A thread to vent in so it can be somewhat contained...

[Iceman]

Okay... so I says to the guy, (I says...)

Seems like this spring has sprung a larger than healthy population of characters whose intent in joining here is for the sole purpose of turning a buck. Please do not misunderstand me as you will find no greater believer and promoter of the free market than I.

There is just something off-putting to me about seeing a forum dedicated to any subject grow based on what appears to be greed as a motivation. There is nothing new here, I will admit it.

Why there is assumed to be an opportunity to profit from a commonly shared enthusiasm towards a specific brand of guitar, as one example, facinates and at the same time disgusts me. While my respect and love for Westone guitars compels me to share all their wonderful attributes at the same time it pains me to know others who may (or may not) share that love and respect will use those words to support their own greedy aims and ends. This is occurring at other forums I am a member of as well so it is nothing special to just these pages. It is too bad that some of those who join here have but one thought in mind when doing so.

I, as many of you are, am just fed up to my eyeballs with that very tired and loathesome chestnut that goes something like this...

"So how much is my guitar worth then?"

Please just take it to ebay if the almighty dollar is your main concern. Please stay awhile and enjoy the vibe if you are looking for more.

[Barry]

...I, as many of you are, am just fed up to my eyeballs with that very tired and loathesome chestnut that goes something like this...
"So how much is my guitar worth then?"...

Let the congregation say, "Amen!"
And let us then direct our annoying brethren to the Home Page of Westoneguitars.net where that very sentiment is prominently featured!

[Sgt. Vimes]

Amen

[Sgt. Vimes]

........Corner!

[grogg]

Okay... so I says to the guy, (I says...)

Please just take it to ebay if the almighty dollar is your main concern. Please stay awhile and enjoy the vibe if you are looking for more.

Yessir

[corsair]

OK, so.... our motives are pure and we don't like to see the community sullied by gratuitous commercialism; I get that and, to a point, I agree.

However, by putting the blinkers on and sticking our fingers in our ears whilst going "Nah nah nah nah nah" is neither helpful nor healthy; we are a very small community an I'd hate to see it get SO introspective that it become a closed group, with anyone showing an interest in the value of their guitars - and let's face it, we are all interested at some level! - being unwelcome.

I don't like first posts which baldly demand we put a price on an instrument, but that's the price you pay for a site like this, and maybe the poster will become a valued member? We were all new once with no clue as to the etiquette of the site....

[Guest]

We were all new once with no clue as to the etiquette of the site....

+1

[Iceman]

Your moderate temperament is a great blessing to these halls, John. I fully agree that decorum and etiquette are much of the time a learning process and any of you who are familiar with my history on this forum can correctly point to me as Exhibit A to support such a contention.

You would be hard pressed however to make a case for my behavior here to be seen as an ends to self-enrichment of a monetary basis. While I have had my moments of bad behavior in the last 13 months or so here my intentions were never and will never be to take advantage of the love and admiration you all share (as do I) of these fantastic instruments.

No one should plug their ears or stick their head into sand over what our forum is doing when it comes to the subject of the effect we have on the reputation and desirability of Westones as a whole. But when blokes (or the rare Sheila) makes a singular and specific appearance strictly to profit from our common bond of affection to the badge I say BAD FORM.

Not that is to say the same individual cannot and will not become a valued and contributing member of the herd, just that those who know they are arriving on the scene with no other motive would be better appreciated by me as not showing themselves at all.

Like I said in the thread title, it is just a vent and my hope is to contain it here. Self-realization has brought me to the point of recognizing that the overall tone of my posts have begun to become somewhat sullied by cynicism as of late. Being gimlet-eyed isn't necessarily a bad thing until it becomes too focused on poor behavior. Hopefully releasing some frustrations here will help set other matters a wee bit straighter.

[corsair]

That's all good, mate, and we all need to vent and bang the walls with fury at times, eh! I'm thankful that by and large, I can be hands off, as having to heavily moderate would be a PITA, and I wouldn't countenance it for a minute as I have other things going on that I can do, without the aggravation!

I know this is a bit of a mutual admiration society, but you blokes are pretty damn good at self censoring; thank you all, and long may it continue!

Perhaps a vent thread that is accessible to users with a regular and reasoned posting schedule?id have to actually figure out to do such a thing, so don't go getting your hopes up just yet!!

[Brainfertilizer]

On the Hamer Fan Club site, it became a running joke that the accepted price/value of any USA Hamer was $350.

I propose that our running gag is that when anyone asks us how much something is worth, we tell them, $50,000, and urge them to put it on eBay with just such a BIN price.

Then when/if someone believes us, we can have fun writing all sorts of posts about how we are still raising the money and just about ready to pull the trigger.

With luck, they'll put it on eBay enough times with a ridiculously high BIN that they'll get discouraged and accept a low-ball offer.

