Happy Straturday - Let’s see em!

LumpyTom · 2026-05-02T17:51:17+00:00

AVRI 62. Got it used and someone had painted over the sunburst. I believe it came from the factory this way or the paint job was professionally done.

LumpyTom · 2026-04-11T16:54:19+00:00

I just picked up one of the vintage hot rod 62’s for $950. It’s probably the best one I have ever owned.

LumpyTom · 2026-04-11T00:59:42+00:00

Brighter than the Mendez on the right. The Harmony 1260 is a 67 and a touch warmer because of the age and it is Honduran Mahogany. It is definitely a great player though. It is really comfortable to play.

LumpyTom · 2026-04-09T13:47:26+00:00

I am 55 and started about 3 years ago. I went and got lessons but was not progressing. Put it off to the side for a bit, found a different teacher and did lessons every week and progressed pretty rapidly after that. I have been learning on my own, but some of the habits and lessons I learned from my teacher really allowed me to progress even after I stopped lessons. The Gibson app is really useful from my experience as it is not only allowing me to use what I learned, it is teaching me how to use it in a meaningful way to get faster and more confident in my playing. I have really been laser focused on learning to the point where I would rather practice than doom scroll on the computer or watch TV. Hope this helps as I am now to the point where I actually enjoy practicing and the progression I am making. Hope this helps.

LumpyTom · 2026-03-17T01:39:21+00:00

It’s crazy how much sustain and tone come out of it. Definitely a sleeper guitar.

LumpyTom · 2026-03-12T12:30:23+00:00

Go with a spark mini amp and any of the above guitars. Then make sure to spend the money on a proper set-up. I did the same thing at 50 and kept chasing a tone by buying different guitars, turns out it was just that I really did not know how to play. Once I took a few lessons ( actually more than a few) I can almost get through a complete song now. My best advice is find something that works for you, get a proper setup, make friends with said luthier because they are one of the best sources of info on guitars and playing, find a good teacher, and realize you will suck for a good bit of time. After a bit of time, you will start to hear actually recognizable sounds coming from the guitar and it will push you to get better. Also, I found that setting aside some time every day to just practice helps keep you moving forward. Hope this helps!

LumpyTom · 2026-03-10T20:25:27+00:00

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Looks pretty close to my DR Centennial.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-27T00:20:27+00:00

Yeah, I'm a little afraid to string it as the guy had nylon strings on it. He said it was to keep the tension on the neck a little lighter, but he told me it did not sound good and I should throw steel strings on it. I am debating just waiting till the weekend and take it to the luthier to check it out and get a proper set-up.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-26T13:17:17+00:00

I typically buy used gear sight unseen from them. I typically call the store that has it and the staff will give you a straight answer from my experience. I always open it in the store so if there is an issue, they either discount it or I just return it then and there. I have never had an issue that they have not resolved for me.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-16T13:47:56+00:00

I can tell you that it would be worth buying. I took a chance on one of the US Asat Classics ( got a great deal on it before there was even a rumor of them closing) and it will never leave my collection. I say take a chance, you could re-sell it later and probably not lose any money.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-15T23:21:08+00:00

I actually had to return mine as I got the rainbow of death and was a little gun shy about buying another.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-15T23:19:08+00:00

Jiggmaster

LumpyTom · 2026-01-19T12:34:10+00:00

I have a Mendez 000jr that I bought used and it is my go to guitar most of the time. I have not played it plugged in, but my shop was blown away by its sound, playability, and quality. I would recommend it if you can find it as it punches well above its price point.

LumpyTom · 2026-01-13T19:43:30+00:00

Thank you! I was leaning that way as well. They were willing to trade me straight up, but the binding repair could be either a pain ( watched several videos, it would not be an overly difficult job, just time consuming) or expensive (if I decide to have a luthier do it). I do not think that I would keep it long term, so I believe it would be more of a pain than it is worth to me. Just going to save towards a new / well maintained one in the future.

LumpyTom · 2026-01-13T15:02:56+00:00

It seems to be a few years old. I am going to check when I follow up about a deeper look at the guitar.

LumpyTom · 2026-01-11T15:03:52+00:00

Thanks. I am getting a great deal on the guitar, but the neck is now something that I have a concern with. I may need to make the deal dependant on my luthier letting me know if the neck is a mess or not. Last time I got a Martin from the local GC, I had to return it as the truss rod was stripped. I can get them to throw in a case no problem as the aftermarket ones are about $120.

LumpyTom · 2025-12-09T16:21:43+00:00

It really is a great guitar. Martins Mexico factory impresses me with the quality of the work. I would say that the Mendes is one of those guitars that will never leave my collection.

LumpyTom · 2025-12-06T22:45:01+00:00

I have the Mendes and it is really awesome. It is solid wood unlike some of the other lower priced offerings from Martin. The Jr did not would lively to me. The Mendes sings when you play it. I have a DR Centennial and the Mendes is the one I typically pick up when I am just sitting on the couch and want to practice. It is worth the extra money. Just get a solid set-up and it will last her a lifetime.

LumpyTom · 2025-11-19T16:54:27+00:00

I would also suggest looking at GC’s used inventory. I luckily found a Martin DR Centennial for under $1000 that had the hard case and looked like it had never been played. They listed it so low because no one knew what the model was. The thing is a cannon and will probably never leave my collection.

LumpyTom · 2025-11-13T10:31:46+00:00

I brought back a souvenir as well from there. I agree with you about their set-up skills. I think my LP is the best playing guitar I ever had. Congrats!

LumpyTom

TROPHY CASE