Do you guys gig your expensive guitars?

[jklotz]

Just wondering - do you guys gig with your expensive ($3K+) guitars?

[silvereagle48]

Yes. I usually gig with my Cole-Clark.

[Shredmaster007]

Originally Posted by jklotz

Just wondering - do you guys gig with your expensive ($3K+) guitars?

Heck yeah.

[roylor4]

I don't own any expensive guitars but gig with them anyway.

[Dustinfurlow]

All depends on the climate for me. For example, if I’m playing outdoors in the Congo jungle humidity here in Virginia Beach, VA I wouldn’t think about bringing my Beneteau, that’s just asking for a headache onstage trying to stay in tune.

I also won’t bring it anywhere even slightly crowded where I know there’s the possibility of it being close to people who might bump it or something near it.

My Larrivee’s are built like tanks so while one is a little up there in value, around $2-3k, I still don’t worry about it. It fell on its face once from my shoelace getting caught on the stand and the neck and body held up astonishingly well. And as much humidity changes as it’s endured it hasn’t moved much at all.

I gigged with a Lowden and McIlroy for awhile cause I was so hooked on how well they played for fingerstyle it was worth it to risk them being damaged. For the serious musician it’s worth being comfortable with the quality and feel of a nicer guitar if they’ve gotten used to it.

[ManyMartinMan]

Yes. This seems to come up about 2 times a year. I would guess that about half of people gig with what we (I'm in this group) consider our best instruments - that's why we have them. Correspondingly, about half believe they need/want/require a "beater" to take to outside venues. Wooden instruments have been made for people to play for hundreds of years. From violinists/fiddlers, lute, mandolin, guitar, banjo, etc. players have played outdoors on porches, festivals, parties, concerts, weddings... since they were developed. There is no good reason not to use your best when performing for others - or yourself.

Remember that best doesn't necessarily mean most expensive. My best (Collings, Martin D-41, Goodall..) get gigged/studio played regularly. In fact, I'm playing an event today with my Goodall. I'll have my D-1 on hand as well.

[rokdog49]

Does it count if a person takes two $2000+ acoustics and uses them both at the gig? If so, then yes.

[llew]

I cycle thru all of mine from time to time but I don't really call it "gigging" per se as I'm playing at a contemporary worship service once to twice a week. If I was playing in a different environment I'd probably decide on which guitar to use based on the individual location and the type of gig it was. Obviously I don't do the latter nearly as much (although I'd like to) and it usually consists of a fund raiser or some charity event.

[rstaight]

I am not back to playing gigs. Not that I did that much in my younger days. Back then the SG was the most expensive thing I owned. Yes, it was played outside the house.

Today it's mostly, almost all acoustic. Though i don't gig i do go to a few jams regularly. I take my Takamine's along. They are in the $500, $600 price range. They are the most expensive acoustics i own.

[eecamichael]

I think I read it here, but I totally subscribe to it..

Life is too short for a B rig.

I feel I play better with my best gear. I bought them to be played.

[DenverSteve]

Yes. If the environment is safe and appropriate for me (environmentally, weather, risks..) it's perfectly safe for my guitars. Conversely, if it's not safe for my guitars, why would I want to be there?

[Oldguy64]

I do not own any in the $3K range.
But if it has a pickup, it gets played out.

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by Oldguy64

... if it has a pickup, it gets played out.

That's really me as well. Everything doesn't have a pick up but if it does it is subject to selection for performing.

[llew]

When I get a guitar and I decide I'm keeping it the next thing is a setup. During that setup a K&K Mini is installed. I don't own a guitar w/o a pickup. But with the K&K I feel like it's there if I need it and pretty much invisible if I don't?

[M Hayden]

Yes - if it’s worth playing, it’s worth playing out.