Guitars and guitar playing on the decline?

[LouAvul]

I browse various classifieds and see more and more ads for people selling their guitars. And the same guitars seem to languish on the market.

With the evolution of techno music, Eddie Van Halen and Angus Young guitar licks don't seem to be instant crowd pleasers/chick magnets like the old days.

Or, am I just out of touch?

[kinsman redeemer]

This topic might Trigger people.

Don't fret.

[x]

Sure. Kids used to form guitar bands in the garage. For the last 20 years, they’ve been on their phones or in their rooms playing videogames.

[SaveFerris]

🎸🎶🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[ebshumidors]

I have a spark amp. The app that comes with it is insane.

[Starboard]

“They were especially well made although I would opine that the pickups aren’t that great-—they’re loud but sterile.”

*************

Very good point. I should have mentioned that. You know your guitars!

My son swapped out the stock pickups a long time ago. Don’t remember exactly but do know that one of them was an SD Quarter Pounder which absolutely rocks and has a bit of a P90 character to it.

I’m a tele guy; they just feel comfortable to me and of course very easy to mod.

[Hyman Roth]

This is true Psalm. To be great you either got it or not. To be decent and play for people who aren’t trained in music is doable. You still sound good to them. 😂

[Georgia Girl 2]

I used to play guitar and take lessons in high school but lost interest. I think my parents eventually sold my guitar.

[MAGA2017]

It sure seems that way. I came across an article recently discussing how there are fewer kids and young people forming bands and playing music. Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s there were are lot more young guys wanting to play the guitar and be in a rock band.

[dfwgator]

Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s there were are lot more young guys wanting to play the guitar and be in a rock band.

---

If you wanted to get chicks in High School, you had two choices, be on the football team or be in a band.

[dfwgator]

Now it’s all “Dad Bands”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31PrzVpMktE

[Starboard]

For practice I use a Boss Katana Go. Its very small, has a big library of sounds, and is app controlled. Used with head phones. Interface isn’t great but OK once you’re used to it.

[Ezekiel]

😉

Thanks! I’m on the Road Again!

(It’s so easy to fall prey to pessimism when It’s All Going to Pot.)

[Zuriel]

**My elementary school in the 60’s and 70’s required learning an instrument. I played the Viola.**

From 1960-66, I attended elementary school in Viola (IL). I began to play the cornet in 5th grade, but quit after high school.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

My favorite thing now is to see a teenager playing a “relic’ed” guitar that looks like it has been dragged through stinky, smoky dive bars for 35 years. That just makes me laugh.

[Zuriel]

**I love to play guitar 🎸
unfortunately I’m not that good**

I have had this self-styled description of myself for decades:

“I can do a lot of things, but am not good at any of them. I guess that makes me good fer nuthin.”

Of course what is defined as ‘good’ is usually personal opinion. I set ‘good’ as a high bar most of the time.

[SaveFerris]

20 years ago I’d walk into a music shop

And there’d be a 13 year old kid
playing guitar 🎸 and I was just
blown away - and embarrassed 😀

LOL

Some people just have a natural gift

[Starboard]

Funny you should mention that. My son’s Strat Plus has been through a lot over many years of gigging. That guitar has withstood some serious use in all kinds of venues and weather. An incredibly durable instrument. The finish on the guitar however is still in excellent condition, but the neck has been “relic’ed” with real playing time. Its authentic use. :)

[sauropod]

Its true guitars etc. are not what they usef to be. But i don’t think its deaf.

[SaxxonWoods]

“No arenas, but our band did play 54 gigs last year...”

Congrats, I played 43 last year. I was lucky when young, played for a budding star singer from 78-81. That taught me I had to get out of music as a business. I wasn’t a great singer or songwriter, just a ‘sideman’. Side peeps don’t make good money but they live a rough life on the road. Got out, played for fun and the art of music instead of money ever since, worked out great.
I’m very lucky to still play at almost 77.

[vetvetdoug]

I own 17 guitars...many are pre 1970 Gibsons. My top of the line players are a Gibson Dove, Guild F-55, and a Martin D-35. Smaller venues I use a Gibson L-00, Guild F-30, or a 50’s LG-3. I don't see the market for old collector guitars depressing. Secondary market top of the lines can be had at half the price though. The area from Branson, MO, to Mountain View, Arkansas, is rich in venues for players.