My Bad Attitude To Buying Gear

“Oh - hang on, what does it sound like?!...” 

In the Rainger FX office we’d been checking out pictures online of the Squier Paranormal Super Sonic guitar - in blue sparkle - and I was seriously into it; the quirkyness of the reverse headstock and dual cutaway body, in a small duo-sonic style package, plus a wild paint job.

Sure, I’d heard reports of Squier build quality growing strongly, but it was an afterthought from me, to ask about the sound (never mind actually hearing it myself). The price was good - I was ready to buy one!...

Photo Credit: Found Sound

What’s up with that then?! Why is it that for me the actual sound of the guitar is so far down the list of things to check? I’m more swayed by aesthetics - shape, colour, but also attitude, and associations with it.

I’ve never played a semi-acoustic guitar. I’ve heard that they can sound totally amazing, but…. It’s what old bluesy players use!!! To me they’re rooted in the past - with no future-facing at all. It’s so far away from what I’m into. (I’m looking forward to my mind being blown about this!)

Photo Credit: Rudi Mental

Maybe in using pedals they transform the original guitar signal so much that the tonal features of the instrument itself become almost irrelevant?

Maybe I just want to use it while posing in the mirror in my bedroom?

I would never try out a guitar pedal that didn’t look good. Why would I waste my time? Why use something that was a drag to look at? 

I think I may be missing out on some incredible bits of equipment, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.

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