When I was a kid my elderly uncle had a Hofner ... no idea the model ... big, blond jazz box. I was in awe of it ... when he died a few years ago the guitar was auctioned off before i knew it was for sale ... I would have bought it just for sentimental value.
When I was about 17 a mate of mine had the first genuine SG I'd seen, It was probably a 1966 model (or close.) and it was glorious to play. I coveted that guitar like hell!
When I started working for a music shop at about 17 also, our amp repair guy had a lovely old Gretsch Country Gentlemen that I played at every opportunity I could. That probably lead to me having the modern Gretsch I finally bought in the summer last year.
One of my first 'good' bands featured the vocalist/blues harp player from the 'Fifth Dimension' and he had a 1961 SG Junior that he used mostly for slide. Lordy that guitar streamed and growled. I'd still like to get a good SG Junior.
I was playing in a metal band when the other guitarist got one of the first Jem 77s in Desert Sun yellow I'd seen in the flesh ... it was a glorious guitar, and whenever I could I had a play ...
I'll end the list with a romance that came true: I'd serviced and looked after a guy's Les Pauls for quite a few years ... and always loved his 70s reissue Les Paul Special (sunburst) ... a super expressive and when needed, very raucous rock instrument. I always bugged him to sell it to me, and finally he did ... it became my main gigging guitar for quite a few years till I stupidly sold it.
Comments
They possess shed loads of character - Could I own one as my only guitar ? - Probably not - Could I own one as part of a collection ? - Yes
Feline Lion. It was a Ferrari red Lion which I think a member of the board has now. The best Les Paul type guitar ever, I loved it but again couldn't afford it.
I played a Trussart Tele a while back and it was excellent. You think no way will it sound like a Tele, then you plug in and turn it up and it's completely a very good tele. I'd have one!
But the LP flavoured models do not sound like an LP - Far more tight and focused voice - They have their own voice but probably closer to an SG than an LP
I'm still not convinced that everything old is good - but that guitar is a peach.
...unfortunately I couldn't buy it even if I could afford to (which I can't) as his son's got dibs.
Fair enough...
I was a member of rare guitar club for a while. They lent me a 65 strat. It was utterly exceptional.
My guitar teacher had an '88 PRS Cu24 which I thought (and still do think) was gorgeous at the time - it was the first PRS I saw in the flesh and the first PRS I played. It was finished in a rare black/red burst too which was only done for one year, it had all the birds and bling and although wasn't a ten top it probably would be if it rolled out the factory today.
It was a lovely guitar but back then I definately cared more about what guitars looked like than I do now. It's the only blingy PRS I lust after. It's rather relic'd now after 30 years of professional use but still a lovely guitar.
There is no 'H' in Aych, you know that don't you? ~ Wife
Turns out there is an H in Haych! ~ Sporky
Bit of trading feedback here.
@peteri let me play a 64 strat at water rats which was great, the guitar I coveted most was his 330, not sure what year it was, @lovestrat74 sat and played it finger style into a blackstar modelling amp I seem to remember, just sounded utterly fantastic.
I'm sure he will fill us in on its glorious specs. One of the best Ive heard and played...
Huw Price can probably do a better job of describing it than I:
https://guitar.com/review/vintage-bench-test-1965-fender-telecaster/
(formerly miserneil)