Great show. I currently only have 24 guitars. Both high dollar and some lower dollar. Regardless, when I sell one it is like watching one of your kids leave home but for a good life. Over the years I have owned several hundred guitars. Now at 76 years old it never gets easier to let them go but it feels good at the end because it is the right thing ti do.
I love guitars and I have owned quite a bunch of them from cheap ones, to expensive ones and even vintage ones. One thing I noticed is that owning too many guitars never did me any good. It felt somehow heavy. Owning less guitars (but the ones I really love) feels way better to me. It's like I have more time, love and attention for the ones I have decided not to let go.
I had a pretty modest collection of 7 electric guitars and 3 basses. All Fenders, MIM and American. One day as I was hopping from one guitar to another I realized I spent too much time guitar hopping instead of playing and making music. Whittled the collection down to 2 guitars and 2 basses and I’m spending more time playing and bonding with the ones I kept. 2 sentimental MIMs and 2 nice American models. Cheers to spreading guitars to fellow players who will use them!
Ahh Colin’s annual Les Paul clearout! First episode in February: Colin buys a new Les Paul!! 😂 keep up the good work Col, I myself have a new acquisition, a Fender Player Limited Edition Jazzmaster which is currently in bits while I fit a shim to the neck to make it playable!
@28:00 I wouldn't sell that Melody maker les paul Jr. As it's 1 of 200 made in that color. I have one, paid $200-$300 as well and they are very rare,especially since TV yellow is the most valuable 💛.
A lot of people just don't understand how hard it is to let go of anything in a collection, being a storied one or one you have one you have a lot of work on or maybe it's just a gorgeous instrument 🎸 ❤ 😊
I get ya. This year though every guitar with £500 or more tied up in it is going* I’m getting into modding and setups and will only buy or own guitars like Epiphone (no specials!) and Squiers. There are some great sounding and playing guitars around with those names on their headstocks. *I’m getting into photography and good, cheap lenses is an oxymoron. Good lenses cost lots of money - it’s just physics
What happens to me any time I think about selling a guitar - usually because it's been played so little it's all dusty - is that I clean it up for pictures, start playing it, remember why I bought it in the first place, and decide to keep it.
I always watch youtube vids of guitar oriented variety when noodling around in my music room. I thought these were all guitars you were going to sell and when i heard the story of the highway one, I was shocked you would sell it. Glad to catch the fact that this is more of a collection vid than a "guitars I will sell vid." The story behind that strat makes it priceless.
I did the same thing about 2 years ago. It was very hard. I sold every piece that I didn't play on a regular basis. I also find myself still getting GAS (it is like an addiction) but fight it off. Still very hard and down to about 12 instruments that I cannot live without. Good job Colin! Cheers mate!😊
Its very hard though. When you pack them away you get that regrett in your gut. Had to sell a Gibson Studio from 2012 In Natural Finish like the SG Colin showed and miss it even though I rarely played it in the end. Sold a few Squier Telecasters and same. Just hard to let them go but we have to.
A couple of times, not just guitars,I needed to clear out: In the end, I drew a 3 circle Venn diagram with a strong KEEP reason in each circle. If something never hit the bullseye it went. Hobbies come and go with me:)...TBH I have some guitars out in the room, which I was asked to dust just the other day. Currently enjoying flash photography and trying to restrain myself, LOL. Tis a very soft market though, but obviously no clue how long that will last. Great playing as ever.
I hate purging. I’m telling you. I understand having things you don’t play, but it messes with my brain. That one guitar I never played becomes all I think about the moment it goes away. Then I end up getting another one somewhere down the line. I swear. And it’s even worse when you play drums and piano and brass Instruments too.
I absolutely loved this episode. I could listen to you talk about guitars all night long. That Gibson Custom shop SG is sick. Looking forward to part 2
Great way to kick off the new year! Unlike typical collection videos, you're making things interesting by not only showcasing an excellent line-up of fiddles, but teasing us with a chance to own some key pieces that have a history on your channel! If I were in the UK I'd probably be knocking at your door! Looking forward to Part II!
Sometimes life dictates when and what guitars to sell. I had to sell 23 guitars to pay for private surgery. I had been finding excuses to hold on to them all for years but when a decision had to be made it was easy and obvious. I kept 4 guitars which I’d spent a lot of time and effort trying to find in the first place and I play all of them which is what it’s all about. My GAS has been defeated. Well, at least for now…
I have about the same number of guitars as you, Colin. It’s difficult to part with some of them. However, I have gifted several guitars - Music Man, Fender Rarity Telecaster, PRS, Martin, Ibanez semi-hollow - to friends who were kind to me. I wasn’t playing them and I thought my friends would appreciate them more. The guitars needed to be played, and have their voices and songs heard. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year, Colin!
I feel your pain. Somehow I’ve managed to accumulate 87 guitars over the last 25 years, mostly really high end stuff too but it’s time to have a cull. I’d like to get the figure down to 25-30 but I can’t bring myself to actually do it. Good luck with your cull.
Jan 2023 I did the same thing! Sold off nearly all my gear for the same reason-- 99% were sleeping in their cases not being played. So everything went, and I bought two new guitars and two amps to be my only gear. Now, 1-year later I'm so much happier and I spend much more time playing, and far less searching for new gear. The larger my collection got, the more I began wondering if I had things, or if the things had me!? Got that squared away ;)
Great Therapy. I feel better now about having having a dozen guitars mainly Acoustic..My 28 Martin I bought new in 1974 for 525 us dollars is 50yrs old this year.
