Beatup6String

How do you work through tendinitis or arthritis around the thumb on your fretting hand (note: this problem varies and sometimes not noticeable)? Are there any stretches' or routines you can do to help minimize the pain? Is a larger diameter neck better for helping with these types of issues? I'm not giving up the guitar.... What's the best way to strengthen your pinkly and ring finger?

Thanks GH! That make sense. Greg does a great job. I brought my acoustic last year and after he cleaned off the 'fried chicken grease' (his comment) it plays like a brand new guitar that's set up perfectly. I'm so looking forward to next week! Heading out tomorrow. Dale

I bought a Gibson SG '61 (2019) from a company that prides itself on customer service and thorough setups and inspections before they ship it to you. When received it I did all of the things you do to get it acclimated to my local temp (it was shipped from the Midwest and I live in Charlotte NC). In fact I waited a pain-staking 2 days before opening the case. As I've been playing it I notice that the neck seems to be more pliable that my other guitars,. Meaning if I put pressure on the neck while playing I can tell the strings are bending like a whammy bar would (no where as much as a normal vibrato system but enough for me to notice). I don't try to crush the neck or anything I just apply pressure like I would my other guitars. The neck is not loose or anything and I notice this if I play a little aggressive. Since the GS is so light weight, is this just a factor of the design or is there a problem that I need to address? Looking forward to GG 2019! Dale

Looking forward to it!

A question to the gang (its probably been asked many times!). This will be my first Guitar Gathering and I'm really looking forward to it. My question is what do you recommend as far as bringing an Acoustic vs an Electric? I have a small practice amp that really wouldn't be a problem lugging around. What is the 'norm' for these events? I'm guessing that most bring Acoustic... Thoughts? Dale

This will be my first Guitar Gathering also! I have to admit that I'm not really a beginner but then again I'm not really an intermediate. Not sure how I will fit in but I'm looking forward to the experience. Thanks Diane for the info, it helped me a lot! Dale