Greetings -

I figured it was about time I come out of lurk-mode and introduce myself since I've been reaping the benefits of this place for several months, I feel like I know some of you guys already so it'd be rude not to at least say hi!

Ok, old-ish dude here - professional photographer by trade. I turned 52 a couple of months ago and I'm new to Strats, new to Fender ... and new to guitars. Yep, another complete rookie.

Over the years, I've toyed with the idea of learning guitar but never did anything about it until a couple of years ago when I made the bonehead move of buying one of those cheap "beginner strat packs" at the nearest GC (60 miles away). Messed with it for a day or so and promptly took it back.

The desire didn't really go away but that was it for my guitar journey until 6 months ago when I did the same stupid thing again - on impulse, I bought another one of the crap kits - at a local bookstore of all places! Fret ends like razors ...

So, back it went too ... only this time I drove straight from that store to the local mom and pop guitar store down the street and asked for help. The owner was great - spent a couple of hours with me going over everything from acoustics to electrics. I was almost sold on a used Ibenez electric but at the last minute, I picked up a NOS 2008 MIM Strat hanging on the wall - in black. It felt great - nothing like the cheap kits - very smooth neck and the fret ends were like silk. So that's what I came home with along with a used Fender G-DEC jr. to practice with. He even did a routine setup for me at no charge and installed a fresh set of strings.

Brought it home, played it, loved it ... and I was on my way. And that's where the trouble began. (and my fear is that it's only going to get worse. Much worse.)

What's the trouble you ask? Well, six months ago, I had never even "owned" one guitar and now I have ... FOUR! Since the MIM, I've purchased an '09 MIA Strat from GC during the rebate deal (oly white - maple), a cheap acoustic for $50, a Super Champ XD, and just last night, I pulled yet another trigger on the Special Mahogany Strat at Musician's friend for $1080. (btw, MF has a 20% off deal on all things Fender right now). But WTF ... other than a few licks and chords, I can't even play!!! (having a blast trying tho' and no plans to stop...)

No, I'm not so naive to think better gear will help me to learn faster (the MIM was more than I needed for years to come - fully aware that I'm the bottleneck right now), it's just that I've become obsessed with these damned things you guys call Stratocasters! Jeesh - I'm constantly monitoring eBay, Craigslist, and several online stores looking to score my next GAS fix! (sure didn't take me long to understand THAT acronym!!)

Guys, I'm not wealthy by any stretch - just a poor working stiff really. I can't keep this up! So for you guitar vets ... is there any help for me? A 12-step program, perchance? A help line? Something - anything? I mean, there must be some sort of rule stating you're not allowed to have a "herd" until you've been at this for at least a couple of years, right?

Ok, that's the long-winded (sorry) intro. Now comes the thanks ...

I've learned SO much in here the last few months. I feel I now can walk into GC and not feel completely intimidated (not because of ability of course, but because I'm a bit more knowledgeable now). This is TRULY one of the friendliest and most helpful forums I've experienced and I've been on many. I just wanted to remind you forum regulars that you help more people than you realize.

So for the other lurkers out there - and me - thank you.

-phil

(Yeah, I know "pics or it didn't happen" ... and I certainly can't claim to be a photog and then not post any ... they're coming. But after my new Mahogany love arrives!)

Hey Phil, congratulations on exposing yourself , for want of a better term.

And way to go at guitar like a kid in a candy shop. Them special mahogany's are beautifull instruments.

Myself, I've experperienced a big buy on gear this last year and a bit. Its not good particularly at your begginer level. Like you I'm just a regular bloke who stuggles with everyday stuff.

What I did, I stopped looking at online shops. When I looked at other peoples instruments I thought of all the ways they were unsuitable for me. I started that plan of action 6 months ago. I can safely say theres no gear on this planet that I want now. I've had been toying with the idea of getting a gibson to beat up a bit. I've ditched the idea though, its just not suitable for me. I am tempted by the special mahogany though.

You've got the gear now you have to play it. I suggest going to a few open mic' nights and getting friendly with a few folk there. Just be honest about your abilities etc. You'll soon be jamming with others and picking stuff up off them. If theres one thing all muso's need/want is to be heard, whether they admit it or not.

