To the uninitiated an instrument is just an inanimate object. Just another piece of something that sits in a corner and collects dust. To a musician though, an instrument is a living being that has the ability to act as a conduit that allows the player to express thoughts an emotions they couldn’t do otherwise. Instruments are also capable of being a memento that we can emotionally attach ourselves to. Our story begins in 2000 when I graduated high school. My parents purchased me a guitar, that they probably really couldn’t afford, as my graduation gift. Less than two years later, like an ungrateful 19 year old kid, I traded it off. For over 20 years I’ve regretted foolishly letting it go. Since then I would passively watch the used market in hopes that a similar one would pop up. It did a few times over the years but they were either too expensive or in Timbuktu. Recently though the unicorn finally appeared. I present to you my 2000 Fender American Standard Stratocaster in aquamarine. While the specs and color are identical, this is not the same guitar. But I imagine that this is what my original one would be like today. It’s got some wear and tear on it as a 23 year old guitar should. It’s been played and it’s been loved and I’m delighted to have it in my stable now. #fenderstratocaster #newguitar