Learn to play the guitar, on a boat.
Although I can’t provide you with any real statistics, I’d have to guess that at least 50% of the boats down here have at least one guitar on board. That’s not to say that there is a guitar player on board each of those boats, but having the instrument is a start, right?
Seriously, there are plenty of very talented musicians here. A couple of the cruisers have started organizing a weekly jam session at one of the marinas and it’s been quite popular, drawing everyone from professional musicians to beginning children. As it turns out, I’ve heard that so far it’s primarily been a guitar session, adding credibility to my 50% guess.
That particular event is just a bit too organized for my tastes though so instead, I have been getting together with a couple of friends, Kirk and Jeff, to play over on the beach. Give me a couple more years of cruising and I might end up actually being able to play. 🙂
In the “studio.”
Mike,
If you get a chance, check out Trace Bundy on-line. I really like his unusual playing style and music. That and he lives in Colo.
Will do.
Even if you can’t play, your look great with it! 🙂
My philosophy for life… if you can’t be good, at least look good. 🙂
Not sure how an all wooden guitar holds up in a marine environment, but an Ovation might be a great choice for next one due to its construction.
Is the picture in your post going to be your first album cover. 🙂
I think the guitars fair just fine as long as you don’t use them as a paddle in the dinghy. The strings on the other hand…
Check out Andy McKee on youtube. I never knew the guitar could be played like that. As far as the strings go, you could use fishing line! 😉
Perhaps we should use fishing line. It doesn’t get used for much else on our boat.
Forget all about that macho sh*t and learn how to play guitar!- John Cougar
Sound advice.
How’s the humidity down there anyway?
I can see that: people bringing the ol’ guitar that they didn’t use at home wishing they’ll have time to learn to play while cruising. Not surprising because it’s a relatively cheap pastime.
For me, (in my dream and in a distant future) leaving behind my beloved Les Paul and Marshall amp to go cruising will be hard, but for sure I’ll bring along an acoustic guitar. It must be a great ice breaker, music being a universal language…
I wouldn’t be so quick to leave them behind if you have the room. We’ve met multiple people who have electric guitars (or electric base guitars) and small amps.
Like Thomas said, get a composite. My husband buys and trades acoustic guitars of all kinds and styles, composite and wood. He gave our daughter a Peavey composite guitar about 8 years ago and she has carried it all over the Eastern Seaboard and Caribbean while working as a 1st Mate on schooners. She loves that fact that it stays in tune and the weather has little effect on it. If you need strings or picks check his website http://www.cruzanstrings.com/
Why would I go buy another guitar when I just got this one? Contrary to what many people think, the guitars hold up just fine unless you’re throwing them in the water. The strings do rust though.
Check out Elixir strings. They rust way less and last a lot longer because of the coating on the strings.
Thanks, Dave. When I get around to needing new strings I’ll do that.
I pluck away myself. Not that I’m much good, but my lovely wife seems to enjoy it. I’m having fun. Space is really limited on my boat so I tuck in a Washburn Rover. Good sounding little guitar and the price is right.
That looks like a nice little guitar. Space is limited for us too which is why I went with a Little Martin instead of a full sized version.
Mike,
Great “studio” pic. Much different than the contained, dark, windowless environment of a typical studio – just slightly less controlled acoustics?
Happy playing and cruising,
CB
🙂
Thanks CB.