French Kicks

Guitar Blues

William from New York City writes:

Dear French Kicks,
Should I ebay my guitar--a 1985 Fender Stratocaster with EMG pickups--just because I
need a little extra money for the holidays and my Caribbean trip? I hate being poor and I 
haven't touched it in three years. On the other hand, I worry    that selling it is symbolic of 
my departed youth and/or status as a professional failure. I think there are a lot of suckers 
on ebay and I can get $800 for it. What do you think? Thanks,
Will You Help Me

	Josh: Dear Will, Just because you have to sell your Stratocaster doesn't mean that you are giving up on youthfulness or admitting professional defeat. There are far better ways to impress girls and feel like a young badass than with an 80's relic that probably wasn't even that hip when you bought it. Instead of a loss, consider it an upgrade, and then set your sights on some turntables a fancy computer and a really expensive cellphone. There could be no better place than the Carribean to launch the new you. Sell, baby!
	Lawrence: $800? Whatever dude.
	Matt:Dear Will, While a souped-up 80s Stratocaster is certainly a hott ax, I too think you would be better off selling it. Just think how much departed youth you could recapture with $800. I promise you'll feel young and successful when you impress the vacationing highschoolers by buying them beer.
	Nick(via Telephone): It seems to me that your youth, or anyway your inspiration, departed when you BOUGHT your 1985 stratocaster, a guitar that requires batteries to operate. You have nothing to lose by selling it now. Note please that it is the guitar itself which is the symbol of your departed youth and all the rest of it:it's sale will rid you of an unwanted reminder. Also, while your guitar will NOT appreciate in value if you keep it, its grave connotations WILL grow heavier with time. Even its sentimental value, in other words, will go down steadily. You have your peace of mind to gain by selling now.