Huge screwup

[will]

Never, ever pick up a really amazing guitar. Just don't do it. It's a really bad idea, even if you suck at playing them.

I made the mistake of playing a Gretsch White Falcon a few weeks ago, and made it worse by playing a high end Easman archtop. There's a difference. Today, I made an even bigger mistake. The same shop has a 1959 Gibson ES 125 with a factory P90 but no cutaway. It makes more sound and has a much fuller, rounder tone unplugged than any archtop I have ever picked up, and it is about the same thickness as the usual Tele. It also weighs about three pounds.

I used to be unimpressed by people who spent lots of money on vintage guitars. Not so much anymore. Now I really want one, even though I can't do it justice. Add one more expensive future habit to the list.

So, there you have it. Never, ever, ever pick up anything like that. Stay away from spectacularly good vintage Gibsons. They are the devil.

[jesus]

Your assimilation is complete.

[will]

No, it isn't yet. If I ever find myself lusting after an ancient Fender, then it will be.

[jesus]

Nah, it's complete, you're just a Gibson geek.

[jeromeoneil]

Go with the Gretsch. It's cheap, flexible, and sounds fantastic, particularly if you run it through real valves.

But you should get the Gibson, too. And the Fender. And every man needs a Telecaster.

-J

[will]

My tele will be a mahogany thinline body with a mahogany baritone boat neck and P90s. In about 2018 when I actually have disposable income again.

The vintage Gibson is priced at about half the Gretsch and is a better guitar, although it doesn't have a Bigsby.

[jeromeoneil]

The Bigsby is what makes the sound. Al has one on his Gretsch, and it makes the whole thing work.

I'mma put one on my Dot, oneofthesedays.