Do you guys gig your expensive guitars?

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

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

My wife and I gig regularly with our early-2K's "his-&-hers" Rainsong 6- and 12-string jumbos - kinda become our trademark...

[Paraclete]

Yes. Mostly just play indoors any more and mostly just at church. I bought my guitars to play, not to be case queens.

[heavy_picker]

I don’t own a cheap guitar. I always gig with my two favorite acoustics. The sound and neck playability work out best for performances. Different string spacing throws me off, so I use the instruments that work best for my hand size and playing technique. I see a lot of people perform with inexpensive guitars, but they don’t sound very good. I never put my guitar on a stand when performing, that’s to risky. I once saw a performer knock a guitar over and the neck broke off. I really enjoy playing a good instrument that sounds great.

[Methos1979]

Yes, but then again as of late my expensive $3k plus guitars have all been carbon fiber Emeralds so they are ideally suited to being played in any and all conditions. Back when I owned high-end wood guitars I would take them out but I would always be very leery of outdoor temps, wide temp swings (cold cars to warm rooms), and tight spaces. Not any more.

[llew]

Headed out the door in ten minutes for contemporary worship service with my D-28 Authentic VTS in hand.

[Jim Owen]

Yes. If I own it, it’s been gigged. That’s what it’s for.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by Coop47

I don't mind letting it live in the wild a bit as long as I can make sure it doesn't get abused, damaged, or stolen.

That's what guitar insurance is for.

[Mike McLenison]

Never. I just use an Epiphone. Amplified it sounds just as good as my Martin.

[C-ville Brent]

Yes and no. 15 years ago I was playing out regularly and bought a Martin Custom D for that purpose. It was as much as I could afford, buying it during a good sale. I knew that it would get a few dings and was ok with that - that's what I got it for. I've played a couple open mics recently and the Custom D is what I brought. I now have more expensive Blueridge and Martin guitars that I enjoy, but it would sadden me if something bad happened. The old guitar probably doesn't look like something someone would risk consequences by trying to steal.

[Thin Crust]

I live in an inhospitable environment for tonewood. Even so, both my stage guitars are upper end Lowdens. They go to their case between sessions, but they’re pretty tough. I understand now the Lowden attraction for so many touring musicians.

[kiva238]

I take my 1937 D-18 to every outing. Why not? Life is short. . . .

[815C]

yes - I do

[AxeDude]

I do, and I just about had my Martin J40 earn another battle scar just last Friday night. Somehow part of my gig bag ended up under a leg of my guitar stand. I grabbed a strap on the bag to move it away from my chair and the stand and guitar went for a ride[emoji15]

[Coop47]

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

That's what guitar insurance is for.

I know this is a thing, and would love to learn more. Do you have it?

[sgarrity]

If I own it, it gets played out. That's what they're made for!