Confusion to the enemy!

[beavis]

On the Hamer Fan Club site, it became a running joke that the accepted price/value of any USA Hamer was $350.

I propose that our running gag is that when anyone asks us how much something is worth, we tell them, $50,000, and urge them to put it on eBay with just such a BIN price.

A day late for an April's fool, but I think that's a good one. This forum, and its forumers, is victim of its own success.

[The Chad]

$350?! That's great!

I agree with everyone for once, good points brought up.

There's a natural curve to a newbie...

1. They realize they've got a cool guitar
2. They seek more info on it and find us
3. They ask us for the info, which naturally includes worth
4. They either try to sell it OR they join us and enjoy it... It's the sellers that can be bothersome.

I was a newbie the same time Ice was, and we stuck around. How many haven't I wonder? Hmmm...

[Micro]

I was a newbie the same time Ice was, and we stuck around. How many haven't I wonder? Hmmm...

I'm still here - I don't post much. But read & learn a lot from this forum.
Just love my Spectrum & X350. Wish I could play them as well as they look. But in time ...........who knows.

As a side line - saw the Hamsters last gig in London on the weekend. They were awesome. I & thousands of followers will miss them.

Micro

[norfolkngood]

+1.

I found the original site having just bought a Spectrum with no strings, a hole where the jack-plug should be and covered in dust and cobwebs. First thing I wanted to know.... how much is it worth?

It wasn't about greed or making a few quid; I knew that the repairs to the electrics were beyond me and I wanted to know whether it was worth having my £20 broken guitar professionally repaired. The polite answer (might have been Polly or John) was that "as a buyer it's worth what you are prepared to pay, as a seller it's worth the highest bid on ebay." Sound advice and very true.

Like Micro, I don't post too often but I'm a frequent visitor to the site and have learnt a lot from the on-site gurus. Unfortunately (and I'm 100% with Ice on this) the more we praise our Westones to the heavens, the more attractive we make them to collectors/ investors. We know they are good guitars so no need to tell everyone else!

I missed the Hamsters farewell tour but have seen them a couple of times in the past. Play Hendrix better than err ... Hendrix. I also missed tickets for Albert Lee this week, hoping the box office might get a return or two.

[Sgt. Vimes]

Farewell to The Hamsters, but a big Welcome back to Dr John

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/01/dr-john-locked-down-review

[GtrGeorge!]

Hope this has nothing to do with me...
All I'm saying is that I love my Trevor Rabin Signature Guitar,that's all !!!

GtrGeorge

[PaulS]

I saw The Hamsters at their penultimate gig at the Riga bar in Westlciff last week - their home town gig. I've been following them for many years and they were as good as they ever have been. Loved the 'acoustic' set. Sad to see them go. Did Slim do his Norfolk patter in Norfolk, I wonder?

I did a really geeky thing and sent a message to ZsaZsa asking about his bass as I'd never seen him use a EBMM before. Got a reply within a few hours and really chatty.

I can't remember why I joined here - I don't think it was to sell anything, more to ask lots of silly questions. But even if things slow down a bit there is still a mine of information to be had.

[hobster]

Isn't that just the way the world works? People will always want to just make a buck, and this is a free forum where they can inquire about it. I think it is perfectly natural for people to want to know what their instrument is worth and they figure we have the best idea. Its cool if they decide to stick around, if not, then their loss. I guess i'm the minority here but it doesn't really bother me a bit.

[The Chad]

Hope this has nothing to do with me...
All I'm saying is that I love my Trevor Rabin Signature Guitar,that's all !!!

GtrGeorge

No way, it's not about you. There have been those who have seen us as a cash cow so to speak, thinking; "where else to make money than with enthusiasts"! You're not one of them, and thanks for that!

Whether folks contribute, visit and post less frequently, or even come to us with askew motives, it really doesn't matter, does it? We're just glad to have this forum! Everybody is welcome. Well, most everybody anyhow.

[Sgt. Vimes]

I came here because I bought a Thunder and wanted a place to ask informed minds lots of dumb questions about it, and to see if other Westones were as good, I got all my answers thanks to you lot, and more besides.

I dont even own a westone now but I like the people and the decor is nice!

hopefully wont be too long before I aquire another Westie :!:

[GtrGeorge!]

Ok then..
its cool.
Im just glad this forum exists and the majority o people here seem VERY cool.
Thanks for havin me!!!

GtrGeorge

[Iceman]

Ok then.. its cool. Im just glad this forum exists and the majority of people here seem VERY cool. Thanks for havin me!!! GtrGeorge

This has absolutely nothing to do with you, George. Who CAN'T dig an Alvarez signed by Yes??

I was speaking only to that all too common theme that is seemingly inseparable from any guitar forum...

That is the newbie whose intent first and foremost is to shop a guitar to make a buck and whose sole interest in a brand is as a commodity to profit from. Them guys really fry my bacon!!

