Take it out
I spotted a neat juxtaposition in last month’s issue that underlined the muchdiscussed dilemma of what do you do with higher-end guitars – leave them in their cases or get ’em out and play ’em?
On page 64 we had Michael Ross talking about playing his original ’58 ’Burst on stage, then on page 112 Mike Patrick was asking which sub-£1,000 guitar you’d advise for gigging, so that he could leave his Custom Shop guitars at home!
There’s obviously no right or wrong, as it’s every player for themselves. But I would like to share with Mike Patrick the fact I have a 25-year-old USA Sunburst Strat, which I’ve owned since new and I love it. I play it every day, and, in its 25 years, it’s done lots of sessions and gigs.
But here’s the thing. My guitar has only two tiny dings, both of which were through me being clumsy at home. It has never been hurt once at a gig. I guess it doesn’t look new anymore. So, to Mike, my feeling is, if one of your Custom Shop guitars works for you, gig it. Show it off to people. Let people hear what you sound like playing it. If your guitars are any good, other guitar players will love to see them. Good guitars are like good cars. They look fine standing still, but are better when they are howling up a hill overtaking you! Mark Wilkins, via email Thanks for your thoughts, Mark. We’d certainly respect anyone’s decision to take a less-prized instrument to a gig, especially as we’ve all had stuff stolen over the years. But, at the end of the day, guitars are musical instruments and sharing their sound and the music made on them is what they were designed to do. The compromise? Well, get yourself properly insured – many insurers, such as Allianz, have specialist policies covering guitars for use at gigs, during transport and at home. While an instrument’s sentimental value may be irreplaceable, a dedicated musical insurance policy should cover you for the cost of a direct replacement should the worst happen in terms of accidents or theft. Be sure to check what you’re covered for before signing up, but if it all looks good, it could grant you enough peace of mind to take to the stage so you can share your pride and joy with the audience.