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February 2010

1 February 2010 :: Classical GAS!

Gear Acquisition Syndrome strikes again!

This time, it's not about fancy electronics, or even fancy chunks of wood with bits of electrical appliances bolted on. Nope. Since getting a Crafter TA050 for Christmas, I've been spending loads more time playing acoustic guitar. And loving it!

The trouble is, one is not enough (yeah, I know I have seven acoustics already). I'm GASsing for a couple of different acoustic boxes at the moment. Top of the list, but furthest away in terms of saving up, is a decent archtop. I've been watching a few "vintage" examples on Ebay. Unfortunately, even really sorry looking examples of guitars that were "entry level" when they were first built are selling for stupid prices. I thought I was in luck on a Hofner Congress last night. It had sat at £90 for a few days. I made up my mind and slapped on the amount I thought it was worth (£120). In the last few seconds it spiralled up to over £220.

There's also a few Rosettis that folk are asking silly money for, despite the fact that they're not a brilliant guitar to start with. And most of the ones I've looked at have "issues". I've decided to keep saving a while longer and start looking for a new Godin 5th Avenue...

However, the problem with looking at guitars on the 'bay is that you come across other items you didn't know you "needed". Since giving away my Tanglewood classical, I've developed a strong urge to have one in my collection again. Okay, so I already have two. But one is a 7/8 size and the other is a bowl-back electro-acoustic. My GAS is telling me that I've got to add a "traditional" shaped one to my collection. Again, seen a few, but keep missing the ones that really appeal. I want something quite old that has had time to develop its tone. At the same time, I don't want to pay stupid money, just because someone thinks it's worth a fortune due to its age!

And to top off the GAS, I've now fallen in lust with the idea of a Gypsy Jazz "Grande Bouche" style acoustic. Again, they command silly prices. Time to start selling body parts...

Almost a blog is where you'll find all the archived front pages from the site.

Dragondreams Guitar Forum is where I tend to hang out these days...

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