Do you have a guitar(s) that you know you will own until the day you die?

[David Eastwood]

I’ve owned my 1963 Martin 0-16NY for 38 years. I’ve always said that it’s my ‘forever’ guitar, but lately I’ve been thinking otherwise.

I hardly ever play it. I have others I much prefer, and it spends most of its life in its Humidipak’d case. I love it when I do play it, but I’m plagued with the thought that it’s time to move it on, to someone who can appreciate it, and give it another 20, or 30, or 40 years.

I suspect that when I’m approaching my end, one of my last thoughts will NOT be “at least I’ve still got my Martin”.

[Nymuso]

I’ve had several. Sold ‘em all.

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Nymuso

I’ve had several. Sold ‘em all.

Yup…me, too. A Martin D-41 and a Bourgeois Brazilian dread. Was positive when I bought them that they were lifers. Wrong. So “lifer” is no longer in my vocabulary.

[Jamolay]

No, not yet….

[1after909]

My ‘1987 Lowden F27LC ( R. Thompson) and my ‘1982 Taylor 855c 12 string one of the first Taylor florentine cutaways and with the ‘ol whale’s tail mustache bridge. Made in Lemon Grove and a true grande piano you can hold. The extra icing on the cake..signed years ago by Leo Kottke after he played it and I interviewed him.

And Todd ( fitness1) That story of your Charis is one of the most beautiful unselfish gifts of camaraderie I’ve ever heard!! Your blessed!!

[foxo]

I’ve been through a lot of guitars in my five years of playing so I know the D-18 I recently bought is a keeper. I want to grow old with it.

[jpd]

My custom 0-15!

[b1j]

This is my 500th post.

Answer to your question: yes, all three of them.

[seannx]

My 1950 Martin 00-18. We’re the same age, too, so I hope it will stay with me.

[ricfreak]

These 2... They were customized for me.

[douglasfan1]

I have a Leviora custom CF guitar. Since it gots lots of custom options like the three bevels and fan fret, it seems difficult to sell.
Luckily, I really like the sound and all those custom options fit me very well.

[Zissou Intern]

I thought my 1998 Martin HD28LSV (Smokies red spruce top) and my baked 2018 Collings D1T would both be forever guitars. They're long gone.

I haven't found my "to the grave" guitar yet, probably never will. Though I do have a pocket knife and two fly rods that I'll never sell, apparently, I am accepting offers on everything else.

[FingahPickah]

My '73 Guild D44M; my first USA made acoustic I bought used in 1976. It's an absolute workhorse and so much a part of my biography.

My '87 Guild JF65-12; my dream 12 string I bought brand new. It was one of my main stage guitars for 20+ years.

My American Standard Telecaster. In 2008, my three then twenty-something kids surprised me with it on Fathers' Day. I sobbed into the pillow for a week and have played it regularly ever since.

[slimey]

I think it's really nice that often the reason a guitar is going to stay with people is sentimental. A gift from someone.
I still have the guitar , truthfully a not very good guitar, my father bought me for my 18th birthday. 46 years ago now.

It's nice to know there's a bunch of softies on this forum.

[The Bard Rocks]

Are there any going to the grave with me?

The older I get, the greater the likelihood is that there will be several.

However, when infirmities strike that affect my playing, things may change. None of my family are into guitars. The need and use for money is universal. Having to get rid of things is a hassle for any heir, one I'd like to spare mine. There's a lot invested there. If I kick off suddenly,my heirs won't know how to sell them to maximize the return + my beloved guitars could end up with someone who does not appreciate them. So maybe when that time comes and I have some warning, I will begin to do the unthinkable and start to sell. Also, were I in sound mind and convinced I could never play again, I'd sell.

All that said, my Fay was made specifically to carry me through declining years. My wife and I call it my "old age guitar". If Simon and I did our jobs properly, that would never be sold while I am alive and able to play.