I've Bought TOO MANY Guitars...Why Having LESS Guitars Is Better

[@nedludd3641]

I got way too many guitars and I'm a crappy player. However, I'm helping to keep guitar manufacturers/retailers in business and I enjoy playing a different guitar each day. Today I played my headless Steinberg and it was challenging fun

[@elevenAD]

i also have too many but i cant count the number of times i have been inspired to get up and practice because of this, i have my go to guitars at the ready but sometimes i just get burnt out on playing and ill grab something different, ill look at the clock and hours have passed. My rule is if i dont like playing it, sell it.

[@timchalmers1700]

Yeah man! We're critical to the industry.

[@JasonT-xp3kh]

Never apologize for your playing, it's absolutely world class. If someone doesn't want to hear it, they can always fast forward.

[@jw6588]

That's what I do, actually. I don't know why, but I recognize that while he is objectively an excellent player, I don't like his playing. I like his insights though.

[@officialWWM]

Yep, he’s a great player but I always skip forward 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@shiftd_1114]

It get's annoying -

[@aflux2908]

Yep, i skip too. Its definitely a youtube guitarist thing. Pretty much all the guitar channels i follow all do the same thing, 2-3 minute jam shesh that i have to skip before getting into the subject of the video. I mean, the playing is good but im here because im interested in the topic of the video, if i wanted a jam sesh i would have just searched for that instead

[@jw6588]

@@aflux2908 My theory is that the better the guitarist, generally the worse the music they make when it comes to songs. This didn't used to be true, but I think it has been since maybe the late 90's. To give an example, Noel Gallagher is a high intermediate player at best but I would much rather listen to an Oasis album than an album of that Charles Berthoud guy, even though he's a fantastic bassist. Because you get a full song, not a weedle-fest. Maybe an exception would be Neal Schon (although he isn't a KZbin guitarist). Every solo you get from him is in the context of an amazing song. That's where I think solos belong. But then again there's also the point you made. I click the videos for the topic, not the weedle.

[@MrAngryTwinkie]

The biggest benefit to me of multiple guitars is having them setup for different tunings without needing to adjust setups after a tuning change.

[@CalTN]

Yep..Drop D, Open E Nashville Tuning, C#, etc

[@poesybeat]

Biggest problem with having lots of guitars is you’ll dial in your pedals/amp/modeler to sound great, then switch to some of your other guitars, and it sounds like crap. It introduces too many variables into your rig.

[@TheElectricfishmusic]

I've definitely run into that problem, and sold off guitars because they required too much adjustment of amp and effects.

[@nuthinbutlove]

Yeeesssssss!!! That was when I really began to appreciate my multi-effect processor. I was able to program various sets of patches for each guitar. Then it was just a matter of having to remember the patch I needed so I could pull it up in an instant. I love pedals but a great processor really comes in handy for some situations and are worth more than their weight in gold... at least until you add in the time it takes to program. 🙄

[@Thearcherfl]

Totally agree. And to make it worse, add in a few amps. That’s always a fun time separating out loop pedals when coming from say a blues jr to an amp with fx loop. Kiss your delay settings goodbye lol

[@iamstan_rimp]

Absolutely!!! I’ve narrowed it down to just 2 guitars. That’s it!

[@JCroozy]

Totally agree. For example in a live situation it's crucial not to have to deal with It. Just change guitar and continue.

[@aleadbrick1222]

I was in the middle of doing stuff and I had your jam in the background. I didn’t even realise you switched guitars, I just came back to the video and went “oh, he’s changed guitars”. All I heard is your sound. It shows how when you’re not thinking about the sound, you don’t notice it at all. Maybe if it was extreme like a guitar with single coils against very high output humbuckers. But in general I think the benefit of different guitars are mostly how they play and how they inspire your playing.

[@BrBOGO]

same for me. I thought he was just cycling through pickup positions.

[@musiccreation1198]

With limited funds, I prefer a few high quality guitars versus a larger collection of less expensive guitars. Me: Tuttle Strat & Suhr Alt T custom & Martin 00018.

[@musicalcompanion5890]

3-5. guitars. Is all you need. You can have as many as you want. Especially if you play music for a living and i dont mean "rockstar" im mean playing weddings, cooperate events, Quinceañera! If you just buy and collect that's your business. Just understand the definition of need vs want. and that's that.

[@nuthinbutlove]

Well said!

[@slawsonscot]

I’m down to five electrics and two acoustics and that is absolutely more than enough for me. The more you have, the less you develop relationships with each instrument. The fewer you have, the more you connect with them and pick them up.

[@nuthinbutlove]

Yes 💛

[@peterwilson8039]

It takes me a long time to get a guitar set up exactly the way I like it. But on the other hand sometimes you pick up a guitar and it pulls something unexpected out of you.

