I finally bought my dream guitar

Chris

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For those of you that know me, you'll know I'm just as into guitars as I am into TJs.

I'm really big on Blues and Jazz, with a big love for arch top style guitars. I also love semi-hollow and hollow body guitars and almost refuse to play any guitar that isn't at least semi-hollow. I gravitate towards the more peculiar and asymmetrical shaped guitars as well.

All of my adult life I've lusted after Collings guitars. Hand built in Austin, Texas by the late (he very recently passed away) luthier Bill Collings. I've never seen such fine guitars in my entire life. These things are absolutely glorious in regards to the craftsmanship and the way they play. Many celebrities own them, including Johnny Depp, who is said to be a big Collings fan.

Anyways, I could never afford one until now (and even now I'm not sure I can, I just couldn't resist), but I found such a great deal on one I just couldn't pass it up.

And without further a-do, here is my Collings Eastside LC Deluxe:

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By the way, definitely not trying to brag or anything. I'm just super excited (it doesn't get here until next week) and I don't have anyone to share it with. Oddly enough none of my close friends are into playing music at all (sad but true).
 
I absolutely dig Blues & Jazz, and especially love the sound of a Steel Guitar. Sadly I got no skills.
 
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I absolutely dig Blues & Jazz, and especially love the sound of a Steel Guitar. Sadly I got no skills.

I hear ya! Steel guitar is a whole different animal altogether. It’s like trying to play drums, guitar, and do vocals all at once. Those guys have some serious talent!

I know nothing about guitars but that thing is a real beauty.

They only make a limited number of them a year. Last time I spoke with them they were 2 years out on orders, which is of course because they are all handcrafted by a small group of guys in Austin.

If you look enough you can find some really damn good stuff that’s still made in America!
 
I envy you and your talent for guitars. I always wanted to learn, but just couldn't pull the trigger. that truly is a work of art, and hope it plays as well as it looks, and I'm sure it will. Acoustic guitar is a passion.
 
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I envy you and your talent for guitars. I always wanted to learn, but just couldn't pull the trigger. that truly is a work of art, and hope it plays as well as it looks, and I'm sure it will. Acoustic guitar is a passion.

I kick myself all the time because I used to be very into playing up until the start of high school. Around that time I got very distracted with women and cars, and I stopped playing until I was 30. At 30 I picked it up again and wondered what the hell I was thinking. Why did I ever stop? I guess I just didn’t have the focus then since I was so distracted. I always look back and honestly believe if I hadn’t stopped playing I very likely would have chosen to follow a music career. There likely wouldn’t be much money in it (especially since I’m not interested in the pop music that makes all the money), but playing even the smallest bars or venues would be very enjoyable.
 
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I know the feeling. You work all your life, make responsible decisions and end up o.k. Then there is a "waynes world" moment and your dream guitar finds you. This summer i found mine, a goldtop gibson les paul classic. I thought about it for a few moments then bought it and drove back across the country with it. Sometimes if you are lucky things do truly work out.
I would love to hear your guitar as i bet that neck humbucker will make some sweet sounds.
So you young guys who are in the trenches with kids, sport classes, mortgages etc....keep showing up every day and set a few bucks aside. It will all work out.
 
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That is a beauty Chris! Bet it sounds as well as it looks. I have made a few electrics from scratch (just bought the HW, made the bodies and neck myself) but haven't had the courage to make an arch-top. Totally different level of craftsmanship. Just gorgeous!
 
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I'm bringing back this thread cuz I am a huge guitar fan, aficionado, collector, player etc. Been playing for over 35 years. Shared the stage with some big names and paid dues in shifty dive bars.

Glad to see @Chris is also a guitar guy. And that Collings is beautiful.

Here's some of my stuff. Guitar Porn for those who enjoy!!
Paul Reed Smith electric guitars
Taylor Acoustic guitars
Even my Taylor Ukulele.
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I'm bringing back this thread cuz I am a huge guitar fan, aficionado, collector, player etc. Been playing for over 35 years. Shared the stage with some big names and paid dues in shifty dive bars.

Glad to see @Chris is also a guitar guy. And that Collings is beautiful.

Here's some of my stuff. Guitar Porn for those who enjoy!!
Paul Reed Smith electric guitars
Taylor Acoustic guitars
Even my Taylor Ukulele. View attachment 254510View attachment 254503View attachment 254504View attachment 254505View attachment 254506View attachment 254507View attachment 254507View attachment 254511

Very nice! I'm an absolute sucker for PRS and Collings guitars, notably the PRS Artist, Wood Library, and Private Stock stuff. I enjoy the smaller boutique makers far more than the big names.

Those are some nice axes!
 
@Chris Maybe some day we can jam.
The burled maple in violin burst in the pics is a PRS Artist from 2006. Only 10 of those one piece burl tops exist. Didn't know that when I bought it.... Absolutely the finest I've played.

Also sent a pm.
 
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I am getting a custom guitar made right now I will share on this thread when it's done in a couple weeks. I am STOKED!!! I don't have a ton of instruments but the ones I have I play and love.
 
I am getting a custom guitar made right now I will share on this thread when it's done in a couple weeks. I am STOKED!!! I don't have a ton of instruments but the ones I have I play and love.
That's all that matters. Find the ones you love and play em.

Whos building?

I've always wanted a Nash Telecaster. I've played some of his stuff and they were great.

If any of you guitar geeks want to go to the NAMM show next January hit me up. I usually have a few left over passes.
 
I'm bringing back this thread cuz I am a huge guitar fan, aficionado, collector, player etc. Been playing for over 35 years. Shared the stage with some big names and paid dues in shifty dive bars.

Glad to see @Chris is also a guitar guy. And that Collings is beautiful.

Here's some of my stuff. Guitar Porn for those who enjoy!!
Paul Reed Smith electric guitars
Taylor Acoustic guitars
Even my Taylor Ukulele. View attachment 254510View attachment 254503View attachment 254504View attachment 254505View attachment 254506View attachment 254507View attachment 254507View attachment 254511
I showed my Wife these pics and the only thing she said was, oh a Double Wedding Ring quilt.
Hand made or any story behind it?
 
I showed my Wife these pics and the only thing she said was, oh a Double Wedding Ring quilt.
Hand made or any story behind it?


Yea there's a story.
My grandmother handmade this quilt for me in 1995. All handmade, no machines. She was an incredible quilter. She made each grandchild a quilt for a special occasion like a birthday, engagement, etc....
Fortunately she signed it as made for me and not for the occasion. (I divorced crazy!)

All of her quilts were awesome.
Here's a pic of it unfolded.

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Thanks for the reply. My Wife also makes quilts for family members and close friends.
I have been collecting off road related fabrics to make my own quilt... someday.
We've been supporting each others hobbies for many years.
She probably has enough fabrics to start her own store.
When we lived in CA. the Guild she belonged to made quilts for the local Sheriff Dept. to comfort young kids when they were removed
from bad home situations. And made quilts to give to the CHP to comfort accident victims.