An Introduction - A Plea - And Gratitude

guitslinger · **Posted:** Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:31 pm

Welcome Stratshooter,I can fully empathize with you I have bought 5 guitars and 2 amps in the past year,all total I have 27 stringed instruments of which 24 are guitars.I have 7 or 8 amps and a hoard of effects pedals and I'm not stopping as long as I can draw a breath.I get an unexplainable feeling of satisfaction when I get a new guitar the feeling is addictive and has to be fed often.I too sit back with my guitar in hand when I watch television,I'm 55 and have had a guitar in my hands for 45 years.Keep plugging away,you definitely have the interest and perseverence to become a great guitarist.I'm completely self taught and never had a lesson outside the Mel Bay books I had when I started.It will all come together in time,some websites are great resources for beginning guitarists.

BitstreamCowboy · **Posted:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:14 am

Hey StratShooter!

Welcome to the world of Fender! I just a bloke like you, not a rep so don't take my opening words as coming from *them*. You've got a good stable and you're off to a great start. I bought a GDEC-30 for a practice amp and I absolutely love it! It's a great learning tool as well as an awesome warm up tool before a gig. I love how light it is because it allows me tote it around with the rest of my gear and play pretty much how I sound with my rig on stage while I'm waiting back stage.

StratShooter · **Posted:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:44 am

Quote:

Hey there StratShooter, welcome. Nice to meet you.

Great to meet you too, tagg!

So you're right-handed but had to switch to playing as a lefty? How difficult was that? I've often thought I'd be better off going that route since I have much more finger control (and reach) with my right. (Sometimes I think the fingers on my left have a mind of their own, lol.) But I have noticed there's been definite improvement since I started so I suppose I'll get there in time. I wonder if there's many r-handed guitarist who play lefty?

Sounds like you got a great wife there - congrats! The MIM series really do seem like a quality instrument. The only real difference I've noticed between mine and my AmStd are the strings are a bit closer together on the MIM. It's a small difference but my fat fingers appreciate the wider spacing on the MIA. Also, the MIM fret ends more beveled than the MIA. Sliding up and down the neck, I can barely feel the ends at all on the MIM whereas they're much more evident on the MIA. I don't know if that's good or bad but it doesn't really bother me. I've read you don't want too much fret bevel or you begin to lose "playing surface", so to speak. Pros and cons I guess.

Thought long and hard about the Blues Jr, but went with the SCXD because of the lower price and greater versatility. I'm actually waiting for it's replacement to arrive because some of the distortion voices sounded strange - like the sound was cutting in and out during sustain. Maybe it's normal for this hybrid amp but it didn't sound right. Cleaner channels sound awesome, though!

Quote:

Welcome Stratshooter,I can fully empathize with you I have bought 5 guitars and 2 amps in the past year,all total I have 27 stringed instruments of which 24 are guitars.I have 7 or 8 amps and a ...

Hey, thanks for the welcome, guitslinger! But oh man, 24 guitars!? Yikes, I'm in trouble. :shock:

So you started when you were 10 yrs-old? That's become a regret - that I waited so long to get into this. Why, oh why was I into building model cars at that age!? Fender could be producing StratShooter signatures by now! (or more likely, I'd simply have a guitar wing!)

Quote:

Welcome to the world of Fender! ... You've got a good stable and you're off to a great start. I bought a GDEC-30 for a practice amp ...

Thanks manabu! You know, I thought about selling the G-Dec Jr (pretty weak, tone-wise), but then I remembered the learning aspects, what with the built in metronome, backing track loops and mp3 capability. Plus I do need the headphone out when I don't want to abuse the neighbors. Thanks for the encouragement.

Seriously, everyone - thank you for the warm welcome. Also, the great advice, and especially the encouragement! I have the gear, the determination and with this great place as a resource, I can't lose!

See ya' on stage ...

-phil

nikininja · **Posted:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:54 am

Ah mate. Them G-dec's are not weak at all. Infact I think their a damn sight better than a lot of fenders all valve range.

Trust me mate, its the way you use em and what you use em for. With where you are as a player I'd be more inclined to go for one of them than even the super or vibrochamp xd's. Theres a lot of mileage in them little amps. Despite having a few very tasty amps the Vibrochamp is my amp of choice at home, its just so easy to use. Plug any guitar in and get a half usable sound for nearly anything you want. If there had been a G-dec in the shop, I'd have walked out with that instead.

redsoxfan2 · **Joined:** Sun Oct 18, 2009 8:51 am **Posts:** 57

StratShooter wrote:

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? :shock:

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!) :lol:

hey Stratshooter i started playing about 6 months ago as well.my first purchase was a gibson Les Paul Studio from GC and a fender frontman 65 amp.well since then i bought a American deluxe ash Strat,a Seagull Portrait series acoustic and an Egnater Rebel 30 amp.I dont even have to tell you how much they all cost, and i cant stop !!!!! i also need help. I completely understand your love and passion though we do not play well.
anyway keep looking for great deals and remember pay your rent FIRST then buy new gear!!!!!

bill948 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 9:31 am

Hi Phil, and welcome,
Well there are a bunch of us "Nuts" around here!, You are in good company my friend.
Im in your same line of business, Im a school day photographer, and I wonder why we dont take our own advise when it comes to buying gear...
As I like to say "Look at all of this gear, and I still suck"

Well anyway, welcome and good luck.
Bill

ZZDoc · **Posted:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:07 am

Hey Dude! Three of your Forum mates enjoyed a great lunch together at the Aruba Cafe on the 18th. We hope to repeat the event at another venue in late Feb early March so keep your eyes on the Lounge.

