Okay, a few weeks ago I bought a $100 Baltimore Strat copy on a lark. The frets are all smooth, and it sounded good in the store. I got it just to round out the collection, and maybe use it to take to jams and not care if it got beat up. The guitar that I am really GAS-ing for is a G&L Tribute Tele....
Or am I? I can't stop playing this $100 beater! I hardly ever pick up my other guitars. I love them all dearly, but this Strat copy has put a spell on me. I put some Elixirs on it, and it sounds great! It isn't as twangy as a Tele would be, and I really like the country twang, but I get home and I am consumed with doubt about whether or not I REALLY want the Tribute! Ugh!
I was going to put the '54 Strat pickups on Bettie (the $100 Strat) eventually, but if I blow off the Tribute I can put them on now, and get a Squier Tele and still save some dough. I may not even get the Squier Tele for a while, since it might just sit in the corner, except for maybe once a week, like my others. I am very impressed with the Squier Teles for the money, though.
I am getting a screaming deal on the Tribute, which makes the decision even tougher.
I have never upgraded pickups before, and it seems weird to put pickups in that cost more than the whole guitar did!
Anybody else upgrade a cheap-o that they can't put down?
Have you considered therapy? This ant-GASing phase is immoral and could be a sign of a bigger problem. :roll:
Actually, I had been GASing for a real Gibson LP for a long time but I picked up the Epi Custom awhile back and am real happy with it. :) It's not in the $100 category but the same concept.
If you can't put the cheapo down, why upgrade it? Leave it alone and play the heck out of that thing!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
If you can't put the cheapo down, why upgrade it? Leave it alone and play the heck out of that thing!
I want to upgrade it because the pickups on it aren't that great. They are excellent for $100, but they can't compare to the stock single coils on my SD. That said, I have been doing some reading, and maybe if I shield it I won't have to upgrade. Or maybe just put a Texas Special in the bridge. Maybe.
For $100 and it plays well it is worth a little investment. Starting with the shielding is good idea and cheap.
i agree with Nils, do the low cost easy upgrades and drive the wheels offa dat thing! :wink:
#4491....
Or buy a few more of those $100 ones. One for each day of the week or something. :)
Jason
"Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution"
If you get a super deal today, you'll get a super deal tomorrow. Maybe not the same dealer but it's not like it's a one-time opportunity. If you like the $100 guitar, drop the tele. It's a lot of money and if you're not 100% sure you're better of waiting for something you do really desperately want.
I'd say why not try some pickups. No need to drop a big wad of dough though.
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
What's GASing?
(I'm stupid :S)
Manti
The truth does not matter in life. What really matters is what others believe to be the truth.
GAS (Gear Aqcuisition (that one is spelled much different I fear) Syndrome), or in simple words: craving for new toys.
isn't it guitar acquisition syndrome
Actually I like Arjen's def.
It covers a wider range a GAS.
I like drums and recording gear also, so I may GAS over them, too.
Bish
"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds!"
The term GAS is used in all sorts of hobbies besides music, with Arjen's definition.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
oh cool lol
i have GAS too then:P
The truth does not matter in life. What really matters is what others believe to be the truth.