Keeping 'The Keepers'

Schnozz

Just thought I would share piccies of my final collection before I whittle it down a tiny bit further...

I've been trying different guitars and basses for 20 years and I'd recommend these brands as the best value alternatives. I did love Yamaha, but the SG price hikes and cut corners just sent me looking for Les Pauls.

Although I hate Telecasters, I was impressed with the Mike Smith / Fret King build that I had (think Bravewood), so it would be a toss up between one of those (like the 'Yardbird' model) and the electronics / hardware of a G&L ASAT.

Best Jazz Box was a Peerless Leela, followed by an Ibanez PM35.

Levinson Blade Japan Durango Custom (20th Anniversary)
https://i.imgur.com/QtzsyQ6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UPSwF7N.jpg
Bossa Japan Jay Graydon OG-1 (Ex Brian Monroney)
https://i.imgur.com/60sQ6Pu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2MesG2h.jpg
Bossa Japan Jay Graydon OG-2
https://i.imgur.com/4PFv6dD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/k6N9CGD.jpg
G&L USA Legacy
https://i.imgur.com/dSnXEVh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OgYAWCq.jpg
Fret King UK Fluence Corona 70 (Guitarist Magazine)
https://i.imgur.com/JmTMazr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ffzXZzc.jpg
Fujigen Japan Signature STR-1 / SC-1
https://i.imgur.com/6JXB9cl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VRpQyME.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fdi9e0U.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1IgXn83.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eAR9aGX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FMv1I8I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2ke9xQZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fUG7hX7.jpg
Carvin USA Icon 4
https://i.imgur.com/45FykgZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/T1mfZCY.jpg
Carvin USA SB5000
https://i.imgur.com/GGlM80C.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XfmwK4i.jpg
Peerless Korea Smoked Bass Custom
https://i.imgur.com/t6T3xkb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FZpo0RL.jpg
Dean Korea Paramount
https://i.imgur.com/8mNgsi0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Y30n3un.jpg
*I'll put up a couple more piccies of those that hurt to part with.

Nightswan

Superb collection!!

Pete.R

Some mighty fine pieces and an impressive collection !

maltingsaudio

Nice collection and a bit of schooling for me, always thought Durango’s had bolt on necks and six a side headstocks. Seems Gary’s upped his game!

Teyeplayer

Love the smoked bass custom, beautiful.

HAL9000

Over the years I reckon about a dozen electrics have passed through my hands. A couple of years back I owned six but was only really playing two of them. I whittled my collection down to two, then added another Strat bringing my total to three. I know things could change but right now I believe I’ve got three keepers…

A US Std Tele which was a fiftieth birthday pressie from Mrs9000.

A MIM Std Strat that has no right to be as good as it is.

A Vintera 50s Strat that is my current go-to. Internet wisdom would suggest that the 7.25” radius neck should be continually fretting out. In reality it feels just right and the V neck is supremely comfortable.

Despite their differences each of them feels like home and I don’t currently see myself moving any of them on.
.

57Deluxe

...I assume you had no chores your missus wanted doing...?!

BigAl100

Amazing collection of cool woods and tones. 

I have 9 guitars. Within these, I like to have 1 or 2 that are what I call "experiments/traders". What I sell these for I can use for other experimental purchases. It's a way for me not to have to cannibalise my keepers.  

Offset

Well there's a few guitars in there you won't see every day of the week!

Colour me educated!

Voxman

I like the Levinson Blade Japan Durango Custom (20th Anniversary) (I think you may have posted that pic before?) 

Schnozz

Thanks guys. The Durango has a wonderful sculpt on the heel too...
https://i.imgur.com/J4cfmYc.jpg
As mentioned, here are some of the ones that got away (which still haunt me)...

Dean USA Custom Shop 'Lost 100' V
https://i.imgur.com/pKX7Kzj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/F5JHOxW.jpg
Charvel Masterbuilt Legacy Star - Poorly cut nut, crap fretwork and wouldn't stay in tune for toffee, but as a piece of art
https://i.imgur.com/rsdOBQ4.jpg
John Birch 4001
https://i.imgur.com/4UN5LTC.jpg