How Bad Do You Want it?
My Granados guitar is spectacular. It was a lot of trouble getting it. It was expensive. The way I ordered it made Claudio, the sleaziest guitar pimp ever, very upset.
But I Wanted it Really Bad
I went to a little function in 2009 where Claudio pimps guitars by having students play them for each other and fantasize about how they are going to purchase one of each and tour Europe. More than one of these fine instruments graced my finger tips that day, but the Granados boomed like a canon with all the clarity of diamond and all the class of Rolls Royce.
The artist with whom I was studying at the time was informed that I was more than a bit fond of the instrument. She told me that Claudio would ask for $6700. So I began to consider the superiority of my current instrument and fall deeply in love with it and all its flaws. Then she suggested I contact the maker directly and pay $4500. Of course, thought I. How silly not to arrive at this basic solution.
But it Was a Bit More Complex Than That
These guitars are made by one luthier who lives in Paracho, Mexico, speaks Spanish and has quite a few players clamoring for his talents. First, I needed to find out how to contact him which I did through a Venezuelan guitarist-friend who had recently gone through Claudio to purchase his and possibly had an axe to grind. HEB, where I purchase my groceries, sold long distance calling cards so I picked up a few of those. All set.
It Was Going to Take a Bit More
I do not know much Spanish and Mr. Granados does not know know much English. And since I was spending so much I had some detailed specifications for him. A shorter fretboard and a thin-widthed neck were in order for my smallish hands. It had to be a cedar-top and not spruce. And I did not want the run of the mill tuners that makers use. I wanted very fine tuners that are guaranteed for life because they are that well-crafted. These had to be purchased from a manufacturer in the U.S. and mailed to Paracho to be mounted. I would have rather attempted brain surgery on myself than mount those tuners.
Thankfully, Tammy, my wife, retained a more significant portion of her high school Spanish lessons than I. It was just enough so that I did not end up with a 9-string, left-handed dulcimer that can only be used as wall decor. Email communication was sketchy too, but the online translators did the job, just well enough. I could have asked a Spanish-speaking friend to handle all this, but let’s face it: That would have been a pain in their ass.
Okay, the Check’s in the Mail
No, the check is not in the mail. The money would need to be magically wired from Houston to Mexico in two heart-stopping, vomit-inducing installments. There were account number exchanges. There were terrifying forms to be completed at the credit union. There was an issue with his bank. An issue with his bank!!! Cripe! Up to this point, I had myself on simmer. A series of circuitous calls and emails along with gnashing of teeth and the invention of several never before heard profanities made it all right.
Okay, Guitar’s in the Mail
No. Such quality takes time. A good composer/guitarist friend gave me excellent advice however. This is a very smart man who writes books about obscure contemporary composers after researching arcane musical documents in European libraries. He told me simply to never bother the maker. Eight months later, a well-traveled,triangular box arrived at our home mid-afternoon on a Wednesday. I had my guitar and it was perfect.
The arrival of the Granados at our home is one of the top five moments of my life right up there with savoring the irritation on Claudio’s reptilian mug. It was worth the trouble. Tammy seemed just as excited as I was and I will never forget that. In fact, it may have been the best part of the entire experience. When I want something that badly in the future, I will recall the Granandos and how happy we both were and just go for it.
11 comments about "How Bad Do You Want it?"
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We are Tammy and CJ, and we are tickled pink you chose to spend time with us. Frolic about
a bit, poke around, and get
your snicker on. Now, get over here, so we can pet you and
feed you nuts.
Love it! What a great tale and great piece of advice – never bother the maker. Going to remember that one.
Does it play well?
Grace Pamer recently posted..Marriage Proposal Video of the Week
Good morning Grace! And thanks for your comment. Yes, when someone is crafting something just for you, they cannot be rushed. I recently composed a piece for a good friend and he has learned this lesson well. He did not bother me and I finished the piece a month before its deadline.
And as for playing well. I bet your brother would love it for its gorgeous timbre. It’d hard to find a better sounding instrument, but judge for your self: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCWfFNOT0bk
thank you CJ for a delightful and much needed laugh out loud! (several of them, actually
) )
I’ve had a technologically harrowing day, on top of a hell-of-a-week, emotionally, and I was about to go have a good cry and let it all go, but I think a good laugh has done just as much good!
may your Granados be like a wonderful new baby, who is such a delight that all the months of pregnancy and hours of labor become “as nothing” in your memory, because of the joy of her presence!
Bright Blessings ~ Karen J
Karen J recently posted..Aaahhh! Fairyland…
My goodness! I went to teach lessons tonight and then come home to such lovely comments on the Hoombah! Ha!
You’re so welcome and I am so sorry about the very nasty technology. When I reread my posts, they must make me chuckle lest I cannot publish them. Except that one where I wish for death.
Thank you for the well wishes on my baby. Mr. Granados was in labor for many months, the poor man. For me, it is the sore shoulders due to hours of practice that become as nothing because of the sheer joy of her presence. Shall I name her?
Jess feels you could very easily convert this blog post into a screenplay. It is a fascinating story, very amusing.
I also love that Tammy was so supportive and connected with the whole journey, and was so excited about about its arrival.
I remember when Jess was buying her fancy pants camera. We went into a camera store to have a look at what was on offer, just to do our initial research. They had a sale, a very knowledgeable and non pushy sales person who answered all of our questions intelligently, but Jess almost walked away, as she did not want to be impulsive. After some convincing from me, and a few more questions answered, we walked out with a camera, which is an integral part of Jess’s life.
Mark Adam Douglass (@MADouglass) recently posted..Facebook Free February, Or Not
Thank you for this thoughtful comment, MAD! I wonder who would like to film this screenplay?
YESSSSSSSSSS! You were there when Jess needed that partner in crime, that grand inveigler, that one who knows her best. That is (and I avoid use of this overused word at all costs) AWESOME! Glad you convinced her because her work is breathtaking.
I came here from Be More With Less. So glad to find your blog! You two are hilarious and I love what I’ve read so far. Thanks for a fresh perspective!!
Hi AnneMarie! Thank you for your comment and for visiting the Hoombah. Always very excited to have new and, of course, experienced company.
You are welcome and I am happy that our words connect and amuse. Hope you’ll be back! -cj
Oh, and just went on your blog and noted your handsome family in all of those marvy photos!
What a great post and a well timed read for me! I just ordered a custom made trombone for myself from the company that sponsors me. Takes 12 weeks. That feeling of opening the package and meeting your new best friend….priceless! Put some sound clips up!
Tony@YouOnlyDoThisOnce recently posted..We Are All Experts
Good morning Tony! And what a fabulous site and bio you have! Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Congrats on the new horn. I truly hope you can get the pleasure I have from my guitar. It helps me make the beautiful sounds in my head come to life like many other instruments cannot.
Oh, and great idea! Sound clips. Of course.