Today I went to the guitar store in hopes of buying a guitar in the $600 range. I searched and searched but nothing really stood out, but then my guitar teacher who was there with me pointed behind the counter to a group of nice looking guitars. The guitars were some of the shop's prime instruments carrying the names of Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, and of course, Fender. I looked at these instruments with an expression of awe, and I wished that some day I could own such a work of art. Then, laughing at the prices of the Gibson SG and Les Pauls I passed, I came upon four Fender American standard stratocasters. I played the first and was impressed, but i played the second and was in love. She had a three tone sunburst and a maple neck that welcomed my hands with the love of a mother. I could not wipe the obvious signs of nirvana off my face, and I looked like a child first meeting his new puppy. When I looked at the price tag, it said only $899. I almost jumped in the air. While playing the other Fenders to see how they compared, I could not stop thinking about the one that called me by name. The guitar was now taken off the shelf yet again and a tube amp was fired up. Once again, shivers went down my spine. I didn't care if it was $900, but I did lower it to $800 because the employees shared the same enthusiasm about music that I do. I only had enough money on me for a down payment, but she'll be coming home on Wednesday. She'll be coming home.

If you have any stories of connections with guitars please post them. It's a great feeling and the tale should be told. I'll have pictures up as soon as possible.

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Blues is easy to play, but hard to feel.
-- Jimi Hendrix, quoted in: Charles Shaar Murray, Crosstown Traffic (1989)

Congrats on your new guitar. I'm sure it talked to you that day. There are very special guitars that you only have one chance at. If you go back it will probably be gone.

I've played a couple of those special guitars myself but didn't have the money. Fortunately I pieced one together that I think is special but needs to be finished. I've compared it to a custom shop and even the owner considered it equal. Maybe someday I'll take it to his house so we can plug it into his Mesa and wake up the neighbors.

Congrats on the new axe

Congrat's on your new guitar and enjoy!

Question, why would you laugh at the Gibson and the Paul Reed Smiths?

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Think he meant the prices. But I dont think all PRS's are pricey?

300 posts, whoops.

Congrats on your new guitar and the deal you made. I believe that when the guitar speaks to you and you found the one, you should do whatever it takes to procure said guitar. This was my feeling when I bought my Highway 1 Stratocaster. Enjoy...

RK

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

It was like that with my '66 Jazzmaster. I was on the road with blues man Piney Brown around '82, and we played in Ft Wayne IN. We got to Ft Wayne early, and after checking into my room, went on a walk downtown.

I happened to stop in a pawn shop, and one the salesmen was cleaning the Jazzmaster, it didn't have any strings on it. I have to say, that I didn't know much about gear back in those days, but one of guitar idols Magic Slim played a Jazzmaster. I know cause I saw him with one on a album cover.

So I asked the guy how much was it, and he said $375 w/case. I told that I was a out-of town musician, and that I only come up with $340, I needed to have some money in my pocket. He agreed to that price, and the rest is history.



I recorded most all of the Born in the Ghetto http://tinyurl.com/mqxfmt with my Jazzmaster.

Here is a picture with me (and the Jazzmaster), Big John and Snapper



Lastly, it records great, here it is on a surf tune I wrote 'High Ten' http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6818279, it was #1 on the SoundClick charts .

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Tony Houston

I had not planned on buying my strat. I don't even know why I went in the store that day. Even then, I usually don't even go over to the hanging guitars. That day, I picked up my strat. The rest is history.

That was very poetic...congratz

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Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!

Good for you. Dig it.

Regmeister, congrats, I hope you get to bring your new baby home soon!

I know exactly how you feel because I have one more week to wait for my new little one, and like you, it was my guitar teacher who pointed it out to me. It's a lovely little guitar of...an alternative brand...but I'm very excited to get her home and turn her up loud.

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2008 MIM Strat w 3-tone sunburst
2002 LP Special Ebony Faded
2008 G-Dec
'59 Reissue Bassman 4x10 combo
TS 808
DS 1
Gretsch 6120DS (on loan)

Thanks for all the responses. As of today, I am the new owner of an American standard stratocaster. I should have pics up tomorrow. I can't stop playing

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Blues is easy to play, but hard to feel.
-- Jimi Hendrix, quoted in: Charles Shaar Murray, Crosstown Traffic (1989)