Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: gwEm on April 02, 2009, 10:17:57 PM

Title: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 02, 2009, 10:17:57 PM
i sometimes get the impression i'm in the minority of people who prefer a vintage axe on this board. lets see!
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Davey on April 02, 2009, 10:21:08 PM
custom ... i'm fairly picky, so if it's not really 100% what i want, i wont buy it... i did an impulse buy once and now i cant sell the guitar for peanuts :S
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 02, 2009, 10:33:21 PM
Off-the-shelf, not necessarily new but I like to feel no-one else has "left their mark" too much.

Nothing against custom, but there isn't any one design I've really set my heart on.  I could probably have 3 or 4 customs.... if money was no object.

I don't like vintage guitars, because I like to customise and I feel it's bad karma to mess with something that's been acquiring mojo for 30 or 40 years (hmmm, that's a bit third-eye of me... :wink:).  Again, if I had infinite funds I might be a collector - but I wouldn't customise those.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: WezV on April 02, 2009, 10:35:33 PM
i like vintage... or new custom built stuff... ah bugger it - i think i like most of them
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Twinfan on April 02, 2009, 10:43:05 PM
You can guess mine!

Off the shelf in the main  :)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Stevepage on April 02, 2009, 10:43:51 PM
My Carvin falls under custom so I voted custom. Though I usually buy second hand guitars that aren't too beat up. Would have another custom guitar if I could afford it.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Will on April 02, 2009, 10:53:09 PM
I like my guitars...

I like them too ;)

Personally, I don't care that much. I have played some Felines, and they are all superb. While my LP is not vintage, it is beat up, has mojo, and heavily modded.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Roobubba on April 02, 2009, 10:53:31 PM
Definitely custom!

Show me an off-the-shelf fanned fret 6 string with bridge pickup only, really nice woods, top end hardware and a unique body shape and I'll point out that I've already got it, thanks all the same :)

Roo
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: ailean on April 02, 2009, 11:03:49 PM
I voted vintage because I assume that means vintage style, e.g. Les Paul / Tele / Strat as opposed to Ibanez / ESP superstrats, or that awful stuff Dean do.

I don't care what year it's made, but I prefer vintage styles.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Jonny on April 02, 2009, 11:11:06 PM
I went for custom, as at the end of the day I'd want something that's perfect for me.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: indysmith on April 02, 2009, 11:18:49 PM
Definitely custom!

Show me an off-the-shelf fanned fret 6 string with bridge pickup only, really nice woods, top end hardware and a unique body shape and I'll point out that I've already got it, thanks all the same :)

Roo
Haha Roo you REALLY love that guitar don't you? That's awesome!

I went for off-the-shelf. I just like the feel of new modern guitars, and I don't know what I'd decide on if i were to go custom...
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: JustBecos on April 02, 2009, 11:34:20 PM
If money was no object, I would rather like to be the Charles Saatchi of British luthiery (is that a word) especially   supporting up and coming British luthiers.  
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Lazy_McDoesnothing on April 02, 2009, 11:50:56 PM
Poll could be worded better.  I would prefer custom built, but don't have the $$$ so I chose off the shelf contemporary.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 03, 2009, 12:54:44 AM
Will: your kahler les paul is definitely vintage in my book, which for me is more than 20 years old.

Maybe I could have worded it better indeed.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 03, 2009, 06:28:19 AM
I put vintage but I dithered between that and custom.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: AndyR on April 03, 2009, 09:15:23 AM
I need a ruling before I vote gwem!

I don't like vintage itself - as in old and second hand. The guitars I want are the expensive ones, and my wallet doesn't think I can justify the prices enough :lol:

But I do like ALL my guitars to be modelled on vintage guitars. Eg. I don't like the way the strat has evolved for example - just personal taste, this is :D

So I do tend to buy "off the shelf", but "re-issues" mainly.

How should I be voting? (My mouse is hovering over "Vintage" - but it's not true if this means I prefer buying guitars that are themselves 30+ years old :lol:)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 03, 2009, 09:31:22 AM
Well, I took "vintage" to mean actually vintage (or at least old), regardless of whether it's a "classic" design or not.

If we're just talking about vintage styled,then I guess I'm in that camp.  I don't have any BC Rich Warbeasts or Washburn* Dimeslimes in my collection.

(* or was it a Dean?  I forget).
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: AndyR on April 03, 2009, 01:16:26 PM
That's what I thought about vintage as well Philly...

