How can you not love this guy ? Anyone with negative comments are the reason this world can seem dark sometimes. We have to out shine the darkness people. Don’t worry and stay happy. 😊
I have that same phobia. I was a firefighter for 34 years. I’ve seen and been in what seems like endless, incredibly dangerous situations and places and almost lost my life several times. It petrifies me to play a guitar in front of strangers in a store. Cheers from NY, USA, you make my week every Friday !!
I’m the same. The last time I went to a store I took my Fender Mustang Micro amp with headphones to play through. You can at least assess the guitar and build up some confidence before plugging into real amps etc.
I’m a friggin surgeon. I’ve got patients’ lives in my hands all the time but play in a guitar store? I get the floppy sweats and my legs start to twitch.
Fellow NY’er here ( Long Island ), Just recently retired from Con Ed and I also did 34 years there as well 🤙 I watch Colin every week pretty much as well.
It never fails. Been playing for 25years but every time I walk into a shop to try a guitar, it’s like I just picked up a guitar for the first time and think “wow, are these things? How do I hold one of these things? Where do I put my fingers? “
Right? I get almost anxious going to pick-up a guitar after a setup or repair. My luthier is a world-class guitarist, the most down to earth, super cool individual, never an fraction of condescension, but Every-Single-Time he hands me back a guitar with a "yep, it plays well now, and it sounds nice too"...I just get finger-tied. I almost have to look at my fretting hand for the same cowboy chords I learnt 30 years ago LOL. Unbelievable.
@@christianl9247 YES - right on! Picking up from the luthiers is the absolute worst! They hand it back, say “how does it feel?” And it’s 100% cowboy chords….. at best! I always leave the shop wanting to say “you know what, you keep the guitar, I’ll go back to the recorder …. Haha
Colin, LOVE your channel. We PLAY the guitar not WORK the guitar, it’s supposed to make us feel happy, good, bring a smile to our faces! Relax, you’re a terrific guitarist, a source of information and at times even make us laugh! Carry on !😊
I love the way you took that little cubicle and made it your own. All you needed was some things from home to to build your confidence. It all came together in your playing. You were great as usual. Love the way you push on.
You need a guitar shop caravan,Colin. Just roll up and test in the privacy of your guitar safari caravan. Lace curtains and a gingham tablecloth. Tea and custard creams.
That brain freeze in the music store is no different than when I go grocery shopping. If I don't have a list and say, I have four things to buy, once I get inside the grocery store and I see everything I'll be hard pressed to remember all four things I came in for.
I’m glad you could share and make yourself look like a human because clearly you can play. It takes balls to put it out there like that you’re a real man.
I just recently got back into playing guitar after a 20 year hiatus. I stumbled onto your channel while searching out reviews on guitars and gear. You are joy to watch. And you play the guitar beautifully! Thank you for posting these videos. Cheers from Salt Lake City.
No guitar fan can argue the coolness factor of an authentic vintage Les Paul, even one with the idiosyncrasies of the early 70's ones. I personally would almost immediately have it refretted and set up properly. I hope it gives you years of pleasure. Thanks for the video!
I worked in a recording studio, a music store and in bands. That being said, I’m always self conscious about my playing whenever I’m in a music shop. For whatever reason that anxiety kicks in and I feel like a beginner again. Been playing for 47 years, last time I was guitar shopping, playing some of my favorite 70’s and 80’s riffs and next to me is a 16 year old wiz kid playing all shorts of acrobatics on the neck, sigh…. I feel your pain. Congratulations on the sweet looking Les Paul! Great content as always!
@@danalopresto3139 I play the violin and guitar. I am way better at the violin as I have been playing since I was five and I am 56 now. Occasionally, I will go into reputable violin shops and try out violins. I did the same thing like play the theme to Schindler’s List and shortly after, this 15 year old Chinese virtuoso teenager ripped through Paganini like it was nothing.
So glad you went back for it Colin. Totally agree with the guitar shop brain meltdown aspect, but it makes me feel better I'm not the only one! Love the channel, keep up the good work 👍
You’re the real deal and I love watching your videos not only because you know your stuff, your playing is badass, the education is Invaluable, and you’re entertaining. I’m 64 and a novice player at best and I love your wit and honesty…I’m 64 and learning all the time but I know real when I see it and that’s you! Cheers from SoCal 🤘🏽🎸
One of the problems is how physically uncomfortable it is trying out guitars in the majority of the stores. Sound proof booths you can hardly turn around in while holding the instruments and tiny stools that are only 2 feet off the ground that have you hunched right over the guitar so you feel really constricted. What’s required is a nice leather Chesterfield that you can lie back in, which can be found in one or two places if you play unplugged. If one is spending thousands on a guitar one deserves a much better customer experience than most supply.
100% agree! Also, lots of people last week made comment about simply using the Tuner on his phone when Colin was struggling to tune the guitar he was testing (he mentions it in this video). I pointed out why should he have to?! The Guitar shop should have the guitar ready tuned and provide a Tuner for him. Especially on a £5000 instrument! Sadly, we live in an age of where we've been brainwashed by big business to believe things like 'Self Checkouts' and Banking Apps are there as it's quicker and easier for the customer. When reality is it's just cheaper and easier for them!
Y'all got booths?! Fancy! We've either got Guitar Center with 5 people all playing at the same time and you can't hear yourself think, or mom and pops where you're the only one playing and the entire store hears it. 😂
Man just from playing the B to A chord I already knew what song you were playing (I’m a huge Clash fan). That guitar definitely has that Mick Jones vibe. Great find, very jealous but very happy for you. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come.🎸🔥👍🏽 P.S. I’ve got a 1978 Hondo LP I shaved the top and turned into a Ronno copy, for as cheap as it is it’s also pretty close to the weight of yours.
Yes, Col - The Triumphant Return! I'm so glad you went back, spoke to the shop, took a tuner, exorcised the demon and got a great guitar. AND, most of all, for sharing. more power to you Colin. Great guitar. Great playing. just great stuff all round 🙌 (no beverage or snack this week!)
