Guitar You Just Can't Bond With

[jalevinemd]

Does anyone else have a guitar or bass that you'd love to play live, but you just can't seem to bond with it? I've got several, but here's one in particular:

I fell in love with Blonde ES-335's after seeing Dave Edmunds playing "From Small Things..." on MTV more than 35 years ago. I've owned a couple over the years and go this wonderful Gibson Memphis Shop one a couple of summers ago. I really want to gig with it. But, as much as I love it, there's something about it that won't let me play it live. It plays very well, though it's not nearly as effortless as my Alembics. It's got a BIG chunky '59 neck profile, so that's probably part of it. I think I'd also feel a little self conscious playing it at a show. For me, it's not the typical Classic Rock cover band guitar, though some greats have wielded one. If I ever get around to lugging two guitars to a gig, maybe I'll give it a whirl. Until then, I'll just keep noodling on it at home.

So, if you've got a guitar or bass that you just can't seem to bring yourself to gig with, post a photo.

[gtrguy]

I have had 2 beautiful Yamaha TRB-5P neck through basses and I did not like the sound of either one and sold them. What's funny is that I also have TRB 4s and 6s and love them to death. I don't know why the tone of the 5's just did not cut it with me.

[jwright9]

I just tried to use my Carl Thompson fretless 38" scale bass last night at a performance and it just didn't sound right through the house or in my in ears.
It sounds incredible when amped but at my Church we plug straight into the house and it wasn't sounding right to me.
I ended up using my Epic 4 string. That is what I usually play. But I wanted to play the CT fretless to get some different tones going on.

[bigredbass]

Doc, Yamaha steadily imported them in small numbers up until recently, and are fairly rare, but if you ever get the chance . . . . . . try the SA2000 or the final-spec SA2200, Yamaha's take on a 33-style axe:  It's the best 335 You've Never Played, and see if it doesn't recalibrate your itch for a semi-hollow.

[pauldo]

I had a Gibson Victory Artist that I was trying to love but the feeling/ tone just wasn’t being reciprocated.

She went away and a Distillate came running (in slow motion) across a large grassy field and we fell into a lasting bond of adoration that was not only instantaneous but also gifted with respect and appreciation that continues to blossom through the decades.

[mario_farufyno]

I always wanted to play a Rickenbaker to get that Macca, Squire and Geddy Lee vibe, but when I got the chance it simply didn't felt right. Nothing wrong with them, it is just not for me. At the time I've already had my Rogue and I simply can't play other thing than Alembic anymore... It was fun to play Roundabout, Tom Sawyer and Beatles stuff I confess, but I really miss my baby.

[lbpesq]

I had a similar experience with a Ricky 360/12.  I always wanted one and pulled the trigger on a Fire-Glo on eBay.  While I waited for it to arrive, I learned the intro to Mr. Tamborine Man.  (What could be more appropriate for the first riff on a Ricky 12?).  When it arrived, I found the neck to be a bit chunky and much too narrow for a 12 - I could’t play clean arpeggios.   I wound up trading it.

Bill, tgo

[cozmik_cowboy]

Gee, Bill - that's too bad.  Hope you found a suitable replacement..........


Peter

[gtrguy]

I read Don Felder's biography where he states that playing the opening to Hotel California on a 12 string (gibson 1275 double neck) was a PITA.
I have a cool vintage MIJ Alembic copy 12 string called a Frontier that plays fairly nicely and nails that Ricky tone.

[edwin]

I hate to say it, but I had that experience with my short scale Series I. Great sounding bass, and obviously gorgeous, but somehow, it was always a struggle to get it to sit just right. I miss it, but selling it was the right thing to do as it's now in great hands.

[smokin_dave]

I once had a Music Man Stingray that lasted with me for three months. Developed dead spots all over that neck sounded so so and very quickly I grew to despise it. I then sold it and set out to buy a preamp and found the SF-2. Saw an Epic hanging on the wall pulled it down started playing it and never looked back. Greatest bass gear purchase decision I’ve ever made.

[peoplechipper]

Mario, maybe you should have messed with the strap more...I liked my Ricky 4001s but I was having to adjust where I was picking; it didn't seem to be instinctive. I lengthened the strap less than 1/2" and suddenly it was perfect!

I had a Kay Swingmaster and I actually liked it but it was my only arched top guitar in a gang of slab bodies...I realized that if I was to be a guitarist in a band again as a change from bass, the Kay would be my last choice so I sold it; way too nice to leave on the wall and I hope the new owner loves it...Tony

[mario_farufyno]

Mario, maybe you should have messed with the strap more...I liked my Ricky 4001s but I was having to adjust where I was picking; it didn't seem to be instinctive. I lengthened the strap less than 1/2" and suddenly it was perfect!

I had a Kay Swingmaster and I actually liked it but it was my only arched top guitar in a gang of slab bodies...I realized that if I was to be a guitarist in a band again as a change from bass, the Kay would be my last choice so I sold it; way too nice to leave on the wall and I hope the new owner loves it...Tony

Well, I should know that it is never enough having the instrument in your hands, since tone depends a lot on how we adjust the amplifier, set pedals and especially how we use our fingers. This Rick wasn't mine and it was a little naive to think that I could turn Chris Squire in minutes of play. Can't blame the tool and you are totally right, strap length can make a huge difference in comfort and playability.