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No no and no

Great intro StratShooter. I've not yet found a complete cure for GAS but with time you will find that you'll own "the" guitar and amp that suits your needs and Gas does ease but never really disappears.
Welcome to the forum and keep posting.

Welcome to the forum Stratshooter!!!!

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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

I'll welcome you (I'm new myself) but take your post seriously.

If you cannot literally stop yourself from buying more and more guitars and yes beyond your income, you have a problem. I am not going to laugh it off as GAS...which can actually harm people's relationships and life.

There are people who have compulsions to buy all kinds of things: cologne/after shave, etc...if you don't believe me, dip into the Basenotes website where they in fact have an abuse clinic for people wjo keep buying colognes in the "fragrance hobby" some of them quite expensive and ending up with 100 or more bottles (like a department store).

It can become a form of abuse towards one's self, and I'm not going to joke about it with anyone.

The fact that you mention 12 Step suggests you already see it as a potential problem at the least.

They call them the "deadly sins" for a reason.

And I say these things to you since you sound like a great person.

As an aside, usually these compulsions esp. with sudden onset can fulfill a void in one's life or in connection with some loss. There is also such a thing as an addictive personality.

If you've got tons of money that's one thing; if you don't, that's another.

It's been my experience that the more active a musician, the less GAS they have typically, I say, typically.

Greatest exception: David Gilmor. But he's a millionaire.

Want vs. Need is a hard lesson...and most of us struggle with that, so you're not alone.

To put things in a context: it's become very popular to use phases like "spirituality" less popular to include prayer, fasting and almsgiving...in short, esp. the Western mind prefers the "idea" of things vs. the nitty gritty...to the point that even something like Zen becomes a headtrip, a talkfest.

The asceticism you can learn can transfer over to better guitar playing I believe. Because you will face some frustrations and as they say ain't easy...and MOST guitarists OVERPLAY...

The best to you...

Have you considered taking lessons? Anytime you can work with another guitarist, you are almost guaranteed to pick something up. Sometimes you have to pay to get something from them in the form of lessons. There are so many subtleties that help with doing certain techniques. I don't even think about things like palm muting, pick angle, muting strings not being played,pick harmonics ect, and I am not sure how I got those techniques, but I am sure there were times when someone told me to hold my pick at a certain angle, or choke up on the pick, ect that those things became second nature after awhile.

So what I am saying is try to take your excitement and focus it on the playing aspect. If you still are experiencing GAS, you may want to start checking out more amps too. Not that there is anything wrong with the ones you got, but this is where most of my gas gets focused. Now I have amps that I still am tweaking to find new tones in. I love it.

Also, sometimes getting GAS actually slows your progression. When I was a kid my mom bought my first guitar and amp. I never got another for 13 years until I could afford to buy my own. Once I got bored with the equipment experimentation I had nothing else to focus on but my playing.

Then I got new stuff like preamps and cabs, and I was so blown away by the tone I now had, that I litereally did not practice, I was so happy just playing with the new tones and effects, that I did not progress for years

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Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

Great follow up!

If you want to spend some money on lessons...

also, if you are able, help those less fortunate than yourself, support some worthy charity, or even give your time.

Hey, thanks for the welcome guys and thanks for the advice.

I get what you all are telling me and I wholeheartedly agree. It's the same thing I tell photo enthusiasts about buying photo gear - don't get caught it up it because at such an early stage, you have no clue what you need - knowledge and experience is king. I tell them that ultimately, it's the tool between the ears that's most important and a new lens doesn't help that in the least. Photography, like guitar playing is an art. The tools are an important aspect, but the most important is the person driving those tools. I've been at it long enough that I'm beyond drooling over the latest and greatest (well, mostly), but you have to understand that photographers are gear heads by nature. I still have a passion for photography so I keep up on what's new and hot, but it's no longer my only passion.

nikininja -
You don't know it but I actually hold you responsible for my latest purchase. Let me explain.

