Pickin' up the old beater

[Bikerdoc]

Pulled my Sigma DM3 (all laminate) off the wall on Thursday. I think I might have figured out that adjustable bridge because I was surprised by the way it sounded. So much so that I took it to our weekly jam session Thursday evening. I ended up having to pass it around. It was as though I'd brought a stranger into the group and everyone had to do a personal introduction. Anyway, it got a lot of praise I wasn't expecting.

Over the years ya choose guitars for any number of reasons and ya hope to "upgrade" on occasion. Then there's nothing like the new/old Guild or your new/old Gibson. And the "older friends" are left hangin on the wall; a bit less than perfect but still ready for another chance to shine when ya least expect it.

Peace

 

[taabru45]

Thats true Doc, and memories sometimes are better than the real thing, go check out your old schoolbook, and see if your friends look like you remember them. I bought an old Eko Ranger 6, the other day. Early to mid 70s. but you know, it hangs in there pretty good, bolt on neck, and all. Never will have to worry too much about the $60 it cost me, so cottage country or busking, she'll do. :lol: Steffan

 

[chicagowineguy]

Yep, the '78 Westbury usually just leans against the bookcase while I play the Guilds, but every once in a while I pick her up and strum a few songs. She still sounds great...neck like a damn baseball bat but a sweet tone. No one's even heard of Westbury and info on the net is sparse to say the least, but she was my first and I'll never get rid of her...not that anyone would want her!

 

[dreadnut]

Hmmm...the first guitar I owned was a classical that I strung with steel strings. I gave that one to a friend. My second guitar (a late 60's red Epiphone hollow body electric) I sold for $120 before I went in the Navy My 3rd guitar, a 12 string Epiphone acoustic, was stolen from my barracks in the Navy.

Gee, not too good of a track record eh?

Then I bought my D-25M. Only guitar I owned for the next 25 years.

I think the key is, don't sell any

 

[killdeer43]

Old beaters need love, too!
I had an old Harmony (H162 or 165?) that I always took along with me everywhere. All mahogany and an all-around sweet little guitar. I took a coping saw to the head and added Grovers and many times I was asked, "Is that a Martin?"

And of course, I wish I still had it.

Joe

 

[Scratch]

My old Yammer FG340-II (Hanna) sits here in the office with me and although the git I've had longest (since 1987) she's is still one of the prettiest. Been around the world with her and, miraculously, hardly a mark on her. Not worth a bunch of money, solid top; laminate mahogany sides and back, but worthy of my admiration and sentimental respect. Couldn't let her go...

 

[zzrider]

Mine is a 70's Epiphone FT140, that cost me $35 in 1982. braces have been glued and reglued, the frets are worn, finish gone from the heavily scalloped fingerboard - yet it still sonds PDG for a laminate, and fits me well. Thanks for the thread - think I'll put a fresh matchbook cover under the nut and slap on a new set of strings!!!

 

[Jeff]

My 1st guitar was a horrid Silvertone archtop acoustic. I worked the hop harvest one Summer about 1963, saved up & traded the Silvertone & $125.00 for this
nylon string acoustic. She has a beautiful neck. had her set up not too long ago & she plays very nice, she can't keep up with the F20 & G37, spends her life in the case.

The finish is almost 100 crazed from too much hot & cold too fast, worst of it happend in the cargo hold on a military flight. Pics don't show the checking & the abusive pick wear. I did it all, she's still rock solid.

Here she is, HQ hooch, 1st Btn, 31st Artillery. I'm the one with glasses, the other guy is playing my guitar, Koch was his name.

 

[JerryR]

My first owned guitar was the Epiphone Texan - still have her and much improved by a proper wooden bridge with bone saddle, but still doesn't compare with the Guild The first I learned (?) to play on was a cheap classical guitar strung with metal strings :roll:

 

[cjd-player]

My first guitar was a Harmony Monterey just like this one.

My dad just brought it home from work one day. I was about 12 I think. It had belonged to a guy he worked with.
The action was a mile high, but I didn't know any better. I remember that I got so frustrated one day I punched it and cracked the top.
Finally sold it at a yard sale about 15 years ago. $25 I believe. :lol:

In college I purchased a "real" guitar. A 1978 Ovation Legend.

Unlike many from that era, the top never cracked on mine. It was a great guitar. The deep body sounded good, and it was really nice plugged in. Never played a newer one that sounded better. Even the local Ovation distributer thought so. Sold that in 2003 after I had purchased two Taylors.

Just sold my Seagull S6 folk. So I don't have a "beater" anymore.