The truth about why I'm guitar shopping when I really don't need a new guitar

**jim777** · 02-24-2022, 10:01 AM

Will the new Soloway guitars make a 7 string Jim?

**Nick71** · 02-24-2022, 11:25 AM

100%

Originally Posted by Jim Soloway

I have two perfectly good guitars. They are very different from each other and serve different and complementary functions. I'm getting another guitar within the next few months as part of a business deal to revive Soloway guitars. I was part of the design and decision process and it's been very satisfying. But the truth is that there are a lot if things happening in the bigger picture of society and life (as opposed to MY life) that I find really disturbing and beyond my control. So I look for things that distract me. I haven't done any drugs or alcohol in 32 years. I haven't smoked a cigarette in over 28 years. I've been happily married for 28 years and I don't womanize. We eat absurdly clean and healthy and I cook most of our food. That doesn't leave much room for distraction so I look for guitars, amplifiers, and even microphones and guitar parts that I really don't need and can't really afford. And that's the truth. I've spent countless hours recording lately and I really like what I'm achieving and that's absolute proof that I really don't need another guitar. I can't even think of what I'd do with another guitar but it hasn't stopped me from looking every day. Buying a new guitar won't change anything. Time to spend that time and energy in more useful ways and just accept the things I cannot change.

**Jim Soloway** · 02-24-2022, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by jim777

Will the new Soloway guitars make a 7 string Jim?

I'm not sure. We're trying to stay a lot more focused and set up a production and marketing model that allows a much more efficient operation than I did last time around. That means fewer options and a 7 string has a lot of special needs: different bridge, different neck pocket etc. And ironically, given that I started the company specifically to make 7-strings, we didn't have a lot of demand for our 7-strings after I switched back to playing 6-string. So I guess the answer is that we'll see.

**JSanta** · 02-24-2022, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Jim Soloway

I'm not sure. We're trying to stay a lot more focused and set up a production and marketing model that allows a much more efficient operation than I did last time around. That means fewer options and a 7 string has a lot of special needs: different bridge, different neck pocket etc. And ironically, given that I started the company specifically to make 7-strings, we didn't have a lot of demand for our 7-strings after I switched back to playing 6-string. So I guess the answer is that we'll see.

The ERG market has certainly exploded in recent years. Just yesterday, Kiesel announced a 9 string guitar, and Ibanez has a production 9 as well. I think you'd find a happy market for a 7.

**Doctor Jeff** · 02-24-2022, 12:03 PM

Good to hear about the new guitars. That prototype looks awesome, just needs a little Danish oil and it'd be perfect. (My opinion...)

I don't think any of us need to justify getting more guitars, as long as our kids don't have to go without shoes.

Yes the news these days is lousy. Beautiful, purposeful objects like guitars are a good counterweight.

If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad.

**Woody Sound** · 02-24-2022, 01:32 PM

Jim, we all know you as one of the class acts here.

**RobbieAG** · 02-24-2022, 04:24 PM

I'm always tempted to buy more guitars even though I don't need them. Lately more than ever because of inflation. It's a good way to shelter some cash from the effects of it.

I recently took my wife to see Pat Metheny. She noticed how many different guitars he played, so I said "See honey why I need so many guitars?". She understood so I think I'm good for a couple more

.

**339 in june** · 02-24-2022, 04:30 PM

With Soloway Guitars back in business, it will be one more reason to buy one more guitar, especially with what you shown us, Jim !

**bluejaybill** · 02-24-2022, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by RobbieAG

I'm always tempted to buy more guitars even though I don't need them. Lately more than ever because of inflation. It's a good way to shelter some cash from the effects of it.

I recently took my wife to see Pat Metheny. She noticed how many different guitars he played, so I said "See honey why I need so many guitars?". She understood so I think I'm good for a couple more

.

My wife would say "sure- as soon as you can play like him!".

**Doctor Jeff** · 02-24-2022, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by bluejaybill

My wife would say "sure- as soon as you can play like him!".

Your reply should be "I need them SO I can play like him."

;-)

**Doctor Jeff** · 02-24-2022, 06:09 PM

BTW, speaking of Pat Metheny, I missed a chance to see him last year in Lincoln, regret it, but when I saw him, uh, many years ago, he just played a couple of guitars--his old 175, his new Roland guitar synth and a flattop acoustic.

How many guitars is he bringing with him these days?

**RJVB** · 02-24-2022, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by marcwhy

I like that study!

Not where I discussed it before but here's the study

Buying guitar extends life – :>)azZTechs#

**sgcim** · 02-25-2022, 02:20 AM

I 'm wrestling with buying a 9K guitar, and then I got my taxes done yesterday...

The sad part is I'm still wrestling...

**Woody Sound** · 02-25-2022, 08:25 AM

I really like the look of the black hardware. May I suggest black pickups (covered or uncovered) to match?

**Jim Soloway** · 02-25-2022, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

I really like the look of the black hardware. May I suggest black pickups (covered or uncovered) to match?

We probably won't consider that until we have a finish on the body but I think chrome plating is in the process of disappearing so pretty soon I think we're all going to be looking at anything other than chrome for our hardware.

**skiboyny** · 02-25-2022, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Jim Soloway

I have two perfectly good guitars. They are very different from each other and serve different and complementary functions. I'm getting another guitar within the next few months as part of a business deal to revive Soloway guitars. I was part of the design and decision process and it's been very satisfying. But the truth is that there are a lot if things happening in the bigger picture of society and life (as opposed to MY life) that I find really disturbing and beyond my control. So I look for things that distract me. I haven't done any drugs or alcohol in 32 years. I haven't smoked a cigarette in over 28 years. I've been happily married for 28 years and I don't womanize. We eat absurdly clean and healthy and I cook most of our food. That doesn't leave much room for distraction so I look for guitars, amplifiers, and even microphones and guitar parts that I really don't need and can't really afford. And that's the truth. I've spent countless hours recording lately and I really like what I'm achieving and that's absolute proof that I really don't need another guitar. I can't even think of what I'd do with another guitar but it hasn't stopped me from looking every day. Buying a new guitar won't change anything. Time to spend that time and energy in more useful ways and just accept the things I cannot change.

I have to sympathize with you on your current situation that obviously leaves you in a state of unrest. At the same time, I applaud you for seeing that things are changing, perhaps not for the better. It seems like Canada is happening at an earlier stage, but for the most part, the whole world moving in this direction. The guitar and music in general, represents such a peaceful place and it's no wonder at all that you gravitate towards "more". We need to find solace however we can during this disturbing time. You seem to know you require a distraction, and that is a protection instinct that is good. Keep playing, keep calm and have faith that the universe will unfold as it should even if we don't see it.

**Woody Sound** · 02-25-2022, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Jim Soloway

We probably won't consider that until we have a finish on the body but I think chrome plating is in the process of disappearing so pretty soon I think we're all going to be looking at anything other than chrome for our hardware.

DiMarzio 36th Anniv in black, just as an example. Would look great with the rest of the black hw.

**nevershouldhavesoldit** · 02-25-2022, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by RobbieAG

Lately more than ever because of inflation. It's a good way to shelter some cash from the effects of it.

Right. That’s what I tell my wife too

**RobbieAG** · 02-25-2022, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff

BTW, speaking of Pat Metheny, I missed a chance to see him last year in Lincoln, regret it, but when I saw him, uh, many years ago, he just played a couple of guitars--his old 175, his new Roland guitar synth and a flattop acoustic.

How many guitars is he bringing with him these days?

Here's what I recall from 2/9/2022 in Durham NC:

Ibanez Pat Metheny model with Charlie Christian pickup
Roland guitar synth
Steel string acoustic
Nylon string acoustic
Fretless steel string acoustic
42 string harp guitar
Two neck guitar/bass (my recollection is vague on this one)

**maco** · 02-25-2022, 08:02 PM

I would like to be satisfied with an Acoustic, a Semi, and a Strat. I'm close to that and try to make my purchases intending to buy a lifetime guitar. Whatever you do, I recommend your very excited about the guitar you buy.

**Jim Soloway** · 02-25-2022, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

DiMarzio 36th Anniv in black, just as an example. Would look great with the rest of the black hw.

That's been my main pickup in my own guitars since it was first released but we're taking a pretty good look at Lindy Fralin's pickups for these guitars. I love his current line (and yes, they all come in black as well). I have his hum cancelling P90 soapbar in my Mustang and I really like it.

**ccroft** · 02-25-2022, 09:12 PM

I look at guitars all the time. I think of it as an education! I've been kind of bottom feeding in the archtop department, and looking for ways to upgrade. That's gonna happen in about 8 or 9 months.

Jim: I'm glad to hear you're getting your feet wet again. I admire the ones you've made, and I look forward to watching the new enterprise unfold.