Today, I listened to Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah again. And something stirred deep within me.
He reminded me that music must be defined on my own terms. That tone isn’t about prestige or price tags. That gear isn’t about collecting — it’s about connecting.
Some gear is meant for long-term legacy — to be treasured and possibly passed on. Some is for business — bought, sold, flipped, trialed. And then… there’s the gear that is meant for me and my music — music that should serve others.
And this gear must be:
Simple
Clear
Affordable
Not cheap. Not flashy. But honest.
So I’m regrouping. I’m going to rethink what stays, what goes, and what truly serves.
🪵 Legacy Gear
Guitars or pedals that hold deep meaning, historic value, or family-level importance. These stay, even if not played often. They are part of the story.
1988 Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster — My truest home. She is both legacy and voice.
1996 Gibson Custom Shop R6 Goldtop — Revered. Royal. A guitar of weight.
2023 Fender Japan Traditional 60s Mustang “Faith” — One day, a legacy for my girls.
2022 Fender Japan Junior Collection Stratocaster “Joy” — Joyful, simple, and also legacy-in-waiting.
1985 Gibson Les Paul in Alpine White — My 50th birthday gift to myself. A milestone, a memory, and a personal monument. History in my hands.
📈 Business Gear
Gear I’ve acquired with resale in mind — maybe to flip, explore, or learn from. These move in and out. No attachment.
2022 Fender Custom Shop Empire 67 Strat (Magenta Sparkle) — Beautiful, but not my voice. For sale.
Cort G250 Spectrum — A surprise performer. Possibly flippable.
1977 Fender Precision Bass in Aged Blonde — Vintage mojo, fair deal at three. Currently a business piece — to watch and reassess with time.
2008 Gibson Les Paul Standard (50s neck profile) — Strong instrument, but currently not a bonded voice.
2020 Epiphone Jared James Nichols Gold Glory Les Paul Custom — Bold look, short-term trial.
Gretsch G9200 Boxcar Resonator — Unique tones, not in regular rotation.
Tagima Woodstock Series 6Q — Curiosity piece. Possibly a learning step.
2009 Squier Affinity Series P Bass — Utility bass, starter tier, resale-friendly.
2019 Collings 290 DC S — A fantastic single P90 Les Paul-style guitar. But the Gold Glory stepped up with surprising voice and tone at a fraction of the cost. Letting her go for business purposes.
🎸 Music Gear
Gear that speaks my voice. Tools I reach for when I’m not thinking, just playing. These are the ones that help me serve others.
2012 Gibson Les Paul Studio ’70s Tribute Left-Handed “Free” — Honest tone. Warm presence. Always there.
2022 Fender Player P Bass Special Edition in Electron Green — I’m not a bassist, but this is the one I keep. Dependable and ready when needed.
2020 Epiphone JJN Gold Glory Les Paul Custom — After just 5 minutes, she pulled me in. Played Love, Me and sealed it. Bold, musical, and now my single-pickup voice. Bought for under 7 — value and soul.
Let this be a tone rebirth. Less noise. More purpose. Ready to begin the sorting.