New Guitar... from Indiana... // February 16, 2008
I bought a new guitar today. Its the first guitar I have bought in about five years. I just couldn't bear to take the 'ole Takamine back to the desert. I think one trip is about all old reliable could take.
This trip I had a better idea of what I needed in a guitar:
1. It had to be a hearty, rugged, hard-as-nails body.
2. Decent sound but could plug in. It also has to have some sound quality not plugged in but I usually have some kind of PA to plug into so thats important. Sound is actually second to being rugged.
3. Needs to be thinner. My Takamine G-Series is a full sized dreadnought cutaway and it was just a bear to take it anywhere. I was planning on taking a gig bag this time and just mailing it back like I did the T last time.
4. It has to look cool. This actually should be first I think...
5. Oh, and most important - had to cost less than 200 bones. That was my budget.
So, I looked and looked and finally settled on *gasp* a plastic guitar... I know, I know, I feel like I gave up my religion or something but I did in fact buy a rounded, composite back guitar.
My dad found this guy on the net who calls himself the Indiana Guitar Man. He has a great deal on the guitar and if you are an Active Duty soldier (on an Activated Reservist) they will ship the guitar to your APO FOR FREE!! Yup, free. And free is always better!!!
I was so impressed I broke my own rule and decided to put in a plug for this guy. He really loves the Troops and puts his money where his mouth is. Good for him!
Incidentally, the one I got was natural. This is the sunburst version.
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General Interest Military Stuff , Iraq Part Dux... , The Home Front8 Comments
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Chaplain Jon Fisher
Greetings,
First, I want to thank you for serving. It takes a special breed to serve in our Armed Forces.
I also want to thank you for the excellent review on the Indiana Guitarman’s guitars. He is a real patriot himself, serving in the US Navy. So he cares for our troops. I know... He and I served together on the USS Frank Cable (AS-40) in the 1980's. Being from the same state, we have stayed in touch.
And yes! I have an Indiana Guitar myself. I love the sound, and the playing action is superb quality. I’m sure you will have many years and enjoyment playing it, as I have.
Godspeed on your return home.
Tony Shoultz
Loogootee, Indiana
How awesome!!! I know that time is drawing short for you - and I just wanted to take a moment to let you know you are in our hearts and in our prayers!! God Speed.... I know you will do well -
And don't worry we will check in on Sara and Sophie and make sure they are alright....
You all are a part of our family and we love you dearly!
(Please make sure you keep up the blog - so we know what is going on!!!!)
Love and peace -
Andrew and Lori
Congratulations on the new addition to the family. I know you got the natural finish, but the one pictured sure is a beaut.
Thanks also for the link. I'm going to download the info for my superiors at Fort Jackson. The guitar you describe is what I've been looking for in a rugged guitar with a pickup for our trainees to play at mass. My poor Fender is showing the wear and soldiers have sat on my guitar case (!) one time too many. (Luckily the guitar was not in it.) The last time, the front of the case (a heavy-duty one) cracked all the way through. The poor trainee was so upset, begging to buy me a new case, I didn't have the heart to be too upset -- then or since. It's just a case (that'll never be on a plane again--not that I was expecting it to, anyway). There's now a bumper sticker for Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor covering the long crack and I'm now more careful where I put the case before mass.
My prayers are with you and yours.
-Jean in SC 8-)
You know, everyone needs a guitar like that...
Oh and I can relate on the business of the case - I actually MAILED my T from Iraq last deployment. Yup - mailed.
It went ok. The guitar made it in great shape! Only, the case is now held together with green duct tape (lovingly referred to by us as "100-mile-per-hour" tape).
Literally.... duct tape... its starting to come off... i think I need some more...
Congrats on the new girlfriend! She's a real beauty. Secretly, every guitar man desires a composite in the arsenal. I've played a few Indiana guitars and the're pretty nice for a cheapy. Nice link by the way. Did the guitar come with a free pair of bib-overalls? If so that'll be a real hit with the locals in Bagdad! Peace bro and travel safe!
no over-hauls. Maybe I can pick up the Iraqi version...
Hey, that's pretty neat. I wouldn't have thought of a plastic guitar, but that should hold up well in any climate. Good job.
I kind of want to play it and see how it sounds. haha