Sell everything, There are less than 10 that you can be happy with. Everything else goes. Weed out what's not exceptional/sentimental. The rule is 1exceptional guitar per shape. Have all the shapes and make sure they count. Happy new Year, talk to ya on the channel 👍
Hi again Colin! Know exactly how you feel man as I am in the same boat played stopped started again and a collection that needs culling too. Thank you for your videos...peace!
I've got a Les Paul, a Strat, a Tele, and an acoustic. I'd like to add a hollow or semi hollow body, and something with P-90's, and that should be me done! Although I've always fancied a Firebird as well....
I’m in the market for a “cheap” T style Colin, that series will be extremely welcome! Although not sure I can wait till Feb/March 🤔 😂 the guitars call to me!
As we say here in the States, 'Your the realist'. Finally, just got a blem Epi Firebird yesterday, for $549.00 USD. Wow! Why did I wait so long? It is no Gibson, but it is a very, very nice Firebirdesque guitar with not a single negative issue. Plan on playing the s**t out of it until I croak. Anyhoo, my son and I are up to around 11 or 12 guitars by now and thinning the herd has come up. My favorite is my goldfoil tele. I think you would be very surprised at how awesome these guiytars are. Maybe not. Cheers, mate. 12:56 P.S. put a fairly high price on the ones your not sure about getting rid of, then, when, and if, you get good money, you'll not feel so bad forbletting them go. Like it or not, the fact that YOU owned it means something to a lot of us and is worth paying a little more for.
Your story behind the Fender Highway One strat hit me right in the feels. On the one hand, I can't believe you stopped playing guitar for such a long period of time. On the other hand, I can believe it because I've done exactly the same thing. I've wasted many years smoking cannabis and then later developed a drinking habit that made my self belief and motivation completely dissipate. It's always so much easier to get high and just do nothing. Now, here I am in my mid 40s, rediscovering the guitar. I'm playing rudimentary punk rock with a drummer. I lack knowledge and I posess minimal ability. On the other hand i'm writing songs that are slowly but surely, developing into small works of art that I can be proud of. Now I'm aiming to put out the mini album I should have made when I was in my mid 20s. If this is my mid-life crisis, then I don't want it to stop. Who knows what I'll do next? Psychedelic, space blues? I wish you all the best. You are a brilliant guitar player. You play with feel and demo these guitars so well. Yours is my favourite guitar related channel on You Tube. Keep on keeping on and we look forward to more!
Cheers man that’s appreciated 🙏 those were exactly my vices, and that was my age then too… so I can say for sure it’s a perfect time in your life to say yeah enough is enough I’ve done that so let’s do something else now… guitars are a great motivator and you’ll probably have found a lot of hours in the day to practice that you didn’t even know existed! Good luck with the new habit! 😎👍👍
I think the normal number of Les Pauls to own is three. An affordable Gibson Custom from the 70s, a great Gibson Standard and a Tokai LC model in flamed cherry sunburst that rips your face off.
@@matthewtyler-jones8317yeah I bought mine right when they came out and it was accidentally listed on sale, they told me it wasn’t in sale but I showed them the tag, so they had to give it to me. Like $200 off
@@matthewtyler-jones8317i got a Korean one just because it had the most beautiful red maple flamed top. Paid $600, never could connect to it and ended up pawning it for $200 to get my son a birthdaty presesnt. I WANT so much to love them, I just don't.
I'm just coming back to this video, still have to watch 2 & 3. I'm in the same situation for 2024, mainly because of my medical situation that I can't really play as I used to. As we know as the miles get upon us old chaps things change. So, I'll be moving them on via eBay as I don't have a Reverb page. I'll look at your page though just to see what you decided you'll be parting with. Cheers!
Hey there my friend Colin!!! Happy New Year!.....If you love it pass it on,..Sometimes we need to clean house before going forward......Forward Is The Only Direction........Love the views my friend. John
I had three guitars at once and I love them all..but sadly, I am down to one. You can't really do any self-upgrades when you only have one! If something goes wrong you won't sleep at nite!
Totally understand on letting some go. Cant keep buying endlessly and keep them all and only keep the special ones. Great to see your collection of guitars Colin. Happy New Year.
Brilliant video, Colin! You have some great stories that keep us all rooted to the spot, Your humor is pure rock n roll😂 Keep it up, Colin, and happy new year mate😊
You and me have remarkably similar histories. Guitar hiatus during the 80s and 90s, back into it, an intense gigging period, retired, buying/selling/trading/modding dozens and dozens of guitars just used at home....going through the exact same mental/emotional gymnastics if one is on the wall too long and not used enough. Should I or shouldn't I....? Etc, etc... I haven't room for more than 18 at a time, though, so I think I may have it a bit easier.
Great to see the whole collection gradually coming through Colin. But, yeah, every once in a while that feeling comes along of “I’m not playing it, shouldn’t it go to a better home?” Who knew guitarists had a conscience or could be sensible?!
dood, that's about the same time my vintage strat was stolen and I gave up playing as well, 1986ish, just started again 6-7 years ago or so, I remember some things and time to time remember hey I used to play this one, however I do not remember the arthritis and tennis elbow, dequervain's garbage.. fugg . . . what's crazy is I do the same thing, buy all type of guitars play em, work on em, upgrade.. I build from scratch as well.., don't have a shop to make necks and bodies but I make due, refrets, finishes, repairs, got tons of tools n parts n stuff tho, looking for a big shop to buy a pin router so forth, shaper, saws, vacuum systems, real paint booth, hanger set up... all that.. make em from scratch... my dream as of late, somewhere along the line it went from poon to guitars? lol . . .crazy how much you can collect in 3/4 decade . . . crazy I suspect we are close to the same age
I need to thin the herd, too, but don't relish the idea of in-person selling or dealing with possible shipping damage. I may see if a local shop will take a few on consignment, although there are possible issues with that, too. I can say one thing--it's easier to buy than to sell! Good luck with your sales, Colin!
