I have been seriously toying with the idea of bidding on this guitar. I am truly torn. It'll wind up running me about $140 when all is said and done. That's not much for a guitar. Of course, that might be too much for what would amount to a visual gimmick.
I mean, seriously---no one in their right mind would think a clear lucite Flying V-style guitar from e-bay would sound good (or play well, for that matter).
BUT, I have always wanted a real Flying V; I just can't justify spending that kind of cash when I know in my heart of hearts that it would never be my main guitar (I'm just not comfortable with the odd weight distribution). So this would be a cheap alternative.
As for the obviousness of the gimmick itself: that's OK, it kinda fits in with what my band is all about. We're a straight-out, no- frills, five-chord Rock & Roll band that celebrates beer and girls. Most of our influences are from that period in the 70s when NYC, L.A. and London were converging to lay the foundation of what we commonly think of as "punk rock." The gratuitous visual certainly fits in with the "glam" aspects of where we're coming from. In fact, out of everyone in the band, I think I have longed to pull off a mild glam thing the most. Note I said "mild." I draw the line at make-up and flat-out drag.
On the con side, its still 140 bucks that I'm not sure I wanna say goodbye to (not including the cost of a case or a gig bag), plus whatever cash I'd have to pay a luthier to set it up so that its playable at a show (mind you, I'm not freakin' Andres Segovia). Its also another thing I'd have to lug to a show for the sake of 2-3 songs.
*Sigh* Decisions, decisions. Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
9 comments:
I agree -- there's about a one percent chance that it'll sound good, and probably a similar chance that it'll play well. Do you know anything about the pickups? Do they claim the neck is straight? Any indication that it's not a total roach?
My big concern, just based on the looks of that whacked out thing, would be that it's not gig-worthy for even a song. Maybe then product description on eBay would change my mind on that.
The plus side is that, if it's really playable, you'll be that much closer to the drag show you're pining for.
Here's my advice: Bid on it, and if it's sucks, forge a Steve Vai autograph on it with a sharpie and post it back on eBay. You'll probably get your money back plus $20 or so.
Wait, I just thought of something. Definitely bid on it. If it doesn't play well, hold on to it until New Year's Eve and bash the hell out of it on stage when the clock strikes 12. That would be the punk rock thing to do.
Plus, you can always bash it to pieces!
Holy crap! When I saw the pic of the guitar, I couldn't even see the body of the guitar! I was like, "what the hell kind of guitar is that?"
I do like sleekpelt's idea of getting it and smashing it, though. However, I'm not sure I'd spend $140 to do that.
I would wager it will not stay tuned and will frustrate you. I love this guys approach http://www.danreeder.com/
If you want an investment, he makes his own instruments, contact him and offer to buy one of his funky guitars. Really fun stuff, all home made. He has know idea who I am nor do I know if he will even sell one of his creations, but its all good stuff just the same...Buy a CD it will inspire you...I think...JW
Thanks for all the great insight. Eric, you SO rule. Why? Because you know that in my heart, I want to buy the damn thing and I'm really looking for someone to validate me. You gave real logic!Plus, I can always smash the damn thing!
Bry, I have never heard a beat guitar called a "roach" before, but I'm gonna steal that. Love it.
I tried to put a link to the actual auction right here, but my HTML tag was not allowed.
Josh, I'm goin to that website right now.
Wow, Zee -- I checked out the eBay listing for that axe, and that seller is the freaking king of clear acrylic instruments! If I'd realized he was such an aficionado, I would have suggested the purchase from the get-go.
How do you think a guy comes across so many clear guitars? I wonder if he has any clear pianos....
Ha Ha! How about the clear dobro? This would "clearly" be Wonder Woman's luthier of choice.
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