Sorry I’ve not been bloggin’ much lately, been a bit preoccupied with popping the question to my missus. Did the deed yesterday, Nicky said yes! Rather than get a diamond ring, which to be honest I think is probably the least interesting thing you can spend a lot of money on, I got her a guitar instead!
Neither of us play guitar, so at first sight it seems quite a random choice.. But her maiden name is Gibson, same as the legendary guitar makers, so I thought I’d get her something to remind her of that when she becomes Mrs Cookie.
I wanted to get her a vintage Gibson (this sort of thing just gets better with age), preferably a 1977 model to match her birth year (and mine). After a lengthy bit of research I decided on the Les Paul Artisan model, it’s basically a Les Paul Custom with hearts & flower inlays on the headstock and fingerboard. Beautiful looking thing, thought Nicky would appreciate all the detailing, they didn’t come in many colours, but this walnut finish was my favourite.
The fact that it had quite a short production run (1976-1982) didn’t help any, I couldn’t find a single one for sale in the UK. Only the states seemed to have any Artisan’s that people were prepared to part with, some way too pricey, some played to shit, but when this one popped up it seemed a good price and in good nick, so I rather nervously wired my money across the pond and hoped for the best. Well Neals Guitars did us proud and it arrived safe and sound.
I think I made the right call, Nicky loves it and has no plans to trade it in for a diamond! More pics on my Flickr »
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 5:28 pm :
Woo! Congrats, guys…nice guitar, BTW. So much better than a boring old ring (and I say that as a lady-person).
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 7:49 pm :
That’s absolutely amazing, and a beautiful guitar. It’s a pity you can’t play it though, I bet it sounds fantastic.
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 7:49 pm :
Oh, and congratulations!!
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 8:42 pm :
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 8:59 pm :
Congrats to the both of you! If you change your mind about the guitar, I’ll happily swap my wife’s engagement ring for the Gibson! Have a rockin’ engagement!
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 9:14 pm :
congratulations ! It’s awesome and a good well thinking present !!! your lady is lucky !!! I hope for you both all the good things( sorry for my english)
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 9:55 pm :
Nice work son.
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 11:03 pm :
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Wendell Evens. Wendell Evens said: ‘77 Gibson for a ‘77 Gibson!: S orry I’ve not been bloggin’ much lately, been a bit preoccupied with popping th.. http://bit.ly/1aDa9o [...]
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 11:03 pm :
The guitar is absolutely amazing. Best present ever.
( You’ll have to excuse my red nose in the pictures ).
I cand breed froo by doze ad de momend!
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 11:37 pm :
a ’77 gibson les paul, tobacco sunburst with triple humbuckers? This is the guitar you could out-play John Lee Hoooker on? Seriously guys, this is like getting a fucking Lear Jet or a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost…it’s a part of history. And now it’s YOUR history. Love you. x
Said, on October 1st, 2009 at 11:51 pm :
[...] Cookie has picture of the big moment – with me looking a bit red nosed with cold, a bit shocked and … And also a bit more background on the awesome guitar! [...]
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 2:11 am :
Hey, I have enjoyed the blog after finding you due to a mutual interest in long distance hiking a few months ago.
Congratulations! The guitar is outstanding!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 am :
CONGRATS GUYS !!!!!!!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 8:35 am :
The coolest engagement gift ever. Felicitations, folks!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 8:44 am :
Congratulations to you both … and way to do it in style!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:04 am :
Once again big congratulations to you both. Cookie you done good old boy!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:13 am :
Incredible!
Awesome, amazing, super.
What a superb way to do it. You guys are great. Massive huge rocking congratulations.
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 am :
Congratulations!!! awesome xxx
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am :
Can only echo what’s been said here – wow! An imaginative and seriously awesome gift. Congrats to you both.
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am :
OMG it’s the most perfect engagement idea for you both. Congratulations, what a beautiful story.
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 am :
I have to say it is AWESOME!!! Can’t expect anything conventional from this couple…
Congrats to both of you!!!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am :
Brilliant idea! Congratulations to you both! :)
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm :
Congrats! :) And excelent choice for an engagement present!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm :
Congrats:)
I read your CDT Thru Hike journal and downloaded the 2 hour movie. I’ve got a PCT hike on the planner for next year. You guys have convinced me that the weight and bother of carrying a high quality Camcorder is worth it. The movie was great! Thanks for your efforts and congratulations again!
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm :
What an awesome story of romantic loveliness – congratulations to both of you – and looking forward to the duet at the wedding ;-)
Said, on October 2nd, 2009 at 9:59 pm :
[...] More: Made in England '77 Gibson for a '77 Gibson! [...]
Said, on October 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm :
congratulations! very nice news and what a gift! fabbo
Said, on October 3rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm :
Congratulations Cookie and Nicky, that’s a seriously brilliant way to propose!
Said, on October 3rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm :
Congratulations! An inspired gift. You two are made for each other, it’s great to see two people so happy together. Well played. Gibbo – you’re gonna have to learn to play now!
Said, on October 4th, 2009 at 4:08 pm :
Massive congrats old chaps from the Badger tribe, are you both learning the axe skills?
I hear some kind of mental metal hackney sock monster duo taking shape…
I hear you have the Marshall stack already!
Said, on October 5th, 2009 at 2:56 pm :
Congratulations mate. What an amazing present too! I think you’ve outdone the milk tray advert guy and he was mental smooth.
Said, on October 6th, 2009 at 10:35 pm :
Congrats to the both of you :) I’d take a Gibson over a ring any day! Then again, I am a gentleman.
Said, on October 9th, 2009 at 4:54 pm :
CONGRATS! :)
Said, on October 11th, 2009 at 10:59 pm :
[...] image via guitararchelogy.com The awesome designer and writer of the blog MADE IN ENGLAND, just got engaged to his amazing girlfriend and blogger of MONSTER MUNCH. But instead of giving her a diamond ring, HE GAVE HER AN ENGAGEMENT GUITAR: Now that really literally rocks! “Rather than get a diamond ring, which to be honest I think is probably the least interesting thing you can spend a lot of money on, I got her a guitar instead! Neither of us play guitar, so at first sight it seems quite a random choice.. But her maiden name is Gibson, same as the legendary guitar makers, so I thought I’d get her something to remind her of that when she becomes Mrs Cookie. I wanted to get her a vintage Gibson (this sort of thing just gets better with age), preferably a 1977 model to match her birth year (and mine). “ Congratulations guys: You rock! Read the whole story (including pictures!) here… [...]
Said, on October 12th, 2009 at 5:18 am :
Congratulations Cookie (and Nicky). always with the cool ideas. Can’t wait to see your 1. invites 2. rings. 3. outfits.
Said, on October 12th, 2009 at 4:11 pm :
A conflict-free guitar! Great idea. Congratulations!
Said, on October 21st, 2009 at 11:35 pm :
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Said, on June 26th, 2010 at 4:28 pm :
Congrats!