I retrieved my PRS Santana SE from Play Your Music this afternoon. I ask Vince to replace the strings on it and get it setup to play. Of all my guitars, I thought it would be one of the easier to get started with as the lower tension on the strings will be easier on my fingers.

For the last couple of years I thought that it would be good for me to pick up my instrument again. It has been a long time since I put any effort into music although music has been a big part of my life for most of it. Late last year I started thinking seriously about putting in some time daily as part of my self care. The Yairi acoustic needs some significant maintenance. I am unhappy with the classical guitar as I do not like the action and I need to spend some time thinking about how I want to change it. The other electric needs some maintenance as well.

So, I chose the Paul Reed Smith Santana SE as it needed the least amount of work and I am confident I can make a happy sound with it. I also bought a small practice amplifier, a Positive Grid Mini, so the guitar will sound decent.

The PRS was ready this afternoon, so I drove over to the shop to pick it up. Before that, during one of my breaks, I picked up my old pick box, blew the dust from it, and opened it up. In it I found a collection of very (very) old picks. Most should probably be discarded, especially the corroded steel finger picks I used long ago for finger-style playing on steel-stringed instruments. Those strings will eat fingernails. (I know from experience.) The Alaska-picks can probably be salvaged and put to service once the acoustic is restored. Some of the flat picks are probably collectible, especially the old Fender and Gibson instances. I also found a couple of The Ventures labeled picks in the box.

The Dunlop Tortex will be retained and used as they make some of the best tone, in my opinion. I will keep the Rolla Music Center pick as well. It is a memento of a time long, long ago.

When I first started playing, I took lessons from a college student who taught part time at RMC. He was a really nice guy and reasonable teacher as well. At one point he told me “I don’t want to take your money any more. You have learned what I have to teach. I will, however, continue to coach you if you will come to my house.” He and his wife were very gracious to me. I cannot remember his name.

Three old spinsters ran the store. The eldest, Virginia, was the sweetest old woman and very kind to me. They eventually hired me to teach part time and that was first experience teaching. I made a lot of mistakes, of course, but the experience was good for me.

My goodness, that was so long ago. I am grateful for these memories and for that time. Life is good.