So... do you take your high-end PRS out to a gig?

[Link]

For those of you gigging, do you take your high end PRS guitars out to the job? By high-end, I mean private stock, special editions, artist package, etc. I am perfectly comfortable taking out my humble plain top opaque custom to a gig. But my Artist V? No way.

I know...they're all meant to be played. And i also realize that the PTC could probably sort out any gig-related injuries. But if I ever ponied up enough money to get a Private Stock, I can absolutely guarantee that I will not be taking it into the danger zone. Too many things could go wrong.

Not sure if this is an example of a borderline psychiatric disorder or prudent risk management protecting a very expensive asset.

Just curious as to what you guys do...

 

[Woundtight]

Yes, they need to be played out.

 

[Paul L]

I wouldn't.

 

[themike]

Absolutely - the only one I don't play out live is my PTC-7 string and its not because I could ding or dent it, but because it means so much to me that I don't dare risk it being stolen. That would crush me.

 

[crgtr]

Yup. I take any of them out. I feel they are meant to be played. If I don't play 'em, I sell 'em. That's just what works for me.

 

[south89]

Heck yea. I don't have anything too expensive but I do play my PRSi out whenever I play.

 

[CHARISMAFIRE]

Yes, but it depends on the gig.

 

[László]

Not sure if this is an example of a borderline psychiatric disorder or prudent risk management protecting a very expensive asset.

There's a fine line, isn't there?

If it's a recording session, then yes, I'll take the best stuff I have that suits the gig.

If it's a live show, it honestly depends on how crowded the stage will be, and the nature of the show. If I'm going to be only a few inches from the cymbals or the bass player's giant tuning keys? Then, no.

 

[jcha008]

Yes, they need to be played out.

Love seeing those bad-ass Private Stocks being played my man!!

I'm not gigging at the moment, but I would absolutely bring my PS out. As many here have said, these are meant to be played.

 

[vchizzle]

Yes

 

[11top]

One or the other goes to every gig (because of the piezos):

 

[watelessness]

yep. The right tool for the job.

 

[cosmic_ape]

Insure it if you must, but play the damn thing! This ain't no center piece, y'all!

 

[11top]

Insure it

And only on A FINE ARTS FLOATER or VALUED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT FORM (not a standard musical instrument floater attached to a homeowners policy).

 

[mcbprs]

All my guitars get to gigs, from PS through ME's and ltd editions, how else do you know which ones you really like, there is a world of difference between playing alone at home and rocking out with the band ;-)

 

[jfb]

Magical axe. Very hard to put down.

Woundtight's ability to gig all of his PS's is also pretty epic.

 

[rabidhamster]

And only on A FINE ARTS FLOATER or VALUED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT FORM (not a standard musical instrument floater attached to a homeowners policy).

Agreed! If you make any money off the gig, then homeowners at the big 5 doesn't help you a bit. Even if your guitars are just staying in at your house, you only get about 2500 bucks max total coverage for your gear at every place I know about...that might just cover one of our guitars around here.
--
Sometimes people think I'm a dick at gigs because I won't leave my guitar plugged in on stage for 5 seconds, or leave it anywhere out of arms reach. Started happening about the 5th time I saw someone get their guitar stolen or taken in error working a church gig.

I'll gig all my PRS, but I would only gig my lowly Artist Package on a large stage for a calmer crowd, preferably one where there's no alcohol served. Any recording gig I get it'll go for sure. Of course, no one but me is allowed to touch it, this includes carrying in the case. As a matter of fact, you know what, don't even look at it.
It's possible I'd make the exception for Paul Smith. It's my number one, so I know its going to get dinged just like I do, it has 1 or 2 tiny spots in it already, but I'll probably remember where every ding and wear spot on that guitar comes from til I die, so it's gotta be better than "Oh there's where I let some douche with a bracelet and belt buckle on play my guitar". This is the first guitar I've worn gold plating off of.

I love all the gig shots of PS instruments. It doesn't make sense, but I can almost see myself playing a PS on any stage more than I would my AP... Of course, If I could afford one I'd select my PS cosmetics based on it getting severely playworn.

 

[cjmwrx]

Without even thinking twice about it. They are meant to be played out.

 

[Paul L]

I'd like to clarify my previous answer. It really depends on the gig...on a large stage where there's very little chance of the guitar getting bumped, I'd consider it. Definitely not a bar gig or open mic night, and probably not an outdoor gig unless the band is well protected from the elements. If I had a PS, I doubt it would leave the house very often, if at all.

 

[phaedrus242]

I can't imagine for a moment owning a guitar that I wouldn't gig with. Whether it's a PS or one of my vintage Fenders, they get played. What's the point of owning a nice tool that doesn't get used?