[@serpensnovus9869]

Two is enough for me - a pair of the same guitar so I always have a spare that feels the same under the fingers.

[@SisGuitarGAS]

I always enjoy my guitars more when I have fewer of them cluttering things up. Sometimes that means hiding them away rather than selling them.

[@nuthinbutlove]

A while back i realized that i don't need more than 4... a Strat, a 335, and two acoustics - steel and nylon stringed. The rest were going to waste just sitting and taking up space, not getting the love they deserved from having someone play and appreciate them. I made the decision to sell and give them away. Feels good to know so many people are appreciating them.

[@willrobertsmith]

As the intro shows it doesn't matter how many guitars you have you still sound like you.

[@Jimmy4Thumbs]

Never apologize for your playing! I always love the music at the beginning. Many times I finish the video and return to the beginning to listen once more. You don't need fewer guitars. You just need a good wall rack! Stick the cases/gig bags in the basement.

[@JasonT-xp3kh]

Other than the fact that now isn't really the best time to sell stuff, be careful about what you let go. I've often had deep regrets about the gear I've sold. At 35, I'd try to hold on to as much as possible. You never know what opportunities the future might bring. Wait until your in your 50's to start dumping major pieces of gear. By that time it won't matter as much. Those golden opportunities would have come and gone by then. Just my two cents based on personal experience.

[@officialWWM]

As someone in my 50s, I totally agree. I’ve let go of way too much great gear that I should never have let go of! I still do it 😳

[@IamMusicNerd]

I kind of agree. I only had 3 guitars for about a decade, and was completely fine with that. But then I caught the bug and over the years amassed over 20 guitars. However, with the exception of 1 or 2, I don’t regret any of the purchases. If I don’t love a guitar, or connect with it, I don’t keep it. So even though I have 20+ guitars, I play them all and love each one for different reasons.

[@thehappyheretic2136]

we can love more than one women at a time lol

[@poesybeat]

I own 10 electrics and wish I could narrow it down, but I can’t seem to part with what I have. If I was starting over, I’d keep it to 3.

[@nuthinbutlove]

@@poesybeat sounds like you just narrowed it down

[@poesybeat]

@@nuthinbutlovebut which 3!? Lol

[@nuthinbutlove]

@@poesybeat my bad. I thought you already knew which ones you'd keep.

[@Rob-qr2kn]

I have seven and want three more🤣

[@poesybeat]

@@Rob-qr2kn I mean, I had seven, and then bought three more, so I totally get you!

[@Michiel1972]

For me about 10 guitars is ideal. 1. Stratocaster (single coils) 2. Telecaster with B-bender 3. Gibson Les Paul 4. National Style O (resonator) 5. Martin D18 6. Classical / Nylon String Guitar (Ramirez) 7. Archtop / Jazz Box with P90s 8. A guitar setup for slide with humbuckers (Gibson SG or a PRS) 9. Stratocaster with bridge humbucker and synth pickup 10. Telecaster for experimenting with alternative tuning

[@HuddleAdventures]

I’m 55 and have been playing guitar since 1985. Most of those years I owned 1 or 2 guitars on average. Every so often the collection would grow to 4, 5 or 6 and I would feel guilty because my kids were young. It felt frivolous at the time. I would sell them off and go back down to 1 or 2. My kids are grown. Today I have 14 electric guitars and 2 acoustic guitars. The 14 electric guitars hang on the wall in my guitar workshop / office in my finished basement. Keeping at easy reach makes it easy to rotate through them. They all get played. My “favorite” changes from time to time. One of the acoustic guitars is up for sale. The other one stays in its case. I rarely play acoustic but like having one when the mood strikes. All of my empty gig bags and cases are stored in the closest. Today 14 is the magic number because I don’t have any more wall space. 😂 I feel blessed to have them.

[@EdoLeonardi]

My main guitar is a Prs custom22, the second guitar is a Strat custom made, that’s all I use for live gigs

[@thomashogan1985]

Exactly the same, great combo

[@simonedimarzio2557]

My sweet spot is 3 guitars. Acoustic, electric with single coils, electric with humbucker. Everything over this list is likely to remain unused or kept for affection rather than effective usefulness

[@huli8557]

Exactly my position!

[@keestoft250]

Agreed.

[@l0rd_breeigo-sama954]

I mean baritone, 7 and 8 strings also exist and for a lot of people would also count for guitars that you’d use

[@zeljkomihalic55]

I feel you...I have way too much guitars, especially considering I am a hobby/enthusiast "player". I have tried to "declutter" number of times, and always and up falling in love with the new one, as each one is special (at least this is what I am trying to convince myself). Just like lenses for the folks doing photography, they would understand :). It is not just the G.A.S. only, it is the thing that sometimes there is one that just inspires me....I'd like to be strong character and have 3-5 and call it a day...

