Nigel, it's funny how you get attached to a particular instrument. I have an old Guild I bought back in 1963. It's probably not worth much. Looks like a Barney Kessel but a little thinner, with those tinny sounding old pick-ups and sharp cutaways. They didn't make too many, and after playing it for 40 years, it's a little "long in the tooth". Has a bigsby, so it doesn't stay in tune if you use it. I put the pick-ups Al DiMiola uses in it and in an old ES 295, which was the predicessor of a 175 a few years ago (saved the old P 90's-don't worry!). Another is an Ibanez which looks like a 175-don't know the model number. Bought it for $200.00 and had a piezo pick-up installed. Had a body shop friend paint it 64 Brittish racing green...no value at all, but a great "beater". A third favorite is a 1970's Jazzmaster I installed humbuckers in during my "Three Dog Night" days.

Most of my collectibles are pristine, and that's kind of silly. I keep them for investments, and instruments, particularly stringed instruments, are meant to be played.

Love my "beaters"! And, everytime I take one out, I break into a big smile. Ah, the memories!


Russ