Absolutely gorgeous vintage guitar. I'm so happy you went back and had a better look at it and I can tell how comfortable you seem this time round. You got a reasonable price for it. I'm a fan of buying brand new guitars so got me a 2023 Gibson Les Paul custom in ebony (same color as yours) and I bought it the exact way you did from a guitar shop. I took with me a tuner, my '97 Gibson Les Paul standard for comparison, even a pick and a strap to try standing up. I was left for more than an hour to play, feel, compare and inspect. it cost me a fortune but worth it a totally a different animal. Enjoy in good health.
I have done the same thing quite a few times Col. You get home and start thinking, the cogs start to grind and you convince yourself you need that guitar, before you know it you are at home plugging it in.
And this folks of the tube, is why Colins channel is my go to guitar space! In a crazy mad world this is true Guitar sanctuary. I am a true believer that its all about the guitars journey, the older it gets the more stories it has, and this one was lucky to find you and start its next chapter. This vid made me smile a lot mate, its that feeling when you pick up and play an instrument that out of the blue just connects with you. This one certainly has and wow it looks and sounds awesome! A great find Colin I cannot see that guitar moving on anytime soon! Great vid mate really enjoyed it, thank you.
I literally just watched it add free on the tv channel came over hear and saw it posted so this ones to help with the youtube algorithms ....cheers mate, always good to see you really enjoying the guitar you are playing, sounds great. cheers Wes
Cool vid. I live about 5 minute walk from that PMT shop in Romford and they are a really nice bunch but I totally get what you mean. Every time i go in there (or any guitar shop) and try a guitar my fingers go to lead, i forget everything i know, start sweating and gernerally walk out feeling utterly fed up. I then go home, pick up guitar and there are no issues at all. So guitar shop phobia is definitely a thing. Also what i love about PMT is they leave you alone in the room for as long as you need - theres no pressure. You added extra pressure by filimg it....but you went back and fate would have it the guitar was still there....it was meant to be and its a beaut. I love my Gibson Les Paul in Bourbon bust and cos i cant afford a Black custom one ive just bought a Epiphone version.
Your a genius col, you've set up a business you love the facilitates your GAS with an almost weekly cycle of guitar instant gratification, I take my hat off to you sir, next business is a GAS detox an rehabilitation program kerchaaaaang😂 Nice les paul I'll bet the guitar would have been £1900 seven years ago.
Great video as usual...👏👏👏 One little thing though, I believe those pancake bodies are mahogany, maple, mahogany...😉 And for what it's worth, Les Paul Customs have maple caps starting in '68.
Hi Colin,... last weeks film was great,... I've said before and I'll say again, we're here for you, the guitars are just a bonus! Haha well done and nice score on that Les Paul... do NOT sell it haha ... many blessings and see ya next week!
Grinning from ear to ear watching this big fella. Horrible seeing your confidence take a knock the other week there, so well done for getting right back in the saddle. And what a purchase, enjoy!
I don’t have any negative comment about this channel. The only thing that I want to say is that I was in a guitar shop last week and this person came in and picked up a Fender Squire and made it sound like a $10,000 guitar with the right amplifier and their own settings, without pedals. It’s 90% playing and 10% gear folks!
I strongly agree with ‘put your own knobs on, make it your own’. Pretty much the first thing I did when I got my Epiphone 59 Les Paul was to take the pickguard off and swap out the knobs, pickup rings and poker chip. Some may disapprove but I think it gives it a slightly quirky look that I love. Changing the knobs on a guitar is pretty much the quickest, easiest cosmetic mod job you could possibly do - it’s a five minute job at most.
Congratz, Colin - seems like a happy ending and the fact that the guys in the store were cool, always good to hear. It's a beautiful guitar, such a classic. I have a '68, I'm the 3rd owner. Also all original apart from speed knobs and the 1st guy kindly contributed a few small studs where he had added and then subtracted a Bigsby and buckle rash but it didn't break the nitro job. I played it live thru the '70s and in the studio ever since and when I took it in to get a new jack plug fitted (old one was dodgy) my buddy asked if I wanted new frets but nah - all chords / lines voice fine and I'm used to it. Mine doesn't have 'checking' - I sometimes wonder about that . . . maybe it's more of a thing on old Standards? Or a Tom Murphy invention. I think you're absolutely right about the pick-ups - they leave any LP I've played since for dead. I think the re-issue '59ers are all going for an edgier 'Pagey' brightness but Customs from that era have a terrific 'halo' going on . . . and the '60s neck suits me down to the ground, don't like the chunkier ones much, frankly. Happy to see you happy - what a terrific find, you deserve it! Cheers! P.S. I freeze in guitar shops, I think it's sorta normal 😅 PPS - finally got around to weighing mine - 9.7 pounds!
Hey Morton, since recording this I read that the multi piece body perhaps helps prevent shrinkage and one of their reasons for doing it... less wood movement maybe? Could be true I guess? 🤔
I'm very happy for you. And your giddiness over acquiring this beauty is clearly evident from start to finish. I doubt you'll ever sell this one. I know I wouldn't. You got an excellent deal. Enjoy your vacation!
Really glad to see you exited and happy with your purchase Colin. We live once and small things like these make us grin a little bit. Lovely guitar sns sounds fantastic.
She's a beautiful beast Colin, love it! I get that "Guitar Shop fright" every time I go into a guitar shop but unlick you who can play well, I am rubbish. Another cracking film mate, wishing you all the best.
Good job getting back in the store right away! I think you did right by yourself doing that and I will try to emulate your dedication on my next venture to the shops. Thanks for another week.
Hey Colin. I absolutely love your channel!! I feel the honesty and humility. I get the impression you wouldn’t know how to lie to save your life. I commented about your anxiety with your issues about the walk in- brick and mortar stores you deal with. People should remember your cameras, the lighting, the audio you do by yourself and the things that go with it. I wish I could listen to you more. Go get ‘um’ Colin!!! BTW, I just bought a Gretsch G2655 center block JR. I would be interested to hear about your feelings on the Bigsby. Cheers!!!