[@Mike_Rocks]

Same here!

[@TheRealFoxeR]

4 is my golden number (strat, PRS, 7 string, baritone). I work on several very distinct studio projects, and those pretty much cover everything.

[@RobONeill-b5e]

What I've done is hold on to my favourite strat, tele, LP and Gretsch. Then I got the best bang for the buck semi-hollow, offset, acoustic, 12 string electric and bass for when those are needed - a perfect 10. I don't need anything else although often tempted

[@thehappyheretic2136]

kind of my line of thinking

[@girotn9065]

The Ibanez Premium AZ42P1 and the Suhr Pete Thorn Signature are very versatile guitars. I could easily live with either one. "The Family Man" is one of my favorite Nicolas Cage performances.

[@CrazyLazyDave]

I just like having guitars. I'm typically only playing one or two. I have space for what I have....currently. I agree we're all "comfortable" with certain guitars. But switching it up can keep you inspired to play. When I get a new guitar I play more. When I re string a guitar I haven't played in ages I play more.

[@swatchcovers5401]

I have 3 currently. I haven’t had the luxury to keep more than a few because I usually have to sell to afford another.

[@bc5295]

I have too many guitars (9 + 3 basses) but the main reason is that I'm very poor at selling them. I'd happily sell at 2 of the basses and 4 or 5 guitars if someone offered me something close to market value.

[@nitbot]

I got 3 guitars right now, but I basically only play one of them. I have no intention of getting more

[@nikolaki]

Need vs want... As a lefty, each instrument is a minor miracle and it's hard to let them go. Face off. I really need to let at least half of them go. Doesn't help that it's a buyer's second hand market at the mo.

[@cloud_noises]

Man, I've been loving your videos. I'm shopping for a telecaster at the moment, and your playing demos are some of the best! Anyway - I also love the "idea" of being a minimalist with music gear... however, I've also found that I'm always going to need something to fixate on, and a lot of the time this ends up being music gear. I think I'm relatively good compared to some of the stories I hear, and most of my stuff gets used regularly for gigging or recording at home. But I've come to understand that sooner or later I'm gonna start obsessing about getting something new, it's just a matter of time. This used to bother me, but I think I've come to accept that I can't escape it, and I just need to work on holding myself back for the sake of my bank account. I imagine most of us are like this, and settling on a set of 2-3 guitars will only happen if our desire to acquire is focused elsewhere, like starting a new hobby or whatever.

[@jjoster]

I had 2 electric guitars for 30+ years, quite happy to have a few more now.

[@Homermad81]

My dude, never apologize for playing the guitar at the intro to your videos. Watching you play and sharing your thoughts on all things guitar is what makes this channel one of the best. Thank you for posting your videos. Started my old man guitar journey not too long ago and your stuff keeps me motivated to keep going. That PRS is really neat. I like the sound because it feels less traditional than the Strat and Gibson.

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

I used to want a lot of guitars, but I realized that more guitars means more maintenance and more guitars sitting on the rack collecting dust. Having extra guitars around for the odd time I might need them is a waste. I currently have 7 guitars, but only 4 electric guitars, and I could even go down to 3 if I really needed to. I know what I want, so my guitars are all versatile enough to do just about everything I need. I have 2 guitars in standard tuning, a Schecter Omen 6 with 2 volumes and both humbuckers coil-split individually, A custom Warmoth build with a vibrato bridge, HS pickup configuration, humbucker also splits and only has 2 volume controls, A Schecter C-8 Deluxe with the same mods as the Omen 6, and a MIM Fender Strat with a single humbucker, volume and tone controls, in dropped C. It chugs and that's all it needs to do. If I didn't want a guitar with a vibrato, I'd get rid of the Warmoth, but my guitars are so tailored to my preferences that no one would buy them for a price that doesn't royally screw me. I also have a Squier Jazz bass that I could play for the rest of my life, an acoustic, and a classical acoustic. The acoustics sit in gig bags because I'm not an acoustic player, but they're the extra guitars I keep around because I never know when I'll need an acoustic for a recording. Electrics are interchangeable, I don't need all different guitars for slight tonal variations, you can't really fake an acoustic though. XD

[@hybridnoisebloom]

Echoing other sentiments, NEVER apologize for your playing ... your playing is outstanding, and it's an absolute highlight of being here.

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

5 guitars in the studio: 2 single coil (tele and strat); 2 humbucking (lp and sg); 1 p90 goldtop. And Leaving Las Vegas.

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

That's a great mix.

