Help from those who have taken the plunge.....or are debating it......

[WEDGE]

So I got my quote for a private stock and am actually considering going for it! BUT.......and it is a huge but......I would have to move a couple of extremely nice guitars including my dead mint FBJ Modern Eagle to do it. For those of you that have done the private stock thing did you have to sacrifice something memorable to do it, and most importantly was it worth it? What did you sell off and does it haunt you when you think about it?

Truth is i never play the ME, like really never. It is an absolute case queen that also happens to be the best guitar I ever played. BUT if I sell it I will miss it dearly and it will be 'the one that got away...' for all time.

if I don't sell the ME I can't do the PS, I am justifying going for it because in my mind the money is already spent, I am just shifting it from one or two guitars to a PS.

I would love some input on this, not just to push me to do it but real feedback on your experiences.

thanks

 

[C&M Music - Lafayette]

I too have all but taken the plunge for a PS. And yes I would likely have to sell a handsigned C24 to do it. I have a FBJ ME and I play it. I know what you mean about how bad you will miss it. I will not part with my ME. I am probably not going to part with my C24 either. Here is the deal. It was a long time coming before I could afford PRS. I only have a few and I worked damn hard and saved plenty to get them. The thought of parting with one initially seemed OK, as I, like you, said the money is already spent. Then I said, that is right, it is already spent on a guitar I wanted for so long, how can I part with it. Answer I am not. I would miss it too much. So I am going to save away again, take the time to really think out my PS and order it after I slept on it and weighed out all the options I want on my PS. And when I order it, I will have all my PRS and the PS also. Happy Ending! That is my plan anyway.

 

[Brad737]

Personally, I think you should hang onto the ME. You said it's the best guitar you've ever played, and selling it will haunt you. To me, that's reason enough to keep her...and play her more!

Having said that, how about selling some other stuff and saving awhile for the Private Stock? I've only owned 2 Private Stocks. Bought one used, and ordered one. I have played a few others. The used was was killer, and absolutely gorgeous, but it didn't really play or sound any different than any other PRS. However, the one I ordered is definitely a different story. I spec'd Wide-fat 245 neck, all-Braz with rolled fretboard edges, and stainless steel frets. It's literally the best feeling neck I've ever encountered. It's something that not even my Extreme Awesomeness ME-1s can match. And as gorgeous (to me at least) as my PS looks and plays, it doesn't sound any better than some of my other guitars.

Unless you're after something kinda "out there" maybe it's time to really get into the Eagle?

 

[László]

I special ordered my PS acoustic guitar, and also recently bought a PS-grade Artist Relations McCarty Singlecut. In both cases I sold certain beloved guitars to help fund them. So I can relate to your dilemma.

One of the nicest cocobolo Tonare Grand Customs helped fund the PS acoustic. If you know the quality of the original Tonare, it's hard to tell one from a PS in terms of tone and playability.

In the case of the Singlecut, I actually sold my #1, "I'll never part with it." Artist V. The A-V was the finest playing PRS I'd ever owned, the tone fit me, and it was gorgeous to boot. But something told me that I'd kick myself if I didn't get the MSC, and I took the risk.

In answer to your question, "Was it worth it?" my answer is that it was.

As stunning as the Production Tonare sounded and played, the PS sounds just that bit more incredible due I think mainly to the quality of the Adirondack Spruce that was selected for the guitar by Paul Smith and Jack Gretz, and the maple back and sides, that were also selected for tone.

The McCarty Singlecut AR guitar is truly on another level of tone from very similar recent production SC58, SC245, and Stripped 58s I've had here. It knocks my socks off. And the feel is off the chart.

Speaking only for myself, I can honestly say, yeah, it was worth it. I love a pretty guitar as well as anyone, but for me unless the guitar sounds better, it isn't worth the money just for the cosmetic upgrades. Well, mine were worth the money irrespective of the cosmetic upgrades.

 

[garrettb]

Wait--if the ME is the best guitar you've ever played, why don't you play it? What makes you think the PS will be better and that you'll play it?

 

[kingsleyd]

Two questions spring to mind, Wedge:

1. Why is the ME a case queen?

2. Are you 100% certain the PS won't suffer the same fate?

As for me, it's been a while since I've been in a place where I HAD to sell something to get something else, but I lived in that place for most of my life. The one thing I can tell you is that I never regretted selling a guitar I didn't play, no matter how nice that guitar may have been.

 

[xjbebop]

Wait--if the ME is the best guitar you've ever played, why don't you play it? What makes you think the PS will be better and that you'll play it?

This is exactly what I was thinking. ..

 

[WEDGE]

To answer the last two posts I don't play the ME because I have this highly irrational thought that I don't want to not have it be less than what it is now, a truly mint and non faded FBJ Eagle. In that respect I am a collector, but I want to be an owner and don't think I can be that with the ME. Also the ME would be 'more' perfect with a DGT neck carve and the bigger frets, for me anyways.

I know that I would play the snot out of the PS that I am spec'ing and it won't sit in the case. And I cannot get exactly what I want off the shelf. What I want is the following, and it think it would be a killer player for what I want and need. I spent some time trying to acquire guitars but am slowly on a less but better kick. I did a two for one to get the Eagle, and now it will be at least two to get a PS.

DGT
highly flamed maple neck with DGT carve and frets
mahogany back
highly flamed maple fingerboard
inlays TBD but something to really contrast against the maple board
maple top- debating flame vs quilt
brushed nickel 59/09's
two piece LP style bridge
DGT electronics with split
Bright yellow stain on top, back, and back of neck and face of headstock
V12 gloss all over
set up with 10's

Was actually considering a swamp ash back, and think it would lend itself to a brighter tone which is a plus for me.

