AngryGoldfish wrote:I do actually care about 'the cool'. Not to get all philosophical about Strats and Doom, but there is definitely something to be said on being inspired by your instruments. If you subconsciously like to 'fit in' then a Gibson Les Paul or an SG is where you'll naturally curve towards, with maybe a Marshall JCM800. If you've relished in the Grungier side of music then you might gravitate towards a pale blue Telecaster and an Ampeg V4. And if you're naturally a little more flamboyant than your band mates then you might just pick up a white Flying V baritone and run a stack of Verellen. It's all very serious, but the conscious mind isn't always in control when choosing, buying and even playing gear. Sometimes you have to go with your gut. Our personality does play a part in what we use as musicians. I don't mean to be saying this like it's new to you, but it's an interesting topic.
What do your gear purchases say about you?
Wisdom^^^
Guitar player from Witch Mountain uses a Lace loaded Strat in C and it sounds pretty damn rad if you ask me.
It all depends on you...I personally play a super strat and have for...hmm...about 10 years now, and while I love the versatility and tone it's just a bit superfluous for what I am doing nowadays in regards to the actual design...I get tone that is very pleasing to myself with it...but i'd like something without a trem of any sort, a bit thicker neck(hands ended up growing out of the thin neck about a year after purchasing) and possibly walnut/maple hybrid instead of alder/mahogany. I think really you should only worry about upgrading to something else for practical reasons (ie: too heavy? lighter. too bright? thicker) and not worry at all about fitting in...but as AG pointed out for some people, fitting in is a practical reason so if that applies to you go with something else.
My philosophy though is that no matter what you have...just go for it and remember that no matter what you are using as long as it sounds good people aren't going to be worrying about the grade or type of equipment you are using. It's also fun to see your equipment evolve over time...I have documentation of my rig going from 120w Randall 1x12 combo -> Randall Combo + Randall 4x12 -> Krank Rev+ + Randall 4x12 -> currently Verellen + Randall 4x12 and will just continue to add.
Was talking to the wood wizard about a possible custom build the other day and I might just make a down payment soon. Trying to do a baritone Guild S300 esque build ala walnut/maple as mentioned above...because at this point I am one of those "flamboyant(although i'd just say particular)" dudes that know what I like and don't like and want to make sure my next big purchase in the wood realm is exactly up to my current assessment of what I need from a guitar...I really just want to create my own unique tone that will not easily be ripped off and will be impossible for others to 100% copycat my rig piece for piece.
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