Update: What Instrument Should You Bring On The Road?

Brief update to my recent blog post, regarding my cheap trip to Oahu and the $1,800 guitar I brought with me— funny, right? Feels out of proportion. And risky. I felt that too, but something egged me on to bring my most valued gig-able instrument.

Turns out, even carrying a nice guitar case around on your travels lights up the imagination of others. Several persons at the airport gate asked me if I was a touring musician (I’m not), and I felt encouraged to pull it out for a strum. A few guys wondered what guitar it was (an American Professional II Jazzmaster) and asked about my music, my profession, where I was headed. The third space of this airport really felt like a third space again, and I didn’t have to go to Europe to make it not feel strange.

At the carousel when I arrived back in Long Beach, another gentleman approached me, asking what the guitar was. I told him, and almost immediately after he asked if I would be interested in doing a paid gig. This man hadn’t seen me play! He just knew I carried a working musician’s tool, and that investment was enough. The gig’s on a boat, and we’re playing classic rock. Sounds like a fun-ass time. And it would pay off the price of my plane ticket.

Musicians— carry the instrument that represents your skill level, if you can. Guard it with your life (I did). You’ll feel more appreciated. Maybe even get a gig or two.