Author Topic: 50 in 1 year and a month (Read 700 times)

tncaveman · « **on:** March 23, 2013, 03:08:26 PM »

I want to get me a killer guitar for my 50th b-day. I earlier had a thread, and it became an archive. Anyway, I got a quote from John Gunn, and I would run with it. BUT, my wife thinks I'm crazy - just for a guitar to play in the basement??? She Says

I got a quote for a Orion w/ a Wilkerson/Gotoh tremolo and the SSH pickup arrangement. It's not a bad price (yes - it's expensive), but, is there a good argument for this? Actually, I want a neck-through, which is more.

Or should I settle for less. What has been your experience w/ the auditor and/or accountant i.e., wife/better half???

Stephen

sgh · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2013, 03:51:03 PM »

Hey Stephen. Congrats on your approaching 50th - and why settle for less? I'd longed for an Alembic bass for over 30 years and finally managed to obtain one last year (when I was 53). It's not about the cost, specifications, or even the justification - it's a simple matter of loving an instrument that will be with you for the rest of your life. And playing it in your basement or at a football stadium makes no difference to how much you'll love and appreciate it.

My wife has always been my greatest supporter - but she had her, quite reasonable, doubts about me spending so much money on a bass that I would probably never use to play live on stage. I used the explanation above and, when my MK Signature bass arrived, I played her the main riff from a song I wrote for her before we were married (Souixzee - look it up on YouTube). We both had a tear in our eyes and she told me You're right - it's a beautiful bass and you deserve it!.

Enough said and good luck with your guitar purchase :-D

With my best regards,
Steve

stout71 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2013, 04:23:50 PM »

Here's how my deal went down. I have wanted a BMW Z4 for a long time. When I turned 40 my wife actually suggested I buy a nice bass for myself. She had no idea how much it would cost though. XX$$ for a bass? No way, she says. Then I mentioned how the BMW would be 4-5X the cost and would only depreciate year after year. Immediately, the bass sounded like a better option. Midlife crisis purchase achieved.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2013, 04:52:25 AM »

Jerry...........+1.

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2013, 10:42:36 AM »

For many years I had told myself that I would get myself either a custom Aembic or a Jaguar XKE for my 50th B-day. As it approached I pointed out to my wife that an Alembic was MUCH less expensive than the Jaguar. It worked. As for deciding whether to step up to a neck though, I'd recommend to go for it. You'll likely only get one custom and you'll certainly only turn 50 once in your life, so it's worth going the extra mile, (or spending the extra bread). Get what you really want - you only get one chance on this planet (unless, of course, reincarnation happens).

Bill, tgo

jalevinemd · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2013, 01:09:24 PM »

I too am very fortunate to have a wife who's very understanding and supportive of my addiction. I'm currently in the early stages of my third custom build. I do have a few words of advice, though:

1. Major milestones in life are wonderful opportunities (excuses) for an instrument of this expense. It also can soften the blow to the mrs.

2. No purchase is worth financial strain on a relationship, so always consider this first and foremost.

3. Don't go into it expecting to recoup your investment if needed. I think anyone who has been forced to sell a custom Alembic will attest to having lost a ton of money on the deal. In that respect you're better off with an Historic Les Paul or something with big brand appeal (unfortunately).

4. Don't wait too long making your decision if you want it for your 50th and it's just over a year away. Plenty around here have stories of long build times. And, IIRC, the Wilkinson tremolo was notorious for a very long delay with one particular instrument.

Other than that, I don't think you could find a better company to give you the guitar of your dreams.

Regards,

Jonathan

tncaveman · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2013, 05:59:09 PM »

Wow - thanks for the support. But, the economy stuff has recently hit us pretty hard. We are doing fine, but for the first time in like 10 years or so, we're hitting the less than $100 mark on the check book every two weeks. Our insurance and tax increase this year has amounted to about a $5000 increase over last year. That's a $5000 decrease in take home pay with no pay decrease. We're actually for the first time actually picking lower cost Sunday lunchs and cutting other stuff. We're doing this plus looking at other cost savings. I'm not sure how some folks are making it. I have money in savings for a new instrument, but there is no way to justify it. I'm now hoping for a used PRS or new Carvin for the 50th. This is still an awesome thing to wish for though. We're pretty blessed and hopeful for the future. And I keep hoping for an affordable used Alembic guitar. But, they are about as rare as hens teeth.

Stephen