[@FlorentChardevel]

LP and SG kinda sound the same imo. Maybe yours have different sets of pickups?

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

@@FlorentChardevel the Les Paul has 61 burstbuckers, the sg has a local boutique, tiki-man, his version of pearly gates. Highly recommend. Out of Branson. They sound and importantly, feel very different to me. In fact I think you must not own both if you think they sound the same; they couldn't be more different. I mean, the neck pickup isn't even in the normal position on an SG, so how could it possibly sound like anything else? The LP has low- and high-end the SG doesn't have, and that's not just acoustically. I can reach higher by far on the SG fretboard than any other guitar as well, making it the one for tough parts. Clean though, the SG is all but useless in the studio. Its overdriven and distorted sounds are distinct enough from the Les Paul to pick out by ear. I think you need to buy an SG or Les Paul, whichever one it is you don't have.

[@csharp57]

5 is a good number to have

[@FlorentChardevel]

@@csharp57you’re saying this because I have 4 lol

[@theystoleitfromus]

Six here, and I'll go ahead and put myself in a third category. I'll get as many as I want for various purposes, but - and here's the important part - if you ever hesitate to choose the appropriate tool for a given situation, you probably need to get rid of something.

[@TheJamieAbraham]

I Play 4 guitars: A Tele, a musicman Steve Morse an Ibanez artcore and a Yamaha Classical which is basically one guitar for each style I play. As a suggestion - pick the three you love the most and try to stick with them for a couple of months - then decide :)

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

one custom shop + one opposite guitar seems to be my favourite way to keep my collection down.

[@johnsouthern9562]

I honestly forget how many guitars I have without writing them down……it is not a good thing, just love the little buggers, but they are stuffed everywhere and I neeeeeeed to get rid of 10 to be less embarrassed. My National type O-14 is on a mount on the stairs because I didn’t want to play it but didn’t want to let it go…..just too iconic…and my L5 sits in a wardrobe because the Frenchie licks it when put on a stand, probably the tortoise shell and nitro mix 😂

[@jacobpittman1996]

@jonathancordy you won’t ultimately regret the changes motivated by care for your family and home life. I still own about 10 various stringed instruments that I don’t get called on to play quite as much as I used to (it’s ok; I make my living elsewhere), but I have a beautiful growing family, and they are gonna make a mark in this world that I could never match. Keep playing, and keep loving that family no matter how many guitars pass through those hands.

[@garywaddell6309]

I think it depends on your practice space.I have 10 (and still want 1 or 2 more) but I feature them with lights etc as art pieces on the wall and every day I look at them and simply love the beauty that goes into the making of any guitar. The hardware, the finish, the paint, every guitar is like art to me even if it’s an inexpensive instrument, so it’s not just about playing them. The cases are stored away out of site, but I don’t need a case for every guitar either. Maybe just clean up your space John, and feature your favs more tastefully than just sitting around and perhaps sell what’s left over.

[@rigorhead01]

I used to have several guitars. A few years ago I got rid of all my guitars that I kept around for just whatever reason, and kept my two high-end guitars that I felt I connected with: a modern, custom shop strat and a 2004 PRS Custom 22 with a solid rosewood neck, both of which I adore.

[@chrisfraley7090]

Funny you posted on this topic, as I just sold two guitars yesterday that I really didn't needed. I've been playing for about 3 years and I have realized that less is more and variety is the key :) I am down to 5 guitars now, but I will most likely reduce it to my top/fav 3 guitars in due time. A good Nick Cage movie - National Treasure for sure!

[@Anshul1614]

Two months ago I got it into my head, to sell all of my guitars, barring an 8 string (because as a metal player I could play and learn songs in any tuning) and a classical guitar. The reason for doing this were many. One of them being when I had 13 guitars, I kept them in different tunings, and at times when I just wanted to pickup and play, I would switch guitars midway my jam, sometimes switch multiple guitars, sometimes go through all guitars. It used to comes between me and playing. Even though I abosultely loved my guitars, I had waited sometimes years to get some of them, I got rid of them, no more option parallysis. Now I am actually playing less than I used to since I changed jobs, I have eliminated any option parallysis that I have faced and I just play.

[@davegrice3423]

At 18 guitars now, and agree with you 100%. I could probably live with 3-4 of them. It's a storage issue, maintenance issue and kind of silly to wrap up that much cash in that many guitars.

[@Samuelhj]

I just added the PRS SE CE24 with a maple cap as a fourth next to the three archetypes also featured in the video and it makes so much sense! Was always forcing my tele or strat to be something they weren't and now I can finally grab the CE24 when I need a versatile guitar for more technical stuff, especially higher up the neck. Also love that each guitar is completely different to the other yet not in an overwhelming way as each serves a different purpose - 4 guitars with 4 different fretboard woods, 3 different body woods, 3 scale lengths, 3 pickup configurations and either fixed bridge, more modern tremolo or a vintage tremolo. Also have my tele strung with 11s adding another layer and also related to the feel when bending on a tele vs. strat.

