I bought my first SG Standard because I used it (in Coda Music when they still had a Luton branch) to try out a Boss chorus pedal. The great thing was that, because they thought I was only interested in the pedal, they left me alone to play, rather than hanging around trying to “sell” the guitar to me. I hated the pedal (sorry, Boss fans) but fell in love with the SG. So I took the guitar and pedal back to the desk and the guy asked me what I thought. I said, “I don’t like the pedal, but I’ll take the guitar.” He laughed and said, “Yeah, right!” and I said, “No, seriously, I’ll take the guitar” (getting my wallet out for dramatic effect)
Almost the easiest sale he ever made.
I toyed with the idea of getting the one in Naturalburst, but that was £799 (2005) and the Heritage Cherry was £739, so I had the Cherry one.
I realised it was “the one” because I always used to take three or four guitars to rehearsals and the SG was always one of them, and I then realised that if I wanted to play one of the others I’d better play it first, because once I strapped on the SG I wouldn’t want to put it down.
So a couple of months later I went and treated myself to the one in Naturalburst. No trying it out. Just bought it.
And THAT was the easiest sale he ever made.
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I do gig other guitars nowadays but the Goldtop (now refinished and refretted) still comes with me.
My band, Red For Dissent
I think it took maybe 20 seconds to realise I wasn't leaving without it.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_imQDC4eUOjuBBRl2mBwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyQgllCIpqY
https://rozaliftwave.bandcamp.com/
It's an Anniversary G6118T LIV. I've had other Gretsch guitars since but there's no topping it. Just slips into place and does exactly what I need it to.
But the search is wonderful and never knew I had to get it down to just one - I have about 4 that I play regularly and enjoy - they are different so none can be better - So one will never work and I'm certainly not looking for the 'One'
I always wanted the naturalburst version but ended up with a cherry one. Mine is quite an orangey red which is aging nicely as it hangs by the window. You can see the original colour around the knobs where it's been in the shade.
I tend to think of the phrase 'The One' to refer to one specific guitar, i.e. the 'one' SG/Strat/Tele/Les Paul/Etc. above all others, rather than the 'one' model you prefer to other models.
I've found instead of constantly chopping and changing the the time is better spent playing one particular guitar and learning it's geometry as best as is possible.
Unless the individual takes pleasure in playing a number of different guitars for small amounts. We're all different, some guitarists aren't on the look out for 'the one'.
I don't think I've found the “one” & I’m coming to terms that there isn’t “one” the older I get. It’s just whatever fits the mood at the time.