Hello Col, glad to spend the first Friday morning of '24 with you! So I see it's time to thin the herd. If I was in the market, I saw a couple of yours today (the Wilshire and the Stoner, maybe the Thayil sig Guild) that I'd enjoy owning. Hope some of these beauties you featured here will find their way into new homes where they'll be somebody's new love, and not only to have and look at. My new year's resolution is similar to yours, learning to let go of a few things and say a happy goodbye and bon voyage. New adventures await. I actually started in October by selling off my 'spare' Epi to a friend because he kinda coveted it and I'm at the place where I won't get another guitar until I first make space for it on the wall and in the budget too. I enjoyed it for two years and still got back every dollar I had in it plus a few extra so no complaints, a good deal all around. He swore he'd hang onto it to keep it 'in the family' and would cherish it after I'm gone for sentimental reasons. Weeks later I heard he'd already pawned it and defaulted on the note. Dope. I'm trusting the universe simply used this chain of events to put the guitar in the proper hands. Cheers all from Dallas!
Hey Colin I was really touched by your story about the Strat, I have a similar story, I took a long break. I can tell your sentimental about it and I think it deserves some sensible upgrades. The problem with a Strat for someone that hasn't played before or for a long time is they have a lot of idiosyncrasies and you need to play it a certain way and keep a close eye on the setup. Its like buying a race car for your first car. Most of the greats have ended up playing a Strat eventually and we know they can sound amazing in their hands. My first guitar was a Strat and it was terrible, I bought a Les Paul and the the Strat was scrapped for parts. I've only gotten a Strat fairly recently and with a bit of experience now I'm absolutely loving it, its a true workhorse and I have no complaints, but its taken a lot of experimenting with setups and fiddling with the vibrato system, which is fantastic when setup properly! I think you would love a set of my 54s with the Alnico 3 magnets, they have a similar EQ curve to a Gibson, no ice pick treble, and you could move the volume knob to the first tone knob position and use a master tone knob. You will need to fiddle a lot with the setup to get it reliable but once you've been through that with it you develop a real relationship with it and you get to know exactly what needs adjusted if something goes awry, its the most rewarding guitar I own. I love Gibsons first and foremost but a good Strat that works for you is one of the greatest guitars ever!
I've found that Strats are instantly playable, and the tone is just something I inflict on people for my own pleasure. There's nothing like them for playing lead, though. The seem to just sing.
What matters most is the journey, not the destination. The best news about letting a guitar go is that there is always another waiting to take its place, the fun is in finding it and seeing if it's a keeper. I don't have 62, but I have some that I don't play and I might just to have follow your lead Colin. Best of luck for the new year with channel and with life in general mate.
Yeah an addiction needs to be replaced by another addiction... I intend to do a cleanup in my guitar collection and will start by donating a couple to the music school in my city.
I really fancy the Gordon Smith. I fully understand the cheap guitars hanging around thing. Really some of them are just not worth selling and are worth more in terms of sentimentality.
I’d love the highway one not in a position to lay out any cash just after Christmas though but if you don’t sell and I put a few good months in I’d be well keen Colin. Happy new year great little solo on the Gibson Flying V 👍
Christ almighty, what a lovely sight: Colin starting off dead sure he's gonna flog the lot, getting rid of almost all of them, then a fair few, then a couple, and with every guitar he's sizing up, the more he's backing off selling them on. Maybe, selling on... maybe... "This one's not going anywhere, you're not havin' this one..." Not blaming him, the man loves his guitars. XD Fantastic!
I have your same dilemma. I have accumulated over 344 guitars and am running out of room in my home. So I believe it is time to do the same thing you are doing now. I never thought a grown person could get attached to guitars. It is definitely a disease. Therapy time may be fast approaching.
Your right my collection is nowhere near yours but all mine do get played I don't have a favourite I have a couple that I have memories when I play them one always makes me think of my departed wife the other a friend who when he passed left me some money so I bought a guitar.
Great video as always Colin! Your '64 custom shop is a beauty, love the red back and crazy how red it is under the pickguard. Not in my budget but I am sure that guitar will make someone very happy! Would love to see a video on the whole reverb selling process, how you ship guitars etc. I have a high value guitar I'd like to sell as well. I have always been somewhat apprehensive to sell on Reverb due to the whole shipping and potential damage or scams. Although Reverb seems to be the best / only option to avoid hours of time wasters or being straight up robbed. Lots of shops offer consignment around here but they are all a huge rip off as well
I still think that custom shop Les Paul (one with the shipping story) was one of the best looking/sounding Les Paul’s. Ridiculously good. Great it went to a good home also. Maybe a new custom shop Les Paul after the cull 😂
Happy new year. Although I only have 11 guitars I've come to realise some aren't getting played much and they're overrunning my little guitar room. Like you it's clear out time.
