I’m not throwing down a gauntlet or being sarcastic, but - if you were honest with yourself, are you really into guitars (and associated gear) or is the genuine pleasure from playing?
’Both’ would be obvious answer, of course.
I marvel at some of the kit and instruments for sale put up on this forum. All my guitars are inexpensive mid range. My amp didn’t cost much. My pedal ‘board’ is probably worth about £200. This is what I have. This is what I use. I’ll happily play any guitar as long as it’s playable and stays in tune. Never bothered about neck profiles or pick-up output. I’ll happily fiddle with an amp until I get the sounds I want.
I do have a ‘collectors mentality’ - but for me it’s for books, films and music. (Which is cheaper than musical instruments, of course).
Be interested to read your comments and thoughts.
Comments
I also have a collectors's mentality, be it CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, books, guitar magazines... everything has to be complete. Unlike what you've said, I do have some quite expensive guitars and I am very into neck profiles, weight, playability, parts and components... I don't think of my guitars as a collection but I do have a lot of them. They just growed.
Playing? I've never gigged, hardly ever played with anyone else. I would love to be a great player - or, more importantly, good enough to actually enjoy it - but it doesn't come naturally to me. And I've never worked hard enough at it. I don't dislike playing guitar, but it's a source of frustration more than pleasure.
Being that I work from home, alone in a dedicated office building it also gave me some down time from drawing (architecture) which I find invaluable, especially as I can't chat to a colleague.
Playing v collecting.... everything I buy is to improve my sound but I must admit that I love buying and selling pedals. Fortunately I can afford to buy a couple each month these days.
Playing isn't the be all and end all, but I really enjoy learning, especially theory. Having said that of all the guys I know who started late (after 40) I'm the most dedicated and have progressed the most.
My most expensive instrument is a classical guitar , which I play only to myself ( and sometimes the cat ) . I actually find this more satisfying that playing bass in a Pub band to a dis-interested boozed up crowd .
Some people spend a fortune on a picture to hang on the wall , others on 4 wheels and a souped up engine , I'm happy to spend my money appreciating and supporting the art of the Luthier .
They're all good though.
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I’m not a schooled player - but I’ve always taken it very seriously. When I played at tFB Huddersfield jam recently, I was dreading hearing the recording as I didn’t think I played well on the day. Why that should matter was purely a matter of personal pride - it’s not like I have a reputation which exists outside of me - I might need some therapy....
I've had my years of gear-sluttery but I haven't bought a new guitar in a few years.
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