I hate the elitism that is so rife here and indeed, throughout the guitar-playing community. The presumption that everyone should start on a crap guitar, and not buy an expensive one until they are sufficiently 'seasoned', and the comments that get passed around because of this.
I just saw a 15 year old (or whatever his age is) get completely shot down and flamed for owning a guitar which most of us seem to envy him for, just because his evidently affluent father decided to treat him. I am of course referring to the recent case of AmazinAzian's thread.
Within the thread, there were legitimate comments about how he was 'stupid' for messing around with such an expensive guitar with his limited experience. Yes, he asked to be 'flamed', and I would agree that he was stupid for this.
However, it went too far, IMHO, when people such as Eggy started mocking AA for
owning the guitar, inferring that he was a spoiled brat. Maybe his dad does spoil him, but just because AA hasn't 'worked' for the guitar doesn't mean people should abuse and insult him for it. I felt rather disgusted that people would show such attitudes on such a wonderful and helpful forum. AA's dad has clearly worked very hard for his money, and is entitled to spend it as he wishes. Whether a guitar such as the BRMR is 'wasted' on a beginner is a matter of opinion, but either way, no grown adult should insult a teenager in such a way, and I have to say that what went on amounts to nothing less than bullying, clearly spurred on by jealousy, to whatever extent - conscious or subconscious.
There are many 18-and-unders here who own fantastic guitars that have clearly been funded by their parents, but I don't see those Las Vegas kids or Benjamin James getting flamed.
I don't really know. This has probably come out all wrong. This is NOT an attack on anyone, and I don't want to turn anyone against me, even though I probably will. But I'm pretty ashamed of some of you guys, being fellow Jemsiters, to see you adults bully a young man like that.
I am currently on course to enter a remarkably well paid profession, and I would hate to think that when I buy my kids presents for birthdays, Christmas, or even randomly, they will be bullied because certain people are of the opinion that they don't 'deserve' them.
And for the record, I am only 18 and own what I consider to be a fantastic
guitar collection. I paid every single penny myself out of part-time wages and my own savings. I am not 'sticking up for my own, just letting out a big sigh in a post. Lol.
