DISQUS

We used to own a Corvette Z06, which we brought to the UK. In the US it's a kind of 'blue collar' sports car in that it's very high performance but not so expensive that only rich people can afford it. As such, you'd see quite a few of them when in the US. In the UK, though, it was very rare, one of less than 100 in the entire country... possibly one of less than 20.

Driving it around the country made you feel like a superstar as people would try to take pictures etc, as you went past. The downside was that driving along the motorway was really dangerous as the drivers of other cars would try to take photos on their cameraphones whilst trying to overtake you!!! Usually, they'd get about 1/2 a car length in front then lose control and swerve towards you!!!!

We sold her over two years ago, but I still miss the feeling of being 'special'!!!

Imagined quote from brochure:

"Each Simulated History (TM) guitar comes with a detailed description of how each scratch and dent 'might' have occured. These histories are individually written by a team of seasoned gigging musicians who have genuinely 'been there', so that you don't have to be. Our 24 hour a day customer support helpline is able to advise owners on suitable tattoos, piercings and hair-styles to match in with your newly assumed rock persona."

I would probably pay extra for a guitar that was set up like some famous dude's because I like the combo of wood type, bridge, strings, pups etc that he's settled on (though you'd have to get the same mod'ed amp, boxes etc). Someone who's got to be an 'idol' has probably been through a lot of set-ups before finding what's right for them.

I've never been a fan of anything that's not 'really' been there. If I want to hang Egyptian artifacts on my wall, I'll go to Egypt and get them, I won't run down and buy a mass-produced facimilie. To me that's madness.

I'll take one in silver, please...

I have to think back for this one. We've not owned a car for over two years now!

Apart from the music from the burbling V8 monster we used to have, the obvious choice would be the whole Appetite For Destruction album. Not so obvious would be some of the more rocky Jamiroquai stuff like Deeper Underground, Black Capricorn Day etc.

Crap. I just find *this* site and now you're telling me there's another one I should look at!?!?

Hrpmh...

Actually, given where I am right now with my playing and wanting to join/form a band for the first time, musicians road dot come sounds like somewhere I'd like to hang out. I'll definitely keep my eye on it!

The only negative comment I'd make on first impression is that the three-column layout mixed with two-column layout seems a bit busy to me. Personal opinion! Feel free to ignore :-) The articles themselves look really interesting (I'll actually go away and read them now!)

S-L-A-S-H!!!!!

[cough]

Back in the day (when I got my first guitar) I was convinced that Marshall was the only brand to have, but all I could afford was a cheap 20W valvestate practice amp.

I now have a 100W Marshall Valvestate VS100 combo, not because of brand loyalty, but because it came along 2nd hand at the right time and at a price that worked for me. The specific model was supposed to be 'the one to have' of the VS range. I got it cheap with the hope that one day I'll be able to get something better.

I like it well enough, but it's really TOO LOUD for home use. I imagine it may even be too loud for small clubs! It doesn't stop me from using it at home... Our loft is nominally soundproof, but I just found out that the neighbours like to listen to me play :-) Oops!

Based on 'amp propoganda' I'd love to have a real valve amp one day, perhaps a Mesa Boogie, though I understand you have to turn them way up to get 'that sound'. Some of my favourite players use old Fender Twin Reverbs... modified, of course. I've played through a MB in shops whilst trying out guitars. Questionable whether you get any benefit of spending so much money unless you're going to drive it hard.

I think what's confusing these days is that you can buy some of the entry level amps from 'big names' and find that they're made under licence, often in the Far East (same as some guitars). I'm not quite sure how you're expected to appreciate the 'heritage' in such cases.

When I first read the post I thought I only had one guitar, a late '06 Les Paul Standard (no mods). Then I realised I have two, an Ovation 1861 Balladeer (USA made, no mods). For some reason I don't consider acoustics 'real' guitars (I know that makes no sense whatsoever).

Then I remembered my old LP copy which plays like a plank of wood strung with twine, but I swapped out the pups for Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates. Sounds very loud and 'hot' but won't stay in tune.

Add onto that a semi-functional banjo and two harmonicas, and that's about it!