[@sethglenn9022]

Never apologize for playing in videos. This is the content I want. I watched my friend learn to play on a crappy Squire Strat. Someone noticed him at a talent show and invited him to his house. This guy had a loft with 40+ guitars. He graciously welcomed my friend to play any guitar and any amp and just noodle around. He ended up spending a lot of time with a white American Telecaster with a maple neck and some sort of 2x12 digital Vox amp. This combo sounded GODLY to my ears and to his. This wonderful man with a guitar store for a collection said , "it's yours." To buy the same gear today would be at least 3k dollars. I am so thankful to watch his guitar journey with this guitar. He ended up taking this guitar to study music at university and still daily drives this Telecaster 20 years later. My journey ended up loving to set up and repair guitars. But I can't play worth a damn. Before he went to college, I gave him my "cheap" Fender acoustic guitar that I learned to re-fret and set up. Today, he has his late father's Offset V Jackson, Telecaster, and my old acoustic. He has never bought a guitar with his own money, but all of his guitars are priceless to him. To this day, that Telecaster is my holy grail guitar. After 15 years of guitar work he let me re-fret his beloved Telecaster.

[@williambentley5877]

Love your intro playing. I am really hesitant to get rid of my guitars because many of the ones I sold in the past I have really regretted. Now when I look them up on sale sights they are out of my budget.

[@jamesgoddin8880]

I regularly gig my Japanese Tele, Nashville Tele, PRS SE 24-08 and my Jazzmaster. I’ve got other guitars I never gig but won’t ever part with for sentimental reasons (1982 Japanese Squier strat, Jaguars). The rest I could sell without remorse. Kickass

[@edlib02169]

I’m a 30-guitar guy. Although I was someone who kept an under-10 rotation for years. But when my dad had to go into a full-time care situation, I inherited his entire collection, which was over 50. I pared that down over the years… but I got to the stuff that’s too sentimental and/or vintage and valuable, and I hit a roadblock. I think the day will come when I can let some of those go. But I’m not quite there yet.

[@caseylockwood5512]

I dunno, I have like 12 guitars, but I try and play them as much as I can. They all have their purpose. One is a 7 string, one a baritone, one a single coil, one with a 2 way trem and locking nut, one without a locking nut, one with a 1 way trem, etc. I have a few trem guitars set up for specific tunings. I also have guitars that are cheap that I take on trips with me, and studio guitars that will not often leave my house. I play a very wide variety of music. I think having that many guitars is definitely a luxury, but its one I can justify and it brings me joy. Still, I do see the appeal in minimalism.

[@JoeyColors]

I agree that string life on guitars that are not played often is shorter than string life on guitars that are played frequently. And, I seem to get a wider range of sounds on guitars that I play more frequently than I can get from a guitars that play less frequently.

[@juliancarmichael]

Don’t apologize for playing in your videos, man. You sound good and it’s fun to listen to. Always enjoy it 🦾

[@DMDvideo10]

I have 8 right now. A few are builds I did for myself. The others I rotate for my Tribute project. I typically bring a hard tail, whammy and acoustic to each gig.

[@gitarendirk1]

I think it's best to have 2 guitars that are as different as can be; for instance a single coil and a humbucker guitar. As soon as as you increase the amount of guitars, you - or I - start noticing the sounds you're still missing: ah, that tele twang, the clear ring of a jazzmaster! 'If only I had a p90 guitar for that growl! The lipstick thing of a Danelectro! There is no end to that. Keep it simple and become the more creative by having to coax all the sounds out of the tools that you do have at your disposal. Also the bonding with and knowing the guitar will be at another level. That's my theory, at least for the present.🙂

[@freddiethefabs6920]

I've always been of the mind set of the less guitars I have, the more my mind is free to think about my playing, rather than "what guitar should I play" Con Air

[@timchalmers1700]

Please keep on playing in every video. The thing I notice with switching guitars daily or every two days, is that a guitar works better on the second day in a row; three days in a row and the guitar almost plays itself. And yeah, for a YT channel it's important to be able to play and talk about different guitars, including affordable guitars. I would like to see a comparison of the S-style alternatives from G&L, Music Man, and that other company that Leo started - what was it called? Oh yeah, Fender.

[@jeffainsley6000]

Nicholas Cage performance: Con Air. "Take one step closer and the bunny gets it."

