TOOLS NOT JEWELS……….
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL !
As Christmas approaches thoughts turn to giving and receiving gifts and a million wish lists are written and re-written.
My personal choice (surprisingly) is always photography related. I only do that to make it easy for loved ones to buy for me…..
However, a recent article in Outdoor Photography got me thinking (I know, but this is a Christmas tale after all…) about how much I value my photography gear. To clarify, I take great care of my kit and always keep it clean and well maintained, and I’m amazed at the high level of technology tucked away inside the titanium shell, but it’s really just another set of tools that enable me to do my job. The latest Sony camera would definitely be at the top of my Christmas present list, but would I cherish it any more than my present DSLRs? Definitely not.
People (especially men) crave all sorts of techie stuff at this time of year - the latest iPhone, a swanky watch, even a new motor (“Hey Dave have you seen the new Mitsurari 4000 with heated rear hub caps and five speed ashtrays?”) but I must admit they leave me cold. I’ve been lucky enough to drive some of the best German cars over the years but they were really just something to get me to meetings all over the country in relative comfort.
No, my objects of desire are crafted by luthiers, originally in Kalamazoo but now in Nashville USA since the ‘80s. I’m talking of course about Gibson guitars and more specifically about their Les Paul and SG models. I’ve owned a couple over the years but regretfully sold them on during several house moves. One particular seventies model is now way out of my price range so I really do wish I’d kept it. But I’ve got my eye on a shiny new one - it’s a thing of beauty, handcrafted to the highest standard and it delivers the legendary tone every guitarist loves. I spend half my life looking at photography kit online and the other three quarters (did I mention I was rubbish at maths?) looking longingly at Nashville’s latest output. Some time in 2023 one will be mine (remember the scene in the guitar store in Wayne’s World? ).
And that’s the paradox.
To many working professional guitarists these objects of my desire are simply the tools of their trade. Lord knows there’s enough beaten up Les Pauls on the second hand market to prove that. Pete Townshend is famous for smashing his onstage! And he’s not alone in this act of sacrilege! But mine would be cherished, kept in its case and having pride of place in my office, only emerging into the light of day to be strummed and picked, with the odd power chord thrown in, before being cleaned and then safely tucked away again. I’m not exclusive in this approach either. I have a friend and former colleague who owns a very expensive acoustic guitar ( a real beauty by the way) that quite rightly never leaves the house. Instead, he gigs with a beautiful Tama guitar that’s over 40 years old. Now that’s how you look after a guitar ! As a footnote Richard and his band frequently gig around the Chester area in North West England and also around North Wales. Support live music and get along to one in the new year. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/TheRichardGJonesTrio
So please Santa, bring me lots of photography related Christmas gifts by all means. But what I really want for Christmas (and beyond) needs plugging into a Marshall amp turned up to 11 ! Marshall amps - now there’s another whole new area of desire for this ageing musician.
Without doubt a musical instrument is, for me, a thing of beauty. Their mahogany and maple, lacquer and wire should be appreciated and cared for. They take days to make by hand and despite modern production techniques are still the result of loving craftsmanship. Cameras on the other hand are mass produced machines constructed on a production line.
I love ‘em both, but clearly one more than the other……...
I’d like to finish this month’s blog by thanking everyone who’s supported my small business during the year. Your help is invaluable so a big thank you everyone who has purchased prints or attended workshops.
I also want to mention the lovely folks who take time to read my blogs and give me feedback. Thank you.
A very Merry, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas to all my friends and clients.
Best wishes for 2023.
