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.
I thought you gave it up all together. Glad to see that a few instruments made it into the keep zone. I think I have a love hate relationship with playing these days. I have found myself taking long breaks from playing. As I type, I’m being asked to prep and play Sunday two weeks from now. I haven’t touched an instrument since August. No calluses, no practice, nothing. Honestly, I’m struggling a bit to accept. I have a ton of gear I’d like to sell too. Seriously been thinking about that. No more amps on the worship teams. everything is quiet stage. I just haven’t been up to parting with anything. That seems a bit ridiculous. The amps are packed away in a closet and haven’t been on in years. Pedals are all in drawers. No pedal board assembled. Guitars are all in corners. The live rig is still together, but only consists of an AxeFX 3 and a power conditioner. IDK… it seems like a world that is passing me by…
No, I never really abandoned the instrument… I was just busy with other things. I decided late last year that the guitar needed to be present in my life, even if I don’t have a project that involves it.
Edit: Your comment deserves a better response than above. When I moved out here in 2007 I was so busy that not much happened other than work and family. There was at least a two-year backlog of work stacked up for me. Eventually I decided to sell off the unused equipment to someone who would use it. I kept the guitars.
A few years ago I got really busy with contract work. That is all I do now, is work as a contractor in my discipline specialty. And there has been quite a lot of work. There is enough that once I take care of myself, my dog, and my projects, there is little time and energy (mostly energy) left over. I found myself needing to take care of my inner life.
I made a run at a couple of churches, the last one I stayed with for several weeks until the pastor had a melt-down at the end of the service about members spending money on guns that was robbing the church. That was it for me and I have not darkened a door with the exception of a couple of times with Griff and Cindy. Although this story is a little off the theme, it is part of why I think I need several things in my life that nourish my inner life. A part of that is the time I spend with God.
Then I picked up my cameras because they are creative and I can do photography while hiking with Sera. I still try to get time in for radio for more practical reasons. But last year I decided that I need the creation of music in my life again.
So, I am setting an intention to be a musician again. I have no project to work on and that doesn’t matter. I have a ham friend who plays guitar and once I get into a little better shape I’ll go jam with him. This will satisfy part of that creative need.
Now, regarding your dilemma, I don’t have much to offer but to follow your heart. If you want to play the gig and think you should, then do it. If you don’t want to, don’t.
I really don’t care for the quiet stage thing. It’s convenient and puts control in the engineer’s hands. Amp and effect modeling has come a long way since I last messed with it. I know I don’t miss schlepping all that heavy gear around every week.
But I think I’ll be satisfied with my guitars and a small modeling amp of some kind. I just want to be able to make a happy noise for myself and my closest friends. That will be good enough.
God Bless you, old friend.