I don't understand some people

[horns666]

Hey Mike, your Nero's neighbor across the street..667..NICE!!

I pretty much agree with every said so far and have nothing of value to add..other than to hell with lending him your stuff all the time..not if you treasure it..

Dave..go with him to GC..and make him buy lunch. Ask his advice if you should go with Chinese or perhaps Mexican..

Bill Z

[lerxstcat]

If dude has been playing that long and still doesn't know what he wants in an amp, he needs a POD XT Live. He doesn't sound like the type to quibble over "tubes vs computer chips" - he's looking for something that makes noise, and the XTL will make all the noise he should ever want.

That and a Variax and he'll never again ask what guitar or amp he should buy. If he does, just tell him to start turning knobs and mashing buttons on those two - whatever he's looking for is in there somewhere.

Yeah, but he may be incapable of decidingt and have to have St. James tweak it for him! Sounds like he doesn't trust his own ear as much as he does St. James' ear.

If he digs your amp, make him buy it, or take it away from him! Tell him you don't appreciate him taking advantage of you but not trusting you to sell him a good used amp. Might also want to tell him that tube amps DO go through tubes so he doesn't come crying to you the first time a tube goes bad.

If he really wants you to pick out all his gear, tell him your knowledge is valuable, and charge him! Tell him it's $20/hr. at the music stores, plus lunch and a couple beers. You can let him talk you down if you want, like maybe a dozen sets of your fave strings, but don't budge on the lunch or beers! Just take the gear home before you go to lunch, you don't want that sitting in the car!

[underrealm]

It's possible that your friend could just value your expertise. I know I have to ask a lot of similar questions to those I know who might have a good answer.

[MikeStrat]

Hey Mike, your Nero's neighbor across the street..667..NICE!!
Bill Z

Bill you missed it! Shawn L was right. I had 666 for about a minute. Oh well, it was evil while it lasted.

[Chad]

Good points. I will say that when buying something like an acoustic guitar, it is GREAT to have a friend offer helpful advice/opinions as they can hear what the guitar sounds like out front not just from the playing position.

Also, I love everything about gear, but to non-gearheads I can see how the saturated market is overwhelming. A few suggestions can help at least give them a starting point and get them going in the right direction.