Happy New Year 👍 I'm on the same bus as you Col. Just sold all my Epiphone's (3 Les Pauls and an SG) . Ever since your Guitar Safari to Denmark St I've been on the lookout for a Japanesse Tokai - Yes! You've guessed it. Picked up a lovely example of an MIJ Tokai LS-150 only last week. What can I say - absolutely stunning. Can't wait to see what you let go next - sorry to see the Stoner up for grabs, someone's in for a treat.
Glad it’s not just me 😂. I went to Denmark street last year and tried a Chinese one which was great and I was soooo tempted but managed to walk away. Since Colin’s safari ‘I’ve lusted after a Japanese one 😢
Hi Gerry, I picked up a Chinese Tokai back in the summer. I had a few Epiphone’s at the time, the Chinese Love Rock just blow them out of water. I’ve now sold my Epiphone’s and upgraded the hardware spec of the Chinese Love Rock to that of the Japanese LS-150, it’s now even better.
@@dotcomjohnny Thanks for that 👍. There’s a damaged one in the auction site at present and I’m so tempted. It just cosmetic damage but it was new before the courier got to it. I’m trying so hard to be good though 😂
@@gerrygreen1 What's the point of being good🤣 It's Bad Ass guitar, if you can get it for a steal (and you don't mind the damage) invest in Gotoh Aluminum Tailpiece (it weighs 25g) and the Gotoh Tune-o-Matic Bridge, with Brass Saddles - it must have brass saddles. You will need to change the Bridge Posts too - from the 8mm (already in - to 8mm/ step down to 4mm Nashville type). I'm not sure of your location, but if UK - let me know and I'll send you links. 👍
I ended up buying the Epi les paul custom just like the one you reviewed in white because of your review! Great piece of kit and been playing it a lot. Got 6 other great guitars , some hardtails and some with Floyd rose trems. We all end up putting guitars back in the case for a while but for me i always pull em out again. My Godin XTSA koa top is always out to play because it controls the roland GR55 synth. Old technology now but Still perfecting my chops playing grand piano and string sounds etc for recording.Tell me i may be wrong, but with all that goes on with you tube reviews and your production company, you dont have much time to play any guitar. TC and i just turned 67 last month!
I think that going through this is a healthy mental practice. I need to do something similar. Keep focued on the positives such as the cool new guitars that you'll get to experience and share with us by selling these. Also, as you say, guitars should be played so it's good to let someone else play the hell out of those guitars instead of them collecting dust. I look forward to more videos! Cheers!
Here’s the link to my reverb shop in case you can’t find it in the description box… tidd.ly/3RIRwNs
I see 3 listings in your Reverb shop, are the other ones sold? Thanks!
@@dennisj2203 Yes... 6 sold already this week, more listings to be added on Friday 👍
I can't wait! @@theguitaristas
Great show. I currently only have 24 guitars. Both high dollar and some lower dollar. Regardless, when I sell one it is like watching one of your kids leave home but for a good life. Over the years I have owned several hundred guitars. Now at 76 years old it never gets easier to let them go but it feels good at the end because it is the right thing ti do.
I love guitars and I have owned quite a bunch of them from cheap ones, to expensive ones and even vintage ones. One thing I noticed is that owning too many guitars never did me any good. It felt somehow heavy. Owning less guitars (but the ones I really love) feels way better to me. It's like I have more time, love and attention for the ones I have decided not to let go.
I had a pretty modest collection of 7 electric guitars and 3 basses. All Fenders, MIM and American. One day as I was hopping from one guitar to another I realized I spent too much time guitar hopping instead of playing and making music. Whittled the collection down to 2 guitars and 2 basses and I’m spending more time playing and bonding with the ones I kept. 2 sentimental MIMs and 2 nice American models. Cheers to spreading guitars to fellow players who will use them!
Ahh Colin’s annual Les Paul clearout! First episode in February: Colin buys a new Les Paul!! 😂 keep up the good work Col, I myself have a new acquisition, a Fender Player Limited Edition Jazzmaster which is currently in bits while I fit a shim to the neck to make it playable!
@28:00 I wouldn't sell that Melody maker les paul Jr. As it's 1 of 200 made in that color. I have one, paid $200-$300 as well and they are very rare,especially since TV yellow is the most valuable 💛.
A lot of people just don't understand how hard it is to let go of anything in a collection, being a storied one or one you have one you have a lot of work on or maybe it's just a gorgeous instrument 🎸 ❤ 😊
I get ya. This year though every guitar with £500 or more tied up in it is going* I’m getting into modding and setups and will only buy or own guitars like Epiphone (no specials!) and Squiers. There are some great sounding and playing guitars around with those names on their headstocks. *I’m getting into photography and good, cheap lenses is an oxymoron. Good lenses cost lots of money - it’s just physics
So true!
That aged arctic white SG with the peace sticker in the scratch plate is my absolute favorite guitar .
Your intro guitarplaying is fabulous, Colin 👌
😊🙏
What happens to me any time I think about selling a guitar - usually because it's been played so little it's all dusty - is that I clean it up for pictures, start playing it, remember why I bought it in the first place, and decide to keep it.
Lmao
It's a sickness, really
Your playing has such a swagger to it. It’s a common theme in British guitarists. Love it.
😊🙏
😊 Reminds me of Neil Young big time. Neil Young is Canadian though 😅
I always watch youtube vids of guitar oriented variety when
noodling around in my music room. I thought these were all guitars you were going to sell and when i heard the story of the highway one, I was shocked you would sell it.
Glad to catch the fact that this is more of a collection vid than a "guitars I will sell vid." The story behind that strat makes it priceless.
