New "G.A.S." owner

Ok, so you bought my book "G.A.S. - Living With Guitar Acquisition Syndrome." Tell us about yourself.

Moment of TRUTH

You saw it online, got all excited about it, maybe even dreamed about it, pulled the trigger and bought [or won] it, and somehow survived the next few days awaiting its arrival. Now it's here, and you go through this cursory inspection process. The moment of truth is finally here as you strap 'er on, plug in, tune up, and hit your usual "tester riff" to begin the drive. Having a great first experience after all that anticipation and waiting is a wonderful - often memorable - thing.

Tell us about one you've had.

ResidualGAS

I've always kinda admired the guy who married his high school or college sweetheart. He knew what he wanted and hung onto her. Same with the guy who has a fave axe that he has had since waaaaaay back, and he'll never give it up. I could write a book about the Strat I bought in the 60s and should have kept. I do have an Ovation that I bought new 35 years ago, but it doesn't count because it isn't a fave. I never touch it. I'm talking about a long-term keeper that is one you still play and show a lotta luv regularly. I do NOT have one like that, and I wish I did. If ya got ResidualGAS, tell it!

5 Years of G.A.S. Smarts

About 5 years ago, my G.A.S. attacks were becoming more intense and more frequent. My Harem Management Strategy was to buy redundant models and thin out the less preferable over time. Well, that has worked somewhat, but I still own one or two completely identical guitars and, consequently, the harem size grew. I found in the process that I could have just as intense a G.A.S. attack over a guitar precisely like one I already owned!! Is that not insane?

I was just wondering:

If I'd known 5 years ago what I know now, how would my G.A.S. attacks and harem be different today?

Here are a few of my thoughts, and I'd like to know yours.

1] I wouldn't buy duplicates or redundant models. I found that even if I do get back to only one of that guitar, it is invariably the one I bought first. It just doesn't work for me. I need to save my G.A.S. attacks for guitars unlike anything I already own.

2] I would have started checking Craigs List sooner. Online auctions are their own brand of fun, but can also lead to disappointments as well as unreasonable shipping costs. I have recently found quite a few really great deals on C.L. I just shudda started sooner.

3] I've only recently started appreciating anything other than a Fender amp. I should have been looking for good, interesting amps as well as guitars.

4] I have found that G.A.S. intensity is greatest when faced with an opportunity to buy a custom built guitar. Dealing with a builder opens so many options and choices that sleep becomes more difficult than ever. Over the last 4 years, I have discovered CP Thornton guitars and have gotten to know Chuck very well. In my opinion he builds the finest, most underpriced guitars on the planet. The fact that the wait from concept to test drive can take 6 - 12 months only compounds the problem..... BUT it is worth the wait. How would knowing this impact my attacks and harem today? I would have started this process sooner. The harem size would be smaller but probably more valuable.

Whyizzit? (Increasing book sales)

Whyizzit - G.A.S. book sales have spiked lately. Four have been sold this morning from one source alone. I average selling about 2 copies a day around the world. This normally only happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What's going on here?

Whyizzit? (GAS intensity)

Whyizzit? Why are so many folks suddenly notifying me that their G.A.S. attacks have become so intense lately? Is it possible that the economy and associated cutbacks have led to increased denial and delayed gratification, which has transformed their former strain into the dreaded PentupGAS strain?