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Fweezal
October 9th, 2014, 12:20 PM
After playing guitar for 30-some years I was involved in a lawn mower accident and whacked of the tips of my middle finger and my ring finger. At the time I had a Fender 12-string and sold it thinking my playing days were done. Then, in August, I went to shoot the wedding (I'm a photographer) of an old shipmate. We used to jam when we served together and he has a friend that we used to jam with as well. At the wedding rehearsal BBQ, he and his friend were doing a little playing around and his buddy asked me to play, pointing to a spare guitar. I told him about my mishap and he, in turn told me about Gorilla Tips. Long story short, the Tips enabled me to rebuild callouses where I thought it would be impossible to grow and I'm playing again... after 20+ years without playing. I've always had a spot in my heart for Gretsch as my parents bought me my first "real" guitar (1956 Gretsch Synchromatic) back in the 60's, a beautiful Gretsch archtop. It's probably worth a small fortune today, but alas, my priorities were drugs & booze so somewhere down the line it got sold to supply my "priorities". But, all's well that ends well. I'm a retired systems engineer, photographer (no, I don't shoot weddings anymore!) My guitarsenal is in my signature so I won't belabor that point but the G3500 and Fender are up for sale. :)

OK, I'm done. :)
__________________
Gary
<><~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Martin D12X1AE ~ Martin 000X1AE ~ Gretsch G5034 ~ Gretsch G3500 ~ Fender CD-60 Hog
Hebrews 13:3

tjcurtin1
October 9th, 2014, 07:09 PM
Welcome aboard, Fweezal - good inspirational story on the ability to bounce back after a serious injury! Glad that you were able to persevere and get back onto the fretboard.

marnold
October 10th, 2014, 07:44 AM
I resemble that comment! I lost the first three fingertips on my right hand due to a snowblower accident almost 14 years ago. Had to relearn how to hold a pick, etc. Now I'm pretty much as terrible as I always have been ;)

Fweezal
October 10th, 2014, 11:09 AM
Welcome aboard, Fweezal - good inspirational story on the ability to bounce back after a serious injury! Glad that you were able to persevere and get back onto the fretboard.


I resemble that comment! I lost the first three fingertips on my right hand due to a snowblower accident almost 14 years ago. Had to relearn how to hold a pick, etc. Now I'm pretty much as terrible as I always have been ;)

Thanks for the welcome! I don't know if I quite consider a 20+ year layoff "bouncing back", but it's REALLY good to be playing again. It seems I'm much more "into it" now and really enjoy the time I have playing.

Robert
October 10th, 2014, 11:09 AM
Welcome and thanks for that story!

Fweezal
October 10th, 2014, 12:30 PM
Welcome and thanks for that story!

You're very welcome. Thanks. :)

helliott
October 10th, 2014, 03:48 PM
Thanks for that inspiring story. I know a couple of people who have had hand injuries and were pretty much sidelined. I will share your story with them. Good to know it's possible to get back even facing adverse circumstances.

Tig
October 10th, 2014, 03:50 PM
Welcome, Gary! I'm glad you're able to play again.
I took a few decades off and returned to guitar about 5 years ago. I suck much less this time around!

From what I've seen your old 1956 Gretsch Synchromatic might run between $2000 and $5000, depending on condition and exact model. A few rare mid-50's Duo Jets, Silver Jets, and Chet Atkins can go between $8000 and $16,000. (sorry)

Fweezal
October 10th, 2014, 07:38 PM
Thanks for that inspiring story. I know a couple of people who have had hand injuries and were pretty much sidelined. I will share your story with them. Good to know it's possible to get back even facing adverse circumstances.


Welcome, Gary! I'm glad you're able to play again.
I took a few decades off and returned to guitar about 5 years ago. I suck much less this time around!

From what I've seen your old 1956 Gretsch Synchromatic might run between $2000 and $5000, depending on condition and exact model. A few rare mid-50's Duo Jets, Silver Jets, and Chet Atkins can go between $8000 and $16,000. (sorry)

Thanks, guys. I hope your friends don't just quit and chuck it in.

@Tig - I think it was a 6014... It looked EXACTLY like this:

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad35/gjtoth/Miscellaneous/1956GretschSynchromatic2_zpsade67515.jpg

Tig
October 11th, 2014, 05:16 PM
Thanks, guys. I hope your friends don't just quit and chuck it in.

@Tig - I think it was a 6014... It looked EXACTLY like this:

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad35/gjtoth/Miscellaneous/1956GretschSynchromatic2_zpsade67515.jpg

Ah, that drops the modern price to something a little more affordable (and a less painful loss in your case). :socool
I'd love to have one just like it.

I'm thinking of selling a kidney for a Gretsch with Dynasonics. I'll take it out in a direct trade if the condition is really nice!

Fweezal
October 11th, 2014, 07:00 PM
Ah, that drops the modern price to something a little more affordable (and a less painful loss in your case). :socool
I'd love to have one just like it.

I'm thinking of selling a kidney for a Gretsch with Dynasonics. I'll take it out in a direct trade if the condition is really nice!

I'm glad my home is paid for. I could take out a second mortgage if I found one. :D :D