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If you could only own one electric guitar....

somebodyelseuk

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2020
Messages
454
If I can still have acoustics, it'd be one of my ESP HSS Strat-a-likes.

If I could only have one guitar, I'd take a Gretsch 6120 - close enough sonically to do single coil or humbucker sounds, plus it can be used as an acoustic.
 

Wilko

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,854
I'd have to flip a coin for either my 1960 Strat or 1965 ES-335
 

Putty

Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2015
Messages
41
My single cut Danocaster, it's light, it's versatile, it can growl and the neck is perfect.
 

Amp360

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
852
My first real electric guitar was a 1980 Standard that a family friend sold me for $250. He threw in an early 1968 Fender Vibrolux, MXR D+, tuner, and cables. That was my guitar through all my bands in middle school and high school, four years at Berklee, and with my band at that time. I used it on my first tour and then on many sessions and some records when I moved to NYC.

I remained very close friends with the man who sold it to me, and he passed away suddenly from complications of Covid-19.
I still have the guitar, and it's in really great condition. I put a Bigsby on it in 1989, in 8th grade. Not a popular thing to do back then. I had to order it over the phone, and they would only ship it COD.

I don't play the guitar as much as I used to, simply because all of the paint on the side of the fretboard is coming off. It does sound every bit as good as my other Les Paul guitars. I have the original tuners, but they've never been on the guitar since I've owned it. I changed the TRC for some reason in (IIRC) 1994. I should put the old one back on.

Up until I made some money, I had four guitars.
This Les Paul
1953 Gibson ES-125 ($325)
1970s Telecaster Custom with the humbucker ($600)
1964 Fender Mustang ($225)
When I finished college, I bought a 1959 Martin 00-21 ($1100), which felt like a huge amount of money then.

Nothing vintage or all that collectible, but those guitars were enough to play anything for many years. I still have all of them aside from the ES-125, which I had to sell at one point. I would love another, but I'm unsure if I'll ever find the right one.


333302043_887813299194632_1128236609306970244_n.jpg


I still have the amp as well:

244794482_10225935946974204_7094914874179966882_n.jpg
 

Red Baron

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 14, 2004
Messages
6,774
As much as I love Les Paul’s, if I had to live with a single guitar, it would have to be a blackguard.
 

TAA

Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2022
Messages
35
For me my Gibson L-5C.

ES-175S= single pickup?
ES-175 D=double pickup?

I doubt the letters refer to # of cutaways.

Tom
 

Wilko

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,854
For me my Gibson L-5C.

ES-175S= single pickup?
ES-175 D=double pickup?

I doubt the letters refer to # of cutaways.

Tom
I'd love an L-5C. I've got an L-4C!
 

TAA

Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2022
Messages
35
My L-5C is a 1952. My only other guitar is a 1973 Martin D-35, which I’m trying to sell.

I’m retired and on a fixed income but I’m searching for a Gibson GA-50 amp. But probably won’t be able to afford it.

Tom
 

LyleGorch

Active member
Joined
Aug 17, 2018
Messages
180
I'd love an L-5C. I've got an L-4C!
My L-5C is a 1952. My only other guitar is a 1973 Martin D-35, which I’m trying to sell.

I’m retired and on a fixed income but I’m searching for a Gibson GA-50 amp. But probably won’t be able to afford it.

Tom
I told my wife upon my death that she is to drive the truck over my L5C.
Sorry for the double response.
 

veeman

Active member
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
979
Obviously one of the Flying V's, probably the Cherry 2015 70's Jap RI, it's the best of the lot.
 

TAA

Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2022
Messages
35
When I croak my son or his son, who are both into guitar, get the L-5 and the amp, if there is an amp.

I misread the #30 post, mixing up the D and the S. Sorry! I owned a new D for a year starting in March 1965. Was a very nice guitar. But the sound and feel of the L-5 is “better”.

Tom
 
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