But the use of the word "contempory" next to "off the shelf" means I definitely can't go for the second option...

or am I taking this too seriously? :lol:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 03, 2009, 01:49:17 PM
Well, I took "vintage" to mean actually vintage (or at least old), regardless of whether it's a "classic" design or not.
yes, thats what i intended
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: MDV on April 03, 2009, 02:00:45 PM
No doubt about it - custom.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: MDV on April 03, 2009, 02:04:09 PM
The pole needs a 4th option - Off the shelf traditional.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 03, 2009, 02:16:52 PM
The pole needs a 4th option - Off the shelf traditional.

nah, i just meant off the shelf in general. i'll tweak it

not surprised by the lack of vintage support, knowing the people on here, but i do wonder about it. for me its clear. i'd take a nice vintage axe any day - for that mojo. but maybe it shows we are all informed forward thinking people and know what to do to make a modern guitar as good as these legends
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: MDV on April 03, 2009, 02:20:50 PM
*shrug* suits me, but does it suit andy et al?
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 03, 2009, 02:26:25 PM
*shrug* suits me, but does it suit andy et al?

maybe not ;)

but the polls had some time time run now, would be unfair to add another option
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Ian Price on April 03, 2009, 02:46:23 PM
Off the shelf for me (or off Dave). I used to think vintage was the way to go, my new esquire has put paid to that notion.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Oli on April 03, 2009, 04:30:50 PM
For me, it's a toss up between custom and vintage... with vintage instruments, you're fairly limited in what you can get (compared to custom). That said, i play my '88 Charvel a hell of a lot more than my custom Ran, so there must be something in the mojo. I'll vote for vintage, because of the mojo :)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: dave_mc on April 03, 2009, 05:53:15 PM
i like vintage... or new custom built stuff... ah bugger it - i think i like most of them

+1 :lol:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Andrew W on April 03, 2009, 06:57:02 PM
I voted "off the shelf contemporary" but that's because that's what I can afford to own.  I would like my guitars to be mostly Fender Strats built between 1957 and 1963 but that isn't going to happen unless I manage to make my fortune at something.  So if this poll is "realistically what guitars do you choose to buy" another could be "what I'd really like sitting on my guitar stand if I didn't have to pay for it would be..."  I suspect we might see a very different split in the vintage/ non-vintage divide on that.

Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: _tom_ on April 03, 2009, 07:11:42 PM
I like off the shelf when it comes to Les Pauls.

However with SGs I'm not a fan of the neck heaviness, strap button positions and the apparent weak neck join puts me right off. So if/when I get an SG, its being custom made to address those issues.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: PhilKing on April 03, 2009, 07:47:02 PM
I'm sure you can guess what I chose, but since I definately qualify as vintage (being somewhat over 20 years old!), I'm not as worried about modifying a vintage guitar (probably half of my vintage ones have BK pickups - partly because I don't mind buying something non-original and fixing it up).  I also like custom (having about 10 custom guitars), and I have been known to buy the odd off the shelf guitar. 
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Fourth Feline on April 03, 2009, 08:40:14 PM
I ( eventually ) voted "off the shelf" ;  NOT  because that precludes a love / appreciation of vintage guitars, but because I am just happy to find a guitar I like - and ( in the real world ) can actually afford.  :)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 03, 2009, 09:28:32 PM
Custom but also off the shelf. I can't afford Vintage unless they're from JHS Distribution!
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 03, 2009, 09:40:32 PM
I'm not as worried about modifying a vintage guitar (probably half of my vintage ones have BK pickups - partly because I don't mind buying something non-original and fixing it up). 

Good point, I agree that it's not a big deal modding a vintage guitar with non-original parts. 

My Melody Maker came with individual Kluson tuners (which are fine, but the originals would have been three-on-a-strip), replacement pots and a Badass bridge - I had no hesitation over changing the bridge, because it was shite.  I also have a replacement pickup, but kept the original.

But I wouldn't dream of routing/drilling the body or scratchplate.  And I'd feel the same about the whole guitar if it was all original.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: badgermark on April 04, 2009, 10:49:02 AM
I have one vintage guitar, a 70s Japanese Mustang copy. And it feels so different than the other guitars. It's got dings, scratches and rust. Mojo isn't the right word, but it's the first that comes to mind. But on the whole, i take my guitars off the shelf, though I'd love to find a few discontinued models though, an Ibanez Talman would be lovely.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: sgmypod on April 04, 2009, 11:28:00 AM
A have two over 20 years old, 5 off shelf..some higher priced than others, one custom but not my specs..then bitsa things
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gingataff on April 05, 2009, 06:35:36 AM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: AndyR on April 07, 2009, 02:10:18 PM
*shrug* suits me, but does it suit andy et al?

maybe not ;)

but the polls had some time time run now, would be unfair to add another option

Yeah, suits me :D

Finally voted "off the Shelf"...

... as long as everybody understands that I'm now old enough to view anything labelled as "contemporary" with some suspicion and distaste :lol:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 03:02:44 PM
... as long as everybody understands that I'm now old enough to view anything labelled as "contemporary" with some suspicion and distaste :lol:

I'm OK with "contemporary".  It's "urban" that really gets my goat!  :x

(I don't mean in the traditional sense of relating to a town or city, I'm talking strictly in a music/fashion/pop culture context!)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Antag on April 07, 2009, 03:30:47 PM
I voted "custom" because I own a few custom guitars & warmoth builds.  Even the guitars I bought "off the peg" have been modified (& not just with BKPs).

