Post #12 – Guitars & Wine – One in the Same (By Emilio Fuentes)

For anyone who has stepped foot in a music store, the endless racks of guitars, may seem very similar to the set-up at your local wine store. Surprisingly wine and guitar seem have some similiar attributes when to comes to trying to figure out which one you want to take home.

In both places you have your more affordable products grouped together, usually near the front. For wines, you have your regions (Spain, France, Ontario, etc). For guitars, the country of origin can have a big impact on the final price tag and is therefore (like wine) a pretty important part of the deal. Much like wines, for guitars, different brands represent a certain appeal for a niche buyer. Even wood, plays a major role in the final product for both products. For vino, an aged oak barrel, is just as important to the taste of the wine, as is a mahogany wood body for the overall sustain of an electric guitar (just ask Slash). And finally, as you make your way to the back of the store, you’ll find your vintages. For guitars, your rare aged maple neck ’54 Stratocaster will be stored away in your collection only to be played on certain occasions, much like your vintage 1811 Grande Fine Champagne Reserve tucked away deep within your cellar doors for that special occasion and to show off to friends.

My love for wine and guitars, definitely go hand-in-hand. Nothing is more relaxing than sipping a tasty Merlot, while strumming some blues on my favorite Stratocaster.

Cheers!