[@stoneyroberts9118]

No apologies sir. I may be guilty of scrubbing forward only to hear your video comments but always go back to hear your remarkable playing and inspiring technique And as far as guitars go, what messes me up is yes, I would be better off with only a couple and would really progress quicker staying on the same instrument but everytime I go to sell one I’m dreading it and reminded of why I really love that guitar and bought it in the first place 😥. And then I look at my little collection and see a bonamassa nerdville video and suddenly I don’t feel so bad owning just a handful lol. Cheers

[@SundaySolos]

"I wipe my strings off with a sock, or a pair of boxers..." hahahahah! That cracked name up.

[@ScottyBrockway]

I have three guitars, it's the best amount for me. The string thing is an absolute valid point, and strings aren't getting any cheaper. Space is definitely a consideration too, I don't have space for the cases for more either. I would like an acoustic though as a fourth guitar.

[@pearsonart]

Yes and yes. Would reduce to 2 teles and 335 here. All have similar necks - .90 or thicker at 1st fret and 1.65 or wider at nut with tall frets and 9.5 or flatter radius. Nick Cage performance - I’ll go with Valley Girl.

[@BrandonShannonPaul]

Hi! Would you mind sharing what exact models? I’ve been looking for guitars with fat necks but to no avail.

[@pearsonart]

Sure thing. Built my teles around the necks. Ordered several Fender Mexican 50’s and a custom Musikraft. I had to shop for a while for the 335. Tried many brands and settled on a Gibson custom shop 59 reissue. I hear good things about the Tokias but they’re hard to find here.

[@pearsonart]

If I was shopping again, I’d look at Tokai, Sire and high end Epiphones for the 335. 50s tele models are usually a safe choice.

[@rocktorrocks]

I have a decent size guitar collection and fully agree. We’re about the same age and I feel like I’ve had many of the same experiences and noticed many of the same drawbacks. As a player I think my Les Paul with humbuckers, my tele with single coils, my SG with p90s and my Charvel with floyd rose is all I need as a players to cover the sounds I want. However, I enjoy the collecting and nerding out aspect as much as the playing so I’ve got a few more guitars which I keep because they are somewhat rare or unique and would probably be hard to replace if I were to miss them and want to buy it again. I do find myself not touching a guitar for long periods but then I’ll have a phase where that becomes one of my main players.

[@afurinperil]

It's worth mentioning that the guitars are taking up so much space because they're in cases on the floor, which is probably also why you don't play them as much as you wish you did. that's why it's a good idea to always have them out. If you hang them, you can put the cases away, reclaim all that space and maybe play some of them a bit more

[@georgeminhinnick-vu3iz]

Isn’t it strange that for all other instrumental players they will just have one top/superior instrument; flautist, cellist, French Hornist (I am one), harpist, but I’ve never met a guitarist with just one guitar. I’ve just got to the point where everyday I try to play guitar more than I spend time looking/browsing/fantasising/wishing about guitars, and if I actually ‘play’ more than those other guitar related activities, then that’s been a good day! Great video as always, keep up the good work!

[@PapajamaJoe]

Settled with two electrics (Fender Custom Tele, Gibson 59 reissue), my Martin 000-17, D’Angelico hollowbody archtop, classical nylon, two amps (‘65 Princeton Reverb reissue, Vox AC15HW), couple of pedals (Deco, Polychrome, Shanks) - more than what I need - and I’ve been very content.

[@alexmbrenner]

I have 20 and I use them all however I wish I could just have 5.

[@tlopez51]

I tend to mostly agree. I have a Fender, Schecter, Gibson, PRS and two Ibanez - the Gibson and PRS being the higher value instruments out of the pack however, the PRS is what I play the most. Now some might argue that 6 guitars isn't all that too many but your right! If a guitar just sits where it hardly gets touched then it becomes one of those things where, I too and without fail, find myself getting involved in some form of routine maintenance rather than just play. However, they do appear to decorate the walls quite remarkably well aside from the pride you also get in ownership.

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

Nicolas cage in City of Angels, but i prefer to have lots of guitars with different bridges, tunings and pickup configurations ... the trick for finding space in a bedroom is guitar wall hangers, lots of them, you can also put them in the living room walls as guitars are also nice for decoration.

[@dmac3316]

Favourite Nic Cage movie is Wild at Heart. Matchstick Men was cool too.

[@officialWWM]

As a guitar player, musician, singer, producer etc, I just have lots of guitars, amps, recording gear, microphones (I really have too many microphones!) because I love being surrounded by it! My studio is my safe space and I just love having all this creative gear around me. I don’t have many guitars compared to some guys, maybe 10 or 12 but I have a Tele I use for just about everything 😂. They all get played but not as often as they should 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jimjim7008]

I had 1991 Gibson Les Paul classic since new and in 2016 bought a 1997 Gibson Les Paul standard. I've played them and enjoyed having them. Last year out of curiosity I played a 2023 regular Gibson Les Paul custom and the guitar felt and played far superior than my classic and standard so I replaced both guitars with the custom and it was the best decision I've ever made. Less is good, totally agree.