I did the same thing about 2 years ago. It was very hard. I sold every piece that I didn't play on a regular basis. I also find myself still getting GAS (it is like an addiction) but fight it off. Still very hard and down to about 12 instruments that I cannot live without. Good job Colin! Cheers mate!😊
Its very hard though. When you pack them away you get that regrett in your gut. Had to sell a Gibson Studio from 2012 In Natural Finish like the SG Colin showed and miss it even though I rarely played it in the end. Sold a few Squier Telecasters and same. Just hard to let them go but we have to.
A couple of times, not just guitars,I needed to clear out: In the end, I drew a 3 circle Venn diagram with a strong KEEP reason in each circle. If something never hit the bullseye it went. Hobbies come and go with me:)...TBH I have some guitars out in the room, which I was asked to dust just the other day. Currently enjoying flash photography and trying to restrain myself, LOL. Tis a very soft market though, but obviously no clue how long that will last. Great playing as ever.
What were the three circles?
I hate purging. I’m telling you. I understand having things you don’t play, but it messes with my brain. That one guitar I never played becomes all I think about the moment it goes away. Then I end up getting another one somewhere down the line. I swear. And it’s even worse when you play drums and piano and brass Instruments too.
I absolutely loved this episode. I could listen to you talk about guitars all night long. That Gibson Custom shop SG is sick.
Looking forward to part 2
Great way to kick off the new year! Unlike typical collection videos, you're making things interesting by not only showcasing an excellent line-up of fiddles, but teasing us with a chance to own some key pieces that have a history on your channel! If I were in the UK I'd probably be knocking at your door! Looking forward to Part II!
Sometimes life dictates when and what guitars to sell. I had to sell 23 guitars to pay for private surgery. I had been finding excuses to hold on to them all for years but when a decision had to be made it was easy and obvious. I kept 4 guitars which I’d spent a lot of time and effort trying to find in the first place and I play all of them which is what it’s all about. My GAS has been defeated. Well, at least for now…
That French peace symbol SG has ALL the mojo. Can’t believe how good it sounds. Of everything you showed today, that’s the one I would keep
Must be those quality tonewoods in that bad boy 🧐🤣🤣
Amazing guitar's
Amazing channel
Amazing guy 🤟
I sold my Highway One Stratocaster and am kicking myself for doing it. Like you I fell in love with it at first glance.
I have about the same number of guitars as you, Colin. It’s difficult to part with some of them. However, I have gifted several guitars - Music Man, Fender Rarity Telecaster, PRS, Martin, Ibanez semi-hollow - to friends who were kind to me. I wasn’t playing them and I thought my friends would appreciate them more. The guitars needed to be played, and have their voices and songs heard.
Best wishes for a wonderful New Year, Colin!
I feel your pain. Somehow I’ve managed to accumulate 87 guitars over the last 25 years, mostly really high end stuff too but it’s time to have a cull. I’d like to get the figure down to 25-30 but I can’t bring myself to actually do it. Good luck with your cull.
Is your name tag from a U2 song?
Jan 2023 I did the same thing! Sold off nearly all my gear for the same reason-- 99% were sleeping in their cases not being played. So everything went, and I bought two new guitars and two amps to be my only gear. Now, 1-year later I'm so much happier and I spend much more time playing, and far less searching for new gear. The larger my collection got, the more I began wondering if I had things, or if the things had me!? Got that squared away ;)
Great Therapy. I feel better now about having having a dozen guitars mainly Acoustic..My 28 Martin I bought new in 1974 for 525 us dollars is 50yrs old this year.
The trouble is that the more guitars you have, the less you play them, it's an annoying paradox but true! Happy new year Colin!
I am so glad we are an ocean apart. It prevents me from stopping in and buying more than I need and my wife says I have too many now.
Your story about the highway one strat is exactly how i got back into playing after 20 years!
😎👍👍
no man. Don't sell your treasures-the faded sg is proper special. and you are a real SG man.Same the Polara!
Sell everything, There are less than 10 that you can be happy with. Everything else goes. Weed out what's not exceptional/sentimental. The rule is 1exceptional guitar per shape. Have all the shapes and make sure they count. Happy new Year, talk to ya on the channel 👍
Aloha Colin! Should have played " Born under a bad sign" by Albert King for the V
I just sold a few. If they sit in the case too long it's a sign. Someone might love it. Plus I can go and buy more 😅
Hi again Colin! Know exactly how you feel man as I am in the same boat played stopped started again and a collection that needs culling too. Thank you for your videos...peace!
I've got a Les Paul, a Strat, a Tele, and an acoustic. I'd like to add a hollow or semi hollow body, and something with P-90's, and that should be me done! Although I've always fancied a Firebird as well....
I’m in the market for a “cheap” T style Colin, that series will be extremely welcome! Although not sure I can wait till Feb/March 🤔 😂 the guitars call to me!
As we say here in the States, 'Your the realist'. Finally, just got a blem Epi Firebird yesterday, for $549.00 USD. Wow! Why did I wait so long? It is no Gibson, but it is a very, very nice Firebirdesque guitar with not a single negative issue. Plan on playing the s**t out of it until I croak. Anyhoo, my son and I are up to around 11 or 12 guitars by now and thinning the herd has come up. My favorite is my goldfoil tele. I think you would be very surprised at how awesome these guiytars are. Maybe not. Cheers, mate. 12:56 P.S. put a fairly high price on the ones your not sure about getting rid of, then, when, and if, you get good money, you'll not feel so bad forbletting them go. Like it or not, the fact that YOU owned it means something to a lot of us and is worth paying a little more for.
