Reflection of the times?

[guitarmike]

Rant time:

Over the past few months there have been a number of posts kinda sorta insinuating that collecting gear is not cool. The posts usually ask why so much equipment is needed, can't you get by with one guitar and one amp type of questions. I realize that to the newbie the amount of gear required to put together a killer rig can be overwhelming but newbies usually aren't asking the questions. It seems to me some folks are very envious of those with more $$$ to spend on gear.

I enjoy everyone here sharing their "toys.," Some of the stuff we see here I'll never see or be able to purchase but it is real cool to be able to see pictures and clips of it.

If it bothers you that some people are more well off than you, get a grip.

end of today's rant

 

[Jofipe]

It's not about money... Say you have been through 25+ amps already. It's about the satisfaction of being able to work good with what you have and not always just wanting this and that.
The limitations will create the working atmosphere and silence to actually play and listen to your playing.

By limitations I just mean that, finally when you have a good amp.. enjoy it to it's full potential instead of seing it's limitations.
That being said... im a total slut myself.

 

[rupe]

 

[duodecim]

[...]
If it bothers you that some people are more well off than you, get a grip.
[...]

I'm bothered by excessive collectors, although I'm not speaking up against it because everybody's free to do what they want without my consent or judgement.

I'm not at all envious of people who have more money. What bothers me is that resources on this planet are limited. Prime quality wood for instance. And I think those quality instruments should go to players, people who actually produce music for all of us music lovers, and not end up on a wall or in a vault. Meaningless hoarding and wasting resources, especially when you don't even use or enjoy those yourself but you just want to obsessively "own" stuff, is not a sustainable way of living and your selfishness is depriving others that would use those resources for much better purposes.

I'm sure that this will rub some the wrong way... So you have money to buy a SUV for every member of your family, 200 mahogany guitars, 5 huge flat-screen TVs and throw away more than half of the food you buy; you have the right to do so, but you are over-consuming resources, destroying a little part of the planet, and spitting in the face of half of the people on this planet that are hungry and just can't buy anything to eat. Most of all, know this: it won't last.

Beyond hedonism and the worship of self, actions have consequences and affect others, no matter how hard you proudly proclaim the right to do whatever it is you want to do.

Telling yourself that people dislike what you (as in extreme hoarders) do merely because they are envious that you have more money than them, is hiding your head in the sand and probably an attempt to wash some minor feelings of guilt away.

 

[Skrapmetal]

I like toys. I like new and shiney, or in same cases old and tarnished. Guitars, firearms, cars, whatever... sometimes I get in the mood to get something new. My gear is not a reflection of my level of talent as a musician. It's just one side of me.

There are those who, either by financial situation or just a personal minimalist choice, have decided that they do not need a lot of gear. And some (certainly not all, maybe not even "most") of those people on the internet feel the need to belittle others for the amount of gear they have, as if that somehow justifies the minimalist approach in their mind. Just like their are cork sniffers who look down their noses at anyone who hasn't spent $10k+ on their gear.

It's less a sign of the times and more the basic nature of the internet.

 

[Skrapmetal]

[...]
If it bothers you that some people are more well off than you, get a grip.
[...]

I'm bothered by excessive collectors, although I'm not speaking up against it because everybody's free to do what they want without my consent or judgement.

I'm not at all envious of people who have more money. What bothers me is that resources on this planet are limited. Prime quality wood for instance. And I think those quality instruments should go to players, people who actually produce music for all of us music lovers, and not end up on a wall or in a vault. Meaningless hoarding and wasting resources, especially when you don't even use or enjoy those yourself but you just want to obsessively "own" stuff, is not a sustainable way of living and your selfishness is depriving others that would use those resources for much better purposes.

I'm sure that this will rub some the wrong way... So you have money to buy a SUV for every member of your family, 200 mahogany guitars, 5 huge flat-screen TVs and throw away more than half of the food you buy; you have the right to do so, but you are over-consuming resources, destroying a little part of the planet, and spitting in the face of half of the people on this planet that are hungry and just can't buy anything to eat. Most of all, know this: it won't last.

Beyond hedonism and the worship of self, actions have consequences and affect others, no matter how hard you proudly proclaim the right to do whatever it is you want to do.

Telling yourself that people dislike what you (as in extreme hoarders) do merely because they are envious that you have more money than them, is hiding your head in the sand and probably an attempt to wash some minor feelings of guilt away.

Gear collectors are destroying the planet!

 

[Bob Savage]

 

[Jofipe]

We are all destroying this planet... some just more than others. Yes, looking at you china and usa! haha

 

[glip22]

I don't give a crap what anyone has or buys as long as they are not disrespecting me. Its their choice and their money and they can do what they want with it. A player is not more entitled than a collector. I like collectors. I just bought a basically brand new guitar for 800 less than new form a collector and its mint. Collect away.

 

[Jofipe]

One of most ancient of human behaviours
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/128/1/201.long

Now, wheres that second hand BE100?! haha

 

[Ventura]

One of most ancient of human behaviours
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/128/1/201.long

Now, wheres that second hand BE100?! haha

Excellent post. Agreeing on all fronts here

 

[gibson08]

[...]
If it bothers you that some people are more well off than you, get a grip.
[...]

I'm bothered by excessive collectors, although I'm not speaking up against it because everybody's free to do what they want without my consent or judgement.