I fell in love with that Special Mahog ever since first seeing it a few months ago. I don't think I've seen a sexier guitar. I know looks aren't the most important thing, or even very important (especially for a beginner), but that is one purr-dy guitar! It's essentially a special edition AM Deluxe and I've noticed they hold their value pretty well - given my vast, 6 mo. Strat experience, I'd think the uniqueness of this model would only add to that. So in addition to the looks, the added features and potential value retention really gave me the wants. But there was no way I'd buy it for $1600. Then I noticed MF recently dropped the price to $1350. Better, but no. Then, this 20% off all Fender deal comes along, putting the price at $1080. That weakened me up pretty effectively. I was waffling on and off for the last couple of days and was ready to put the thought out of mind ....

And then I read a comment you made to someone last night, that if you were buying right now, the Spec Mahog is what you'd be looking at because you thought they were pretty great too. That, my new friend - pushed me over the edge! It's YOUR fault, LOL!

I didn't mean to come off in my OP like I don't have a passion for playing and learning as much as I do the tools because I absolutely do. Most days I can't wait to get home and get that Strat in my hands. I read somewhere that Hendrix used to sleep with his guitar. I haven't gone that far (a bit unsettling that I actually don't find the practice that strange), but I have been known to kick back in the recliner and watch a full-length feature film while mindlessly strumming unplugged scales or chords the whole time. The thing just FEELS GOOD in my hands and I honestly don't want to put it down. (If only I didn't have to eat!)

The difficulty for me seems to be practicing what I want vs. what I should. I mean, learning a new lick is fun and provides instant gratification, but I'm not really gaining anything, (other than muscle memory). From hanging out here, I understand that rhythm is the end-all, be-all of great (or even good), playing - and it's what I spend the least amount of time on. I do have a bit of free time over the holidays so I'll make a focused effort to rectify that.

But, but ... play in front of, uhm ... people? Gulp. I fully intended my playing to be for my own fun and enjoyment to do at home, but I am determined to be a guitar player. If you say playing for, and in front of others is necessary, then so be it. Not sure if there's an open mic night in these parts but I'll check into it. Thanks. Think I've just come up my new sig.
Hit 'em like no one's listening ...

firststrat -
Yes, I've considered lessons but the only guy in town apparently isn't that good of an instructor. (I live in a small towm) I do have a guitar-wielding co-worker I can get together with, although he's a Flying V guy and deep into Metallica. I like some of their stuff, but blues and classic rock are more my thing. I imagine it's worth doing, regardless. Thanks.

Most of my learning so far has been online and DVDs - the good majority from justinguitar.com. (great site and a great guy!)

njupasaka123 -
Thank you for the concern but no need to worry. It's not really a compulsion, but a passion. A fine line to be sure but my limits are in check. The MIM is actually for sale right now on Craigslist and the MIA may be next (maybe). And if I don't absolutely love the newest member when the shiny brown truck arrives, it goes back. Two Strats will be my limit for quite a while. (famous last words, right)

Question: Any way to use a custom avatar? I think I can do better than the Fender offerings.

Thanks again, guys. Think I'll be here a while ....

-phil

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Then again, what do I know ... I've only been playin' for 6 months ... !

welcome to the forums. always great to have another fender maniac around these parts. Stay long and post whatever you need to say.

Tanner

no it's not possible. dosn't it just suck.

Tanner

I'm in the same boat with you my friend. I woke up after my 36th birthday (I am now 37) and just had to have a guitar. Never played, never thought about playing. I first bought a fender acoustic and didn't like it...returned it for a Takamine beauty and THEN for Fathers day last year my wife walks into GC with me and goes "here ya go Babe" it was a 2008 electron blue MIM HSS with a 20w Raven Amp....I was and still am in heaven. Now I can pretty much "play" with whatever comes on the radio....I call it playing anyway.....Go for it........here she is.............

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Your Fender HSS Standard Stratocaster in Electron Blue was made at the Fender Ensenada Plant in Mexico in the Year: 2008.
Final Assembly Date: July 30th, 2008
Model Number: 013 4700 587
Serial # MZ8031252

Welcome!

Yep, you've jumped right onto the GAS and everything else bandwagon.

Be careful with this whole GAS thing though, it can lead to clinical obsessiveness.

