Having to sell dream guitars

DefaultM

 I absolutely always wanted a black Gibson Les Paul Custom, and I finally got one about 4 years ago.
Over that time I've developed sciatica, and the guitar is 10lbs so I've been playing it rarely over the last year. 

Yesterday I strung it up and put some aged BKP Mules in there, with a view to deciding if I want to sell it. I really enjoyed playing it, and decided I was going to keep it. However this morning I can barely walk, so it looks like that's decided for me. 
I'm a bit down about it but I suppose on the bright side I can get a new guitar with the proceeds?

Is there a guitar you had to sell when you didn't want to?

Kebabkid

Twice but never under your type of circumstances and I hope that improves and you don't suffer and can resume playing guitar. All the best there.

I sold a Gold Top when my little one was on his way (we needed the dosh) and my 1989 PRS CU24 when the car needed a new engine and was effectively a 'write-off'.

leerocker

Don't! If it's your fave Keep hold if it.

I had a bad problem with sciatica and a slipped disc and torn back muscles this time last year. I'm back now and fit as a fiddle and have no problem playing a fairly heavy les Paul for a whole gig.

Do the exercises and the stretches and it will get better over time. 
 

earwighoney

@DefaultM ;
Sorry to hear of your health problems and good luck with being able to manage your condition.  

If you do decide to sell your LPC I hope you are able to find an alternative guitar that you are able to play with greater comfort. 

DrBob

Yep my Tyler Studio Elite HD Hollow had to go. Much as it was, and still is my ultimate dream guitar keeping a roof over the families heads took priority unfortunately...
Adulthood sucks 

meltedbuzzbox

leerocker said:

Don't! If it's your fave Keep hold if it.

I had a bad problem with sciatica and a slipped disc and torn back muscles this time last year. I'm back now and fit as a fiddle and have no problem playing a fairly heavy les Paul for a whole gig.

Do the exercises and the stretches and it will get better over time. 
 

I was going to say something similar. 

Get a TENS machine and see a physio. You can sort it out

DulcetJones

@DefaultM ;   :   Have you tried acupuncture  for the sciatica?  I had a bout of it that set in after a minor back injury and a physiotherapist used it, 2 sessions a week apart, did wonders for me.  They also told me to take up yoga, which I did and still do.  I've had no flare ups with sciatica since and the lower back pain is gone.  It's been 5 years now.

crunchman

meltedbuzzbox said:

leerocker said:

Don't! If it's your fave Keep hold if it.

I had a bad problem with sciatica and a slipped disc and torn back muscles this time last year. I'm back now and fit as a fiddle and have no problem playing a fairly heavy les Paul for a whole gig.

Do the exercises and the stretches and it will get better over time. 
 

I was going to say something similar. 

Get a TENS machine and see a physio. You can sort it out

Plus the right kind of exercise.  Pilates is good.

TheMarlin

I had to sell my beloved Gretsch Masterbuilt Anniversary when I was between jobs. 

Luckily, sold it to a friend, who then offered to sell it back to me when I was cash-rich again.  That's a good friend right there!

paulnb57

Could you get one of those guitar stand things that holds the guitar in the playing position without actually wearing it?

AlexO

I also have a issue with sciatica. I'm sure you already have but after seeing a Osteopath taking up Yoga mixed with sensible weight training and stretching every morning has worked wonders for me!

DefaultM

It seems to be brought on by lifting and carrying etc. So I'll think I've been okay for a while and can handle the weight, but the next day I pay for it.
I should probably look at yoga that strengthens your core or something?

I've had a look at the straps that clip on to a sort of belt. You feel no weight on your back, but I'm an almost under the chin type of player so I struggled playing with the guitar so low down.

I played my last gig with a Parker Nitefly on a Mono strap and it felt weightless, so it's not like I can never play again. It's more of a vanity thing I suppose. I think the LPC looks like the coolest guitar ever, so I want to be seen playing that rather than a guitar that looks like a spaceship.

dangriffiths

I would try a much wider strap first (distributes the weight better) and try to keep it if you can. 

That said I love lightweight guitars - more comfortable to play even when you in good health.

I generally regret trading in or selling so don't rush it.

Garthy

DefaultM said:

It seems to be brought on by lifting and carrying etc. So I'll think I've been okay for a while and can handle the weight, but the next day I pay for it.
I should probably look at yoga that strengthens your core or something?

I've had a look at the straps that clip on to a sort of belt. You feel no weight on your back, but I'm an almost under the chin type of player so I struggled playing with the guitar so low down.

I played my last gig with a Parker Nitefly on a Mono strap and it felt weightless, so it's not like I can never play again. It's more of a vanity thing I suppose. I think the LPC looks like the coolest guitar ever, so I want to be seen playing that rather than a guitar that looks like a spaceship.

What about sitting with it in a classical position?

WezV

http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2015/Memphis/ES-Les-Paul-Custom.aspx

Dontgiveupyourdayjob

I've managed to skilfully avoid having to sell my dream guitar by never actually having enough money to buy a dream guitar in the first place.  

Sorry to hear about your dilemma though @DefaultM ;

skunkwerx

Im far from knowledgable but I heard pilates is like a wonder workout that a lot of people I’ve known with mobility/core issues have recommended. 

Is there no harness that can be engineered for this though! Cos its a common issue with heavy guitars it seems. 

I presume this is standing up right? 

It would probs look a but silly or annoying but some kind of harness that takes the weight off the upper body or spreads it out evenly or something. 

Unless you need the funds, keep hold of it if its your dream man. 

Its easier to sell and forget and have done so its out of your head, but maybe there are paths yet to explore!

Maybe whack it in a case and put it out of sight and mind for a while and concentrate on any possible remedies for your body first. 

If it comes to it that it is just too heavy or what not, atleast when you do sell it you wont be plagued with ‘what if’s’ down the line! 

impmann

Sorry to hear this. Some have said it can be fixed with Physio etc - having been through all of this many times since I was 14 (when I was kicked in the back, trying to stop someone else's fight), it *can* be helped but ultimately, it really depends on the injury.

My own back issue has been compounded since on three occasions - to the point I know it'll never recover (I've been told as much by two back specialists). There's only so much muscle you can build up around an area to protect it and if you are getting pain (especially if it is referrred pain - such as in your ankles, feet etc) then that is your body telling you to stop, not "work through it". My last big relapse saw me in bed for six months, two of which I wasn't even able to get out of bed for a piss - so I tend to have my own opinions of the "man-up" brigade...

I had to sell off my heavy guitars a while back - especially my Les Paul Custom, my SG2000 etc - and I've since bought other deadweights, which I've kidded myself for a few weeks I can cope with and then had to sell off. Its just a guitar, and honestly... I've not actually missed my Custom, despite it looking cool as fcuk.

It sucks. I'd suggest getting as much medical advice as you can, see someone who can help with posture (very important with back issues), do the exercises and do everything you can to keep yourself healthy. If that involves having to play lighter weight guitars, then thats a shit load better than pissing in a bottle for months on end... believe me, I've been there.

LuttiS

Could you just play it sitting down?


If it's a dream guitar, don't sell sounds like a recipe for regret unless you really need the money.

PVO_Dave

As someone who also suffers from sciatica, I'd say try and get help first before selling the guitar. 

Last flare up was horrendous, but some physio and exercises did the job. Everyones different of course but worth exploring what options for treatment you have first.

richardhomer

LuttiS said:

Could you just play it sitting down?


If it's a dream guitar, don't sell sounds like a recipe for regret unless you really need the money.

It always seemed to work for Robert Fripp....