My guitar is my instrument, it is my crutch, it is my saving grace, and my worst enemy.
My guitar was given to me as a gift from my mother when I was in middle school, probably around eleven years old. It’s a Mitchell guitar and is part of their 120 series model. It has a vintage sunburst design with a glossy finish. This guitar probably cost a little over $200, which is on the less expensive side for guitars.
Here is a closeup of the headstock, where the instrument can be tuned. Right now, my guitar has Martin strings made out of silk and steel with a .12 gauge. I chose these strings because they are lighter, and have a more mellow sound than strings made out of phosphor bronze. I strung my guitar myself, which has made me feel closer to my instrument and the sound it produces. Tied around the neck of the guitar is a shoelace for me to attach my guitar strap to. Usually guitars have a peg closer to the base of the neck to attach a strap, mine unfortunately does not. A few Google searches later I learned that a shoelace could do the trick.
The guitar has one minor blemish on the left hand side, and I’m honestly not entirely sure how it got there. My guess is it’s from hitting it on a chair or some other hard surface.
I’ve had previous experience with eBay’s photography tips because I sold a guitar on eBay this past summer. How the photo looks will absolutely determine whether or not your product sells, which is why eBay reinforces the importance of taking quality photos. It’s also important to be transparent about the quality of the product as well as any defects or blemishes it may have.
I chose to photograph my guitar frankly because I think it’s beautiful, and it holds a deep sentimental value for me. I taught myself how to play it, and I can remember when it was such a challenge for me to play a simple song with minimal chords. Now I bring it with me when I perform, I use it to write songs, and I even teach other people how to play it. It’s my first guitar, and will always hold a special place in my heart.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
As a fellow guitar player, I completely understand and appreciate your attachment to your instrument. I think you described it beautifully–I like how you mentioned that you strung it yourself and how this made you feel closer to it. I can relate; every time I change my guitar’s strings I feel like it really is a part of me. My guitar also has a handful of mysterious scratches–I don’t really mind them, as I feel they give my instrument more character. I enjoyed your post–always love reading about the connection between a musician and their instruments!
I love your piece about your guitar. I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I understand your need to always remember your first instrument. It’s something that has been with you through adolescence and holds a special place in your heart. Your photos are also really well taken. I can see the details in the guitar and how clean it is. I can tell that you take care of it.
I really enjoyed reading your short description of your guitar Carly. I think you did an excellent job going into detail about the small details about your instrument. I never had the opportunity the learn the guitar but reading your piece after writing my post on my personal piano really caught my interest. Good job, keep up the good posts!