Some of the best music I ever heard was played on a cheap old Stella guitar. And some of the worst has been played on Martins, Taylors, and Guilds!!

Well, I'm not going to do any brand endorsements but I've had both low and high end guitars in my life and suffice to say, it's a matter of personal preference and what one can afford.

The only similarity between myself and Lucy Kaplanski is that she was, and I still am, a counsellor/therapist and we both write,play and perform music. But I'm not about to respond the the significance of ones instrument collection other than to acknowledge it's significant, and that a collection refers to more than one of something.

I had a friend years ago who said the ability to create is a spiritual gift. Some might call it a curse. Thing is, we don't truly own this gift. We're trustees, caregivers to it and it's our job to nurture, develop and use this gift to create and share our works in some capicity with others. For if we don't, both the gift and bit of ourselves die. Our instruments, whatever they may be will invite us to come out and play. They beckon and can't be ignored for too long before we get a feeling that this is happening.

My songs are for public consumption and private pleasures. I've been told they reach out and touch some, but not all who listen. But like you Chris, they're mostly for me. Keep on keepin' on.

My '70's Guild has always been too stiff to play, so I've glared at it in the corner for years. So I got a simple Yamaha classical to take lessons on...aced the class but can't remember much. I read music, but when it comes to reading for stringed instruments...my brain hurts.

Years passed as I continually "saved" to buy some nice instruments, but finally just got tired of all the waiting and gave myself permission to go ahead and gather together some lesser quality, but tolerable instruments. After all..I'm no pro..and who's going to hear me other than family and friends? At least I now have something with which to practice, which is better than dreaming forever.

A life long dream to aquire a mandolin finally realized, and I find it much easier to play by ear than to discipline myself to memorizing the chord chart. I'm just thrilled to finally have one in my hands..what sweet sounds! It just kind of flows.

Recently I found a knock-off hollow body electric with f-holes which looks really cool, but loaned it to a musician friend to see if it were worth keeping, and haven't seen it since. Guess I'll have to go visit it soon. He played it for me over the phone and it sounded great.
Next I'll order an electric bass, and we'll see where that leads. At least I'll have a broad assortment for when my friends come over to jam.

I collect percussion folk instruments from around the world, and things which could be used as such.
It was my desire to play percussion when starting out in Junior High band...but the flute was chosen for me, so that's what I play in band and orchestra when in Univ. ensembles. (Mom said, "No ratti-tat-tat on the furniture...how about a nice, quiet instrument like the flute?" quiet...? HA!)

My percussion dreams came true when I joined an Early Music ensemble in school and got to play a large collection of ancient percussion instruments, plus keyboard type things along with recorders on the occasion. That was fun, and so were the performances. It's amazing just how many percussion instruments one person can play at any given time.

My antique piano needs tuning and some repair, so I'm out of practice there as well.

To satisfy my need for ensemble performances I participate in master works performances with a large university or church chior now and again, as primarily I am a vocalist.

So, my only quality instrument sits in the corner, and I do a lot of listening and messing around on the mandolin, but am no where near ready to play with anyone. And oh, yeah...there are a couple of harmonicas as well to monkey around with here and there, and I love to play the bodhran.

My musician friend comes over and we sit on the front porch fiddle farting around, harmonizing and such..he helps me with my playing and I with his ear training, so, all-in-all, I stay amused.

Mainly these days I just do a lot of listening research and making music for myself, which makes me happy.

Oh...and I still miss the 12-string guitar my folks let me pick out in Mexico when I was 15. It was my first guitar; played it throughout college, but I eventually sold it to a friend. Now I regret that.
I find I don't like to part with old friends...like to be surrounded by them.
And, yes, I agree with everything you said in your third paragraph, Joshua Brande. Thanks for expressing that so nicely and succinctly.

it's not what you play it on, it's how you play it. some of the best recordings of myself i have are on my japanese epiphone ft-145L , a plywood guitar.

My "collection" now consists of 8 guitars (ranging from classical to electric), a keyboard, 2 mountain dulcimers, 2 penny whistles and a borrowed mandolin (to see if I could learn how to play it).There are many songs I prefer to play on guitar,and others that I use dulcimer. For example, in our folk music club the 2 and 3 chord songs get rather boring on guitar because I don't play melody, so the dulcimer makes it more interesting.

As far as quality, it's the sound you like rather than the brand. When buying any instrument it helps to play several, because the sound and "feel" may vary, even with the same make and model.

I got a mahogany Ibanez from a pawn shop as a cheap kickin' around guitar to use instead of my vintage Alvarez at festivals. Both play very well, but I prefer to use the Ibanez for finger picking alone. The sound quality is more full, but it's not good for strumming. I also bought the guitar of my dreams last year - a custom-made mahogany electric acoustic Larivee. Each have their special sound and get used according to what I'm performing.

If you have an interest in playing several instruments go for it! If you stink at it who'll know? LOL

...and everyone should have a Ukulele hanging around just for kicks. A whole lotta joy comes outta that one!
In fact, I've noticed that they've become kinda popular around here, and there is a monthly Ukulele Jam over at the local commmunity center.

I have 3 guitars, a 5 string , a fiddle a Uke , penny whistles and harmonicas. I really don't play any really good mainly because I don't make the time to practice. I played guitar in a band in Highschool and decided that it was more fun to be dancing than in the band. The best thing I get from playing is the relaxation when things are not as good as they should be. Two summers ago I decided , at 61 ,to treat myself to a good guitar and was out looking at Martins. After looking around I picked up a Yamaha just to give it a try . The action and the tone were great . I do think that when buying anything , from golf clubs to guitars that you only get what you pay for. You buy the best you can afford at the time. You learn faster, play better, and enjoy it more with good equipment.

It all started with a ukelele. She was four. Now she has 4 guitars if we count the travel one but exclude the beginning 3/4 size, piano, drum set, mallets, trumpet, and flute with worn-out pads. And she's not yet in high school!

You go girl! Start 'em out early, I say.
(And get that flute repadded.)

Leanna M - Bet that Larivee in your hands is like playing butter, isn't it ! Mmm-mm Jean Larivee makes one sweet guitar...

I'm one of the few people who's heard Chris's music--it's lovely.

He does a very creepy cover of "Mad Tom of Bedlam" that I was just listening to in bed a few nights ago. I had strange dreams that evening...