Is it a tool or is it an obsession ?

Bod1

I know there are those that see a guitar is a functional tool, it can get battered, worn to within an inch of it's life and resurrected when the frets are gone and general wear and tear needs some attention.

On the flip there is the obsessives, keep it clean, admire the looks and form and the playability and functionality comes second. Looking at some of the great guitar players they've had a number one they've played for their entire career.

I know there's the intermediate, the rat that's used for gigs etc, and the pin ups at home but where do you fall ?

Alanstrainor

My guitar is purely a functional tool. Don't take enough care of them at all!

-Chris-

It's always been a tool for me, I can't think of anything worse than having some furniture-grade guitar - I think I'd be afraid to touch it.

Gaspode

Functional mainly but with a bit of TLC along the way.
So somewhere in the middle maybe!

ham_n_mustard

i just took a sander and a few cans of spray paint to my musicman stingray 5....nuff said

PaulieBoy

Mine still has the tags on it ! ...

CianRyan

Definitely a passion but I LOVE the look of a beat up strat so it goes both ways.
My guitars are shiny with lumps of paint missing.

Amps are tools though.

dazberry

I have both. The ones that are nearly 20 years old and like new, obsession :eek:. The ones that are a bit battered or bruised, tools...

D.

Rigsby

While I regard them as a tool, I must admit that I like to take care of them. If they get nicks and dings, then so be it, but I'm not careless, and would always try to avoid this where possible. For example I always use a guitar stand, and would never dream of leaving a guitar propped up against a speaker cab etc. I usually wipe down the strings and polish the body, after a gig or practice session. It must be part of my personality, as it is not just guitars, but I'm inclined to take care of all my belongings. Maybe it is because I am an old dinosaur and come from a time when money was scarce ( well.. a previous time when money was scarce ), and was taught to look after my belongings. When you think of it, the very fact that it is a tool of your "trade," is all the more reason to look after it. Granted everyone is different.

il gatto

Rigsby wrote: »

While I regard them as a tool, I must admit that I like to take care of them. If they get nicks and dings, then so be it, but I'm not careless, and would always try to avoid this where possible. For example I always use a guitar stand, and would never dream of leaving a guitar propped up against a speaker cab etc. I usually wipe down the strings and polish the body, after a gig or practice session. It must be part of my personality, as it is not just guitars, but I'm inclined to take care of all my belongings. Maybe it is because I am an old dinosaur and come from a time when money was scarce ( well.. a previous time when money was scarce ), and was taught to look after my belongings. When you think of it, the very fact that it is a tool of your "trade," is all the more reason to look after it. Granted everyone is different.

This. Even if it's only a tool, a good workman takes care of his tools. If the lacquer gets worn, a couple of little scratches, nickel gets tarnished, so be it. That's all unavoidable. but I'm very careful with most things I own. Not obsessive, just can't bear to destroy something nice and can't stand having to buy the same thing twice when a bit of respect for something could avoid it.
A nice guitar is like a supermodel. Gorgeous to look at, proud to be seen with her, highly strung and needs tlc, but if ya don't use her , what's the point?

Portlawslim

il gatto wrote: »

This. Even if it's only a tool, a good workman takes care of his tools. If the lacquer gets worn, a couple of little scratches, nickel gets tarnished, so be it. That's all unavoidable. but I'm very careful with most things I own. Not obsessive, just can't bear to destroy something nice and can't stand having to buy the same thing twice when a bit of respect for something could avoid it.
A nice guitar is like a supermodel. Gorgeous to look at, proud to be seen with her, highly strung and needs tlc, but if ya don't use her , what's the point?

Spot on:cool: