chiba
Joined: Sep 02, 2022
Posts: 512
Central VA
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 10:02 AM
Riffing on edwardsand's "How many amps do you need?" thread, and it's something I asked myself recently anyway that resulted in the decision to sell a bunch of guitars & other instruments I don't play terribly often.
The old wisdom was you needed a Fender (Strat or Tele) and a Gibson (Les Paul, preferably, but perhaps an ES-335 would do) to be taken seriously in a professional or semi-professional setting. Of course this might shift based on where you were located; for example, if you were near Nashville and didn't own a Tele, it's quite likely people would point at you and laugh as you walked down the street.
As I've gained insight into my own playing preferences as I've gotten older (and more experienced), I've decided I don't need a Gibson. I do like a semi-hollow, so I could see myself wanting an ES-335 someday, but need is a strong way to put it. I don't like Les Pauls. Instead of a Gibson, I have a PRS McCarty, and that satisfied my mahogany-bodied humbucker itch.
I've also discovered I don't like Telecasters, but even I can't argue that pretty much nothing else sounds like a Telecaster, so when you need a Tele sound on something, that's what you've got to get.
My preference is for Strats, and it gets pretty easy to justify having a bunch of those when you start mixing SSS and HSS setups, solid and semi-hollow, etc. But I also really love my Jazzmaster, and these days the Jazzy is well represented in surf circles, so maybe I can consider that a need as well.
That gets me to needing 4 guitars: Strat, Jazzmaster, Telecaster, McCarty-as-Gibson-substitute. No -- 5, because having a backup Strat is pretty much a necessity ... but maybe not so much any more since I'm not gigging as regularly as I used to. Ok, 4 for sure, we'll start there.
Plus an acoustic guitar, right? 5. And a 12-string acoustic, 6. I don't feel right without a classical guitar in the house, 7. If I'm going to have a 12-string acoustic, then I should have a 12-string electric as well, 8. And a bass, 9. And a baritone, 10.
So ... 10. I need 10 guitars. 
How about you?
— --
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2235
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 10:44 AM
I have tele, strat, jazzmaster, jaguar and semi hollow body gretsch. I think that’s probably everything I ever need. I had also Les Paul but found it to be useless for my purposes, great guitar but not my stuff and I don’t play heavy music anymore (and if I want I pretty much may do it with Gretsch or Tele)
I also have a bass for recording.
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3801
North Atlantic
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 11:39 AM
A Strat, 335, and acoustic for need. Want and have….that’s another story.
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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Surfadelphia
Joined: Sep 04, 2017
Posts: 431
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 01:44 PM
I have a Gretsch 6116 PTV Power Tenny; Fender American Pro 2 Tele; Hallmark Custom 65; Edwards 130 ALS (MIJ Les Paul copy); Squier Classic Vibe 70's Jaguar and a Gibson J-29 acoustic.
I need the following 2 instruments: Rickenbacker 660/12 and a Gretsch '53 6128 Jet w/ Dynasonics Re-issue. If anyone would like to donate either or both to me it would make me very happy (well until I decide upon the next guitars I need) 
Last edited: Sep 20, 2024 13:45:20
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Klas
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 2293
Stockholm, Sweden
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 02:28 PM
12 (Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Stratocaster (euro-instro!), Bass VI, Mosrite Ventures Model, Mosrite Mini (substituting for the octave neck on a Mosrite double neck), Epiphone Firebird (mini humbuckers), Danelectro 59 (baritone tuning), Danelectro Dano Pro, Burns Double Six (12-string), Hagström Viking, and an Epiphone ES-295).
Danolectro Dano Pro:s
My Kurokumo Ventures Model
Mosrite Mini
Burns Double Six
Epiphone ES-295
— T H E ✠ S U R F I T E S
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edwardsand
Joined: Jun 29, 2018
Posts: 749
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 04:21 PM
This is a question I think about as well. I've got somewhere around a dozen or more guitars right now, but won't list them all. There are some that I play a lot, and a couple I don't use much - the latter I guess I don't really need. But in terms of the ones I play a good bit, they represent variety in sound and in looks.
So what I consider essential would be ca. five 6 string electrics (including a vintage Jaguar, my Frankenmaster, my old Japanese/Korean Mustang-ish guitar, a Yamaha SGV-300, and a parts Mustang), two acoustics (one nice one and a beater for campfires, etc.), and one bass. So that's seven. Plus I need a baritone (got the parts, just need to get around to building it) and a 12 string electric. So that makes 10 that I would say I need.
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JohnnyMosrite
Joined: Jun 14, 2006
Posts: 892
New York City area
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 05:19 PM
As many as I feel like acquiring.
J Mo'
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IceratzSurf
Joined: Oct 22, 2022
Posts: 282
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 07:13 PM
The question is how many do you 'need'.
We all know needs and 'wants' are different.