[@aaronashear3002]

There's more than two types. I play flat top acoustic, classical, electric, and bass guitars. Covering those basses, I have 6 instruments with the luxury of 3 electrics (tele, strat and 335).

[@primaballerina84]

I'm here mostly for your playing keep em coming!

[@jasonswitzer1748]

Best Nick Cage performance. That’s like asking me to choose a favorite kid! Gun to my head… Face/Off. Also… what was the other question? Side note… I love how you play your Les Paul just like you play every other guitar you own. A Les Paul is a rock machine, man! Bust out some power chords or at least classic rock open chords and some rock riffs!

[@yeehawtwistyarms]

For my first 15 years of playing it never even occurred to me to have more than one guitar, it was the 1980s and there wasn’t the internet - coincidence?

[@simonpark843]

I'm 52 and I own four electric guitars and one nylon-stringed acoustic. I've bought and sold a lot of guitars over the years and I think it's a question of quality over quantity. Just hang on to the ones you really, really enjoy playing. I've got a Godin G-4000 from 1993 that I love and won't part with. I have a 2007 Les Paul BFG that I love, and I have a couple of Mexican Fenders (an Albert Hammond Jnr. Strat and a Brad Paisley Esquire, both from 2021). I don't plan on buying any more, and I've got all the pedals and so on that I ever wanted to buy, so I just enjoy what I've got. I used to buy way too much gear, though, and I think it's a thing that you do when you're younger and it's perfectly ok. I've had so many different types/brands of guitars I can't remember them all, but they all seemed like a good idea at the time so I have no regrets. You'll know the ones you want to keep. Thanks for the videos, they're all really enjoyable.

[@GitShiddy]

It's amazing how as a teen & into my mid 20s I had one, two guitars then somehow the thought of "well I can buy more." popped up & now in my mid 30s it's like "how do I get back to a couple guitars?" Building off of excellent philosophy's notably expressed by Keith Williams & the "less guitar is best guitar" of the guys at Mythos pedals. However the variety is kinda nice for videos. Not for aural reasons but playing a different guitar is visually pleasing for viewers & feels less uniform for creators. So it becomes a tricky balance. I have seven electrics my #1 & #2 are pretty steadfast & all the others could be #3 on any different day/mood. I'd love to get down to three but who's one third? is always a difficult question.

[@timelmore2]

I think people like it when an artist plays the same guitar all the time. There's something special about the instrument and the man becoming synonymous.

[@BC_INC_85]

It's nice to have a backup for the primary player. Exactly the way you described that you are playing the yellow k line strat and have the blue k line strat put away for a bit. However, the backup should only apply to the primary guitar. The issue arises when a player changes to a different style guitar (strat to tele, tele to LP, etc)... then guitarists find themselves with extra guimost. Personally, I have a PRS USA HBII, and it's my most comfortable playing guitar and represents my tone and style the most. I have a cheap modded strat, but my secondary guitar is a strat. So with just 2 guitars I can have the choice of different pickups (humbuckers or singlecoils), neck material (rosewood or maple), neck construction (bolt on or set), etc.

[@26theband]

As a producer I need the 4 or 5 basic food groups to cover all of the styles…Tele style, strat style, LP style, Gretsch style, something with P90’s and a good acoustic. If you have that it’s all you “need” to cover 99% of my needs… then the only thing you may occasionally “need” would be something a bit more “odd” like a baritone or a twelve string. Less is definitely more… if I were “just” a guitarist and not a multi-instrumentalist producer/mixer I’d probably stick to as few guitars as possible and make them “my sound”.

[@garrysimmons111]

I have a few more guitars than I need (or want) but the used market sucks right now, so they stay put for the time being. After trying a bunch different guitars, I've decided that I want five: an HSS Strat-style, a Tele, a two humbucker LP-style guitar, something with P90s, and then a wildcard/boutique/oddball thing. Plus an acoustic guitar. And a bass.

[@joshpetermann]

Just one for me these days… A Suhr Alt T Pro! It’s like a Tele, Strat, and 335 made a baby, and it’s absolutely phenomenal.

[@jonbuckley]

Yep look at Guthrie Trapp. One primary guitar and he plays it till it’s dead and then has to hunt for a new one.

[@NateTheMeh]

am I tripping or did the intonation on the really high notes on that PRS sound kinda out? Amazing playing and video as always!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

def in the 30 camp and trying desperately to pare down. there are just too darn many cool guitars out there, but the option anxiety and space req's are starting to pile up.