I'm so happy for you to find the one... I really like your show and I like that you are hounest! It is sooo cool that you found your guitar! I expected it to be a SG, but No, you got back to the Les Paul... Who had imagened that!
At the start of the video I thought, get the correct witch hat knobs and black pickup surounds. By the half way mark I was thinking, sod that keep just how it is. That guitar just oozes MOJO. Great buy Col. I'm chuffed for you 👍🏻
I can so relate to your guitar shop phobia. If I’m interested in a guitar I always ask the salesperson to play it for me rather than get all nervous about my playing. I will then just play a couple scales on it just to get a feel of the action, neck, fret ends etc. and then decide. My local shop is really good about me bringing a guitar back after a few days if it doesn’t suit me.
It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a video of yours Colin man, but I’m glad I opened up the ‘Tube this morning. Every single video you’ve made about Les Paul’s has made me want to get one. I love the swagger and attitude you have in your playing. It’s like you lot from across the pond have it in spades. If your band ever gets back together or you join another, I’d love to see some live footage uploaded. Cheers 🤘
We had unfinished business - you finished in style !! Well done Col. P.S. 1972 , I saw Hawkwind and Man at Finsbury Park Rainbow on my 15th Birthday !!😝😝
Totally agree with you Colin. I’m 72 I’ve been playing seriously since I was 18! I also feel pressurised in a guitar shop. I can’t remember my favourite licks etc and I feel everyone’s watching and listening. One thing I do - if I’m serious about buying a guitar I play whatever songs, riffs I want. You did the right thing. Well done! But will you sell any guitars to make up for your 5 grand???? 😊👍🎸
I'm glad that finally you've got it correct Colin and acquired an ebony Custom 😉. I've never really been a standard man. Whenever I walk into a store there's loads of standards but I'm drawn inexorately to the one custom. Now all you need is to fall in love with a three tone r/w 62 Strat and you'll be there 😂😂😂
Congratulations!!! 🎉 Isn’t it interesting how we all develop educated impressions & opinions about stuff & things, then run across something completely contrary that just opens us up fully in unanticipated ways. ❤ I would be very tempted to paint that instrument to look like Keith Richards custom
Sir, your Chanel its one of the BEST. Who love guitars, loves this Chanel. I need to say my favorite guitars among others are Gibson les paul customs from 57, 68 to 72, 73. And that guitar is lovely. She have your voice. I think She was made for you Sir.
Congratulations Colin! I can tell that you're pretty tickled to have that! I find Les Pauls difficult to negotiate up around the heel/cutaway area. but I do love them!
That was a good chuckle revealing a Tuner in the guitar case ! and... Yes... Very nice guitar and I like how it looks "as is"... knobs and all... It DOES have it's own "Tone" characteristics and therefore justifies itself... (possibly the age, weight and neck of the guitar ?) ... Enjoy your week 'off'... Well done Colin ! 🤠...
Collin, love your video and your honesty. You're a good guy. Keep on rocking. Don't feel awkward about anything man. Don't feel self conscious. Just rock on. Murf from Michigan,.
That guitar has mojo and suits you. I wouldn't have been able to walk away either. It sounded amazing unplugged. The color, the look, with all the character of a guitar that was played, amazing!
I think it's a very common phobia. I sound like an absolute beginner in a guitar store. I always tell myself to bring a tuner and picks, sometimes I do. most times I forget. What a beautiful custom! Congratulations! If I forgot a tuner, I would never remember that I have one on my damned phone. It's nice to know most of us are the exact same way.
Gorgeous guitar 🖤!! Congratulations on the purchase, this should become the reference sound for all future LP tests on the channel. PS: I suffer from (severe) guitar shop phobia too 😓
I like the new Gibson Custom, especially from it's year. "I've got a 1972 Les Paul Custom." Very cool 😎 Colin. My GAS took me to a Squire Esquire, in purple with humbucker, this week. It's like one a month lately! Hahaha! I've stopped telling my friends about my guitars...Haha! I 💕 GAS!!! Have a great week! As always, Thanks Colin! PS, The Esquire played right out of the box, no snag fret ends, no setup, yet. Thanks Again!
Quite alright Col. Happens to me all the time as well. It's hard enough to concentrate on the guitar to see if it's a good fit and you actually want to buy it, I can only imagine the pressure of being not only the talent, but the producer, director and camera man as well. Brilliant videos, then as well as this one. Cheers mate!
Holy grails sometimes take a lifetime to find. Mine came to me a year ago in the form of a 2001 '68 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Authentic". I've had many Les Pauls over the years, but none were absolute keepers. My Grail is definitely a keeper. It sounds fabulous, and plays effortlessly, but most important, it plays in tune up and down the neck! That's saying something for a guitar with such a short scale length. The one sad thing is that it took until I am seventy years old to find it. I wish I would have had it when I played in a band. Better late than never, though.
Hallo Colin...then you come where l want🤣...my famous 1992 Les Paul Standard l re-bought two years ago is a proper 10 pounder "boat anchor" Les Paul...l think the Les Paul must be heavy❤...if one likes better light weight guitars there's the SG... that's why you' re happy with your SGs🤣🤣🤣(your Holy Grail SG being a proper Les Paul👍👍👍)...a 4.5/5 kg LP gives you a sense of safety and solid base where to play🤣👍as Always cheers from Italy my dear friend🥂🍾👍
I’m the same way going into guitar shops. No matter how good you think you’re playing is, you go in there and you’re like OK as soon as I crank this up all eyes are on me. Lol. I love heavy Les Paul always have. And even if you don’t like them heavy if you get a chance to get a 72 less Paul custom deep down you want them heavy I love that that’s just over 10 pounds! Great buy Collin!! and I know you’ve said you’re not even a real fan of Les Paul’s.But when you get a chance to get a 68, a 72 Les Paul Custom,you want it! And you want it a 10 pound pancake baby!💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯⚡️🔥🎸
I’ve been playing for 53 years now but I get the same feelings when I’m in a guitar shop. Always seems to be at least one or more youngsters playing loud and trying to show how good they are. So I usually just go off by myself and play unplugged to see how it feels in my hands and if there’s some connection between it and me. Maybe that’s just the introvert in us. Funny that I can play in a band and never feel self conscious. I’m sure there are many others that feel the same way. By the way… what a sweet guitar that Les Paul is! Great find… congratulations!
