A few things that irritate me when trying guitars in store;

1. Guitars out of tune
2. Amps that require a manual to use
3. Other customers playing on 11 all the time
4. No free cables
5. Not being able to compare the new guitar sound to my current one, cuz the amps are so different

Since I have to drive for 2 hours to get to a guitar store and would like to avoid dealing with the above; I have started to bring these items.


I have found these things very useful for sorting the "lookers from the cookers". I can tune any guitar quickly. I know what my guitars at home sound like through the Ampeg so I have a resonably fair comparison and can decide if the guitar is different enough to justify a closer look.

The Ampeg also seems to embolden me to play more and maybe better. (The only time I had someone in the store comment that I sounded pretty good, was when I was using the Ampeg) If I become seriously interested in one or more guitars then I plug them into a store amp and spend a little time with them.

So... what do you think? Things I should add?
BTW I have engraved my initials into the tuner and Amplug so there is no question as to whether or not I own them.

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'09 Am Deluxe Ash Strat
'09 Mex Standard Strat
'10 Mex Standard Tele
Champ 600
Blues jr.
'65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

I'd say- bring a rag so you can wipe off the crud from others playing the same guitar!!!

Yes, I started wearing my strap while playing when sitting, and it makes a world of difference. My fretting hand is absolutely free of any weight. It makes a difference. I also bring a tuner to the guitar store, and the guitars are Never in tune, But even more irritating than that is the strings are in terrible shape. It bothers me most when trying out acoustics, The humidity is so high in the room, that all the strings have rusted. Makes me wonder about the condition of the guitars. I can take an electric guitar new in the box, But I really need to play an acoustic before I want to own it.

Pick - Check
Tuner - Check

Ready!

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Very cool idea!

I always have a slide with me, and since I don't use a pick, that's taken care of, but I didn't think about one of those little Vox boxes...hmmm.

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Good Vibes To Y'all!



Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals

Plectrum. Credit card.

Anything else is surpurfluous..

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

Do those Vox pocket amps fit into the Stratocaster jack? I already have everything else at my disposal. Most of the time I go into the store, I carry my little tuner, and pic. But with the odd angle of the Stratocaster jack, I never bought one (thinking it wouldn't fit).

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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

Try sitting with the guitar in the correct position for a classical guitarist. You will find you will not need the strap when sitting.

Instead of the guitar resting on your right thigh ( if you play right handed ) rest the guitar on your left thigh. the upper bout of the body should be just touching/resting against your ribs,
The lower bout below the strap button, should be against your right inner thigh. Now your guitar is anchored at three points, which allows unhindered mobility for your picking but more importantly your fretting hand. ( it is impossible to play technical passages if you are trying to hold the guitar neck up while at the same time attempting to fret notes and chords.)
Also your left leg should be elevated slightly, ( they make little adjustable foot stools just for that purpose. Also while sitting, the position should be so your legs are bent at about 90 degree's .Most importantly your body is not twisted and you can breathe correctly and not develop chronic aches and pains resulting from bad posture.

To clarify, any good Classical guitar methodology manual will get into more detail about posture for playing, or as it is named.. Pedagogy.

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

When I'm shopping I'm generally at the local Guitar Center. I try to avoid times of day when all the boppers are in there trying out guitars they'll never be able to afford, thus allowing me to play and HEAR myself. As far as tuning, many amps today (including Fenders) have onboard tuners, so I usually hit one of those amps first, then move around a bit. I know the techs there, so I frequently have them wipe a guitar down before I play it if it's all fingerprinted or make them knock off 10%!

I make sure I have a pick and my Gear Card and that the wife's nowhere close by.

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Dennis in CR
Rockin' since 1963

Look's like you have everything but the sack full of Money. Please fill me in when you find that one.

That's a good idea if you ask me! Will need to bear this in mind for my next trip to the guitar shop, as it's quite far from me.



Also a good idea, a lot of the guitars I have tried recently have been pretty grubby

Drew

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You can't win them all, if you did, where would you keep them?

2010 Fender MIM strat in candy apple red w/ rosewood board
2010 PRS SE Tremonti single cut, vintage cherry red
2009 Squier "tiredcaster" modded strat w/ big hairy wiring R.I.P

rkreisher,

The Amplug fits into a strat just fine.

fjbass,

I hadn't thought of bringing a strap, thanks.

Certainly, going at "off-peak" times would help but it is hard to do when you are so far away, most of the time I have a number of other things that I need to do in town so the guitar store is often the last stop before heading home. I realize I really don't need this stuff but having these things in the pocket of my sweatshirt has just made my visits much more enjoyable.

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'09 Am Deluxe Ash Strat
'09 Mex Standard Strat
'10 Mex Standard Tele
Champ 600
Blues jr.
'65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

Rather clever idea, good on you with the kit.

A guitar shop survival kit an excellent idea!!!!!!

The ampeg is a great idea as I am a Vox man i tend to look for a Vox to try out any possible purchases.

will try out your idea next time i'm in my local store

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ukraider
"money cant buy you love but it can buy guitars!!!!!!"

Thanks for the Tips Magnatone, I will certainly try that out. I do have a footstool, but have rested my right foot on it instead of the left. I usually rest the guitar on my right, But I'll try the left.