[@scottmay1489]

4 electrics: Heritage 535, Ron kirn custom tele, grosh custom strat hss, and LP standard. 1 Sire Bass, 2 steel string acoustics Taylor 710ce had for years, and my old Sigma dread from 1982 refret with new life my version of a vintage Martin. Several amps and modelers. Covers all the bases without too much maintenance.

[@christopheranderson2158]

I back and forth on this. I think there is value in having a couple guitars that you gel with and bring out your best playing and really getting to know what to expect when you play them. One can really develop their sound and style with that mindset. But I also think there is value in have different kinds of guitars that make you play differently or can achieve a different sound than what you’re used to. I personally try to always have a strat-style one with some single coils….a Les Paul…..a super strat/shredder with a Floyd…..and a Tele, in my collection to have the classic styles covered. Then I may have various version of those base models to just have some more variety. I have definitely been pairing things down in recent years and selling off guitars that don’t get played much and am now under 10 total.

[@PedalBattle]

It's impossible to have TOO many guitars, it is possible to have not enough though

[@offclphiliprosa]

Me personally 2 is perfect and I also need a guitar with a tremolo. I’ve had a main guitar an HSS Strat and that pretty much is all I’ve ever needed in 14 years of playing. Any genre, rhythm, and lead doesn’t matter it can do. I put a Vega-trem on it and now gets the Floyd Rose whammy bar sounds too. I recently bought a RG to keep as a backup and it’s beautiful for that. I put the same pickups on both guitars so that I just plug and play and guitar on the same patch and not need to adjust my settings from guitar to guitar. I’ve seen many people say “get a Les Paul” or “PRS” and “Tele” but just ride the pickup selector on every song and I get every sound that I ever needed on just 2 guitars. Saves money in the long run

[@JTB--]

I have 3 Electrics(All PRS) and one Acoustic(Super shallow Ovation). I like those National Treasure Cage movies and The Rock

[@thepatzer]

Guthrie Trapp recently talked about being basically a one guitar guy and absolutely committing to that guitar. Unusual but a cool way to think about it. (From a guy that recently added his second electric and might get a third. Tele, PRS LP style, and hopefully an S style at some point, plus my Breedlove acoustic.) Raising Arizona.

[@b_ryc]

I just got a second after 10 years of owning only a tele. I now have just upgraded my tele, and then added a superstrat (schecter AM6) to my collection. I definitely think playing tele only has positively shaped my style over the years.

[@kellzcgn]

I see that Harley Benton Box in the back, ST Modern Plus Review incoming?! I had to send mine back the 5th position had no output after just 3 days.

[@adamflanaganmusic]

I feel like I’m in a similar situation with volume of instruments vs space. Although everything does get used at least once or twice a year (counting miscellaneous instruments such as banjo, mandolin, baritone etc), there’s only so many places to store things with a two bedroom house and four kids! We are looking to move, but it’s probably not worth moving everything if it’s unlikely to be used much/at all at the next house. Pedals I find get out of hand as well.

[@SuicidalLemonade]

That intro was seriously impressive.

[@andsoistopped]

1 Fender Classic MIM 70s reissue Strat with Radioshop IG63GTs. Have to have a Strat sound. 1 Fender Classic MIM Thinline Telecaster. Beautiful looking and sweet sounding guitar. 1 Cortardo T type guitar made by Eric at Guitars and Beans in Leiden in the Netherlands. I piece mahogany single coiled work horse. Pure Telecaster. 1 Squire Starcaster which has been a significant source of inspiration on the last couple of albums. A new custom guitar has just been made by Dave who taught me in the 80s. It’s inspired by the Trent Model 1, Baum Wingman but with a Gretsch vibe.

[@MrHiddenKitten]

I went scrolling down the other videos on YT and when I came back, hadn't even realized you were changing guitars 🧐. Guess your sound is mostly in your fingers! Other than that, this topic could fill books as there are so many aspects to it, from maybe a psychological "need" of having a collection (consumer mentality) to the curiosity of experimenting with all kinds of guitars (explorer mentality). I love the idea of having only a few guitars and "be true to them", but these toys just keep piling up in my room because maybe I have this kind of keeper mentality 😬

[@deddiev1718]

12 electrics. Saw a gig where the guitar player had three guitars on stage. S les Paul a Tele a Strat. It resonated with me

[@scozz6139]

5 electrics, (2 humbucker, 2 single coil, 1 P90), and 1 acoustic here. Love your playing man. I'd suggest every player have at LEAST one humbucker guitar, one single coil guitar, and one P90 guitar, (also single coil).