Happy New Year Colin! Good luck with the selling, enjoyed the stories 🎸😎
Happy New Year brother man.. can't wait to see what you have in store for us this year! Ill be checking out the reverb page for sure
Your story behind the Fender Highway One strat hit me right in the feels. On the one hand, I can't believe you stopped playing guitar for such a long period of time. On the other hand, I can believe it because I've done exactly the same thing. I've wasted many years smoking cannabis and then later developed a drinking habit that made my self belief and motivation completely dissipate. It's always so much easier to get high and just do nothing. Now, here I am in my mid 40s, rediscovering the guitar. I'm playing rudimentary punk rock with a drummer. I lack knowledge and I posess minimal ability. On the other hand i'm writing songs that are slowly but surely, developing into small works of art that I can be proud of. Now I'm aiming to put out the mini album I should have made when I was in my mid 20s. If this is my mid-life crisis, then I don't want it to stop. Who knows what I'll do next? Psychedelic, space blues? I wish you all the best. You are a brilliant guitar player. You play with feel and demo these guitars so well. Yours is my favourite guitar related channel on You Tube. Keep on keeping on and we look forward to more!
Cheers man that’s appreciated 🙏 those were exactly my vices, and that was my age then too… so I can say for sure it’s a perfect time in your life to say yeah enough is enough I’ve done that so let’s do something else now… guitars are a great motivator and you’ll probably have found a lot of hours in the day to practice that you didn’t even know existed! Good luck with the new habit! 😎👍👍
@@theguitaristas thank you 🙌⭐️
Happy new year Collin, wow!! that is an impressive collection, looking forward to seeing part 2 mate. all the best.
What a great show! Now I've just got to build my own Bullet Strat with a P-90. That, or take my Bullet Mustang and set it up that way.
I think the normal number of Les Pauls to own is three. An affordable Gibson Custom from the 70s, a great Gibson Standard and a Tokai LC model in flamed cherry sunburst that rips your face off.
Best wishes for a healthy a musical 2024 Colin! Looking forward to see what is going to happen to the Eastmans you have.
So did I...
Curious if you’ll try a PRS this year. The SE lineup of guitars is such a good deal for the price. The McCarty 594 se is amazing
I have been very attracted to a McCarty 594 at the prices they have been selling at in sales. Not so much list prices.
@@matthewtyler-jones8317yeah I bought mine right when they came out and it was accidentally listed on sale, they told me it wasn’t in sale but I showed them the tag, so they had to give it to me. Like $200 off
@@matthewtyler-jones8317 those SE mcCartys have been getting huge praise, want too try one myself as i love singlecuts
@@matthewtyler-jones8317i got a Korean one just because it had the most beautiful red maple flamed top. Paid $600, never could connect to it and ended up pawning it for $200 to get my son a birthdaty presesnt. I WANT so much to love them, I just don't.
I really don’t like flying V’s for the looks and aesthetics but I have to say the red one sounded lovely 🥰. Good luck with the sale.
I'm just coming back to this video, still have to watch 2 & 3. I'm in the same situation for 2024, mainly because of my medical situation that I can't really play as I used to. As we know as the miles get upon us old chaps things change. So, I'll be moving them on via eBay as I don't have a Reverb page. I'll look at your page though just to see what you decided you'll be parting with. Cheers!
Hey there my friend Colin!!! Happy New Year!.....If you love it pass it on,..Sometimes we need to clean house before going forward......Forward Is The Only Direction........Love the views my friend. John
I had three guitars at once and I love them all..but sadly, I am down to one. You can't really do any self-upgrades when you only have one! If something goes wrong you won't sleep at nite!
Those KTR pedals are magic. Glad I bought mine when they were retail because they are going for silly money on reverb.
I like them all but one that stood out was the melody maker, and the LP Jrs of course... Happy New Year BTW
Hwy 1 Strats are nice guitars. I'd have one if I wasn't addicted to 12 and 14" radius. Nice looking one.
@Colin Hello from the StateS
Happy Winter SOLSTICE ❄️ I enjoy your CZcams Channel 🎸🎶🎶 Thanks for sharing 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 🎸🎸🎸
Totally understand on letting some go. Cant keep buying endlessly and keep them all and only keep the special ones. Great to see your collection of guitars Colin. Happy New Year.
Brilliant video, Colin! You have some great stories that keep us all rooted to the spot, Your humor is pure rock n roll😂 Keep it up, Colin, and happy new year mate😊
Cheers man! 😁👍
You and me have remarkably similar histories. Guitar hiatus during the 80s and 90s, back into it, an intense gigging period, retired, buying/selling/trading/modding dozens and dozens of guitars just used at home....going through the exact same mental/emotional gymnastics if one is on the wall too long and not used enough. Should I or shouldn't I....? Etc, etc...
I haven't room for more than 18 at a time, though, so I think I may have it a bit easier.
Good on you picking up that strat to get back into guitar and fill your time properly
Oh, I never gonna sell my 1995 white flying V. Learned that the hard way when I sold the 1994 V that I owned for 23 years.
Love ya mate, picked up a couple more guitars this year too. No regrets.
