I played a $4,000 guitar today

[TBman]

Gibson SJ200 at GC. Someone forgot to hang it back up. Nice.

I also played a used J15 on sale for $1,100 (Paramus NJ GC). I really liked it. I was running things through my head, gee, I could trade in the Martin and I have that one mic I don't use and do I really need the Larrivee, lmao ..... then I remembered how good my J-45 sounds. So I bought a new strap just to use with my Gibson. No excuse now not to play it.

[sloar]

I’m really happy with my “entry” guitars, I’m not good enough to justify a high end guitar. But one day when I can make a $4,000 guitar sound like a $4,000 guitar I’ll own one.

[Mbroady]

Good for you Barry. Stay strong.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by sloar

...I’m not good enough to justify a high end guitar. But one day when I can make a $4,000 guitar sound like a $4,000 guitar I’ll own one.

Pretty much the opposite advice I gave my beginning students: buy the bast you can afford - you'll make more progress when you're not fighting your instrument in the playability and/or tone department - and it's more than coincidence that my two best students came to me on day one with a '51 Gibson L-4 and a '70 Ramirez (both inherited from deceased family members) respectively. If you have the means, don't think twice - IME fine instruments have an inherent magnetic effect, and you might be surprised at just how quickly you'll be able to "justify" your investment...

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by TBman

Gibson SJ200 at GC. Someone forgot to hang it back up. Nice.

Tell us more Barry, I believe these can be a bit 'hit-or-miss' so I'd like to know what you liked about it.

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by sloar

I’m really happy with my “entry” guitars, I’m not good enough to justify a high end guitar. But one day when I can make a $4,000 guitar sound like a $4,000 guitar I’ll own one.

If I bought instruments base on my talent level I’d only own a kazoo...

[6L6]

What steve DeRosa said above.

[sloar]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Pretty much the opposite advice I gave my beginning students: buy the bast you can afford - you'll make more progress when you're not fighting your instrument in the playability and/or tone department - and it's more than coincidence that my two best students came to me on day one with a '51 Gibson L-4 and a '70 Ramirez (both inherited from deceased family members) respectively. If you have the means, don't think twice - IME fine instruments have an inherent magnetic effect, and you might be surprised at just how quickly you'll be able to "justify" your investment...

I’m a firefighter with two teenage daughters,the guitars I have are the best I can afford.

[Taylorplayer]

Originally Posted by sloar

I’m a firefighter with two teenage daughters,the guitars I have are the best I can afford.

But I’ll bet you have great daughters! Sounds like the right priority to me.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Tell us more Barry, I believe these can be a bit 'hit-or-miss' so I'd like to know what you liked about it.

It "shimmered." I was surprised by that. I expected just a J-45 tone, but with more volume, but it was anything but "just a big 45." I really liked it.

[zoopeda]

The notion that a mediocre player can’t hear or appreciate the tonal difference of a high end guitar is just wrong. Might not be worth it to a less committed guitarist, but the tonal difference is undeniable in many cases.

[Pnewsom]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

The notion that a mediocre player can’t hear or appreciate the tonal difference of a high end guitar is just wrong. Might not be worth it to a less committed guitarist, but the tonal difference is undeniable in many cases.

You'd never guess it around here some days...

[Godfather]

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

If I bought instruments base on my talent level I’d only own a kazoo...

For me it would be a radio.....but I enjoy exercising my limited skills on the great guitars I own.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by TBman

It "shimmered." I was surprised by that. I expected just a J-45 tone, but with more volume, but it was anything but "just a big 45." I really liked it.

Yep...

A "great" J200 is a really special instrument, with a very unique to themselves tone within the Gibson line. And besides being stellar rhythm stummers and flatpickers, boy do they fingerpick nicely...wonderful tone and response for fingerpicking/fingerstyle...and that nice deeeeeeeeeep round...really bass timbre...low E that rumbles like a plains' state thunderstorm off in the distance.

And a J200 is one of the VERY few guitars that REALLY gets you AND the guitar noticed by non guitar folks when you play out with one.

If you can handle the body size...they are magic when they are "right".

duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Bridgepin]

If you have the means treat yourself.... just know how to care for it and it will last you a life time.