Would you rather...

[musicman1951]

Quality over quantity. Always, with all things.

[Oldguy64]

Originally Posted by starr

Would you rather have one really nice guitar or 2 or 3 guitars, all of which you wouldn’t consider to be as good as the really nice one? I know with the 3 guitars, you can have some variety (body sizes, woods, brands, different uses for situations, etc)

I have a Martin D-41, M-36, Eastman 312, and a Voyage Air VAOM-04. Ideally, I’d like to keep either the 41 or the other three. As to why I want to pick, I think I’d feel better if I had less invested in guitars and I think if you add up the other 3, it would be similar in cost.

So, would you rather keep your number 1 or keep some other guitars, which if combined, would be of similar cost? Thanks for any input.

In this particular conundrum, I’d keep the M-36, and the Voyage-Aire.
One for hearthnabd home, and one for the road.
My road guitar is a Journey Instruments Overhead.
I’d have to do some serious whittling down to get down to the three I absolutely need.

[The Bard Rocks]

It's a philosophical question - quality or variety? I appreciate both.

I would not want to be down to one guitar - things happen and it's nice to have a fall-back to play. I have found I enjoy playing different guitars, whether it's the woods, the body shape, the appearance, or the different sound - just like I enjoy playing different genres of music. So that points me toward having multiple guitars.

But as I have aged (and got further from the near-poverty I experienced for many years), I have become fussier and fussier about the quality of tools I use. I learned that having something great to work with inspires me and makes me want to use it more - so all this points toward one great guitar instead of multiple ones.

No wonder you asked the question.

[starr]

Originally Posted by DenverSteve

This is actually asked monthly, or so, so there are lots of identical threads you can peruse if you choose. For me, it's quality over quantity any day.

I did use the search function before posting but couldn't find a similar thread. Maybe didn't put the right keyword in while searching.

Originally Posted by Bridgepin

I would keep the D-41, but here is a question for you which guitar do play the most.

I do play the M-36 the most. Mostly because it's the most comfortable to play. I do like the idea of switching guitars after playing one for some time and taking the Voyage Air on skiing trips with the family. I have the Eastman mostly because it's the one with a pick up and I don't worry about taking it to places and plugging in. For me, the three are the most practical for different purposes.

Thanks for the replies so far.

[Pura Vida]

It depends on your situation -- and what scenario is going to satisfy it. If you truly wanted to get down to one guitar, then you should probably keep the M-36 b/c that's the one you play the most and is most comfortable for you. Personally, I'd want to have more than one for variety and cover any availability issues, so I'd rank them in order of sellers to keepers (based on which I like best / play most).

[sabatini]

The Voyage Air, while a nice guitar, is seldom bought without some consideration of its portability. If you travel by a means that makes it advantageous to have a Voyage Air, then keep it.

The other three are all good guitars. One may cover all of your playing needs. Or not. Only you can decide.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by starr

I do play the M-36 the most. Mostly because it's the most comfortable to play. I do like the idea of switching guitars after playing one for some time and taking the Voyage Air on skiing trips with the family. I have the Eastman mostly because it's the one with a pick up and I don't worry about taking it to places and plugging in. For me, the three are the most practical for different purposes.

I think you've succinctly answered your own question. A D-41 is nice but can border on being too precious for many situations. It also has the most resale value. Just my thoughts, FWIW.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by starr

I know with the 3 guitars, you can have some variety (body sizes, woods, brands, different uses for situations, etc)

think I’d feel better if I had less invested in guitars and I think if you add up the other 3, it would be similar in cost.

Originally Posted by LikeASir_

Keep the D-41 no contest

Sell the D-41 no contest.

I don't know why you'd feel better having less invested, but you do appreciate the different roles of the other three. And you play the M-36 the most. So it's OK to sell the D-41.