_G Tommy_G is offline
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I only have one that qualifies. Its an electric.
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Old 01-17-2018, 08:39 AM
Goodallboy Goodallboy is offline
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My McCollum is my one.

I knew it from the first strum.
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Old 01-17-2018, 08:43 AM
Twelvefret Twelvefret is offline
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It might happen unexpectedly and take you by surprise, but you will know. Then you'll have to figure out a way to get it.
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Old 01-17-2018, 08:49 AM
Step Step is offline
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There's been a fair few times when in a shop I've asked to try a guitar out and they've unlocked it (I hate shops that lock all the guitars down but hey I understand it) and just by picking it up i've gone "ooh no".

There is then that 10min play session where you're attempting to give it an honest go but you've already decided you'll never call her again...

...sorry ...what were we talking about??
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Old 01-17-2018, 09:05 AM
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brencat brencat is offline
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I can tell within minutes if the guitar is worth buying, based on playability and tone. But I need a good 4 - 6 months with it to determine whether it's a long term keeper. Guitars that I thought were great initially (HD-28, OM-28 Authentic, Collings OM1 Walnut) didn't last a year with me for various different reasons. Meanwhile, a guitar I bought on a whim in 2016... a mint SCGC D/PW, ended up outclassing two great dreads I owned at the time and has since become my all time favorite guitar. To me, it's a combination of playability and tone, where you don't have to fight the instrument to let your music shine.

The more instruments you try, the greater the odds of finding the one, but it is pure luck in many cases.
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Old 01-17-2018, 09:06 AM
Bob from Brooklyn Bob from Brooklyn is offline
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There are so many variables in play including frame of mind. I've played guitars that did not impress me initially only to come back a week later and have it sound much better.
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Old 01-17-2018, 09:34 AM
slimey slimey is offline
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You have some lovely guitars Keith and like you I have 4 " the ones" all very different. I , sadly for my bank account, don't think there is a 'one " If you only play "one " style of music that may be the secret. But I don't so I just have to suffer with all these lovely guitars.
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Old 01-17-2018, 09:57 AM
s2y s2y is offline
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I keep finding "the one". I have a couple dozen "the ones".

I've never been a one guitar or one bass kind of guy. At the very least, I'd need something like my KR redwood 6 string per my Taylor 12 fret for fingerstyle and a nice dreadnought like my Bob Thompson. I have a nice baritone Kronbauer and a Greg German archtop. I still could utilize a nice 12 string and......
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:20 AM
Goat Mick Goat Mick is offline
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I don't know about "the one" but I have played, and own, several "oh man" guitars. The ones you pick up and they feel light and responsive and every chord rumbles in your gut. Yeah I like those and I always try to find a way to get them to follow me home.
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  #11  
Old 01-17-2018, 10:56 AM
L20A L20A is offline
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I found the "ONE" back in 1982.
It is my D-35 Martin.
Sense then, I have found my "Two" and "Three".

I have also found several others that I thought were the "ONE" only to sell them within a year or two of buying them.
As long as I seek the "ONE, I will keep finding it. Again and again.

As it is said,"Seek and ye shall find".
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:06 AM
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Kh1967 Kh1967 is offline
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I am with Brencat on this one. I know fairly quickly if I want to take the guitar home but, it does take some time for me to determine if its an actual keeper.
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:29 AM
HHP HHP is offline
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Every "one" is "the one" to somebody, at least until the next one comes along.

I'm more realistic. I look for "the three" or "the six"
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:33 AM
muscmp muscmp is offline
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you will find many people on this forum who have bought the one only to sell within a short period of time. yes, first impressions are always great, but, enjoying the guitar as you and the guitar bond can be exceptional.

play music!
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:36 AM
Social Exodus Social Exodus is offline
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If you simply cannot leave the store without a guitar, it's at least "A" one you will enjoy. That's been my experience anyway.
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