Guitars... How many is too many?

I guess its time I write about playing guitars. As something I love doing it would be kinda weird if I didn't write something on this topic at some point.

I currently own five (yes, 5) guitars. I guess I'll share the collection with you.

Firstly, we start with the silver Ibanez Artcore Archtop. Its got a bigsby style trem and produces a lovely sound. One weird thing about it... most guitars when left slip out of tune as the tension in the strings slacken and the tuning is then flat. This one, when left seems to go sharp. I've never worked that one out.... answers on a postcard please.

The Yamaha 12-string. A gorgeous full sound particularly if amplified via a chorus pedal. It is annoying when its time to restring not just because there's an extra six to do but because they're so much closer together!

Now we come on to an interesting one. This is a Yamaha slimline archtop nylon string. I originally learnt to play classical and the nylon strings always produce a really nice tone. Whilst playing classical wasn't always enjoyable I was fortunate enough to have a cool teacher who relented and agreed to stray from teaching me just classical/flamenco sylabus as long as something new was covered in every lesson.

The "Daddy" of electric guitars, the Gibson Les Paul. A dream to play. Quite heavy but you get used to it and, with its rich tone you never get tired of playing it. If I haven't played for a while this is the first one I'll think about picking up. It really is a treat.

Finally, this is the party piece in my collection. This is an Epi SG Doubleneck (I couldn't afford the Gibson custom-shop version but then again, who can?!?). It is rock heavy to hold but both the 12-string (upper neck) and the 6-string (lower) have a great feel. Many people think double necks are gimmicky but i've gotta say they are a lot of fun and if you can certainly get some interesting sounds out of it.

Unlike all the other photos I thought this one of my mate "The Hipster" posing in true "axe-man" style was quite apt for the double neck.

So, many people have questioned me as to "why do you need five guitars?" Well, I don't is the simple answer. But then again, why not. Why do women need 37 pairs of shoes? After all, the expenditure is probably the same!! I don't buy guitars willy nilly at the drop of a hat. All five were bought for the way they play and for the differences in sound relative to the others. It is certainly a diverse collection and, since it was amassed five years ago, one in which I take a lot of pleasure.

YouChartIt - 'Let It Be Mine'

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The Sopranos Finale

Well, after months of arduous eye glue I have now finished watching the Sopranos including, the final ever episode.

To those that are unfamiliar either start watching it and enjoy or this won't hold any interest for you. To those that are familiar but have yet to reach the finale, do not fear - I will not reveal anything at all about the content.

To those that are familiar and have like me, watched all of the episodes I leave you with this question, what did you think about the ending?

Answers on a postcard please....

NY Resolutions

Lets start by wishing Happy New Year to one and all. But really, what is all the new year fuss about. It has always struck me as nothing more than an over-hyped over-priced night out with an expensive/triple-rate taxi that, if booked, will arrive to collect you at least 45 minutes late.

But its the importance we all seem to place on the new year that is hilarious. It takes us so long to get used to the new year number. For example, it will take until February at least before most of us start remembering to use the correct year when writing or typing the date.

Resolutions. Why do we make them? Why do we need an event celebrated by all to attach our empty promises of quiting bad habits and making lifestyle changes? The number of times I've heard people say things like, "This year I'm going to quit smoking, lose weight and get fit". Will-power seems to be lacking here if only once a year we are willing to make momentus changes in our way of living. Or, we could just buy gum instead of smokes, salads instead of burgers, and go for a walk every now and then, all of which could be done at any time of the year. There is no current law I am aware of that precludes us from commiting to try something new on days other than the first of January.