Great to see the whole collection gradually coming through Colin. But, yeah, every once in a while that feeling comes along of “I’m not playing it, shouldn’t it go to a better home?” Who knew guitarists had a conscience or could be sensible?!
dood, that's about the same time my vintage strat was stolen and I gave up playing as well, 1986ish, just started again 6-7 years ago or so, I remember some things and time to time remember hey I used to play this one, however I do not remember the arthritis and tennis elbow, dequervain's garbage.. fugg . . . what's crazy is I do the same thing, buy all type of guitars play em, work on em, upgrade.. I build from scratch as well.., don't have a shop to make necks and bodies but I make due, refrets, finishes, repairs, got tons of tools n parts n stuff tho, looking for a big shop to buy a pin router so forth, shaper, saws, vacuum systems, real paint booth, hanger set up... all that.. make em from scratch... my dream as of late, somewhere along the line it went from poon to guitars? lol . . .crazy how much you can collect in 3/4 decade . . . crazy I suspect we are close to the same age
I need to thin the herd, too, but don't relish the idea of in-person selling or dealing with possible shipping damage. I may see if a local shop will take a few on consignment, although there are possible issues with that, too. I can say one thing--it's easier to buy than to sell! Good luck with your sales, Colin!
Hello Col, glad to spend the first Friday morning of '24 with you! So I see it's time to thin the herd. If I was in the market, I saw a couple of yours today (the Wilshire and the Stoner, maybe the Thayil sig Guild) that I'd enjoy owning. Hope some of these beauties you featured here will find their way into new homes where they'll be somebody's new love, and not only to have and look at. My new year's resolution is similar to yours, learning to let go of a few things and say a happy goodbye and bon voyage. New adventures await. I actually started in October by selling off my 'spare' Epi to a friend because he kinda coveted it and I'm at the place where I won't get another guitar until I first make space for it on the wall and in the budget too. I enjoyed it for two years and still got back every dollar I had in it plus a few extra so no complaints, a good deal all around. He swore he'd hang onto it to keep it 'in the family' and would cherish it after I'm gone for sentimental reasons. Weeks later I heard he'd already pawned it and defaulted on the note. Dope. I'm trusting the universe simply used this chain of events to put the guitar in the proper hands. Cheers all from Dallas!
Anderton’s have a few “budget-friendly” brands they’re rotating at the minute. Worth checking out for teles
Hey Colin I was really touched by your story about the Strat, I have a similar story, I took a long break. I can tell your sentimental about it and I think it deserves some sensible upgrades. The problem with a Strat for someone that hasn't played before or for a long time is they have a lot of idiosyncrasies and you need to play it a certain way and keep a close eye on the setup. Its like buying a race car for your first car. Most of the greats have ended up playing a Strat eventually and we know they can sound amazing in their hands. My first guitar was a Strat and it was terrible, I bought a Les Paul and the the Strat was scrapped for parts. I've only gotten a Strat fairly recently and with a bit of experience now I'm absolutely loving it, its a true workhorse and I have no complaints, but its taken a lot of experimenting with setups and fiddling with the vibrato system, which is fantastic when setup properly!
I think you would love a set of my 54s with the Alnico 3 magnets, they have a similar EQ curve to a Gibson, no ice pick treble, and you could move the volume knob to the first tone knob position and use a master tone knob. You will need to fiddle a lot with the setup to get it reliable but once you've been through that with it you develop a real relationship with it and you get to know exactly what needs adjusted if something goes awry, its the most rewarding guitar I own. I love Gibsons first and foremost but a good Strat that works for you is one of the greatest guitars ever!
I've found that Strats are instantly playable, and the tone is just something I inflict on people for my own pleasure. There's nothing like them for playing lead, though. The seem to just sing.
All the great guitar players have Fender stratocaster to thank. for accelerating their playing ... Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Jimi Hendrix and you ❗️🙂
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What matters most is the journey, not the destination. The best news about letting a guitar go is that there is always another waiting to take its place, the fun is in finding it and seeing if it's a keeper.
I don't have 62, but I have some that I don't play and I might just to have follow your lead Colin. Best of luck for the new year with channel and with life in general mate.
Great video. That Starcaster looks great.
I’d love to see a video of you talking about the story behind that initial strat for sure!
Goodluck Colin! Only good things coming from this..
The headstock on the flying v is my all time favorite headstock, but i h8 everything else about a v.
No1 the bulet strat with the p90 😊
Keep those that give you biggest smile when you pick them up Colin. You know which ones I’m talking about I’m sure.
I love mine p90’s too:)
I’d love a guitar. Had to get rid of mine 😢. Most guitars can live a new life in the hands of an inspired person. Keep rocking and stay cool 🎸
Happy New Year , that Gibson Les Melody Maker is my favourite Gibson ever , p90 and yellow what not like about
Well more guitars in the video than I own
I play all of mine
Unfortunately I can’t afford another right now
Some of these would be cool to add
Can’t wait to see your Reverb store
just found your channel from the tv yellow les paul special review! love your content, and your playing!
god bless the clash 😎
Yeah an addiction needs to be replaced by another addiction... I intend to do a cleanup in my guitar collection and will start by donating a couple to the music school in my city.
I really fancy the Gordon Smith. I fully understand the cheap guitars hanging around thing. Really some of them are just not worth selling and are worth more in terms of sentimentality.
I’d love the highway one not in a position to lay out any cash just after Christmas though but if you don’t sell and I put a few good months in I’d be well keen Colin.
Happy new year great little solo on the Gibson Flying V 👍
Just had to say that I love your style of videos, absolutely brilliant. The transitions, just everything, perfect 👌
Christ almighty, what a lovely sight: Colin starting off dead sure he's gonna flog the lot, getting rid of almost all of them, then a fair few, then a couple, and with every guitar he's sizing up, the more he's backing off selling them on. Maybe, selling on... maybe...
