Image “Column of guitars” by 3n is licensed under CC-BY-ND 2.0.
Greetings, fellow guitarists, and welcome to Mick’s blog. This is my first post, titled "How many guitars are enough for someone who wants to play classic rock?" I've probably owned at least ten over the last forty-plus years, including a bass, a few acoustics, and my first electric - a used 1974 Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top, which now rests in the back of the closet in its original case. Speaking of Les Pauls, I paid $439 for mine, with mom’s help, back in 1976. Today, a new Gold Top costs around $2500. [See photos on Mick's Gear page]
I'm not going to dive into electric guitar history. I'll save that for another time, but three distinct instruments ruled the rock & roll universe back in the day with one or two other models close behind. And here they are. Drum roll, please: the Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Gibson Les Paul. Except for a few pickup configurations and cosmetic alterations, these three classic designs have remained the same since they first emerged in the 1950s. Two others, Gretsch - preferred mainly by rockabilly players- and Rickenbacker - the jangly guitar sound heard on early Beatles records- are still quite popular.
Back to the “how many guitars are enough” dilemma, I'm not referring to wealthy collectors who, in an attempt to possess a piece of music history or obtain immortality, spend fortunes on famous instruments, and proudly display them in hermetically sealed glass cases mounted on walls to show off at private parties. I'm talking about regular musicians who require a dependable guitar for practice and performing.
I recently read an article online where some rising star- I've forgotten his name- boasted that he changed guitars at least fourteen times during an eighteen-song set. That's nearly once per song. He never explained why. Also, that same guitarist had fifteen identical Gibson Sunburst Custom Les Pauls in his private collection. What causes this kind of behavior? I've heard players on music discussion threads describe their obsessions as G.A.S., which stands for Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Most laugh at their ailment, and some feel guilty about having to justify the cost of all those additional guitars, amps, and accessories to their wives!
Whatever happened to the days when a musician relied on and became synonymous with a single instrument for rehearsals, gigs, and studio work? A few classic rockers that come to mind are Paul McCartney with his Hofner violin-shaped bass, Police guitarist Andy Summers with his $200 modified Telecaster, and Queen's Brian May with his homemade “Red Special.” Years ago, I followed a guitarist who performed every Monday night at a club called The Living Room in NYC. Once, during a break, I asked him why he didn't carry a backup electric. He didn't bring a guitar stand either and haphazardly propped his vintage 1959 Telecaster against a chair between sets. He replied, “It would just be another piece of gear I'd have to carry. And how would it fit into the back of a taxi?”
I believe two electric guitars, one as a backup, are more than sufficient for most live gigs, and an acoustic - if acoustic songs are part of the repertoire. Still, some players continue to justify using multiple instruments, especially when they use non-standard tunings. Even so, options are available. There are companies that offer modeling guitars that replicate the sounds of various instruments and allow performers to change tunings by merely flicking a switch.
I can’t speak for other guitarists, but at my age, a Les Paul is too damn heavy and not as versatile for my playing style. So, I’ve decided that my Fender Telecaster with Nocaster pickups, Callaham compensated saddles, and a rosewood fingerboard is now officially my main axe!