“You Know What They Say – Every Guitar Player Wants the Same Thing!”
It’s the universal truth that every guitar player, regardless of age, experience, or skill set, always wants the same thing – the perfect guitar! Sure, we would all love to have the best sounding, most powerful and pristine looking axes money can buy. But even in these days of highly advanced, technologically superior guitar engineering and design, as well as inventive, cutting edge high-end craftsmanship, there still remains a certain feeling of nostalgia that conjures up visions of the classic, iconic electric and acoustic guitars of generations past.
The concept of the ‘perfect guitar’ may very well be a subjective one, with players preferring different types of sound or feel from the instruments they play. Some want the modern, cutting edge tones and playability that many contemporary brands are offering; others seek out vintage guitars for their, often unique and unmistakable characteristics. But regardless of style and taste, whether from years of experience or naivety and curiosity, all guitarists are in search of the same dream – a guitar that has that special something that connects with them in a way no other instrument can.
To be able to capture and define such a pursuit, we must first understand what drives the desire – why do guitar players spend a significant part of their lives, and sometimes their entire financial reserves, on acquiring their perfect guitar? Let’s take a look at a few of the primary reasons why searching for the ideal guitar can become such a passionate and consuming mission.
The Pursuit of Tone
At the very forefront of any guitar hunter’s list of must-haves is tone. Numerous factors go into what makes up a guitar’s sound, from body wood, neck wood, and pickups to amplification, styles and techniques of play. Even though budget and skill level may restrict players from owning their dream guitar, if their efforts are determined and relentless, and spirit strong enough, even the most meager of rig can eventually produce life-altering sounds.
The tone from a great guitar can inspire, motivate and drive innovation. It can evoke emotion, energy, and articulate ideas like no other instrument. A perfect tone has both clarity and sustain – not too bright yet not too fuzzy, not too twangy yet not too dull. But above all, it has the potential to give a guitar player their own voice and identity, which is arguably the most important of all the factors.
The Feel of Play
After tone, the feel of playing is the next most important component when it comes to the hunt for the perfect guitar. Many veteran players will argue that feel comes first, and while the debate may never an absolute answer, there is no denying that the feel of a guitar strongly influences the player’s performance level and comfort. It can either help facilitate expression and invention, or restrict even the most talented of players.
Things like a strong neck joint, comfortable fretboard radius, string spacing, and fret height are all contributing factors in how a guitar feels to play. A great guitar should have the ability to make fast, accurate, and easy playing; it should feel alive with energy and vibrate like its always talking back to you. It should inspire confidence, without feeling too overwhelming. And it should make the player feel connected to the instrument; like they’re part of something special, and part of a larger musical tradition.
The Look and Feel of Quality
Besides tone and feel, the look and feel of a guitar is another very important factor in the search for the perfect instrument. This is something that all guitar players can agree upon – a guitar should look, and feel, like it belongs to you. It should capture the imagination and take you back in time or propel you forward into the realm of your musical dreams.
The visual components of a guitar start from the wood grain patterns that adorn each individual piece of wood and move on up to the finer details. From the knobs, strings, and machine heads down to the gold hardware and intricate woods, the look and feel of the guitar will either draw you in or leave you cold. But if the look and feel are right, it can create an emotional connection that rivals any other – a bond that can stay with you for many years to come.
The Search for the Dream
The search for the perfect guitar has been around since the dawn of the electric instrument, and it will remain as long as there are guitarists out there to seek it. While the quest may never be attained, the journey itself is part of the fun and excitement of the search itself. Whether it be through a casual weekend window shopping, or a methodical and comprehensive combing of dealers, luthiers and vintage shops, the quest for the perfect guitar should always remain fresh, exciting and passionate.
You know what they say – every guitar player wants the same thing! Whether you’re an experienced veteran or a beginner to the instrument, the desire for the perfect guitar will never fade.
So let the hunt begin – and may your fingers never get tired!
“You Know What They Say – Every Guitar Player Wants the Same Thing!” – A Quest for the Perfect Instrument.