Here's the gear inventory.
Guitars:
Epiphone SG-400
An eBay win from September, 2012, and I still can hardly believe that such a nice instrument could be had for $150. I think that if forced to choose, I would say this is my best sounding electric - it really sings through the Bugera. It also has a really sweet look - Hailey calls it my "sexy red girl", which always makes me smile. It has a bit of an odd feel - it's very neck-heavy. When you stand up with it on, the neck falls toward the floor unless you make an effort to hold it up. Reading the forums, this is a well-known issue with the weighting of the guitar. I sometimes stand while playing the other guitars, but I tend to stay seated while playing this one.
Epiphone Casino
Purchased used off of Craigslist in March, 2012. I've been playing it almost exclusively since getting it, and I love how it looks, feels, and sounds. I put a new set of strings (10's) on it and lowered the action a bit. I'm very much infatuated with it, and time will tell if that feeling develops into a long-term love. I think it will - it strikes me as a great all-purpose electric. The photo at right shows it with a pickguard - the guy I bought it from removed the pickguard, and I agree that it looks better without it. I have it and could put it back on if I change my mind. |
Fender Telecaster (made in Mexico)
This was an eBay win in November, 2009. I don't know the year it was made, but I could presumably figure it out from the Fender serial number. It's in too good a condition to be more than a few years old. I love how it plays, and even though it hasn't had much attention since I got the Casino, it's a keeper and will get its turn. |
Seagull Burst Coastline GT
This Canadian-made beauty was a Craigslist purchase in October, 2011. I first heard of Seagulls on a guitar forum, where they were highly recommended as a good-quality guitar for a very reasonable price. I can now pass that recommendation on - I love it without reservation. I spent an afternoon in Guitar Center playing Taylors and Martins, and I'm plenty happy with my Seagull (even ignoring the price differences, which are considerable.) It rings like a bell when strummed.
Washburn WMJ 10S Mini Jumbo
I got this new from Musician's Friend in June, 2012 as a "travel guitar" - one I wouldn't hesitate to take with me to the beach, or on a camping trip, or to a folk fest, etc. My hope was to find a guitar of reasonable quality, but cheap enough that I wouldn't cringe if it was exposed to the elements. So far it's exceeded every expectation. I've taken it with me a number of places, including the River, the beach, and boys camping trip to the Adirondacks. It's not only great to have something to take, but it's actually a decent sounding guitar. I really couldn't be happier with it.
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Amplifiers:
Bugera V22
My 2011 Christmas gift. It's a 22-watt tube amp that sings like an angel. I love the clean tones, and the gain channel has a very nice crunch. I can't imagine outgrowing this amp for a very long time, if ever. |
Vox Pathfinder 15R
My first amp after getting the Telecaster. Fantastic little amp 15 watt amp - puts out a great sounds, and has a nice overdrive, and even reverb. I've played it in some living room jams, and it sounds great, and is as loud as you'll ever need for a garage or living room jam. |
Bass
- Fender Precision Bass (made in Mexico.)
Mandolin
- Ibanez entry-level A-shape mandolin. So far it's been a lot of fun to play, but I know that if I ever play it more seriously that I'll want to upgrade. But most of my attention is on guitar at the moment.