Probably my least-modified guitars are my Jackson RR1T & KV2 - the only things I've changed on those are Schaller straplocks & BKPs.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 07, 2009, 10:39:24 PM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: WezV on April 07, 2009, 11:31:42 PM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)

thats coz we are young gwEm.... these old un's are like the river in Egypt :P ;)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 11:38:37 PM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)

I'd call them New.  :wink:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 08, 2009, 12:12:20 AM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)

I'd call them New.  :wink:


So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)

thats coz we are young gwEm.... these old un's are like the river in Egypt :P ;)

certain individuals might be called 1/10 relics in need of restoration rather than vintage... :-P

(sorry phillyq!)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 08, 2009, 12:31:41 AM
certain individuals might be called 1/10 relics in need of restoration rather than vintage... :-P

(sorry phillyq!)

Is that like the Bravewood system, where a 1/10 relic basically means completely trashed?  :lol:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 08, 2009, 06:34:05 AM
Talking of Bravewoods, a friend of mine has just bought one second hand (S type). I hope to get to play it soon.He is raving about it and he is very particular.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: bucketshred on April 08, 2009, 12:26:00 PM
I like guitars - end of.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: PhilKing on April 08, 2009, 12:46:30 PM
Talking of Bravewoods, a friend of mine has just bought one second hand (S type). I hope to get to play it soon.He is raving about it and he is very particular.
Once you play it you won't beleive it is a new guitar.  They really do seem to have the mojo of an old one.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: AndyR on April 08, 2009, 01:24:43 PM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)

I'd call them New.  :wink:

Yep, guitar-wise, anything after 1963/64 is "contemporary" :lol:

There's no way I can describe my old 82/83 JV Squier as "vintage" - that just makes me laugh when I think about it...
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: gwEm on April 08, 2009, 01:30:45 PM
So are pre-1990 superstrats Vintage? That's me I guess  :P

i would call them vintage myself :)

I'd call them New.  :wink:

Yep, guitar-wise, anything after 1963/64 is "contemporary" :lol:

There's no way I can describe my old 82/83 JV Squier as "vintage" - that just makes me laugh when I think about it...

But its nevertheless from a totally different era of music, and also attitude to instrument construction. plus, its been very well played in by now i'm sure. all a matter of perception then :)

PhillyQ: was referring to the Bravewood system, have also been GASing at their website :)
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: AndyR on April 08, 2009, 01:44:19 PM
plus, its been very well played in by now i'm sure...

It's totally f@cked :lol:

(actually, I've restored it slightly, and it is playable, but... it wouldn't be able to command "top dollar" for its type/class/pedigree)

But yeah, I do see where you're coming from. The reason it makes me giggle, is because I bought it as it was marketed: a cheap copy of a vintage guitar :lol:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: Philly Q on April 08, 2009, 01:49:38 PM
But yeah, I do see where you're coming from. The reason it makes me giggle, is because I bought it as it was marketed: a cheap copy of a vintage guitar :lol:

To be fair though, they did get rave reviews right from day one - I remember a big feature in Sounds when they reviewed the first batch of Squier models and compared them favourably with the real Fenders of the day.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: AndyR on April 08, 2009, 02:00:22 PM
Sorry, yeah - I accidentally over-emphasised "cheap" Philly :lol:

I had the same newspaper clippings :D

I wanted a strat, any strat, but couldn't afford one. What I really wanted was a 61-63 strat. And then suddenly there were all these rave reviews about these cheap copies of 57s and 62s.

I spent ages trying to get my local music shop in Exeter to get one in to try - but they couldn't afford to unless I could promise to buy it. And then one day, while I was waiting for my new Laney 50W combo to arrive, there it was hanging on the wall... I cursed them roundly until they explained:

a) It wasn't a new one, it was 6 months old, one previous owner, no marks, they'd just taken it in part exchange.
b) They'd already figured out a deal for me personally (taking into account the Laney on order).

So my Dad's offer of "an Ovation" as a graduating present, somehow turned itself into a "62-ish Strat, plus valve amp to demolish pubs with..."

Result!

OK gwem, yeah, it's a vintage geetar :lol:
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: bareknucklehead on April 11, 2009, 01:42:09 AM
Off the shell and Custom  8)

Cheers.
Title: Re: i like my guitars...
Post by: jibidy on April 12, 2009, 01:08:37 PM
I cant decide between new and vintage. Custom is simply out of my price range.

I have recently bought a Shergold for £60 It needs a few small things done but after that and some playing i may be able to reach a decision. Shergold is vintage enough right?? 1976??

But i still love my Epi SG.