I play guitars. I own guitars. I own plenty of guitars.
Right now, I have 7 hanging on my walls, two in a case, and one that is on display (it is a vintage Martin Tenor guitar that was my father’s, it is a non-player).
I have multiple electrics, from 1980s inspired super Strats, to a damn fine Strat clone, to hot rodded Telecaster clone, and a pure metal neck through with hot EMG’s.
On the acoustic front, I have a 1996 vintage Taylor 814C (from before when they began including electronics in all their guitars), a 2006 vintage Takamine Student grade classical, and my latest acoustic acquisition, a Martin 000jr-C that is a joy to play.
I’d say that I have it covered in spades.
So, why am I needing and intervention.
How many guitars do you really need?
As my wife is fond of asking “how many guitars do you really need?” I laugh, because all guitarists will clearly tell you that the perfect number is just one more.
A couple of months ago, I got one of those marketing emails from Martin for a “new” model, an 012-28 Modern Deluxe, that is a modern interpretation from one of the guitar styles they made in the pre-war era (that is Dub-Dub Dos). A parlor style guitar, 12 fret, that was a popular style of guitar from the late 19th century.
It is expensive as fuck. $4,600. It has their vintage tone system (that is pre-aged top, and special bracing), it is unique, and I want one.
Of course, I do not need one, and they are somewhat “rare” as in not easy to find at local stores.
In a way that is good. As if I put my hands on one, I would likely whip out my AmEx card for it.
I need an intervention to save me from myself…
Coda
The real shame is that 20 years ago, I might have justified a purchase of a fine instrument like this. But the quandary is that when I could have properly used it (pre-arthritis), I couldn’t afford it.
That is the real shame. Now that I can afford any instruments that I want, I can’t justifiably get the value out of it besides having a beautiful piece of audible art in my possession.
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