I once overheard a student I taught many years ago who went on to become a teacher himself, telling one of his students, "Sure, you can teach yourself, but with a teacher, you'll learn it all four years sooner." I never sat down and tried to figure out the actual logic and accuracy of his statement. Yet, I realized that his point was, a true teacher enlightens you, motivates you and guides you into good habits which will last a lifetime while at the same time, cuts through and out all the inefficiencies. My point: Get yourself a good teacher who will keep you focused and instead of giving in to instrument GAS, you'll be healthily giving into playing GAS.

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You dig?

Welcome to the forum Phil. You've started a wonderful journey that is our way of life. Enjoy......... Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Sage advice as usual Martian. Thanks.

I understand perfectly what your former student / teacher was saying. Essentially, the route for getting from point A (novice), to point B (skilled), will be much shorter and much more efficient in a structured learning environment - not to mention, they'll probably be better. Makes perfect sense.

While no client has ever asked to see my BA degree in photography, I'm a better photographer because it. There are many, many self-taught photographers (especially these days because of digital), but the vast majority really don't know what they're doing. There are exceptions of course, but I can usually spot those who are self-taught. There's no doubt in my mind that I would be a lessor photographer today had I took the self-taught route. Of course, "learning" never-ever stops so in reality, a structured learning environment simply provides a solid foundation for the jumping off point. Teaches you what you still need to learn so to speak.

At any rate, when I started this guitar journey a few months ago, my goal was simply learn to play. At that point, I didn't even know if I wanted electric or acoustic. What I hadn't counted on though was this entire sub-culture that opens up a whole 'nuther world.

First of all, when I become interested in something, I want to know everything about it. (hence, the reason I'm here). If I become passionate about it, I'm totally immersed.

Secondly, I'm a DIY kind of guy. I prefer to work on my own vehicles, rather than take 'em to a shop. I like woodworking (don't think I haven't read every page of Ceri's amazing "touching up" thread), I modify/repair my own computers, etc. In other words, I'm definitely NOT the type of guitar novice who takes their guitar to the shop to have the strings changed. Perhaps I'd be better off if it were different, but that's just not me. I've already bought a couple of Erwindale's books, set proper neck relief via the truss rod on my Am Std, set string height, intonation, etc. I've even changed the stock tuners to locking versions.

I'm also a sucker for a bargain. I got a great deal on my AmStd, and I think this new one as well. The only Strat I paid full price for was the MIM. I didn't intend to replace the MIM, but the prices were to good to pass up. But yes, my GAS is cured for quite a while as the limit has been reached.

So you see, GAS is only part of it. In hindsight, the Strat world was probably the wrong choice for me to enter because there's so many peripheral aspects to it that interest me and they serve as distractions from actual playing. Should've gone for the acoustic. Heck, even now I could be playing instead of writing this.

But my eyes are still on the prize. My callouses aren't going away - I'm committed and determined to learn and I will. I admit it seems a bit overwhelming at times - should I learn chords, rhythm, notes on the neck, what order? (yep, good case for proper instruction) But I got into this to have fun. These other aspects, while I agree are hinderance to actual learning, are fun for me as well. Can't change who I am.

Sincerely, I appreciate your comments. Hope Santa brings you that new Tele.

-phil

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Then again, what do I know ... I've only been playin' for 6 months ... !

Hey there StratShooter, welcome. Nice to meet you.

For me I've had three guitars since I started last December. My first a white standard strat. But because of an issue with my left hand I needed to switch to playing left handed after two months of lessons.

I traded my beloved first strat in on a standard sunburst lefty Tele. In time found out I pretty much hated playing the Tele because the cable always hit my leg, the strings were farther apart and I really think the Strat is way cooler looking.

So at lunch one day I found myself in my local GC. I stopped by the lefty corner and saw a midnight wine and rosewood Strat on sale for $294! They weren't going to carry that color combo in the store anymore. Before I new it I was walking out with my new love.

Long story short I traded in my Tele towards a new Fender Hot Rod Blues Junior amp. Now as far as I'm concerned I'm set for life. Maybe down the road a few years when I can really play I'll "reward" myself with a MIA strat.

Have fun and Rock On!