I would just like to say i am grateful to have my 2 strats my original 1974 natural strat and my squier strat they are my therapy when this world is violent and i get upset at the way things are in these times not sure about you guys but my therapy is being alone in my room and playing my favorite songs don't mean to rant just like to share my passion for my instrument and how its helping me through the tough bumps in life, feel free to comment

Probably off topic for this forum, but I'll add this: we are all very blessed to be able to enjoy the simple pleasure of playing guitar. In the grand scheme of things, there are far bigger issues in life than weather alder is superior to poplar and all the other nuances that we love discussing on forums like this. Just be grateful for what you have and enjoy life. Now let me get back to this game and see if my Steelers can get it together and beat the Cowboys (sorry Dad; RIP)!

that is true there i sure dont take guitar paying for granted i am glad to have it in my life because i use it to escape from this world when i feel i need to get away a far better choice then alcohol and drugs in my opinion

I remember them days, when I'd vent myself. Or more accurately calm myself down with the guitar.
Sadly these days, in my older age, it's just beer and drugs for relaxation. Nah seriously though, guitar doesn't do that for me anymore. Different life to when it did and different problems to face.

One immense pleasure is the realization that I have very few people to please. Any one else can sling it if they do my head in. I'm here for a good time, not a long time.

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No no and no

Guitar still does it, the problem is, Monday always rolls around again, and the electric bill shows up again. Hate turning on the news anymore. I guess we can tell which world leaders never paid attention in history class.

Oh, well, back to my midnight wine Strat.

Art

It was my shelter in my younger days. Now it's a comfortable ol' friend...

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Guitar for me is a way to relax and unwind from life. I can lose myself in music far awhile and let the stress of the day flow out from my finger tips.

Dave.

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2012 Fender American Standard Strat
2011 60th Anniversary Telecaster
2011 Epiphone Dot
2010 Squire Affinity Strat
early 2000's Ovation Celebrity
2012 Limited Edition Fender Blues Junior III
Fender Frontman 10g

In my mind, my life will not be complete until I can play and compose JS, AL, and SRV quality songs. It is my hobby, my passion, my sanctuary...it's who I am outside of the "workplace."

I was dead tired about 2-hours ago, picked up a guitar and went straight to Heaven on Earth! I feel like I just woke up after a good night's rest, which I haven't had in many decades.

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"The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a Conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists. The American mind simply has not come to a realization of the evil which has been introduced into our midst." J. Edgar Hoover

great posts Fellas and any ladies (if so marry me) I agree with everyone here to me it's a drug I honestly am addicted considering I spend most of my time at work staring at pics of strats mostly vintage I hope these feelings never wear off and I cure my bad emotions with 6 string therapy

Hey Art can you post a pick of that midnight wine strat my favorite color is wine red it sounds like a nice color if it were me id add a maple board

Guitars are tools for me, nothing more, nothing less.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Well put Tamey, you are not alone.

If you look at how the masses embrace the mainstream, you notice it is skewed to the negative.
You embrace a Strat (or a flute or a Moog or whatever floats your boat) and suddenly, you're above it.

True, life has its re-occuring deadlines, obligations, and accountabilities,
so a little Strat-a-dulgence (or a lot) is never a bad thing.
(and if some is good... more is better)

...a tool???

"Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted."

...I'm confused. Gift, tool...yeah, technically, the guitar itself is a tool, but the act of playing it is a gift, correct? Finding "therapy" in it is a gift too...correct?

Such a tool!

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"The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a Conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists. The American mind simply has not come to a realization of the evil which has been introduced into our midst." J. Edgar Hoover

Without playing guitar I would be a serial killer.
Well, some sort of. It is a good way to channel my emotions, the good ones and the bad ones.

Cheers,
Robin

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http://www.youtube.com/robinstrower
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+1

cheers

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It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting - paulo coelho