I'm not at all envious of people who have more money. What bothers me is that resources on this planet are limited. Prime quality wood for instance. And I think those quality instruments should go to players, people who actually produce music for all of us music lovers, and not end up on a wall or in a vault. Meaningless hoarding and wasting resources, especially when you don't even use or enjoy those yourself but you just want to obsessively "own" stuff, is not a sustainable way of living and your selfishness is depriving others that would use those resources for much better purposes.

I'm sure that this will rub some the wrong way... So you have money to buy a SUV for every member of your family, 200 mahogany guitars, 5 huge flat-screen TVs and throw away more than half of the food you buy; you have the right to do so, but you are over-consuming resources, destroying a little part of the planet, and spitting in the face of half of the people on this planet that are hungry and just can't buy anything to eat. Most of all, know this: it won't last.

Beyond hedonism and the worship of self, actions have consequences and affect others, no matter how hard you proudly proclaim the right to do whatever it is you want to do.

Telling yourself that people dislike what you (as in extreme hoarders) do merely because they are envious that you have more money than them, is hiding your head in the sand and probably an attempt to wash some minor feelings of guilt away.

wow

 

[Spaceboy]

I hate consumerism and how some people are constantly NEEDING the latest equipment. But, people can spend their money however they see fit. I like looking at pictures and reading reviews of gear that is too expensive or impractical for me. That wouldn't be possible without the fanatics being out there buying things I can't afford I maintain two very simple rigs because I see them as tools, not a goal or object of worship. Other people enjoy collecting, and that's cool for them, I'm not going to post on a message board trying to make them feel bad about it. It does seem pointless to me at times, but I usually keep to myself because if someone's enjoying themselves, any negative thought they might creep up doesn't mean a thing or contribute to anything but animosity.

If nobody is being victimized, I really don't care what a person does with their property, their money, and anything else in their life.

 

[Bob Savage]

This thread is making me want new gear. Seriously...

 

[Aristocat]

[...]
If it bothers you that some people are more well off than you, get a grip.
[...]

I'm bothered by excessive collectors, although I'm not speaking up against it because everybody's free to do what they want without my consent or judgement.

I'm not at all envious of people who have more money. What bothers me is that resources on this planet are limited. Prime quality wood for instance. And I think those quality instruments should go to players, people who actually produce music for all of us music lovers, and not end up on a wall or in a vault. Meaningless hoarding and wasting resources, especially when you don't even use or enjoy those yourself but you just want to obsessively "own" stuff, is not a sustainable way of living and your selfishness is depriving others that would use those resources for much better purposes.

I'm sure that this will rub some the wrong way... So you have money to buy a SUV for every member of your family, 200 mahogany guitars, 5 huge flat-screen TVs and throw away more than half of the food you buy; you have the right to do so, but you are over-consuming resources, destroying a little part of the planet, and spitting in the face of half of the people on this planet that are hungry and just can't buy anything to eat. Most of all, know this: it won't last.

Beyond hedonism and the worship of self, actions have consequences and affect others, no matter how hard you proudly proclaim the right to do whatever it is you want to do.

Telling yourself that people dislike what you (as in extreme hoarders) do merely because they are envious that you have more money than them, is hiding your head in the sand and probably an attempt to wash some minor feelings of guilt away.

My thoughts exactly.

We would all love to have an army of guitars, amps and effects at our disposal without incurring any debt whatsoever but at the end of the day, I think some of us miss the mark on what is and isn't practical. I think of where I am at currently (Junior in College, soon to propose to my girlfriend, etc.) and realize that sometimes finding the right gear is better than seven or eight "wrong" pieces.

When I was a little younger than I am now, I dreamed of have a W/D/W rig and four amps heads and seven guitars and a bunch of other crap over the years that I could do without. Once I started working in music stores and repairing the same customers' gear over and over (because they owned too much) it became abundentily clear to me that the minimalist approach was much more within my grasp. Not to mention that even if I had the money down the line, I'd rather have one exceptional guitar that I could beat up than five closet queens.

I thought about this more after I sent my amp off to Dave F. He threw in a ton of mods and I realized that I would never need another dirty amp. At this time, I began to refinish my Les Paul (waiting for nitro to cure-ugh) and sold off some effects. I looked at my rig and realized that I was finally content: GAS cured. Would I love to have another guitar; sure, but at this point I have one amazing tricked out one. Would I love to finally lay my hands on an Atomica or Axe II; absolutely!

Other than practicing and composing, I'm more interested in reading as many books and playing with my dog as often as possible. At the end of the day, we will all have our toys and follow the elusive hunt for the "One". I don't bash people that have the funds for the gear nor am I envious of the guy who carries two-three 4x12's to the gig.

It's his back, not mine!

 

[glip22]

Whats there to be envious about. You would die if you saw their credit card balances Don't assume 70% of these people can afford what they are buying.

 

[Aristocat]

Whats there to be envious about. You would die if you saw their credit card balances Don't assume 70% of these people can afford what they are buying.

Haha. I would never be (nor am I currently). I also dread hearing this time old chestnut: My wife is gonna kill me when she finds out!

Bad mojo all around when those two are in play.

 

[glip22]

Whats there to be envious about. You would die if you saw their credit card balances Don't assume 70% of these people can afford what they are buying.

Haha. I would never be (nor am I currently). I also dread hearing this time old chestnut: My wife is gonna kill me when she finds out!

Bad mojo all around when those two are in play.

Some of those Wives didn't bother with the killing. They just left.

 

[guitarmike]

Whats there to be envious about. You would die if you saw their credit card balances Don't assume 70% of these people can afford what they are buying.

The 30% are the ones to watch.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

If I hoarded it would just be stolen anyway.