My case of GAS has adopted an unusual and maybe a little crazy shape. For many years I’ve been craving a Gibson Les Paul; unfortunately even the most affordable models lay well above my budget, that’s why I settled for inexpensive clones (not bad at all!). But recently my savings have grown to a level when I could afford the real thing (I have a decent pension, I don’t live a ‘lavish lifestyle’, and the costs of living in Poland are relatively low). So, here it is, a Gibson Les Paul Studio in Tobacco Burst:
There is, however, a significant factor which accelerated my decision. What I’m about to write here is neither a complaint nor a request for help.
Two months ago I was diagnosed, beyond any doubts, with colon cancer. At its current stage it’s serious but by no means terminal. I’m undergoing a treatment consisting of combined radio- and chemotherapy. I will not avoid surgery, most likely. In terms of medical care I’m in good hands, and everything so far has been covered by my health insurance; nothing indicates anything will change, even if I’m to be hospitalized.
So, you see, my first thought about satisfying my GAS needs was ‘when, if not now’. The LP is here, it arrived yesterday, exactly one month before my 72 birthday, and I’m very, very happy.
Stay well, everybody
P.S. I replaced the factory strings with a set of my trusted Ernie Ball Slinkys 10-46, I’m not sure what strings they put on their guitars; most likely they were Gibson Brite Wires. Not bad, but they didn’t look fresh and, more importantly, the fretboard cried ‘oil me, oil me!’
Congratulations on your first Gibson Les Paul Tomasz!!! I am looking forward to hear you play that beautiful guitar!!! Your music is always so enjoyable and inspiring to me!!! I’m very happy you have such an awesome early birthday present!!!
On a more somber note, I’m really sorry to hear that you’re having serious health issues… as a cancer survivor, let me assure you that modern medicine is really amazing… it’s not a pleasant experience but it’s survivable nowadays.
I wish you all the best in the future Tomasz!
Reach out if you need to…
cancer really sucks. I had my own run-in with it (leukemia) 16yrs ago. I hope your treatment goes well and you can enjoy that guitar all the way through your treatment.
Leukemia treatment and guitar-playing did not go well together (I was forbidden by my doctor because of bleed risk) and it put a stop to my learning for quite some time.
Take care Tomasz, I hope all will go well with your treatment.
I look forward to listening you playing this beautiful guitar. Les Pauls are something else indeed, pure joy to play. Congratulations on your new guitar.
Dear Friends,
Your response, good vibes and wishes left me deeply moved. Since I reactivated my membership at JG, I’ve regarded this community as a friendly neighbourhood with which each and every one of us can share their ups and downs. I’ve mentioned several times that I’m not well, so I decided to tell you the whole truth. I can promise you this, I won’t yield that easily; whatever happens I’ll keep struggling for survival as intensely as my strength will permit. What will surely help me is hope, faith and the fact that I have something important and very satisfactory to do in life, and, of course, your support.
Thank you all, my friends.
That’s a beautiful guitar, Tomasz, and I wish you much happiness playing! Sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. Take things one day at a time, it sounds like you have a positive mindset and I hope all goes well for you. And, again, have fun playing!!!
Hi Michael,
Thanks so much for your good wishes. I can see that was your first post on JG. Perhaps you would like to introduce yourself in the relevant sub-forum; more people will then learn about your joining the community and they will be able to welcome you like many of us usually do.
Thanks again!
Yes, that was my first thought when I heard about the results of my medical examinations. No panic or despair, just that…
Thanks so much for your support, Craig.
and, more importantly, the fretboard cried ‘oil me, oil me!’ 