I’m so pleased for you. A guitar well worth overcoming your guitar shop phobia for. It looks incredible, perfect for some Neil Young style jams. It’s gone to its rightful owner.
Congratulation Colin! Deja vu! I never liked black Les Pauls! LP Customs are way too heavy! Guess what? Last year I stumbled over a 1995 Black Beauty at Bigfoot Guitars here in Germany - I had some time because one of my other Les Paul´s was in the Plek machine. The guitar was lying there on a leather sofa and it looks so fantastic with the worn gold hardware and the nearly yellow binding - so I took it in my hands and this Black Beauty spoke to me from the first moment and first tone! Yes - this Lady is black and HEAVY (but well balanced!) but the Classic 57 - pickups produces an amazing special sound and the neck feels really great! Price tag was in the range of yours - ok "only nearly 30 years old" not 50 like yours! The deal was made - my two Maybach´s 59 and a "little bit of money" were wandering into the shop and the Black Beauty home with me! I really love this guitar - those Black Customs have soul! It was another episode of "never talk bad about a guitar before you feel, play and hear it!" Is it right for you than it is YOUR "Holy Grail"! Have a lot of fun with this beautiful lady - this guitar seems to be very inspiring for you! Greeting from Germany! 👋😎🎸
The fade from overcoming anxiety in the shop and playing well, into the at home loud playing after having bought it, was genuinely fantastic filmmaking. It really evolved beyond just a review video into something special. Haven't seen a guitar video this good since David Hilowitz's Squier Mustang one.
Happy for you, Colin! Crazy to think sometimes people are just on a similar journey. I remember seeing one of your videos on the epiphone custom and remember commenting about getting one and then going up to a Japanese Tokai. Well, I bought a Gibson LP custom this past week. I was fretting bout the weight being around 10 lbs and even returned an 8.2lb 60s standard that was fantastic because the Custom has been the dream. Guess I'll find out if the one I purchased will live up to the hype. Still waiting on mine to arrive, but excited to find out!
Loved last weeks cinema verite. I have the same problem in guitar shops. No problem playing with friends. Good for you on your purchase of a lovely Gibson. May you enjoy many years playing it,!
Love you brother, you make great videos, keep up your good work! We all get frozen, especially doing things the first time. Most people don't realize that RUclips videos are 1 take usually, 2 or 3 if you are a perfectionist. Everyone knows you can play. There is a reason why professional musicians practice until they can do it in their sleep or with their eyes closed, it takes that much work to just look like a normal performance
I'm glad you made this video and am really happy you got the guitar in the end, but yes, I'm someone who thought your title for the previous video was very unfair on the shop so it's good to clarify these things.
Oh, if you want to know about embarrassment, I'm someone who messed around in a school band in the 80s, never had lessons, but in my 50s wanted to get back into playing. I was able to get something pretty decent (I ended up with an Epiphone Sheraton) but still play E, G and D in shops, especially as my bar chords are still pretty sketchy and never sound clean. So yeah, all very embarrassing :)
How can you not love this guy ? Anyone with negative comments are the reason this world can seem dark sometimes. We have to out shine the darkness people. Don’t worry and stay happy. 😊
😎👍👍
spot mate 👊
Amen
We love ya Colin, Keeper going. Lovely Greetings from Bad Malente-Gremsmühle, Germany
Only negative is that every time I watch my wallet trembles 😂
I have that same phobia. I was a firefighter for 34 years. I’ve seen and been in what seems like endless, incredibly dangerous situations and places and almost lost my life several times. It petrifies me to play a guitar in front of strangers in a store. Cheers from NY, USA, you make my week every Friday !!
I’m the same. The last time I went to a store I took my Fender Mustang Micro amp with headphones to play through. You can at least assess the guitar and build up some confidence before plugging into real amps etc.
I’m a friggin surgeon. I’ve got patients’ lives in my hands all the time but play in a guitar store? I get the floppy sweats and my legs start to twitch.
Fellow NY’er here ( Long Island ), Just recently retired from Con Ed and I also did 34 years there as well 🤙
I watch Colin every week pretty much as well.
It never fails. Been playing for 25years but every time I walk into a shop to try a guitar, it’s like I just picked up a guitar for the first time and think “wow, are these things? How do I hold one of these things? Where do I put my fingers? “
Right? I get almost anxious going to pick-up a guitar after a setup or repair. My luthier is a world-class guitarist, the most down to earth, super cool individual, never an fraction of condescension, but Every-Single-Time he hands me back a guitar with a "yep, it plays well now, and it sounds nice too"...I just get finger-tied. I almost have to look at my fretting hand for the same cowboy chords I learnt 30 years ago LOL. Unbelievable.
@@christianl9247 YES - right on! Picking up from the luthiers is the absolute worst! They hand it back, say “how does it feel?” And it’s 100% cowboy chords….. at best! I always leave the shop wanting to say “you know what, you keep the guitar, I’ll go back to the recorder …. Haha
Practice Booths are amazing.
Luv and Peace.
"Wow, are these things?" My god this cracks me up. I feel your pain, Mike. I am the exact same way when walking into a shop.
Colin, LOVE your channel. We PLAY the guitar not WORK the guitar, it’s supposed to make us feel happy, good, bring a smile to our faces! Relax, you’re a terrific guitarist, a source of information and at times even make us laugh! Carry on !😊
That's it! You got right back on the horse and overcame the frustration and nailed the follow up! Bravo!
I love the way you took that little cubicle and made it your own. All you needed was some things from home to to build your confidence. It all came together in your playing. You were great as usual. Love the way you push on.
Cheers! 😁👍
You need a guitar shop caravan,Colin. Just roll up and test in the privacy of your guitar safari caravan.
Lace curtains and a gingham tablecloth.
Tea and custard creams.
@@peterhall4852 🤣🤣🤣
@@peterhall4852 😆👍
When you least expect, the man, the legend, does it again!
