How many is too many? What does that even mean?
When it come to guitars there is no number that fits that equation. Whatever number of guitars you have, it would be perfect if you had one more.
In math terms, that’s n+1=perfect when n=current guitar inventory.
In the midst of a major work/life transition, it felt like the right moment to throw down on a guitar I’ve had my eye on for a while. Thanks to the folks at Melody Music Shop in Indiana, this beauty arrived last week (I just haven’t had the head space to post anything).
‘Ooooo- that looks nice’ you say. Yes, yes it does. ‘And what exactly is it?’ you say. Well, that’s a Gibson J-45, ’60s Reissue model, in ebony. Not only is it a totally badass looking guitar (which let’s face it- is important), it’s a J-45, and it sounds as good as it looks. Maybe better. Wanna know how good? Here ya go.
As a side note- if you are reading this and your are, or you know, someone in marketing at Gibson, help a fella out would ya? Sponsorship? Free strings? (Ernie Ball Earthwood PBs in 12-54 please!) A t-shirt?
The main upper limit to guitars is actually storage space. I’ve read that Jackson Browne, who is a guitar tone freak if there ever was one, has a warehouse in LA to keep all his guitars. I’m not there yet, but I am committed to thinning the herd this year a bit. I have one good acoustic that I’m going to let go of (because I never play it), and I’m considering letting one of the Les Pauls find a new home. Need a new well loved guitar in your life? Let’s chat. We’ll see if I actually pull the trigger on that.
This latest guitar does round out my Gibson acoustic collection. While I’m not cool enough to own the really expensive vintage guitars (if you and 9999 of your friends buy a CD that might get me there), I do have what I’m calling the father, son and holy ghost. That’s a Southern Jumbo, the new J-45, and a Hummingbird Studio. They each do different things, so it will be fun to see how my use of them evolves over time.
In the meantime, the first half of June is some family travel time- if you care about that, instagram would be the place to keep up. When we get back I’ll be headed to Montana for the competition at the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival. Wish me luck. Also, if you’re in MT or NW Wyoming, come on out- it’s gonna be fun.
Then John and I are playing a duo show in Gunbarrel (North Boulder neighborhood) on the 30th. Wow- this month will go fast. Hope to see you out there. Wear sunscreen.
Follow me wherever you are!
