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Thanks both Skydog and Pegleg. - thankyou both for the kind words and for taking time to read the blog - I can't believe it's taken so long for me to write the end of my story with the band. I think there is a time for everything and for me the time for playing with the band is done with, but I shall enjoy my guitars without the pressure of having to learn new songs, guitar parts etc. Sure, there are things that I would like to have done, songs I never got to play. But personally for me, I feel that better things are ahead.

He bought it off ebay...amazing.

Neil Young "Bernard Shakey" is 78 years old and he still fits in his rock and roll shoes.

I realised I was running the band and playing in it to please three other people - the other guitar player, bass player and drummer, and not enjoying it myself. Last night I would have been out at a gig. Instead, I have had a wonderful Saturday with my wife.

Thanks for your comments John, I won't play for free any more, however, we did play for nothing at a club that recently had a fund raising event for prostate cancer research, maany people had given a lot of their time and effort to raise £7000. No one gets drunk in our band, two of us do not drink as were are both of the same faith and the other two are very moderate in their consumtion. Thanks for the kind words about the solo, I perhaps expect too much of myself, and also some of my friends are players that are way above my level and I tend to judge myself against their standards. T=some of these are guys who could walk into a studio and play sessions at a moments notice. But on the whole I really try to give the best performance I can. God bless, Mark.

Peter Green - Hull's hardest working musician! New years eve seems a long time ago now Pete!

Ha! Gotta watch those full wallets. Glad you had a fun gig - sad to see a long standing venue close.

I laughed at the punch line. Sucked me in on that one! Glad you had a good time. It is amusing to hear my sons and their friends talk about songs that have been re-released as covers as if they're the original. I can't imagine playing in a band with that sort of disconnect.

Thanks for sharing, OP. Like many others that your post will resonate with, I too have found downsizing liberating in many ways and "rightsizing" as a (attainable) goal, empowering. A reoccurring theme in life, if you will. One of my fav movies, "Into The Wild" and one song in particular from its soundtrack, Society, are poignent commentary IMHO. Even though they are merely a movie and a song; little more than forms of entertainment. Enjoy the time with your youngster before she leaves the nest

I like 10's on my electrics (except my two banjocasters which use 9's) , 12's on acoustics, 12 or 13's on resos (if it will work without the cone rattling I use 12's). I play so much that anything heavier hurts my hands.

If nothing else, it's a cheap experiment to go buy several gauges of the same string and see if you can hear a difference. I'd say it'd be best to record the demos and be able to some how blind shuffle them (and have us vote!) on which one sounds the best. Although, I'm thinking the tiny difference may be tough to discern with a recording. I will say in regards to SRV (and Jimi's) sound that drop tuning makes a bigger difference in sound than changing the gauge of strings, imho.

Less is more, to quote a cliche, and in this case it's working for you. It's always interesting to read your inner meditations. As for myself, I live in 2 rooms, each 12' X 15'. In a space that small, you don't keep anything you don't use. I've been getting rid of books and putting them on kindle. I am replacing CDs with MP3s. I have 5 guitars and that's almost too many. Mostly, if I don't use it, I lose it. In this space, it's a necessity. For about a year and a half, I've been working from home, so, since that started, I save 3 hrs a day in commuting time. Like you, I have a lot of time on my hands, in which I could be doing very productive things, instead I've been watching tv. My challenge now is to decrease tv watching and read/walk/play guitar more. It's a challenge to sit with so much space in time, watching yourself procrastinate and find excuses to not do what needs to be done. Life needs purpose, and we're the ones who have to come up with that.

I am sorry you are so unhappy with the guitar.. I would try to get some satisfaction from your dealer first.. If that is they way you want to go.. But if you really love they it sounds and plays, I would just enjoy it, and accept the fact that it is a hand made guitar!! Just my opinion, and I hope you can work it out!!

This is an awesome post. I really admire your effort, and you inspired my downsizing. My wife thanks you, I thank you. I feel happier with less. I read a good quote: "When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes - I already have everything that I really need.'" -Dalai Lama

The dots are a bit off, but for me I would have never noticed such a thing. Also keep in mind that these are hand made guitars, and human hands are never going to be "perfect". I realize too that everyone's standards may be different. I'd say if it bothers you enough, contact your dealer or try the gang in K-Zoo. Best of luck with your issue.

I totally agree, but the only thing I see "wrong" in that photo is the dot is a bit off-center. To me, that is insignificant, and wouldn't bother me at all.

That is an excellent picture; I would like to have that skill. If you feel that strongly then you should contact your dealer. I see 1/32" variance on a couple dots. Looks like your guitar was made by hand and not mass produced. I have to budget and go without other luxury to afford a Heritage. But, I buy them to play so, I'm not sure I would've noticed as long as the tone & feel was there. If one of my friends would denigrate any of my favorite guitars, then I would seduce his wife and reject her as inadequate.

Very cool! Not all of us have the opportunity to play with a legend and childhood hero. Congratulations and thanks for the blog.

Nice write up, Josh. Good goals! Looking forward to reading on your progress.

FWIW, I was worried about your absense as well. Didn't want to intrude. I've had some of your thoughts as well, I agree that forums in general (guitar, amp etc) can be habit forming and it is easier to visit them than put in the work on our instruments. Sounds like you have a good plan. Don't be a total stranger either.

Ah, so THAT's where you've been, Josh! Good read on this blog entry, thanks for writing it up. Interested to see how it unfolds as those are good goals. Fully can relate to them and to the time conflicts in getting there. Not sure if it fits in your project plan, but (imho) taking lessons with a good teacher is time and money very well spent. They can really accelerate the learning process, helping to set a practice routine and lessons that best moves you where you want to be. Good luck on your journey! Keep those tubes and guitar warm!

Well doggone it Blues, bless your heart. I need to do the same thing man. Its hard to kick the habit but you did, so maybe I will too. I will lay off for a few days then get right back on it. Yeah, you were leading the way for a while, so maybe when you return it will just be much more tempered. I can learn from this. Good luck in your foray, I have the same goals. I need to focus more though. Good luck it will pay off. Cant wait to hear those new songs next year!

Nice blog Pete, good to read about stuff I can relate to here in England. As you know, Maggie Ronson, Mick's sister was a friend of mine, I also knew Mick's brother and their mum, Minnie Ronson. When I was at the Ronson's house in East Hull, I saw a framed picture of Mick his mum had on the sideboard of him playing the telecaster.

wow ~ hadn't heard that. a buddy told me ray manzerak died yesterday too. too bad.