Thanks for this Friday gift and congratulations, Mr Colin, she’s a beauty!
That brain freeze in the music store is no different than when I go grocery shopping. If I don't have a list and say, I have four things to buy, once I get inside the grocery store and I see everything I'll be hard pressed to remember all four things I came in for.
I’m glad you could share and make yourself look like a human because clearly you can play. It takes balls to put it out there like that you’re a real man.
😊🙏
I just recently got back into playing guitar after a 20 year hiatus. I stumbled onto your channel while searching out reviews on guitars and gear. You are joy to watch. And you play the guitar beautifully! Thank you for posting these videos. Cheers from Salt Lake City.
No guitar fan can argue the coolness factor of an authentic vintage Les Paul, even one with the idiosyncrasies of the early 70's ones. I personally would almost immediately have it refretted and set up properly. I hope it gives you years of pleasure. Thanks for the video!
I'm exactly the same in guitar shops. I've been playing for 30 years, I gig for a living, but I still get anxious in shops.
I do the opposite , i crank up , stuff 'em! Just don't play ledzep or deep purple ... LoL
I worked in a recording studio, a music store and in bands. That being said, I’m always self conscious about my playing whenever I’m in a music shop. For whatever reason that anxiety kicks in and I feel like a beginner again.
Been playing for 47 years, last time I was guitar shopping, playing some of my favorite 70’s and 80’s riffs and next to me is a 16 year old wiz kid playing all shorts of acrobatics on the neck, sigh…. I feel your pain.
Congratulations on the sweet looking Les Paul! Great content as always!
@@danalopresto3139 I play the violin and guitar. I am way better at the violin as I have been playing since I was five and I am 56 now. Occasionally, I will go into reputable violin shops and try out violins. I did the same thing like play the theme to Schindler’s List and shortly after, this 15 year old Chinese virtuoso teenager ripped through Paganini like it was nothing.
So glad you went back for it Colin.
Totally agree with the guitar shop brain meltdown aspect, but it makes me feel better I'm not the only one!
Love the channel, keep up the good work 👍
I'm one too mate!!
Forget everything l know as soon as l plug into an amp at a shop!!
You’re the real deal and I love watching your videos not only because you know your stuff, your playing is badass, the education is Invaluable, and you’re entertaining. I’m 64 and a novice player at best and I love your wit and honesty…I’m 64 and learning all the time but I know real when I see it and that’s you! Cheers from SoCal 🤘🏽🎸
Cheers Dave that’s appreciated! 😁👍
Thanks for your channel, Colin. It's the first thing I check out on Friday morn's.
So good you came back. The best way to deal with it. Thank you for sharing and congratz on the Les Paul Custom. That guitar suits you perfectly.
One of the problems is how physically uncomfortable it is trying out guitars in the majority of the stores. Sound proof booths you can hardly turn around in while holding the instruments and tiny stools that are only 2 feet off the ground that have you hunched right over the guitar so you feel really constricted. What’s required is a nice leather Chesterfield that you can lie back in, which can be found in one or two places if you play unplugged. If one is spending thousands on a guitar one deserves a much better customer experience than most supply.
100% agree! Also, lots of people last week made comment about simply using the Tuner on his phone when Colin was struggling to tune the guitar he was testing (he mentions it in this video). I pointed out why should he have to?! The Guitar shop should have the guitar ready tuned and provide a Tuner for him. Especially on a £5000 instrument! Sadly, we live in an age of where we've been brainwashed by big business to believe things like 'Self Checkouts' and Banking Apps are there as it's quicker and easier for the customer. When reality is it's just cheaper and easier for them!
Y'all got booths?! Fancy!
We've either got Guitar Center with 5 people all playing at the same time and you can't hear yourself think, or mom and pops where you're the only one playing and the entire store hears it. 😂
Yes, a chesterfield. It's like the Barney Rubble can only sing in the shower thing.
Man just from playing the B to A chord I already knew what song you were playing (I’m a huge Clash fan). That guitar definitely has that Mick Jones vibe. Great find, very jealous but very happy for you. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come.🎸🔥👍🏽 P.S. I’ve got a 1978 Hondo LP I shaved the top and turned into a Ronno copy, for as cheap as it is it’s also pretty close to the weight of yours.
Yes, Col - The Triumphant Return! I'm so glad you went back, spoke to the shop, took a tuner, exorcised the demon and got a great guitar. AND, most of all, for sharing. more power to you Colin. Great guitar. Great playing. just great stuff all round 🙌 (no beverage or snack this week!)
Absolutely gorgeous vintage guitar. I'm so happy you went back and had a better look at it and I can tell how comfortable you seem this time round. You got a reasonable price for it. I'm a fan of buying brand new guitars so got me a 2023 Gibson Les Paul custom in ebony (same color as yours) and I bought it the exact way you did from a guitar shop. I took with me a tuner, my '97 Gibson Les Paul standard for comparison, even a pick and a strap to try standing up. I was left for more than an hour to play, feel, compare and inspect. it cost me a fortune but worth it a totally a different animal. Enjoy in good health.
I work 4 - 9 every Friday , and my perfect end to every week is to watch Colin's Friday episode after having a few " sherbets " , nothing better 👍
This vid encapsulates why I love watching your channel. Honest, hilarious and insightful. Love the safari episodes btw. Thanks Colin!
So cool. We've never seen you so excited! Your love of guitars really came shining through in this video. Have a ball with it!
I have done the same thing quite a few times Col.
You get home and start thinking, the cogs start to grind and you convince yourself you need that guitar, before you know it you are at home plugging it in.
And this folks of the tube, is why Colins channel is my go to guitar space! In a crazy mad world this is true Guitar sanctuary. I am a true believer that its all about the guitars journey, the older it gets the more stories it has, and this one was lucky to find you and start its next chapter. This vid made me smile a lot mate, its that feeling when you pick up and play an instrument that out of the blue just connects with you. This one certainly has and wow it looks and sounds awesome! A great find Colin I cannot see that guitar moving on anytime soon! Great vid mate really enjoyed it, thank you.
