Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I had a dream
I awake early last week, aware that I had a dream.
I had been given a guitar, well-worn, well-loved, well-strummed. Not mine, but a gift to tend and care.
As you do, I began to tune it, tightening the strings. Satisfied with the results, I laid it aside and went to make a cup of tea.
Returning to play the newly tuned guitar, I was saddened to see that half the strings were broken. They had not survived the tightening.
Which left me pondering. Should I have tightened the strings more slowly? Might they then not have broken?
But then again, might it be better for the guitar to have new strings anyway? The sound will be cleaner, truer.
Although, then again, new strings are also tricky. They are known for their ability to easily slip out of tune and thus require constant ongoing care and attention.
“I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Genesis 41.15
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New strings settle in the more you play. Playing more often is the answer.
Comment by Chris — July 12, 2012 @ 12:25 am
If it was to be used for the purpose it was made then getting new strings is always part of it’s life….strings have to be changed regularly.
Comment by peter — July 12, 2012 @ 7:47 am
I agree with Peter. The great gift you have is the wood of the guitar. If the structure is sound then you have a great guitar. You can also boil the strings to get the acid and junk out of the strings but in the end it gives little more life to the strings. New strings give life to a dull and lifeless sound. It’s about bringing out what is already there. If you use the strings of the previous player it will never sound as good as it can, plus the fact you will play it differently with your own style. It’s a great gift, take care of the wood, but change the strings so the full sound can be heard.
Comment by Andrew K — July 12, 2012 @ 11:10 am
Really interesting comments folk. Thankyou,
steve
Comment by steve — July 15, 2012 @ 1:09 am