Leaderboard

Hi (first post), I've been a Strat fanatic for years and my guitar collection was entirely Fender Strats with a Tele and a Jazz Bass. Out of an itch for a 24" scale guitar, I bought a MIM Duo Sonic this year. The short scale took some getting used to initially but the weight of the thing makes me smile every time I pick it up. It has a thinner body (they used to be classed as student guitars) and the difference in weight that makes is a blessing for me. I've read people saying they're like toys but I can't agree with that. I don't get that eventual dull neck ache with it and that's a big bonus. It gets picked out of the rack more often than any other guitar these days.

Good evening, @Box Man, and ... Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share.

I like that Alvarez have their own, recognisable bridge plate. It shows a level of confidence in their own brand as opposed to copies of Martins or Gibsons. However, that’s just being really picky, especially from a bloke who recently bought a full on Hummingbird copy.

I’m probably leaning towards Alvarez then Sigma. There’s no good reason for that other than I like the bevel feature on some of the Alvarez models. Cort are at the bottom of the list but if I find a nice one, I’d have no qualms about getting it. The slim dimensions of the SFX are quite appealing- though I’ll need to try one to be sure. Apart from the actual playing experience, which I suspect may be similar across all three makes, it’s going to come down to how well the instruments are finished and set up.

All three have market place plaudits and quite rightly so. However, Sigma and Alvarez are more acoustic centric. If it was my money, I’d be looking at those two. When I was recently looking for a dreadnought, I was very drawn towards Sigma for their Gibson replicas and that Martin tie up can’t be overlooked.

Perfectionism is an unobtainable goal, simply what one person percevies as perfection to another clearly isnt..no matter how good you think your playing is or isnt there will always be someone better or worse out there... fact of life, better to channel those energies into doing the best job you can with the skills that you have its more important you play and enjoy what you do.. the more you do that the chances are you'll get more proficient IMO

But that's exactly it; I don't 'think'. I play, using techniques copied from some of the finest players ever : I throw my fingers at the strings, just as they do. OK, they're luckier than I am, mostly, but 'thinking' (whilst playing...) is a non-starter, for Humans at least. No, do the practicing. See (hear, listen to, record...) what's not right, find out how to correct it and do so (this may mean practicing something different for a while...). When it comes to 'playing', however, just throw your fingers to the strings and be lucky. Yes, I know; the more you practice (well...), the luckier you'll get, but in any case, forget the 'thinking' bit; Humans aren't built that way. Imagine a motorway drive; a car swerves across your path. Do you 'think' what to do..? I hope not. No, do the work, certainly, but give yourself the certain confidence that it'll be fine and it will be (or as fine as the diligence of your practicing can make it...).

Anyone have any ideas it was obviously built in someone’s shed. It’s overall length is 38” and has 3 plastic strings and 3 metal.