Cheers Steve, It’s a fun journey and I honestly don’t know what where we are going next! 😂👍 thanks for joining us mate.
I literally just watched it add free on the tv channel came over hear and saw it posted so this ones to help with the youtube algorithms ....cheers mate, always good to see you really enjoying the guitar you are playing, sounds great. cheers Wes
So glad you persevered Colin, you ended up with an amazing guitar. And the look of pure joy on your face as you play it, priceless.😀
9.49 into the video you are holding the exact pose as the guy behind you on the poster 😂 great vid as always keep them coming Colin 👍🏻
Yes I saw that! 🤣🤣👍
@@theguitaristas😂😂😂
Cool vid. I live about 5 minute walk from that PMT shop in Romford and they are a really nice bunch but I totally get what you mean. Every time i go in there (or any guitar shop) and try a guitar my fingers go to lead, i forget everything i know, start sweating and gernerally walk out feeling utterly fed up. I then go home, pick up guitar and there are no issues at all. So guitar shop phobia is definitely a thing. Also what i love about PMT is they leave you alone in the room for as long as you need - theres no pressure.
You added extra pressure by filimg it....but you went back and fate would have it the guitar was still there....it was meant to be and its a beaut. I love my Gibson Les Paul in Bourbon bust and cos i cant afford a Black custom one ive just bought a Epiphone version.
I'm so glad things worked out for you! That is a terrific Les Paul, and it suits you.
Your a genius col, you've set up a business you love the facilitates your GAS with an almost weekly cycle of guitar instant gratification, I take my hat off to you sir, next business is a GAS detox an rehabilitation program kerchaaaaang😂
Nice les paul I'll bet the guitar would have been £1900 seven years ago.
Great video as usual...👏👏👏
One little thing though, I believe those pancake bodies are mahogany, maple, mahogany...😉
And for what it's worth, Les Paul Customs have maple caps starting in '68.
Yeah I got the wafer thin slice wrong it’s maple in mahogany sandwich and also has maple cap 👍👍
Hi Colin,... last weeks film was great,... I've said before and I'll say again, we're here for you, the guitars are just a bonus! Haha well done and nice score on that Les Paul... do NOT sell it haha ... many blessings and see ya next week!
The best part of Friday morning? Another Guitaristas video! Such an awesome guitar you've scored Coll. Rock on!
Grinning from ear to ear watching this big fella. Horrible seeing your confidence take a knock the other week there, so well done for getting right back in the saddle.
And what a purchase, enjoy!
It’s a beauty that has come by its scars honestly. You’re the perfect person to help it continue its journey. Congratulations!
Congratulations Colin! That is a great find… Hope you have a bangin’ good time playing it… Your channel the best.. because you are the best..
I don’t have any negative comment about this channel. The only thing that I want to say is that I was in a guitar shop last week and this person came in and picked up a Fender Squire and made it sound like a $10,000 guitar with the right amplifier and their own settings, without pedals. It’s 90% playing and 10% gear folks!
Well done Colin, beautiful guitar! You aren’t alone with the shop phobia, last time I went to Andertons you’d think I’d never touched a guitar before!
I strongly agree with ‘put your own knobs on, make it your own’. Pretty much the first thing I did when I got my Epiphone 59 Les Paul was to take the pickguard off and swap out the knobs, pickup rings and poker chip. Some may disapprove but I think it gives it a slightly quirky look that I love. Changing the knobs on a guitar is pretty much the quickest, easiest cosmetic mod job you could possibly do - it’s a five minute job at most.
if someone disapproves your probably doing something right
Congratz, Colin - seems like a happy ending and the fact that the guys in the store were cool, always good to hear. It's a beautiful guitar, such a classic. I have a '68, I'm the 3rd owner. Also all original apart from speed knobs and the 1st guy kindly contributed a few small studs where he had added and then subtracted a Bigsby and buckle rash but it didn't break the nitro job. I played it live thru the '70s and in the studio ever since and when I took it in to get a new jack plug fitted (old one was dodgy) my buddy asked if I wanted new frets but nah - all chords / lines voice fine and I'm used to it. Mine doesn't have 'checking' - I sometimes wonder about that . . . maybe it's more of a thing on old Standards? Or a Tom Murphy invention. I think you're absolutely right about the pick-ups - they leave any LP I've played since for dead. I think the re-issue '59ers are all going for an edgier 'Pagey' brightness but Customs from that era have a terrific 'halo' going on . . . and the '60s neck suits me down to the ground, don't like the chunkier ones much, frankly. Happy to see you happy - what a terrific find, you deserve it! Cheers! P.S. I freeze in guitar shops, I think it's sorta normal 😅 PPS - finally got around to weighing mine - 9.7 pounds!
Hey Morton, since recording this I read that the multi piece body perhaps helps prevent shrinkage and one of their reasons for doing it... less wood movement maybe? Could be true I guess? 🤔
I'm very happy for you. And your giddiness over acquiring this beauty is clearly evident from start to finish. I doubt you'll ever sell this one. I know I wouldn't. You got an excellent deal. Enjoy your vacation!
The capacitors dry out over the years.. and on some guitars give them a mellow tasty sound..... 50 yr old guitar..... congratulations brother
Really glad to see you exited and happy with your purchase Colin. We live once and small things like these make us grin a little bit. Lovely guitar sns sounds fantastic.
She's a beautiful beast Colin, love it! I get that "Guitar Shop fright" every time I go into a guitar shop but unlick you who can play well, I am rubbish. Another cracking film mate, wishing you all the best.
Good job getting back in the store right away! I think you did right by yourself doing that and I will try to emulate your dedication on my next venture to the shops. Thanks for another week.
Hey Colin. I absolutely love your channel!! I feel the honesty and humility. I get the impression you wouldn’t know how to lie to save your life. I commented about your anxiety with your issues about the walk in- brick and mortar stores you deal with. People should remember your cameras, the lighting, the audio you do by yourself and the things that go with it. I wish I could listen to you more. Go get ‘um’ Colin!!! BTW, I just bought a Gretsch G2655 center block JR. I would be interested to hear about your feelings on the Bigsby. Cheers!!!