"This one's not going anywhere, you're not havin' this one..."
Not blaming him, the man loves his guitars. XD Fantastic!
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I have your same dilemma. I have accumulated over 344 guitars and am running out of room in my home. So I believe it is time to do the same thing you are doing now. I never thought a grown person could get attached to guitars. It is definitely a disease. Therapy time may be fast approaching.
Wow that puts my measly 60+ to shame and makes me feel a lot better.. cheers! 🙌 I hope this months videos help you 😁👍
@@theguitaristas Your video helped me immensely. My wife says my house looks more like a music shop. LOL
Bought an identical V a few days ago. Absolutely love it.
That’s the way to do it, when doubt… sell! Good action for the new year, and best wishes for it of course! 😁
Your right my collection is nowhere near yours but all mine do get played I don't have a favourite I have a couple that I have memories when I play them one always makes me think of my departed wife the other a friend who when he passed left me some money so I bought a guitar.
Listening to you talking about culling your collection is the emotional value of yours. That is always a dilemma.
Don't worry Colin we are all here to help you thru this somewhat painful process..... lol.... cheers my friend from Ohio USA.....
Great video as always Colin! Your '64 custom shop is a beauty, love the red back and crazy how red it is under the pickguard. Not in my budget but I am sure that guitar will make someone very happy!
Would love to see a video on the whole reverb selling process, how you ship guitars etc. I have a high value guitar I'd like to sell as well. I have always been somewhat apprehensive to sell on Reverb due to the whole shipping and potential damage or scams. Although Reverb seems to be the best / only option to avoid hours of time wasters or being straight up robbed. Lots of shops offer consignment around here but they are all a huge rip off as well
I may do something about this... had a lot of scam offers already!!
I still think that custom shop Les Paul (one with the shipping story) was one of the best looking/sounding Les Paul’s. Ridiculously good. Great it went to a good home also. Maybe a new custom shop Les Paul after the cull 😂
"It needs to be played in anger" needs to be made into a T-shirt. You'd make a mint.
I agree that they should be played but Some people keep them mostly as an art piece..you gotta know that?...to each is own
Happy New Year Colin. I would like the Emily Wolfe please. As long as you sign it stealthily!
Happy new year. Although I only have 11 guitars I've come to realise some aren't getting played much and they're overrunning my little guitar room. Like you it's clear out time.
Whatever was going on back in Australia Colin I am so glad that Fender put you back on the right track !
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I am NOT letting my wife watch this episode!!!
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@@theguitaristas Just explain to her that your gear is like handbags and shoes to her. See if that helps?
@@strumminroninShe's an engineer like I am. She wouldn't get it.
Welcome back Sir !!! 2024 !!
Happy New Year 👍 I'm on the same bus as you Col. Just sold all my Epiphone's (3 Les Pauls and an SG) . Ever since your Guitar Safari to Denmark St I've been on the lookout for a Japanesse Tokai - Yes! You've guessed it. Picked up a lovely example of an MIJ Tokai LS-150 only last week. What can I say - absolutely stunning. Can't wait to see what you let go next - sorry to see the Stoner up for grabs, someone's in for a treat.
Glad it’s not just me 😂. I went to Denmark street last year and tried a Chinese one which was great and I was soooo tempted but managed to walk away. Since Colin’s safari ‘I’ve lusted after a Japanese one 😢
Hi Gerry, I picked up a Chinese Tokai back in the summer. I had a few Epiphone’s at the time, the Chinese Love Rock just blow them out of water. I’ve now sold my Epiphone’s and upgraded the hardware spec of the Chinese Love Rock to that of the Japanese LS-150, it’s now even better.
@@dotcomjohnny Thanks for that 👍. There’s a damaged one in the auction site at present and I’m so tempted. It just cosmetic damage but it was new before the courier got to it. I’m trying so hard to be good though 😂
@@gerrygreen1 What's the point of being good🤣 It's Bad Ass guitar, if you can get it for a steal (and you don't mind the damage) invest in Gotoh Aluminum Tailpiece (it weighs 25g) and the Gotoh Tune-o-Matic Bridge, with Brass Saddles - it must have brass saddles. You will need to change the Bridge Posts too - from the 8mm (already in - to 8mm/ step down to 4mm Nashville type). I'm not sure of your location, but if UK - let me know and I'll send you links. 👍
I ended up buying the Epi les paul custom just like the one you reviewed in white because of your review! Great piece of kit and been playing it a lot. Got 6 other great guitars , some hardtails and some with Floyd rose trems. We all end up putting guitars back in the case for a while but for me i always pull em out again. My Godin XTSA koa top is always out to play because it controls the roland GR55 synth. Old technology now but Still perfecting my chops playing grand piano and string sounds etc for recording.Tell me i may be wrong, but with all that goes on with you tube reviews and your production company, you dont have much time to play any guitar. TC and i just turned 67 last month!
I look forward to the 'Ones that got away' episode later in the year...
Happy New Year ! I had a long and haredd look at myself as well. The mirrot cracked ...
I think that going through this is a healthy mental practice. I need to do something similar. Keep focued on the positives such as the cool new guitars that you'll get to experience and share with us by selling these. Also, as you say, guitars should be played so it's good to let someone else play the hell out of those guitars instead of them collecting dust. I look forward to more videos! Cheers!