The only redeeming characteristic to such individuals is that they generally stick out like a sore thumb, are given little thought or attention, and in the end do not stick around for long.

In no way am I referring to any of you who have logged your miles here and I am always glad to see new faces pop up from time to time. I am only one nut in this nuthouse and my opinions are just that, opinions. For the most part I really have little to nothing to complain about here as those who post with any regularity have proven their interest to be sincere.

But as for the rest of you miscreants, be warned as you could be next...

[Micro]

Hey Iceman

Who wouldn't want to flog an Austin 1100? As John Cleese has so admirabley demonstrated.

[The Chad]

Oh man, Basil Fawlty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hilarious!!!!

And I too like GtrGeorge. He thinks we're cool?! What a smart man.

[Barry]

Funniest sitcom ev-er!
Must dig out me Fawlty Towers DVD's and remind meself what comedy is. Had it up to here with the drivel on TV these days.

And yes, we are a kewl lot. Yes we are.

Hey, did somebody open a window or sumpthin'? It's...kewl in here...oh, that's what he means

[The Chad]

Hey, did somebody open a window or sumpthin'? It's...kewl in here...oh, that's what he means

This looks a lot like the other Picard facepalms, but I changed the script to make it more appropriate. I've needed this for some time now. Especially with certain people's posts.

[hobster]

And I too like GtrGeorge.

He knows all the chords...............sorry, i've been waiting to do that.

[Iceman]

And I too like GtrGeorge.

He knows all the chords...............sorry, i've been waiting to do that.

Day late, dollar short there big guy. 6th post on page 2, read 'em 'n weep...


http://forum.westoneguitars.net/t1138p20-stolen-westones

[hobster]

Yeah, i had a feeling i wouldn't be the first................................savin it up, for friday nite!!

[Iceman]

I think I've expressed this before but for those of you here that are not aware of my opinion on the matter...

Comedy is the one form of entertainment that I feel offers the greatest opportunity for all of us folks to join in a univeral aspect of our nature. Unfortunately and sadly it has suffered unnecessarily by the proliferation of foul language, cheap gimmicks and too many of those who are eager to settle for the low-hanging fruit.

It seems that there is so little today in the genre to even attempt a comparison to the greatness of Gleason, the Pythons, Atkinson (Black Adder, anyone?), Newhart, and so on.

Fawlty Towers leaves 99 & 44/100% of them choking in the dust. Pure and simple genius.

[GtrGeorge!]

When it comes to comedy I like Carlin...
but maybe thats an American thing..I dunno.
But Then again the YOUNG ONES was HILARIOUS!!!
main point:no offence taken,all is good, happy to be aboard.

now If I could just find me another 24fret Trev Sig I'd be ecstatic!!!!

GtrGeorge

[Sgt. Vimes]

My kids, son is 16 and daughter is 11 both Adore Monty Python and Blackadder along with Red Dwarf, The Goodies and The Good Life (Good Neighbors for our American friends) I feel it is my duty as a father to show them the REAL comedy of my youth, not this disposable crap they pass off as comedy today......spongebob anyone

[The Chad]

Don't forget Only Fools and Horses, Vicar of Dibley, Simpsons, Are You Being Served, etc.!

[beavis]

Wow, I thought watching Beavis & Butt-Head was old school, but you guys bring things to another level

[Iceman]

Wow, I thought watching Beavis & Butt-Head was old school, but you guys bring things to another level

Proud to say I have never seen one single second of that cartoon.

[Sgt. Vimes]

Beavis and Butthead always brought a few giggles my way, but King Of The Hill outclassed it, plus playing the theme tune on guitar is pure happy satisfaction!

[The Chad]

Beavis and Butthead always brought a few giggles my way, but King Of The Hill outclassed it, plus playing the theme tune on guitar is pure happy satisfaction!

I sell propane and propane accessories.

King of the Hill!

[hobster]

Peggy, that boy ain't right!

[Sgt. Vimes]

yup!

[munkieNL]

Mr. Iceman. There's a guitar forum here in Holland where a dealer is allowed to promote his soon-to-be-sold guitar finds. I posted against it, without success. Lately he bought and sold a Thunder I with profit. We live in a world where everything is measured in market value. Even with all the hype however, sometimes there are still bargains to be had.

[conanthebarbarian]

I try to stay positive about most things and anytime I hear or read "What is such and such worth?" I get pissed off, tune out and change the subect most of the time. For one mans trash is anothers treasure. (My first post explains this). But! When trying to stay positive I try to think of it differently and hope that whoever is asking this question does in fact sell the guitar and someone who will truly enjoy it may buy and appreciate it. Could be living in lala land but that is what I hope anyway. . . I know I will definitely appreciate my Westone more than the person I bought it off. I can only hope that this is the same for the majority of the population.

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