I'm so happy for you to find the one...
I really like your show and I like that you are hounest!
It is sooo cool that you found your guitar!
I expected it to be a SG, but No, you got back to the Les Paul...
Who had imagened that!
At the start of the video I thought, get the correct witch hat knobs and black pickup surounds. By the half way mark I was thinking, sod that keep just how it is. That guitar just oozes MOJO. Great buy Col. I'm chuffed for you 👍🏻
I can so relate to your guitar shop phobia. If I’m interested in a guitar I always ask the salesperson to play it for me rather than get all nervous about my playing. I will then just play a couple scales on it just to get a feel of the action, neck, fret ends etc. and then decide. My local shop is really good about me bringing a guitar back after a few days if it doesn’t suit me.
Yes! That LP Custom was built the year I graduated high school! Very cool…
Beautiful les Paul, it looks rad. Remember theres a second layer of maple between the maple cap and the first mahogany slab.
Congratulations my man
I’m glad you found a guitar you like, but I’m even happier you went back and overcame the discomfort that so many of us share. Well done, sir!
The look on your face Col. Priceless. The look of joy. I want to experience that when I finally purchase a Les Paul 👌👋
Thanks
Cheers Michael that's appreciated! 😁🙏
Fkin hell, that is a beauty of a guitar. My absolute favourite style of a les paul, the black with that aged white binding is just killer!
It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a video of yours Colin man, but I’m glad I opened up the ‘Tube this morning. Every single video you’ve made about Les Paul’s has made me want to get one. I love the swagger and attitude you have in your playing. It’s like you lot from across the pond have it in spades. If your band ever gets back together or you join another, I’d love to see some live footage uploaded. Cheers 🤘
Cheers man good to see you again! 😁👍
We had unfinished business - you finished in style !! Well done Col. P.S. 1972 , I saw Hawkwind and Man at Finsbury Park Rainbow on my 15th Birthday !!😝😝
Cool gig!!
Want To Buy - a bag of spanners :)
Lovely guitar, and may it provide years of joy to The Third Earl Of Romford. Congratulations!
Great to see you so happy about an old guitar Colin, its my favourite thing to do, its like rescuing and giving a guitar a loving home.....😊👍🎸🍻
Totally agree with you Colin. I’m 72 I’ve been playing seriously since I was 18! I also feel pressurised in a guitar shop. I can’t remember my favourite licks etc and I feel everyone’s watching and listening. One thing I do - if I’m serious about buying a guitar I play whatever songs, riffs I want. You did the right thing. Well done! But will you sell any guitars to make up for your 5 grand???? 😊👍🎸
I'm glad that finally you've got it correct Colin and acquired an ebony Custom 😉.
I've never really been a standard man. Whenever I walk into a store there's loads of standards but I'm drawn inexorately to the one custom.
Now all you need is to fall in love with a three tone r/w 62 Strat and you'll be there 😂😂😂
The day hell freezes over....🤣👍
Congratulations!!! 🎉 Isn’t it interesting how we all develop educated impressions & opinions about stuff & things, then run across something completely contrary that just opens us up fully in unanticipated ways. ❤ I would be very tempted to paint that instrument to look like Keith Richards custom
This is easily my favorite guitar channel is all of youtube
Sir, your Chanel its one of the BEST. Who love guitars, loves this Chanel. I need to say my favorite guitars among others are Gibson les paul customs from 57, 68 to 72, 73. And that guitar is lovely. She have your voice. I think She was made for you Sir.
Love watching kids (any age) excited with life and what it brings, congrats~she’s a beauty…….
It's my wish list favorite as well! Great find my friend.
Best guitar related RUclips channel in my opinion. You’re the best Colin, cheers mate!! ✌️
Congratulations Colin! I can tell that you're pretty tickled to have that! I find Les Pauls difficult to negotiate up around the heel/cutaway area. but I do love them!
Glad you went back. Cool guitar and sounds great. Looking forward to the Les Paul comparison.
That was a good chuckle revealing a Tuner in the guitar case ! and... Yes... Very nice guitar and I like how it looks "as is"... knobs and all... It DOES have it's own "Tone" characteristics and therefore justifies itself... (possibly the age, weight and neck of the guitar ?) ... Enjoy your week 'off'... Well done Colin ! 🤠...
You're excitement in this video is obvious and awesome! The guitar found a cool owner.
Collin, love your video and your honesty. You're a good guy. Keep on rocking. Don't feel awkward about anything man. Don't feel self conscious. Just rock on. Murf from Michigan,.
I think it's a beautiful guitar, with great history. Hell it's four years older than me, great video as always, can't wait for the Les Paul shoot out.
Well done Colin on the great find. Big time envious
That guitar has mojo and suits you. I wouldn't have been able to walk away either. It sounded amazing unplugged. The color, the look, with all the character of a guitar that was played, amazing!
It is fun to see an happy enthusiastic Colin. Great buy. Music comes from the hart. Happy feeling comes also from the hart. Go for it every time.
I think it's a very common phobia. I sound like an absolute beginner in a guitar store. I always tell myself to bring a tuner and picks, sometimes I do. most times I forget. What a beautiful custom! Congratulations! If I forgot a tuner, I would never remember that I have one on my damned phone. It's nice to know most of us are the exact same way.
Gorgeous guitar 🖤!! Congratulations on the purchase, this should become the reference sound for all future LP tests on the channel. PS: I suffer from (severe) guitar shop phobia too 😓
" It was..It was pretty easy to justify this..." 😄 It always is mate. It ALWAYS is. Great buy Colin !
You did well. She's beautiful. I wouldn't change a thing, and the sound - and the playing - are top notch.
Nice One Colin,I watch all of your guitar videos and enjoy them all, mate! Keep up the good work, Colette ! Kindest regards, 🎉Mick.🎸👏🇬🇧🙏
I like the new Gibson Custom, especially from it's year. "I've got a 1972 Les Paul Custom." Very cool 😎 Colin. My GAS took me to a Squire Esquire, in purple with humbucker, this week. It's like one a month lately! Hahaha! I've stopped telling my friends about my guitars...Haha! I 💕 GAS!!! Have a great week! As always, Thanks Colin! PS, The Esquire played right out of the box, no snag fret ends, no setup, yet. Thanks Again!