 

[kingsleyd]

To answer the last two posts I don't play the ME because I have this highly irrational thought that I don't want to not have it be less than what it is now, a truly mint and non faded FBJ Eagle. In that respect I am a collector, but I want to be an owner and don't think I can be that with the ME. Also the ME would be 'more' perfect with a DGT neck carve and the bigger frets, for me anyways.

I know how PRSh would respond to this: he'd tell you to sell that ME to someone who is going to PLAY the thing. In Paul's mind (mine as well) there's nothing sadder than a beautiful guitar with zero play-wear. I'll tell ya, my '04 ME, while not exactly a relic, has plenty of play wear, dings, spots where the finish has worn smooth, and some noticeable fret wear. That's how they are supposed to look after 10 years!

I know that I would play the snot out of the PS that I am spec'ing and it won't sit in the case. And I cannot get exactly what I want off the shelf. What I want is the following, and it think it would be a killer player for what I want and need. I spent some time trying to acquire guitars but am slowly on a less but better kick.

As long as you don't start rethinking yourself ("OMG, it's a beautiful, spotless Private Stock... ...I can't play it!" ) I think you're on the right track.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

So I got my quote for a private stock and am actually considering going for it! BUT.......and it is a huge but......I would have to move a couple of extremely nice guitars including my dead mint FBJ....

So what? It's blue.

I'd sell it and finish that pink number in your closet while you're waiting for the PS.

 

[alantig]

I'm debating it, and I'll probably have to move a few things to get there (maybe not, but I'm not sure I want to fully liquidate the guitar fund). A couple candidates to move are obvious to me. A couple more - when I get to the PRS - are likely candidates, but there's a certain pull that makes me unsure I want to part with them. They not at the top of my rotation, but every now and then the pull to whip one of them out is there.

One bit of advice - don't talk to jfb about this. HE'S AN ENABLER!!!

 

[sergiodeblanc]

One bit of advice - talk to jfb about this. HE'S ALWAYS RIGHT!!!

fixed

 

[JustRob]

One bit of advice - don't talk to jfb about this. HE'S AN ENABLER!!!

Good advice, a few hours late. I spoke with him a few hours ago. About selling and trading for a trip to the vault. He should be on commission. :laugh:

 

[László]

I play every damned instrument I own!

I won't be able to enjoy them when I'm dead. It's now or never.

 

[vchizzle]

This is a great topic. I've been back and forth on this for quite some time. Buying a house took me out of the market this year. But, I do have mine spec'd out(aside from a few minor tweaks) and ready to rock once the time is right. I too will have to let a few things go, which will make me a little sad. I guess, if you're not playing the ME, let her go. Get your dream guitar and rock the crap out of it.

Good advice, a few hours late. I spoke with him a few hours ago. About selling and trading for a trip to the vault. He should be on commission. :laugh:

One bit of advice - don't talk to jfb about this. HE'S AN ENABLER!!!

Right!?!

 

[markintime]

Take the d@mn plunge!

This is a great topic. I've been back and forth on this for quite some time. Buying a house took me out of the market this year. But, I do have mine spec'd out(aside from a few minor tweaks) and ready to rock once the time is right. I too will have to let a few things go, which will make me a little sad. I guess, if you're not playing the ME, let her go. Get your dream guitar and rock the crap out of it.
Right!?!

Absolutely! I used to collect custom-made knives from some knife makers I knew personally. Even had one made specifically for me the way I wanted. They are beautiful. But they are not "wall hangers". Every one got used. That's what they were made for. Didn't matter how much they cost.

Guitars are made the same way. They should get played. Heck, even Stradivari get played, and how much does one of those cost? :shakehands:

 

[László]

Heck, even Stradivari get played, and how much does one of those cost? :shakehands:

They're priceless, so that means they're, like, free, right?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I too will have to let a few things go, which will make me a little sad.

So we should set up a payment plan on the pearly white McCarty right away?

 

[vchizzle]

So we should set up a payment plan on the pearly white McCarty right away?

You'd be the 1st I'd contact if I decided to let her go. People might be surprised how high she sits in the hierarchy though.

 

[veinbuster]

To answer the last two posts I don't play the ME because I have this highly irrational thought that I don't want to not have it be less than what it is now, a truly mint and non faded FBJ Eagle. In that respect I am a collector, but I want to be an owner and don't think I can be that with the ME. Also the ME would be 'more' perfect with a DGT neck carve and the bigger frets, for me anyways.

I know that I would play the snot out of the PS that I am spec'ing and it won't sit in the case. And I cannot get exactly what I want off the shelf. What I want is the following, and it think it would be a killer player for what I want and need. I spent some time trying to acquire guitars but am slowly on a less but better kick. I did a two for one to get the Eagle, and now it will be at least two to get a PS.

This adds an important perspective. From the original post I would have strongly recommended keeping the ME because it is the best you've played. That is hard to deny and I agree that they are excellent instruments.

Based on this post, I have to say you know yourself better than any of us and if you truly believe you would play the PS, then the case for the swap is good. I really like your spec, including the swamp ash back. It will be a VERY different guitar from the ME, which means you will have lost what the ME gave you. But I wouldn't try to talk you out of it any more.

I have not given anything musical up to get a private stock. I traded a bunch of track time for my first one, so that was just switching the priorities of expensive hobbies. In my opinion, a PRS private stock is as good as a guitar can get and putting it together in the vault is a great experience that you really need to have.

All that said, I wouldn't give up the ME. I would be patient and find another path to the PS. You can build to your specs anytime.