Joined a band...

[Auriemma]

I recently was invited to join a band, I'm the second youngest in the band at 48. We play mostly 70's, 80's, and a few more modern tunes (all Rock). The lead player uses a Gibson Studio and an Ovation Elite. For the first session, I brought my Gibson LP and Martin GPCPA4. We sounded good, a nice mix. Second session I brought my Fender Strat and my Ovation Elite-T (very different sound from his), They like me on the Fender better. So after a few weeks of practice, I have been using my 69 Mustang Comp. I like the feel, sound and play of it better than the Strat. The question is... Should I use it in the band? Am I crazy for considering it?

[Brandon W]

I recently was invited to join a band, I'm the second youngest in the band at 48. We play mostly 70's, 80's, and a few more modern tunes (all Rock). The lead player uses a Gibson Studio and an Ovation Elite. For the first session, I brought my Gibson LP and Martin GPCPA4. We sounded good, a nice mix. Second session I brought my Fender Strat and my Ovation Elite-T (very different sound from his), They like me on the Fender better. So after a few weeks of practice, I have been using my 69 Mustang Comp. I like the feel, sound and play of it better than the Strat. The question is... Should I use it in the band? Am I crazy for considering it?

I don't understand..You mean will you hurt the image of the band by using a badass guitar? Hell no. If i went see you play and saw you cranking out jock rock through a 69 then i'd probably buy you drinks. Don't worry about what people think is my advice. Play what feels good and sounds good and fuck em if they can't take a joke. It will make you stand out on that scene but more importantly its use what benefits the sound more than the image. People may have a total different stance but i could care less if something that makes me comfortable is out of the ordinary for the genre. Good luck!

[taylornutt]

Compstangs rule. Rock it with pride.

[Auriemma]

It's not a matter of "image". I could care less about what someone thinks of my gear. Though I would gladly accept that drink! My thoughts were concerned with damaging it. Honestly, I am very conservative with my gear. If I buy it new, 10 years from now, it will look new. If bought used, it will look no worse than when it comes into my possesion. I'll be putting more wear and tear on that old Mustang than it has seen its entire life.

[Ankhanu]

Don't worry about what people think is my advice.

Especially since the VAST majority of observers will simply see a guitar... it doesn't matter what kind it is. Hell, most people can't notice the difference between a bass and a guitar, let alone whether a Mustang is an "appropriate" model for the music you're playing.
Those who'll notice are guitar players, and more gear-interested guitar geeky types at that. Some might scoff, but many might be inclined like Brandon here and and be blown away by the lack of convention to get the sound you're after.

Play what feels good and sounds good and fuck em if they can't take a joke. It will make you stand out on that scene but more importantly its use what benefits the sound more than the image. People may have a total different stance but i could care less if something that makes me comfortable is out of the ordinary for the genre. Good luck!

This is where I was going to go. If the Mustang feels right, and, perhaps more importantly, sounds right for your role in the band, it's what you should play. It's certainly going to set you and the Les Paul player apart from one another, making you each distinct in the mix. Image be damned.

[taylornutt]

I am all about taking really good care of my gear as well, but the point of having cool gear is to use it. Unless you are concerned it might get stolen, then I would play on.

[Ankhanu]

It's not a matter of "image". I could care less about what someone thinks of my gear. Though I would gladly accept that drink! My thoughts were concerned with damaging it. Honestly, I am very conservative with my gear. If I buy it new, 10 years from now, it will look new. If bought used, it will look no worse than when it comes into my possesion. I'll be putting more wear and tear on that old Mustang than it has seen its entire life.

Ah, I see, that makes more sense.
I dunno, I don't have "play live" and "play at home" guitars... I play all my gear live. With a little care, they don't take damage. Almost all damage my gear may have incurred has been at home with accidental slips or falls from resting places. If you're not flailing around... and at the general age of your band, I kinda hope you're not, as it looks kinda silly (well, sillier than with young guys), your guitar will probably be fine.

Guitars are meant to be played an appreciated... playing is the best way to appreciate them.

Alternatively, get a Mustang RI to play live.

[George]

Padded case and a sturdy stand if you are worried.

[Fran]

I completely understand. I've never gigged my 64 Jaguar, not that I ever really intended to gig it anyway as I had a few CIJ models at the time.

For one its not unknown for gear to get stolen at gigs (our bass player had a Fender Jazz stolen) and two, I dont want to sit minding my gear all night long. I like to wander around and not so long ago I was also a smoker which meant going outside for a cigarette. Last thing you want is to be dragging a hard case around with you every second of the night.

[Brandon W]

ok sir, my bad. I see now what you mean but there are stereo types about certain genres and the gear that you must use in a certain setting. Weirdly enough i do agree with some of it. I believe in trying to bring the best product to the end user and that may include a stage presence and attire and gear that will be remembered. I do also believe that the sound is number 1 and playing weird gear can be the schtick but as it was said, most don't know if you are playing a bass or a mandolin! ha!

Now that i understand the question better i won't be much help. I hate to say bring it to the show and then some dudes get too riled up while you are playing sharp dressed man and they run up there in a rage and start breaking everything. ha! You know what i mean. The stages around here can be unforgiving and me and my friend have had drunk girls fall into his pedal board and just about engage his POG with all the boosts and fuzz and it would have gotten ugly. I've also seen dudes loaded just try and start reaching on the stage and turning things on and rocking the volume pedal or wah. It's crazy out there. He plays a Rick Kelly custom tele through a valvetech hayseed 30 and a bassman in stereo. I totally understand taking care of gear and i respect that you do and i would buy something you sold and pay more because of the care. Its the same old thing as having a Ferrari or a 34 chevy. Do you drive it and risk it or park it and look at it. Either one is ok, but i don't feel like i can answer that because i don't have to live with the consequences of my advice. Maybe use it when it seems right and when shit goes wrong put her back in the garage. That foresight may be the key...don't know but good luck and nice guitar!

[cobascis]

yeah it's a fine line. It sort of depends on the gig for me what guitar I bring. I have the luxury of having quite a few serviceable guitars. It really depends on where you're playing. For example tomorrow night I'm rocking a coffehouse/bar/music venue type place at 1:00AM. I elected not to bring my Coronado to this show... I'll be playing my Jazzmaster and Jaguar instead however. It's up to you -- I would say switch your gear up frequently. And the compstang is probably only worth a little more than your les paul, anyway.