Stupid Question

[josef1010]

Hey all,
I am about to start gigging out for the first time in years. I own a CU24 artist that I bought new, and I know this sounds crazy but I am worried about playing it in the bar.

I am trying to use my other guitars, but nothing even comes close, so stupid question is...

Will the smokey air impact the guitar?

[Dan Desy]

Hey all,
I am about to start gigging out for the first time in years. I own a CU24 artist that I bought new, and I know this sounds crazy but I am worried about playing it in the bar.

I am trying to use my other guitars, but nothing even comes close, so stupid question is...

Will the smokey air impact the guitar?
Yes it sure will. It wil make it roadworthy, and well broken in... ;)
I play my PRSi out all the time, and I'm just careful with them. I don't worry about environmental issues.

[josef1010]

well I don't think I am taking the artist case, I can see that smelling like smoke forever,

I was thinking that if I just cleaned it afterward it should be fine, you knwo how some guitars smell like pot?? lol I know so many musicians whose gear smells like crap.

I am guess (besides kick overs) that the smoke shouldn't be too hard on the finish??

[Dan Desy]

well I don't think I am taking the artist case, I can see that smelling like smoke forever,

I was thinking that if I just cleaned it afterward it should be fine, you knwo how some guitars smell like pot?? lol I know so many musicians whose gear smells like crap.

I am guess (besides kick overs) that the smoke shouldn't be too hard on the finish??Cleaning it can never be a bad thing!

[josef1010]

well that works for me then..

It would be nice to have a non-ten top guitar with the same specs otherwise to gig with, but I don't have the extra cash for that right now..

its funny my PRS is the only guitar I own that I feel I can play a song I don't know and make it sound good

:)

maybe gear does make the musician

(disclaimer...only a joke)

[BLOYD]

Playing that guitar live is what makes it worth the money right? It's not furniture or any other type of decoration. I've got dings all in my #1 PRS...even broke the headstock clean off last year. After all that (repaired headstock of course) it still plays and sounds incredible!
I also love that "crappy" smell of some older guitars...collectors call that "vintage appeal".;) :dude:

[Dan O]

how about ya just move to New York?? Smoking indoors is now illegal! :dude:

[grovedale]

maybe the smoke and beer is part of what makes a 30 year old Les Paul so highly sought after?

[Baba]

It would be nice to have a non-ten top guitar with the same specs otherwise to gig with, but I don't have the extra cash for that right now..


And this is exactly where the lawyer/dentist trophy guitar comments come from.

C'mon, do you really want to be an old man and say, "I sure had some nice guitars, but I never completely felt their magic because I didn't play them with my band"???

Sorry about the rant, worrying about stuff like that makes me believe some people like to look at their tops more than play the guitars. I'm going to be getting an artist package IRW Custom, and I can't wait to play it live. If I didn't, I'd have to wonder why I bought it. [/rant] :)

Okay, as far as your questions, get a good gig bag or a different hardshell case as your "smokey I don't care case". Also, the smokey bars never affected my guitars at all.

[Donk70]

Guitars are meant to be played. Take it out and let others enjoy the sight and sound of your #1.:dude:

[Big Mike]

I just clean em after every gig. It's a guitar, and if it's the "one" then play and enjoy it!

[Quinny]

Couple of points....

Play the PRS!!! I've never had a guitar that I've not taken to gigs and played the hell out of. Even rehearsals can be pretty full on... but for me, that's why I own a quality guitar, so I can play it, play it hard and enjoy the feel and sound of it. I've never really got the 'trophy' mentality, though I can understand people being precious with them if they were bought purely as an investment, shame though it is.

Secondly, I'd recommend another case. I'm not sure what the situation is elsewhere, but I know in the U.K., smoke aside, if you're guitar's going to get stolen at a gig then having it in a very fine looking case isn't going to help it's cause. I met one distraught guy one night in a right state, his guitar had just disappeared at a gig... when I asked him what the case was like he said "a black one, with a Gibson Custom & Historic Division Logo on". Gig bags are also easier to keep strapped to you too for easier carrying. So, smoky air aside, dumbing down your case a bit just might make a potenttial thief think less of it.

Cheers, Q.

[phoenix]

I can relate to what Josef is saying. I used to do a lot of acoustic gigs, and I would obsess about not scratching up my Collings, what kind of polish I used, etc., etc. Used to love to keep them pristine and any little ding was a real bummer. Then I got interested in pre-war Martins and realized that all of those scratches and dings and finish discoloration are part of what makes those old guitars so wonderful. It's what gives them mojo and character. Brand new guitars can be gorgeous but they don't have much character.

I'm careful with my guitars, but watching them gradually accumulate wear from loving daily use is kind of like watching them grow up. We all get banged up a little from living every day. If we didn't get a little banged up we wouldn't really be living. I think that goes for guitars too. I think it's a little sad to encounter a 20-year-old guitar in near-mint condition. Pretty, but it's like it hasn't really lived.

[josef1010]

i made the call last night after a practice that I had to play it live, nothing even comes close to it.


I am going to use a different case, but otherwise its there!

[Lance Romance]

I've worked many years in music retail, and am still constantly amazed at the people who buy really expensive guitars and refuse to play them out. Yes, the way to keep your R9 or cool PRS or whatever mint is to put it in its case, put it under the bed and never touch it. What are you, some businessman/collector, or a Player? Just be careful, but play the snot out of it. You've got some of the best tools there are, which don't mean squat if you don't use them. I've owned literally hundreds of smokin' guitars in my career, and every single one of them was played every day. Consider the little dings like hair greying at the temples; just a touch of distinction. Rock Long and Prosper!-Eric

[josef1010]

thanks for all the advice everyone!

I will let everyone know how the first gig goes

[Chiba]

I've never had one of my guitars start to smell bad, but I've had plenty of cases that have been in dire need of a spritz with Febreze after a night at a local bar.

I wouldn't worry too much about your guitar - but the case, yeah...buy yourself a little bottle of Febreze and the day after a gig give it a spritz and leave it open til it dries. <snap> no problem!

--chiba