If I had an endless amount of finances, I might be like Joe Bonamassa, who I think probably has one of the most awesome guitar collections in the world.
If you are a professional player who regularly performs live, then that's another level of 'needs'.
If you are a home player and just enjoying the variety guitars with a modest investment, then maybe the actual storage of the number is the issue.
I am the later, and I can't "fit" more than 10, or I begin cramming into closets not seeing the light of day.
So I am at 8, all easily accessible and often played.
2 Jaguars (1 is basement Squier) Telecaster,Stratocaster, Jazzmaster, Gretsch hollow, Acoustic.
I have had up to 12 and this became the storage issue which led to decline in use.
So, in my opinion, if you don't 'use' it, then you don't 'need' it.
Last edited: Sep 20, 2024 19:16:20
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4440
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 08:01 PM
Need? Is this some sort of a joke?
I currently have about 15, but in order to play the music I desire to play, I’d probably require about five:
A Gretsch (preferably with trestle bracing)
A Jaguar
A Tele
An Electric Classical
A Bass
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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MrCao
Joined: Sep 20, 2024
Posts: 1
Ventura CA
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Posted on Sep 20 2024 10:33 PM
The answer is the number of guitars I currently own +1.
— Guitarist, bassist, Tiki cocktail hobbyist.
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taijiguy
Joined: Mar 27, 2006
Posts: 210
Newington, CT USA
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Posted on Sep 21 2024 08:36 AM
I probably don't NEED them all, but...
Gibson SG '61 reissue
Hallmark 65 Custom
Squier 40th anniversary Jazzmaster
Gibson SG bass
Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE (classical)
Harley Benton CLA-16S (acoustic)
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TallTenor
Joined: Nov 30, 2022
Posts: 70
Coast of the Great Lakes
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Posted on Sep 21 2024 08:53 AM
I’m probably an outlier here. I own two guitars and don’t really have a desire for more, or if I did I’d sell the lesser played of the two. I also have two amps. One is hardly ever played, but as a backup for shows.
— Kitten and The Tonics
https://kittenandthetonics.com/
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ElectricLimnology
Joined: Nov 20, 2017
Posts: 110
Southeast MIchigan
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Posted on Sep 22 2024 10:19 AM
TallTenor wrote:
I’m probably an outlier here. I own two guitars and don’t really have a desire for more, or if I did I’d sell the lesser played of the two. I also have two amps. One is hardly ever played, but as a backup for shows.
I’m an outlier as well (and also from Michigan). Playing music is more interesting to me than collecting. I have two complimentary guitars that are my sound. My rig is also pretty flexible and can attain a wide range of sounds. It’s oriented toward reverby instro sounds because that is what I play the most of (and I like that sound) but with thoughtful adjustment it can rock harder or get acceptably jazzy while always sounding like me. The idea that you have to own one of each guitar to be a “pro” or something is nonsense. That idea exists only to make sure we all keep buying things.
— The Vicissitones
Diesel Marine
The Rasputones
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4440
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Sep 22 2024 12:38 PM
ElectricLimnology wrote:
TallTenor wrote:
I’m probably an outlier here. I own two guitars and don’t really have a desire for more, or if I did I’d sell the lesser played of the two. I also have two amps. One is hardly ever played, but as a backup for shows.
I’m an outlier as well (and also from Michigan). Playing music is more interesting to me than collecting. I have two complimentary guitars that are my sound. My rig is also pretty flexible and can attain a wide range of sounds. It’s oriented toward reverby instro sounds because that is what I play the most of (and I like that sound) but with thoughtful adjustment it can rock harder or get acceptably jazzy while always sounding like me. The idea that you have to own one of each guitar to be a “pro” or something is nonsense. That idea exists only to make sure we all keep buying things.
There’s a lot to what you say. In the heyday of the Hollywood session scene, an awful lot of music was made by guys who who switched off between ES-335s and Telecasters. The 335 is a versatile instrument and can handle the material one would associate with a Les Paul, stands on its own two feet for Jazz, and covers a lot of ground for Pop-Rock and Blues. Teles can pick up the slack, covering bright Country, edgier Rock/Blues and were occasionally used for surfy sounds when the need arose. IIRC, Tommy Tedesco used a Tele when twangy/surfy sounds were called for in his session work.
Those session players usually had a broad collection of specialized instruments, but for day to day electric guitar parts, they usually kept it close to the ground, so to speak.
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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N0_Camping4U
Joined: May 03, 2012
Posts: 336
Galveston, Texas
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Posted on Sep 23 2024 05:24 AM
I try to make it so every guitar is totally different.
I have
Fender XII 66 build
Built to spec Fender type 1 Marauder prototype
Built to spec Fender type 2 Marauder prototype
62 flatpole Inca silver Jaguar build
1965 bass VI build
1965 jazz bass build
fretless jazz bass build
Plus a Jerry jones electric sitar for good measure
i intend to build a Fender xii with tremolo soon.
