Thread: rangerray's Account Talk

Originally Posted by ravensfan

OMG I am looking in a mirror. I too dabble with a couple of guitars, but they are both Taylor's which are absolutely my favorite. Nothing more relaxing than the sweet sound of a good guitar... That is awesome!!!

I enjoy the opportunity to occasionally play and sing some good southern gospel at my church.

This has turned into such an interesting thread. I've spent a lot of time here over the years, but we seldom talk much about the things we're really interested in. I'd think we'd all have much more in common if we did a little more of this.

I have held and traded guitars for most of my life, starting with the one my mom bought me when I was 16. I regret not having more formal training in those early years, but my love of the instrument has persisted in spite of my limited skills. To make a long story short, I was in the right place at the right time to become the owner of a Gibson Doves in Flight acoustic. Also, my wife surprised my with a 1967 Southern Jumbo that once belonged to her dad. I will never be able to demonstrate the full potential of those guitars, but I get hours of enjoyment out of trying. on top of not getting proper instruction early on, I think I've suffered from not narrowing my interest in musical genres. I am all over the map from old country, folk and bluegrass to alternative and rock & roll. I think if I had it all to do over again, I'd have spent my time on bluegrass.

I too have sang in my church, but I'm terribly nervous. I tried an open mic night once at a local place and it was disastrous! The crazy thing is, I WILL try that again someday.

Originally Posted by papahotel66

1956 Martin D28...So sweet. One day I'm going to hand carry it to Nazareth PA for some TLC. I play bass and some Mandolin in a Bluegrass Band. We were playing 3-4 times a month and actually making a little money doing it until the shutdown. We get to play again April 3 for the first time in over a year. Can't wait. That and the grandkids are my retirement gig here in a year or so. Best to all!

Wow! What a superb guitar you have. I'm a trader, so I'm not going to discount the idea that I may someday own one. Perhaps, when I tire of motorcycling (or buying parts for a Jeep), I'll put those funds into another guitar.

I am absolutely envious of you having a bluegrass gig. Bluegrass really thrills my soul. I can't play it well enough to be in a band, especially the quick paced numbers, but I plan to work a little harder on what I do know.

Congratulations to you for already having this retirement gig planned out!

I kept collecting guitars till I realized its me not the guitar I'm playing, I have about ten in the house now. I have a 20 year old Yamaha motorcycle that I'm debating getting out today for a ride in the sun, and I'm also on the path to retiring at the end of the year.

Love it!

1983 Martin D-16 here. Plays like butter.

Originally Posted by rangerray

Wow! What a superb guitar you have. I'm a trader, so I'm not going to discount the idea that I may someday own one. Perhaps, when I tire of motorcycling (or buying parts for a Jeep), I'll put those funds into another guitar.

I am absolutely envious of you having a bluegrass gig. Bluegrass really thrills my soul. I can't play it well enough to be in a band, especially the quick paced numbers, but I plan to work a little harder on what I do know.

Congratulations to you for already having this retirement gig planned out!

My father bought the guitar from a pawn shop in Petersburg, VA. in about 1959 for $100 where a circuit musician named Chief Powhatan had hocked it. Of course at the time he didn't realize what it would be in 65 years. I'm glad he kept it. I can't make it do what it is built for but a young man who plays with us can. I close my eyes and hear Tony Rice when my friend picks it. I love all things Taylor, Gibson, Fender but I really love the Martin Guitars. We are a Bluegrass Band band but you may hear Eagles, Doobie's, or Fogherty in a set. I get to play Bass, Rhythm and keys at church too so I get my outlet there too. It's a blast. Fortunately I get to stand behind some very talented people. Just keep playing and singing like nobody is listening!

The folks on this board have helped me get to the point where I will be able to enjoy what I want to do and not what I have to do (which mostly I have enjoyed also). Thanks and best wishes to each of you!

Originally Posted by tsptalk

Love it!

1983 Martin D-16 here. Plays like butter.

My young friend had a D16 that was the loudest and fullest sounding guitar either one of us had ever heard. He changes guitars like he changes clothes and he traded it for a pool cue. He of course deeply regrets it and has tried several times to get that guitar back.

It's so easy to play, it's like playing an electric guitar. I bought it used about 20 years ago and haven't seen anything I'd rather have, although I'm not looking much anymore since I rarely play these days.

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Congrats on your retirement! I also play guitar (rhythm)... since 1983. Although I have 4 guitars, my go-to is a 1985 MIJ Fender Contemporary Strat. My influence is 80's metal/Metallica/Pantera.

It's apparent now that we have enough folks here to start our own band. If anybody is on the fence, it's a great hobby to get into, even if your biggest fan is yourself.

So with the temps in the low 70's today, I decided to turn the tv off, leave the guitar in it's carrying case, pull the cover off the Harley and go for a little ride. I ended up at a Farmer's Market up in PA, purchased two pounds of freshly made scrapple and plan to have some with breakfast in the morning. It is amazing how quickly a ride on the Harley sooths the soul. Suddenly Covid didn't matter, the idiocy in DC wasn't bothering me and who cares what happens in the market today.

I guess that is why you will never see a Harley parked in front of a Psychiatrists office.

Nope! don't need no stinkin safe space. The soul has been soothed!!!

Originally Posted by rangerray

I too have sang in my church, but I'm terribly nervous. I tried an open mic night once at a local place and it was disastrous! The crazy thing is, I WILL try that again someday.

I too get very nervous when I sing and play at my church. I confided in my Choir Director about this and she told me to pretend I was singing to a room full of naked people. Believe it or not, it helped.