Hey everyone,
I was just wondering: what is the cheapest keeper guitar you own? Whether bought new, used, traded or found. And not just "a keeper for now," but a TRUE keeper you'll never sell or otherwise part with. Before we get started, though, I'll define "cheap" as anything $300 or under (or similar equivalent in your currency).
While I have some guitars in waiting that were acquired very cheaply and/or were even found (which I believe I have shared in other posts in the "Let's See All Them Axes" thread), they are still in project form, so until finished and
potentially confirmed as being true keepers, I won't count those.
So, for my own submission, I'll start off with my Squier '51 (pictured below) that I bought new in 2004 for $219. As I have stated in the past, it's arguably my most favourite guitar I have ever owned. Over the 21+ years I have owned it, it has been a great friend, and every time I pick it up it never ceases to put a big grin on my face.
So, what cheap keepers do you have? It can be either electric or acoustic. And awwww, heck. Since I'm feeling generous, I'll even extend this question to all you low-down (frequency) bass players, too.
Feel free to share pics and stories as well! Let's see those keeper cheapies, freebies, garage sale and flea market finds!
Cheers.
EDITED IN:
It seems my initial question could cause some confusion, so allow me to set some criteria for the thread. The main criteria would be:
- By a "cheap" guitar, I meant cheaply-built guitars in general. Guitars that originally would have sold as a more budget instrument, and at a more budget price - i.e. guitars that are inherently more on the budget end of the spectrum that you either bought, traded for, built yourself, resurected, or found. Whether new or used.
- It must be a guitar or bass that you would never sell or otherwise part with.
- The $300 maximum price of acquisition should be within the realm of reason. Let's say $300 or less that you spent on acquiring it within the last 30 years (of the date of your post). Beyond that, inflation begins to take it too far away from the intended spirit of the thread. I'm sure grandpa bought an original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard for under $300 brand new back in the day that you inherited, but sorry, that doesn't count. lol
- The $300 price of acquisition should try to include any parts you may have put into it. I'm okay with a little wiggle room here within reason, but like, no $50 guitar you then put $1,000+ into it. lol The spirit of the thread is to keep it roughly around the $300-ish mark.
- Found guitars are part of the criteria, but guitars that are given to you, or inherited, are not. In the case of found guitars, it must be something that was coincidental in your finding it.
I'm sure there could be other criteria, but let's not get too far into the weeds here. lol Just generally more budget-minded guitars and bases that fall into the criteria above.
Thanks for your consideration. I'll be looking forward to seeing whatcha' got!
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