Selling guitars has always been a bit of a melancholic experience for me. Like saying goodbye to a faithful friend, or passing over a pet to a new, loving owner. But this time was a little different…
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and have more stuff to deal with, maybe it’s because I’m getting less attached to guitars in general (I certainly hope not), but the most recent sale of my Squier Telecaster Custom II didn’t feel sad at all, and it got me thinking… Why is that?
I can break it down into 5 reasons/benefits:
1. Clearing space
Definitely not anything surprising here, on the surface, but looking a little deeper, clearing space in the cupboard is not really just about the physical object. It’s also about offloading the thought that the guitar (or amp or whatever) is sitting there, taking up space, and not getting played by someone. You’re clearing your cupboard and your mind.
2. Making money
Another seemingly obvious one. Of course, you’ll make money on a sale, right? Well, not necessarily. That depends on how much you paid for the guitar in the first place. The real satisfaction comes in purchasing an instrument, have it make money for you in the form of gig wages, album sales, etc, while at the same time you’re progressing and enjoying your time doing music….. and then, at the end of it all, you sell it for more than what you paid for it.
…. now that really is a great feeling, and if it’s a big brand like Fender or Gibson the likelihood is that you’ll always make money.
3. Closure
Guitars, to me, have always been more than wood and strings. They represent and remind me of times, events and people in my life, good and bad.
Lately, it’s been a struggle. I hadn’t been in a fulfilling musical or work situation throughout my time with the Squier, so it didn’t matter how good the guitar was (and it really was great), It’s forever marked with bad memories and experiences.
I’ve since resolved the above situations, and the sale of the Tele really did feel like the closing of a chapter, for the better.
4. Musical Journies
But there’s another reason I moved away from the Tele and Telecasters in general. I fell in love with the Stratocaster again, so this sale is helping me towards my next Strat purchase, and all the fun that’ll be had thereafter.
It’s also about the benefactor of my old workhorse. I could see the joy in his face the moment he picked it up. They clicked, he was sold, and as soon as the money was handed over, he almost danced off on his own musical journey into Tele-land.
Everyone’s a winner.
5. Happiness
Put everything together, and it turns out that selling guitars is a joyful thing for many surprising reasons, and this sale, in particular, has signified a transition into happier times ahead.
So, offload that old gear people, move on from the past, and good luck in your own musical journey!
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