Doc

rkreisher · **Posted:** Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:01 pm

StratShooter,

First of all, welcome to the Forum. Nice to meet you.

I just a regular worker-bee myself. At one point I owned 3 amps, 5 guitar, and hoards of effects pedals (Still have 6 now). I have been playing for severel years (over 20 years now) and still consider myself a hobbiest.

As far a Guitar/Gear Aquisition Syndrome (GAS), I do not know a guitarist who dos not experience it. I too am GASing for a new amp and guitar (always looking for the next ones).

A few years ago I got back into Stratocasters (actually I have always liked Stratocasters, but thought they were a bit over-priced) and started selling and scaling back on gear. I figured I would rather have quality gear than just a bunch of gear. I own only 2 Strats, 2 practice amps, and various pedals now.

I like to say that there is a cure for GAS, unfortunately there is not. I frequent this site to see other people's gear in an effort to keep me out of the guitar shops.

I have found that 3 electric guitars, 1 acoustic, and 2 amps has been the magic number for me. I try not to go over that limit. I do have room for 2 more pedals, but can hold off on that for now (until I get a new tube amp and/or Guitar).

Thank you for sharing your story, guitarist/musicians need a 12 step program.

My name is Richard and I have Guitar(gear) Aquisition Syndrome. I have been Aquisition free for 90 days now.

RK

BitstreamCowboy · **Posted:** Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:33 pm

rkreisher wrote:

My name is Richard and I have Guitar(gear) Aquisition Syndrome. I have been Aquisition free for 90 days now.RK

I lost my mother to GAS... she wouldn't let me own a guitar so had to I moved out... :cry:

prolog · **Posted:** Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:55 am

Martian wrote:

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.

Martian is right. And I can attest to the truth of this statement. I've been taking lessons on classical and electric guitar the last couple of years, and it's helped tremendously:

- my initial technique problems have been corrected, so things are easier, and I learn faster
- I'm motivated to play well for my teacher, meaning I practice more, and thus learn faster
- I learn things that might take a lot longer to pick up on my own
- I take classical and electric lessons with the same teacher, and so being able to take either guitar with me and go over what I've been working on is fantastic

GAS is bad. I find it strikes when I'm not playing. So, I try to play/record/write as much as possible. As a result, I've got a minimal setup (two electrics, a good tube amp, and four or five pedals) that I'm really happy with.

So my recommendations are:

- keep practicing!
- don't browse MF.com, it's the devil
- start taking lessons
- start writing and recording your own music. It's a really rewarding experience, and all you need are a USB preamp, a mic like an SM-57 or 58, and some free software like Audacity. My total cost was about $240, far less than the Strat I've been lusting after.

StratShooter · **Posted:** Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:53 am

Thanks for that, prolog. I appreciate the most excellent advice and I'll take heed. I'm investigating the instructor situation around here on a deeper level. Of course, you do realize that you've now got me shopping for preamps and mics, don't you!? :lol:

Actually, I bought a cheap USB interface (M-Audio USB), shortly after I got started - mostly to record my "starting point" using GarageBand. I toyed with the idea of Logic or Logic Express but of course, I have other priorities right now (like learning how to play!), and I certainly don't need another learning curve to get in the way. So that's on hold.

Thanks for pointing me to Audacity though - I'd always assumed it was Windows only since I never really paid much attention to the audio side of computing before now. I imagine a mic'd amp is the better way to go for recording (if you've got a good amp)? The interface I have does have mic capability, but - for my bank account's sake - my current setup will do for a while. Writing and recording does appeal to me though, in a big way.

I've got some catching up to do with responses to other gracious comments in this thread, but ... at the risk of many collective shaking heads ... if you all will excuse me for a bit, my new Mahogany Strat is here and has warmed up to room temp - gotta' open her up!!!

-phil

StratShooter · **Posted:** Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:58 am

Well, that was disappointing - the Deluxe Mahogany is going back.

The biggest problem is the fret ends don't seemed dressed at all. It's like they cut the bevels, waved some sand paper in front of them and said good enough. (Feels closer to the cheap "Starcaster" I bought early than my Oly white AmStd.) I know it's an easy fix but for this kind of money, it shouldn't need a fix. Another issue that never occurred to me is that because of the dark rosewood fretboard, the abalone dot inlays were almost impossible for me to see in playing position. As a beginner, I need to see those! In the end, I simply didn't love it so back she goes.

On the plus side, I'm back to "only" two Strats now and the GAS has subsided. While I did waste some time and energy, the experience gave me renewed respect for my Oly love - she's just sooo comfortable - like a well-washed, broken-in pair of jeans. Didn't get that at all with the new one - amazing how 2 guitars that are essentially the same can feel so different. "Try before you buy" - lesson learned. But I had to actually touch the stove to understand it was hot.

Called the local music store about guitar lessons and I'm going in today to sign up. Does $60 per month for 4 30-minute sessions (1 per week) sound right? The owner said he actually has 4 instructors and assured me I'd be happy with the results.

Any tips on what to ask or ways to determine if the instructor is suited to my needs? Obviously, a good or even great player isn't necessarily a good teacher.

Thanks!

-phil

StratShooter · **Posted:** Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:34 am

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Here she is ...!

-phil

gldfshkpr · **Posted:** Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:30 am

Hi Phil. Nice photos. I've enjoyed your posts as well. Have fun!

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