Quite alright Col. Happens to me all the time as well. It's hard enough to concentrate on the guitar to see if it's a good fit and you actually want to buy it, I can only imagine the pressure of being not only the talent, but the producer, director and camera man as well. Brilliant videos, then as well as this one. Cheers mate!
I was digging on that guitar shop jam so much I forgot this was about the guitar and all. 😂
It's beautiful, congratulations on finding your Grail Sir!
Holy grails sometimes take a lifetime to find. Mine came to me a year ago in the form of a 2001 '68 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Authentic". I've had many Les Pauls over the years, but none were absolute keepers. My Grail is definitely a keeper. It sounds fabulous, and plays effortlessly, but most important, it plays in tune up and down the neck! That's saying something for a guitar with such a short scale length.
The one sad thing is that it took until I am seventy years old to find it. I wish I would have had it when I played in a band. Better late than never, though.
Congratulations Colin. Great acquisition. I look forward to the Les Paul comparison vid. Cheers from Oz.
Hallo Colin...then you come where l want🤣...my famous 1992 Les Paul Standard l re-bought two years ago is a proper 10 pounder "boat anchor" Les Paul...l think the Les Paul must be heavy❤...if one likes better light weight guitars there's the SG... that's why you' re happy with your SGs🤣🤣🤣(your Holy Grail SG being a proper Les Paul👍👍👍)...a 4.5/5 kg LP gives you a sense of safety and solid base where to play🤣👍as Always cheers from Italy my dear friend🥂🍾👍
Nice one, Colin. Glad to see that you went back and bought the guitar. It sounds great.
I’m the same way going into guitar shops. No matter how good you think you’re playing is, you go in there and you’re like OK as soon as I crank this up all eyes are on me. Lol. I love heavy Les Paul always have. And even if you don’t like them heavy if you get a chance to get a 72 less Paul custom deep down you want them heavy I love that that’s just over 10 pounds! Great buy Collin!! and I know you’ve said you’re not even a real fan of Les Paul’s.But when you get a chance to get a 68, a 72 Les Paul Custom,you want it! And you want it a 10 pound pancake baby!💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯⚡️🔥🎸
I’ve been playing for 53 years now but I get the same feelings when I’m in a guitar shop. Always seems to be at least one or more youngsters playing loud and trying to show how good they are. So I usually just go off by myself and play unplugged to see how it feels in my hands and if there’s some connection between it and me. Maybe that’s just the introvert in us. Funny that I can play in a band and never feel self conscious. I’m sure there are many others that feel the same way. By the way… what a sweet guitar that Les Paul is! Great find… congratulations!
I’m so pleased for you. A guitar well worth overcoming your guitar shop phobia for. It looks incredible, perfect for some Neil Young style jams. It’s gone to its rightful owner.
Congratulation Colin!
Deja vu! I never liked black Les Pauls! LP Customs are way too heavy!
Guess what? Last year I stumbled over a 1995 Black Beauty at Bigfoot Guitars here in Germany - I had some time because one of my other Les Paul´s was in the Plek machine.
The guitar was lying there on a leather sofa and it looks so fantastic with the worn gold hardware and the nearly yellow binding - so I took it in my hands and this Black Beauty spoke to me from the first moment and first tone! Yes - this Lady is black and HEAVY (but well balanced!) but the Classic 57 - pickups produces an amazing special sound and the neck feels really great!
Price tag was in the range of yours - ok "only nearly 30 years old" not 50 like yours! The deal was made - my two Maybach´s 59 and a "little bit of money" were wandering into the shop and the Black Beauty home with me! I really love this guitar - those Black Customs have soul!
It was another episode of "never talk bad about a guitar before you feel, play and hear it!" Is it right for you than it is YOUR "Holy Grail"!
Have a lot of fun with this beautiful lady - this guitar seems to be very inspiring for you!
Greeting from Germany!
👋😎🎸
Cheers man! 😆👍
The fade from overcoming anxiety in the shop and playing well, into the at home loud playing after having bought it, was genuinely fantastic filmmaking. It really evolved beyond just a review video into something special. Haven't seen a guitar video this good since David Hilowitz's Squier Mustang one.
Cheers man that's really appreciated! ☺️🙏
Well done Colin for going back to scratch that itch .👍
Happy for you, Colin! Crazy to think sometimes people are just on a similar journey. I remember seeing one of your videos on the epiphone custom and remember commenting about getting one and then going up to a Japanese Tokai. Well, I bought a Gibson LP custom this past week. I was fretting bout the weight being around 10 lbs and even returned an 8.2lb 60s standard that was fantastic because the Custom has been the dream. Guess I'll find out if the one I purchased will live up to the hype. Still waiting on mine to arrive, but excited to find out!
Nice one! 😁👍
Loved last weeks cinema verite. I have the same problem in guitar shops. No problem playing with friends. Good for you on your purchase of a lovely Gibson. May you enjoy many years playing it,!
Love you brother, you make great videos, keep up your good work! We all get frozen, especially doing things the first time. Most people don't realize that RUclips videos are 1 take usually, 2 or 3 if you are a perfectionist. Everyone knows you can play. There is a reason why professional musicians practice until they can do it in their sleep or with their eyes closed, it takes that much work to just look like a normal performance
Cheers man that’s appreciated 🙏 all my videos are 1st take and improvised… I don’t make it easy for myself! 😆🤷♂️
I'm glad you made this video and am really happy you got the guitar in the end, but yes, I'm someone who thought your title for the previous video was very unfair on the shop so it's good to clarify these things.
Oh, if you want to know about embarrassment, I'm someone who messed around in a school band in the 80s, never had lessons, but in my 50s wanted to get back into playing. I was able to get something pretty decent (I ended up with an Epiphone Sheraton) but still play E, G and D in shops, especially as my bar chords are still pretty sketchy and never sound clean. So yeah, all very embarrassing :)