While my guitar gently weeps.....

[GreyWolf]

So, I was finally getting a new set of strings for my 12-string the other day and since the last time I had the darn thing broken down I decides to clean it up a bit. As I was cleaning up the fretboard and putting fresh lemon oil on it, polishing the soundboard and waxing the back, sides, neck and headpiece, I looked up same said guitar on the internet. Seems to be I have a bit of a classic on hand that I hadn't the foggiest notion of, let alone that I had a renegade piece!

I bought this guitar some time ago (the age escapes me except to say it was well over 33 years ago) with some money garnered from a rather weird situation in my early life. You see, my sister had been in a car wreck that was not of her own fault and perished. Me being me at the time decided to use some of this rather unique lump sum payment from the civil suit to purchase something that would, in due course, remind me of her the rest of my life (although at the time I had no idea to which the depth of this thought would follow me many years later when I "grew up" and became somewhat more of a mature adult).

The guitar in discussion is a Takamine F-395MS 12 string. Look it up. I kid you not. Both Guild and Martin guitars immediately sought lawsuits against Takamine for "ripping off" their designs and lowering their own valued guitars of the same design. On top of that, only some 200 of these ever made it to the United States and I have one of them! Reviews from fellow guitarists (much better players than I!) give rave reviews of excellent action and tonal qualities unsurpassed. The beauty of the maple sides, back and neck are absolutely gorgeous and the ebony fretboard inlaid with mother of pearl is a dream to dance my fingers upon.

I was, at one point, thinking of selling this piece and buying something a bit easier to play upon (12 strings literally eat your fingertips if you don't play on a consistent basis), but now upon cleaning, re-stringing and playing the last two nights I'm in love once again with something that I had no idea would bear itself upon my very own soul and leave me breathless upon finishing a night of just plucking around making up new instrumentals of my very own. It's easy to do. This beautiful piece of woodwork. The sound after 33 years is indescribable. All the woods used in this lovely piece of construction, are of the type that traditional guitar makers would make of first hand: rosewood, maple, curly maple, Sitka Spruce, ebony, mother of pearl, and ivory (before it became somewhat extinct!).

I have something that I cannot ever discard, sell, or get rid of. And now knowing what I know about the history of this incredible music maker, I cannot.........

Enjoy the pictures that I have included and know that you are feasting upon an instrument designed with great thought behind it and a future that is very rare.......

I share, only to entice you to find your own unique musical instrument wherever it may be......

Mark

[rockertom]

Great looking 12 string. I remember playing a few chords on a buddies many moons ago. Never really learned to play. Always wanted to though. He used to let me mess around. Good times back then. Enjoy. 12's do have a special ring to them.

[Alawicious]

The sound of a 12 string

You should by all means keep it and maybe pass it on. It would make a great heirloom. I'd give anything to have my dad's old telecaster

I myself have an Ovation 6 string that I will leave to one of my four youngins.

I miss playing now

This song has been playing in my head now for an hour. Thanks GW

YouTube - ‪Santana - While My Guitar Gently Weeps‬‏

[GreyWolf]

Carlos "Diva" Santana. The man has soul. No doubt. Have damn near every one of his albums....and a DVD too. Live in Brazil I think. Awesome concert footage.....
An ovation you say? Helicopter blade body? I kid. It has a very unique sound from what I remember. Don't see 'em no more.
Was in the local guitar store the other day when I bought my new set of strings. Mon, what a toy store! Lucky I got outta there with only $30 spent let me tell ya! Beautiful acoustical guitars hanging on those walls.......*sigh*........wish I had married into money dammit!

[Alawicious]

This is what I have

[GreyWolf]

Gorgeous there, Alawicious! Not bad for a southener!

[Builtgypsy]

Freebird!

[Alawicious]

Originally Posted by GreyWolf

Gorgeous there, Alawicious! Not bad for a southener!

I traded my electric rig for it along with a little cash to boot. I basically stole it according to the store keeper

[Alawicious]

Originally Posted by Builtgypsy

Freebird!

YouTube - ‪Free Bird- Lynyrd Skynyrd‬‏