Question for guys who play expensive guitars ...

[83stratman]

I don't worry about it. I gig my R7 and EJ Strat all the time. I bring them to rehearsals too. EJ Strat goes in a gig bag! Shit, I even took out half the electronics on my R7, I don't care. Wipe and polish my guitar? Never, unless its on the bench getting strings changed, and even then its just a quick wipe down. Why own it if you can't enjoy it.

 

[se7en]

I don't worry about it. I gig my R7 and EJ Strat all the time. I bring them to rehearsals too. EJ Strat goes in a gig bag! Shit, I even took out half the electronics on my R7, I don't care. Wipe and polish my guitar? Never, unless its on the bench getting strings changed, and even then its just a quick wipe down. Why own it if you can't enjoy it.

I feel the same way...and besides it's only that 1st ding that cuts deep for me.

 

[lame guitarist]

So for all you PRS/Suhr/Custom Shop etc. type guitars. Do you all get nervous about playing them in live situations? Do you make sure not to wear anything that will scratch the finish? I am of the mindset that even if you pay $2K+ for a guitar, if your not "playing" it then what's the point.

On the other hand, I like to keep my stuff in as good condition as possible.

Lame question I know.

I see where your coming from. I like to keep my stuff in good condition as well. However, guitars are meant to be played. The sweat, bumps and scratches they get through their playing life just give it mojo.
I think if you worry too much about a guitar you won't enjoy playing it as much. I have some guitars that are immaculate and others that are covered in wear and bumps. Also some guitars are easier than others to keep in good condition, I find my PRS guitars damage easily as the finishes are very delicate, but a suhr for example is more resiliant to bumps and knocks as their finishes seem to be tougher.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Mailman1971]

I play all my guitars the same. Play the hell out of them....
but dont abuse them.

But they get dinged...banged.....scratched....just with normal playing.
No "Baby cloth diaper" wipe downs for my guitars.

 

[Les Zombie]

I love my guitars but dont abuse them, ive played live with most of them and didnt worry about it.

 

[nevusofota]

I make it a point to play them all, gigs and practice, knowing that they will get dinged and bruised. I may get a little pissed after a ding but it rolls off my back pretty quickly. I do take extra precaution from the big hits like falling off the stand and stuff, but more because I don't want to mess up how it plays, not as much for cosmetic reasons.

 

[Shark Diver]

I never worry about it - until I try and sell them Then I just take the loss. Like others have said, I don't keep them if I am not going to play them. I buy them because I like them, like a car, and over time they get bumps and bruises and devalue. Good tax write off.

 

[joepete77]

I don't own any suhr's but I do have a few vintage and custom shop gibsons and yes, I gig with them , take them to practice as I would any other guitar. What's the point of having a cool great sounding guitar if you aren't going to use it when it counts at gigs in front of other people. Now I have used generic hard cases as to deter thiefs. Twice I have had someone almost walk out or load up my guitar with their gear. I also don't bring a backup as I don't want to take the chance of watching two guitars.