So far in 2023, we have sold 112 instruments and 43 amps, stands, cabinets, etc....mostly on Reverb.

I'm down to a "stash"of 34 guitars and bases, 23 amplifiers, about 30 cabinets and a small room of lights, cables, etc.

Many of the instruments sold were 40-50 years old and hadn't been played on a gig for 40 years.

I only miss one: a Guild 403 I bought in 1968 and played thru graduate school. I hadn't used it since 1973.

The dollars raised are going to organizations organized to assist down and out musicians.

And that makes me feel good.


The "keepers" are Korean and Indonesian "beaters" that look like the original American classics (same tooling is used), but they are coated with poly. They will never gain in value like the originals, but play a little better, given the tight control of the manufacturing process.

"Beaters" are $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 imports.

To compare, a 59 Strat I bought in High School for $466.00 brought $29,419.00.

Even an 82 re-issue of a 52 tele brought $3,600.00 (original price: $812.).



Next step: To cut the quantity of stringed instruments to 10.

That will be VERY HARD TO DO.

Russ (equipment junkie) Lay

Good luck on cutting down. Since Carol got a new laptop, I get a delivery nearly every day from Amazon or some other online retailer. The two rooms that my daughter and I cleared out are rapidly filling up again.

I sold nearly all my gear, gave some stuff away, and the only thing I have purchased lately are some woodworking tools and table legs.

Gary (the old codger!)

Hi Russ - how are you feeling? You wore yourself out from cleaning out that amazing guitar room! Did you ever find that 2nd Harley that was somewhere in the warehouse?

Yes, Jim, I found it. Riding it today. Some old dudes never learn.

Thanks for the info on your pacer, btw. I will schedule mine on my next visit (the 24th) to my cardiologist.


Be well,


Russ

WOW, that is amazing, Russ! And the '59 Strat, holy cow. Cheers to you!

Bill, last night I was playing a cocktail hour on a 1960 Giannini
Craviola. Kid asked me where I fount that antique guitar.

"Bought it new, ya little jerk", was my reply.

Old age is a BITCH!


R.