Hello!

[strummerpsf]

Hi everyone - new guy here. Been lurking for a few months, and learned so much that I just had to sign up!

My story: Played guitar a bit in my late teens and early twenties - then spent about 35 years playing drums professionally, un-professionally, and for worship for over a decade. Nerve issues forced me to stop playing drums, but my drive to play music never died. Always kept a guitar around the house and picked it up now and then. Until February 2021, when an ice storm caused a power failure that lasted 4 days. When I returned home, the Epiphone acoustic I had was "toast" - neck warped beyond playability.

Not wanting to be without a guitar to "play occasionally", I went to some of the local stores (GC, SA) and played everything within my "budget". I could not find anything that sounded "right" to me. I began to believe that what I heard in my head did not exist - so I went to the section with the "expensive/more than I can afford" guitars and picked up a $3k Martin and started strumming. Holy cow - that was the sound! Could not justify that expensive an instrument, but found a Martin D10e (Road series) that absolutely amazed me. It went home with me.

Then I started getting serious. Played and played and learned and learned (when I bought the guitar I could not play a C, or an F, or several other common chords). Began to be able to play a bit better, and continued to learn and improve (at least in my opinion). 3 months later I sat in with a buddy's rock band for a gig at a brewery (played some U2, Phil Collins, Dylan, and Tom Petty tunes) and did not embarrass myself - or the band!

I continue to learn, and practice, and learn more, and practice more. I am having so much fun it is scary! Actually bought a second guitar (Taylor 314ce) to have when I put the Martin in with a local luthier for a setup (I could not stand to be without an instrument). Definitely different tonal quality between the Martin and the Taylor, but I like having the choice of sounds!

I am excited to be a part of this forum, and hope to continue to learn and grow in my skill and knowledge.

Thanks!
Paul

[Acousticado]

Hey Paul. Welcome. Good for you to transition to another instrument. Clearly, you’re excited about your guitar journey and may that always be with you. You’ve lurked for a bit to discover what this place has to offer. Thanks for jumping into the clubhouse! Have fun!

[rule18]

Welcome to the neighborhood, Paul.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Welcome Paul. Glad to share your journey!

[FingahPickah]

Welcome. It's a fun and informative place. Glad you tuned in as a participant.

Yay!!! I love your enthusiasm and know exactly what you mean about having so much fun. Welcome!

[J Patrick]

Originally Posted by strummerpsf

Hi everyone - new guy here. Been lurking for a few months, and learned so much that I just had to sign up!

My story: Played guitar a bit in my late teens and early twenties - then spent about 35 years playing drums professionally, un-professionally, and for worship for over a decade. Nerve issues forced me to stop playing drums, but my drive to play music never died. Always kept a guitar around the house and picked it up now and then. Until February 2021, when an ice storm caused a power failure that lasted 4 days. When I returned home, the Epiphone acoustic I had was "toast" - neck warped beyond playability.

Not wanting to be without a guitar to "play occasionally", I went to some of the local stores (GC, SA) and played everything within my "budget". I could not find anything that sounded "right" to me. I began to believe that what I heard in my head did not exist - so I went to the section with the "expensive/more than I can afford" guitars and picked up a $3k Martin and started strumming. Holy cow - that was the sound! Could not justify that expensive an instrument, but found a Martin D10e (Road series) that absolutely amazed me. It went home with me.

Then I started getting serious. Played and played and learned and learned (when I bought the guitar I could not play a C, or an F, or several other common chords). Began to be able to play a bit better, and continued to learn and improve (at least in my opinion). 3 months later I sat in with a buddy's rock band for a gig at a brewery (played some U2, Phil Collins, Dylan, and Tom Petty tunes) and did not embarrass myself - or the band!

I continue to learn, and practice, and learn more, and practice more. I am having so much fun it is scary! Actually bought a second guitar (Taylor 314ce) to have when I put the Martin in with a local luthier for a setup (I could not stand tobe without an instrument). Definitely different tonal quality between the Martin and the Taylor, but I like having the choice of sounds!

I am excited to be a part of this forum, and hope to continue to learn and grow in my skill and knowledge.

Thanks!
Paul

…played and played…learned and learned….practiced…that’s the way you do it brother….good onya…..there is some great learning stuff here on the AGF….and plenty of doors to be opened….and a character or two as well….

[Lkristians]

Welcome to the AGF, Paul! Enjoy the journey.

[Wade Hampton]

Hello, Paul. I’m glad you can join us.


whm

[strummerpsf]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

[Dru Edwards]

Paul, Welcome to the AGF! You've got a great start to your acoustics with the D10e and the 314ce. Yep, they both sound different and they both sound great as well.

Good luck with your guitar Journey. Sorry to hear about your nerve issues putting an end to your drumming but music can be found elsewhere, as you found out.

[jricc]

Hey Paul and welcome to AGF! You've got yourself some very nice guitars. I think you'll like it here.

[TBman]

Welcome to the forum Paul!

[strummerpsf]

Thanks Folks! I hope that in addition to gathering knowledge, I am able to contribute here and there