Hi, ok, so I have pondered this and tried to understand. I have noticed that several members will have several guitars of the same model/type. I suppose if you have the means to buy a smorgasbord of guitars, there's that, but other than that, what is the reasoning for having more than one of, say for example, a Custom 24. I supposed if I got some sort of large windfall, I would buy one of each model starting with my most desired first, but even then probably wouldn't get more then one of each.
I forgot to respond to the actual post!
It's occurred to me that there's no logical reason to have more than one electric guitar, let alone more than one of the same model. Yet I have a handful of guitars myself (though they're different models).
Because even my own behavior raises questions in my mind, I decided to get out the old Ouija Board, contact the Great Beyond, and ask my friend Dr. Freud for his opinion. Here's his reply:
"Hello again Les. There are actually several reasons. One buys more of the same model in part for the very same reason people take more heroin. One dose of heroin makes you feel good. But the feeling wears off. So you decide that a second dose will make you feel good again. Of course, it only does temporarily, and you need yet another dose. Et cetera.
"Rationalizations are made to justify these additional guitar 'doses', but none of the reasons are significant. They're excuses for irrational behavior. The attachment to one single model of instrument is really just more proof of this strong need to identify with and calm a longing to feel good in a particular way.
"However it is also the case that though the identification with a new and more perfect version of the same type of object, your unconscious mind wishes to assuage fears that you yourself are undergoing entropy and are headed down the road to old age and death. A new object is bought to subconsciously renew your own belief in your immortality, which of course is itself irrational.
"After buying more stuff, you have to prove the truth of these rationalizations to avoid feelings of guilt and shame, so you drag additional guitars to gigs. After all, if you say you need more than one guitar to gig, your own illogic demands that you follow through.
"Of course, it's somewhat painful and tiring to do that, which satisfies your subconscious need to punish yourself."
"Thanks, Doc. Well, at least buying more guitars doesn't cause health problems beyond having a bad back."
"I wouldn't say that, Les. Your wife wants to kill you every time you buy another instrument. You might be pushing your luck. Death isn't exactly healthy."
"So what's the cure, Doc?"
"We'll have to explore that. What's your earliest memory of your mother..."