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If it Sounds Good - It Is Good

In this episode - If it Sounds Good - It Is Good . . .

Let's talk about Guitars. When considering a purchase, do you find yourself on Google searching for that unique guitar and rely on the expertise of some stranger who tries to record a comparison review on YouTube?

Come on - let's be honest, they all sound the same through computer speakers or headphones. And the biased of the critic always seems to come through. Honestly, though, a competent reviewer will always say, "Don't take my word for it; play the guitar yourself and just listen."

Yes, I'm guilty of the above. Since August 2016, I've played my treasured 60th birthday gift and love it, my Fender Telecaster. Thankfully, my skills have improved, and I now understand why so many performers play an acoustic guitar. It's not only convenient, but the sweet, simple, soft, resonating sound achieved from an acoustic is emotionally moving.

Last weekend we made a trip to Los Angles to visit the Griffith Observatory. While there, I suggested (begged really), "Could we re-visit Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd?” I'd been toying with the idea of a Parlor Guitar. A "Parlor or parlour guitar usually refers to a type of acoustic guitar smaller than a Size No. O Concert Guitar by C. F. Martin & Company."

And yes, my mind was set on a Martin. However, I could not, in good conscience, see myself spending $thousands on a guitar. They're beautiful and are industry icons; the majority are hand-crafted and honestly way out of my league.

I'm not a recording artist, performer, or singer-songwriter, just a guy who gets immense pleasure from strumming a guitar and discovering what beautiful noise this unique instrument provides. Someday when I retire, I'd like to think, it would be fun to play with a small group at the local farmers market on Saturdays. So I practice.

Anyway, we visited Guitar Center. I casually strolled the store, admiring all the stunning guitars on display, Martin, Taylor, Epiphone, Gibson, Washburn, Yamaha, Fender, Guild, the list goes on and on. It's overwhelming.

Finally, I asked the sales rep, "Please tell me about the Martin X series made in Mexico."

He pulled one from the massive wall of guitars and said, "Try it out." Now I'll be honest I've always thought it would be cool to own a Martin; they are the "Gold" standard that all players seem to compare other acoustic guitars to.

Their ad: "The Martin X Series guitars are made for musicians that want the freedom to play how, where, and when they want without breaking the bank. Delivering legendary Martin tone, the X Series will easily make the transition from the couch to the stage, to the great outdoors."

I had to tip my hat to this guy at Guitar Center. Acoustic Guitars we're delivered to me to try like sampling drinks. You name it; I played it: Fender, Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Guild, and many unknowns.

An immersive experience. I held the guitar, felt the weight, smelled the guitar, ran my hand up and down the neck, strummed chords, ran the scales, plugged each into an amplifier, and just listened. By God - there was a difference! Not only could I hear the difference, but I could feel the difference—a resonance in my soul. I don't know how else to explain it.

This guy at Guitar Center treated me like a Rock Star. He never asked me how much I wanted to spend, and he never pressured me to buy; he let me discover the differences for myself. He also never tried to present me with the Thousand Dollar models. Knowing I wanted a Parlor Guitar that I could take with me whenever I wanted to, not expected to insure an investment.

And Yes, that afternoon, Lori purchased a beautiful guitar that fit my wants and my wallet. What did I get? You ask, well - I’ve decided it doesn't matter to anyone else but me.

You see, I’m not here to bias anyone; you must discover "the one" for yourself. The instrument that when you get up in the morning, you can't wait to play it simply because it inspires your soul. Because, If it Sounds Good, It Is Good.

So, won't you be my virtual neighbor? If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

(P.S. My acoustic enchantress and early Christmas gift is a Taylor Academy 12-E.)

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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