I had a mosrite and sold it. Tho I want one again lol
Last edited: Sep 23, 2024 05:26:07
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4440
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Sep 23 2024 08:18 AM
N0_Camping4U wrote:
I try to make it so every guitar is totally different.
I have
Fender XII 66 build
Built to spec Fender type 1 Marauder prototype
Built to spec Fender type 2 Marauder prototype
62 flatpole Inca silver Jaguar build
1965 bass VI build
1965 jazz bass build
fretless jazz bass build
Plus a Jerry jones electric sitar for good measure
i intend to build a Fender xii with tremolo soon.
I had a mosrite and sold it. Tho I want one again lol
Great assortment of unique instruments. Refresh my memory, wasn’t the Marauder a six string based upon the XII’s body and neck?
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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N0_Camping4U
Joined: May 03, 2012
Posts: 336
Galveston, Texas
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Posted on Sep 23 2024 08:35 AM
synchro wrote:
N0_Camping4U wrote:
I try to make it so every guitar is totally different.
I have
Fender XII 66 build
Built to spec Fender type 1 Marauder prototype
Built to spec Fender type 2 Marauder prototype
62 flatpole Inca silver Jaguar build
1965 bass VI build
1965 jazz bass build
fretless jazz bass build
Plus a Jerry jones electric sitar for good measure
i intend to build a Fender xii with tremolo soon.
I had a mosrite and sold it. Tho I want one again lol
Great assortment of unique instruments. Refresh my memory, wasn’t the Marauder a six string based upon the XII’s body and neck?
great memory. The type 1 had the "hidden pickups". Four pickups that were under the pickguard and with high output. Rumored to have been cancelled due to the patent licensing fee on the hidden pickups being too expensive. It sounds like a strat, a jazz, and its own beast depending on pickup combo selected.
The type two is more of a Taco Bell hodgepodge of ingredients. Everything they had was thrown at this one. 3 angled Strat pickups but they're more like Jaguar pickups. Mustang trem. Coronado tuners, the "Frankenstein teeth" ones. More pickup selections than a NASA control station. This thing does it all. I have the most accurate type 1 and type 2 on the planet.
It's hard to pick which one I like more. They're both super unique and cool.
Google fender type 1 or fender type 2 marauder for more info and pics.
I have pics over on Offsetguitars. Need to take and upload more pics here.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2024 08:36:25
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SamDBL
Joined: Sep 19, 2016
Posts: 244
Tampa
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Posted on Sep 23 2024 01:05 PM
I’d ‘need’ five to cover all what I do. A strat style, a p90, a humbucker, and acoustic and a bass.
Im at about 20, at the moment.
— Guitarist for Black Valley Moon & Down By Law
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4440
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Sep 23 2024 01:56 PM
N0_Camping4U wrote:
synchro wrote:
N0_Camping4U wrote:
I try to make it so every guitar is totally different.
I have
Fender XII 66 build
Built to spec Fender type 1 Marauder prototype
Built to spec Fender type 2 Marauder prototype
62 flatpole Inca silver Jaguar build
1965 bass VI build
1965 jazz bass build
fretless jazz bass build
Plus a Jerry jones electric sitar for good measure
i intend to build a Fender xii with tremolo soon.
I had a mosrite and sold it. Tho I want one again lol
Great assortment of unique instruments. Refresh my memory, wasn’t the Marauder a six string based upon the XII’s body and neck?
great memory. The type 1 had the "hidden pickups". Four pickups that were under the pickguard and with high output. Rumored to have been cancelled due to the patent licensing fee on the hidden pickups being too expensive. It sounds like a strat, a jazz, and its own beast depending on pickup combo selected.
The type two is more of a Taco Bell hodgepodge of ingredients. Everything they had was thrown at this one. 3 angled Strat pickups but they're more like Jaguar pickups. Mustang trem. Coronado tuners, the "Frankenstein teeth" ones. More pickup selections than a NASA control station. This thing does it all. I have the most accurate type 1 and type 2 on the planet.
It's hard to pick which one I like more. They're both super unique and cool.
Google fender type 1 or fender type 2 marauder for more info and pics.
I have pics over on Offsetguitars. Need to take and upload more pics here.
I just went over to OSG and had a look. Man, those Thpe 2s had a lot of switch combinations. A strange hybrid of Fender features. Oh well, I’m not a Grunge guy, even in the slightest, but I think that Jagstangs are über cool. Fender had a lot of ideas, back in the day, and an exceptional success rate with those ideas.
Great collection you have there.
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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DrakeSequation
Joined: Nov 22, 2016
Posts: 79
PNW
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Posted on Sep 24 2024 10:08 PM
Bare minimum? Two. One in standard tuning and one specifically set up in drop-D with proper string gauges, et cetera.
— Makai
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