Quick Thoughts: Guitars, John Galt, Mythical Beasts?
The more I learn… the more I want
So I’ve been taking guitar lessons for about 4 months now. I’ve gone from the can-play-a-few-chords level to the can-read-music-and-create-chords+++ level. I’m not excellent by any means, but I’ve made huge progress and “know what I’m doing.”
Knowing more–especially since my teacher is a luthier–makes me appreciate the guitar much more as an instrument, as well as a work of art. We’ve all seen pretty guitars, but as you begin to realize all that goes in to them, the design, the subtleties, the precision… it’s kind of awe inspiring. So if I get really rich, I’ll probably be getting a Tak Matsumoto Les Paul Signature edition, Something cool from PRS, and probably a nice Taylor or Martin acoustic.
Is the US having an “Atlas Shrugged” moment?
Though the fortune article is so far down the path of meandering as to render it essentially pointless, I’ve asked the same question before. Honestly I’m surprised it’s taken so long. The writing was on the wall when the book was written, and has been repainted many times since.
Unlike the Fortune article, I don’t think it’s an issue of regulation vs private industry. I don’t think the “greedy capitalists,” or those fighting for the “greater good,” are primarily at fault. I’ll always lean towards privatization, but I see plenty of CEOs running their companies into the ground through their own ineptitude. A badly run company will provide shoddy service and products. That’s not limited to your political views. I don’t think manny would disagree with me that the US Government is one of the largest, and worst run companies in the world. I’m not talking about the President or any specific official. I’m talking the sheer size, complexity, and mind-numbing amount of incompetence.
I think many of us realize we’re nearing a tipping point. I have a good idea where it’s going. Hopefully the transition won’t be too painful.
What’s a Chupacabra, and is it real?
A couple people locally have sent me to a website about that latin lizard-like creature, the chupacabra. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. I’m certain there’s plenty of creatures out in the wild we’ve never seen. Cryptozoology has always piqued my interest. The thing is, this website seems to be hearing reports of something strange like that a bit to close to me for comfort.
Now, I’m not really worried or anything. I don’t think there’s anything supernatural about it even if it’s a lizard beast instead of a coyote like some people have theorized. It’s always a bit unnerving when the wild encroaches on your comfortable little oasis of “civilization.” I don’t think anything large could get into our back yard, but I’ll be sure to be watchful of Duncan anyway.
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Comment by Les Paul Freak — August 15, 2007 @ 9:03 am
Tak Matsumoto Les Paul Signature edition is pretty sweet!!!!
J
Comment by Matt — August 16, 2007 @ 7:17 am
Yeah, the Tak Matsumoto Les Paul is on my list as well, and it’s really not that expensive ($1500 from Sweetwater). I’d also like a VG Strat. From what I’ve read about it, the modeling capabilities make it sound like a nice guitar to have around.
You can’t go wrong with a Martin or a Taylor. I always wanted an Olson, but heh, that is truly an expensive guitar there.
Comment by Todd — January 26, 2008 @ 3:31 am
Skip the Taylor and go with the Olson. Only a $4k - $6k price difference. My Taylor 814C is nothing compared to the Olson SJ I briefly owned. In fact, sometimes my 64 Gibson SJN and my early 90s Guild F47 sound better than the Taylor. Taylor is great for recording though–lows don’t thump (so no need to EQ out all the low end), and it’s a pretty neutral sounding guitar. Another nice and affordable guitar is Collings (in Austin), and I really love Dana Bourgeois guitars. What I’d love to have right now is a Kevin Ryan, but they run about $8k used and up to $20k new. I really should have stayed out of guitar repair and kept up with building acoustics.