Sell or keep

[JC.]

Originally Posted by Joe Beamish

A genius idea...20 years ago!

LOL. Tell me about it!

[jseth]

I would keep one of the three and sell the others, mostly to get them in the hands of someone who'll appreciate them and play them a lot!

Personally, if I'm not playing one of my guitars, it doesn't take long before I'm thinking of selling that one... heck, I have two 6 string flat tops, and I am constantly working on the question, "which one do I play?"... it's a waste of time, frankly, but they are both wonderful, both different, both have deep personal meaning for me...

But if you aren't playing those three lovely OMs, they should be getting played and loved!

[ship of fools]

I have a few of them and they inherited some of my collection. Didn't seem to make any sense to me for them to have to go through what I went through when I was younger and couldn't afford to get a decent guitar till I was older.
I know what you mean about not playing them but keep them in the family and let the music ring out later in their lives.

[larryb]

So many great thoughts here. I really appreciate knowing that my dilemma is not unique. Thanks everyone. Great group of people out there who seem to be able to identify with my situation.

[Pura Vida]

If they haven't been played much in the last five years, then it's probably best to sell two or possibly all three of them.

[PTony]

I JUST went through this same thing. Well, actually I’ve been in this process for some time now. I’ve felt the need to downsize everything I had ranging from amps, pedals, guitars, and the like.

All the gear was quality gear and I’d spent quite a bit of time building the collection. But, in the end I felt that I shouldn’t own any gear sitting unused (whether in boxes, cases, or sitting in the corner with a cover).

I’d really focused my remaining gear to be what I would use consistently both on stage, in my office, or in my space at home.

Everything went relatively smoothly and I had no real regrets (okay...maybe a slight regret here or there but nothing that remained). I felt really good about putting this gear in the hands if someone who would play and enjoy them.

When the smoke cleared I realized I still had one that I didn’t use as frequently as I should...my 2018 J-45 with K&K. Fantastic guitar in every way. But, even though I’d started playing electrics 36 years ago, then moved primarily to acoustics from my early 20’s until my late 30’s, I’ve now come full circle and primarily play electric. The only time I play acoustic was to chart/write or during some “unplugged”sets.

So, the internal debate/struggle began. Do I sell the Gibson and buy a very nice, higher end guitar, or keep it? I already had 3 great Gretsch guitars, and an office acoustic. But, I’ve wanted a Japanese Gretsch since I began playing them.

In the end, I sold the Gibson and used the funds to buy a Japanese Gretsch. I couldn’t be happier. I’ve had no regrets whatsoever. IMHO, YMMV, FWIW, etc.

Keep us posted!
PT

[Oldguy64]

Originally Posted by larryb

You know, that's exactly why I'm keeping them. My youngest son (19) plays piano, but has musical talent and may likely take up guitar some day. Also have 2 married grown kids, and 2 grandkids. And this is exactly why I've been holding on to them.

My situation is similar.

I have 12 guitars.

I have six kids and six grands.

Though I have one due in three weeks or so.

And another on the was also.



But I find myself slowing down on playing out.

My job takes much of my physical self and I don’t have the stamina to play praise and worship on a weekly basis with a week night rehearsal and three services.

I’m considering parking down the guitarsenal to a more reasonable number.

I play three pretty regularly.

And while I do play all twelve at least weekly, I can see the benefits of not having so many to keep hydrated, and fresh strings, etc.

I plan to take this as it comes. And see where it goes.

Good luck on your journey...no matter what you decide.

[rschultz]

Keep a couple, sell a couple. Let someone else enjoy them.

[Mr. Jelly]

Sell them. Who needs the baggage?

I just sold a guitar so I have been looking for a guitar to take it's place. In the mean time I have switched back to using a flat pick and fell back in love with my Santa Cruz. Then it dawned on me that there isn't a better fit for me than the Santa Cruz guitar that I have. When what you have works the rest is folly.

[jpd]

Originally Posted by bufflehead

larryb predicates his dilemma by stating his age, which leads us to speculate that the latent preference for for the crossover guitar is age-related. If this is a correct assumption, then by all means sell the steel-string guitars. A year from now, the OP will be a year older, and probably all the less inclined to play his Bourgeois guitars than he is now.

If, however, the preference for a crossover guitar is unrelated to age, it makes more sense to sell two of the Bourgeois instruments and keep one, considering the possibility that another swing in guitar preference could happen. It would also make sense, in this instance, to keep the Bourgeois closest in size and temperament to the Buscarino Cabaret. (This would be the 00?)

+1...... Great reply!

[phavriluk]

Giving juveniles/adolescents such serious instruments as the Bourgeois trio shakes me. I'd hate to see such valuable instruments not get optimally used, and kids being kids, especially kids who didn't pay for the guitars themselves, will behave as kids. If they ever want to learn to play, there's any number of excellent guitars that sell for chump change compared to the Bourgeois instruments. If OP wants his guitars to benefit folks, he can sell them and use the proceeds as contributions to organizations who could use the cash. Same reason as not giving student drivers the keys to the Ferrari.

[larryb]

After listening to all of these great responses, I played each guitar, a few after not having been played for months. Opening each case, each had it's very distinct smell and each has it's own sound. Yes, they still have that Bourgeois smell after almost 10 years. Intoxicating almost. They are each magnificent. Sometimes an abundance of riches blinds us to what we really have. I am retiring in 6 months. I think that making any decision prior to retirement would be a mistake. I think the best course of action is to live with this beautiful collection for a year after retirement, even if they are not being played much, and then make a decision. As I said, my Buscarino Cabaret is all I play at the moment, but it's impossible to predict what I will feel like after a year of retirement. Then, at that time, if it's clear that I won't play them, I can sell one or all of them. But, it's too soon.

Thanks again, everyone. All of your comments have really helped me with this.

[Mr Bojangles]

Keep them and buy more.

[kkrell]

Originally Posted by Oldguy64

I have 12 guitars.
I have six kids and six grands.
Though I have one due in three weeks or so.
And another on the was (sic) also.

That's 2 guitars short.

[Oldguy64]

Originally Posted by kkrell

That's 2 guitars short.

Actually, I’ve given a guitar to one grandson, and one daughter in law.
Though the daughter in law has her eye on my Alvarez PD85S.