El-cheapo (2)

Another bottom feeder acquisition ($45) but I must say this one was in a more desirable condition than the last, especially so when the fret board is wood, not some synthetic substitute. I've played Aria acoustics before, I trust their craftsmanship at this price point. The stickers are there to cover some light dents. The fact that there are more than one there implies susceptibility at that area so prevention is rather necessary. This guitar was, in my opinion, played & then left unattended. Its bagless nature would imply external knocks while the instrument was at rest, more so than careless handling. The neck was warped at the time of purchase but I have faith in guitars with truss rods & this one was successfully rectified.

Evo cheapo

Another bottom feeder acquisition- Evo brand acoustic. I note with due concern the fact that majority of el-cheapo guitars are equipped with non-wood fretboard. Proof- once scratched, it revealed a non-wood material. This is in a fairly good condition, in fact, it's worth the $50 asking price. It was largely unplayed; no dings on the body/ neck/ headstock. Came with a bag & strap as well. This is currently keeping me occupied in the office.

Worthy quote: Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa on improving one's playing:

Buy a really cheap guitar. The cheaper the better... and play that for a week.

Before we jump up victoriously & revel in the fact that we do own some of the cheapest guitar this side of planet boutique, we'd like to reflect why we own such instruments. For those of us who are serious players, the cheaper numbers serve as a reality check; if our skills are potent, it doesn't matter how much our guitar costs, we can still play well. This is a situation where true capacity would out-do any material deprivation. On the other hand, the newbies among us would hinge upon the instrument's lesser nature to internalize our abilities, needs & wants, before moving on to other models up the production tiers. All in all, the cheaper instruments would serve us in many ways, we see people with costly guitars who can't really play to save their nuts & are reminded that without the skills, we are actually nothing; our $5,000 guitar can't save us.

On a personal note, I do make it a point to check out the less costly guitars out there because there are some of the most well-crafted & sweet sounding instruments which are ignored because they don't possess the bling.