Who here has several guitars and amps but is not in a band?

[59Bassman]

I've got way more gear than I need, and I'm not in a band.

I played out a ton in my 20's and early 30's, then got a job managing people. I quickly learned that if I stayed out until 2 or 3 AM and dragged myself into work at 6AM in these jobs, I couldn't be effective at managing. Do I miss it? Hell yes. However, as I was getting out I watched the anti-smoking laws and reduced allowable blood-alcohol levels (combined with intense enforcement) decimate the crowds that used to frequent live music venues. Not passing judgement, just stating what I saw.

I've tried to get out to local jam sessions when they line up with a day off the following day, but I've noticed that the opening act gets to play their full set, and by the time they're ready to call the first jammers up you're looking at close to 10PM - and if it's been a work day, I've been up since 3AM. Not normally in a performance mood at that point.

So yes, I'm a middle aged (bit over 40) former band player with a ton of fantastic gear and no outlet other than Madison Square Bonus Room. Maybe at some point the work will change and I'll be able to get out once in a while.

 

[charvelstrat81]

Very cool ! I tell people who ask me "aren't you too old to still play in a band?" I'm 48....and yes probably. But as long as you enjoy it, who cares? Never stop doing the things you enjoy....

you pretty much answered what i wanted to hear

 

[Heritage Softail]

I have been in a half dozen garage bands.

Over many years I have just kept the gear I bought... Now there is a bit collected over time.

The whole idea of being in a band for validation is gone. I have been lucky enough to play with some awesome guitarists over the years.

I like Dire Straits and play it fairly well. And funny as it is, it seems lots of great rock players like that but have not spent much time learning it. So music has always been a bit of sharing passions for the music and learning from and teaching friends. I love Randy Rhodes leads but just don't flow his vibe like others, so we're even

A backyard bbq, late night of sitting around jamming, and once in a while moving the cars out of the garage and setting up a drum kit...

It has always been about fun for me. Engineering degree paid for my gear. I have even given gear away.

Music never was about money. It was always about fun and expression. Great gear is just nice to have and fun to play. I think everyone knows you can't buy talent.

 

[tschrama]

I'll confess. Halve a dozen heads, power-amps, 4x12s, guitars, a dozen preamps and several book shells full of pedals.. all for Madison Square Hobbyroom

 

[LP Freak]

Wow, it looks like I'm the minority around here. I own quite a bit of equipment and gig regularly. But no I do not play everything daily. It's fun to rediscover equipment when you leave it to collect dust.

 

[charvelstrat81]

Wow, it looks like I'm the minority around here. I own quite a bit of equipment and gig regularly. But no I do not play everything daily. It's fun to rediscover equipment when you leave it to collect dust.

It is funny because when i was in a band that was gigging regularly and working on a demo
i only had two USA kramers(one for back up) and a marshall half stack.
I have more gear now than when i actually needed it or could use it to its fullest extent.
Thinkin of selling off a few guitars and at least one amp since i am not ever going to be in a band again
I know some just like collecting even if they dont use the gear and i understand that.

 

[rottingcorpse]

I played the ski circuit for two seasons in the early 80's playing popular bar music in a pro band. I was fresh outta high school, playing with guys in their 30's who had been doing it for a decade. Huge song list. They could listen to a new song twice, discuss it during the listen thru, and play it. Learned a lot during those two years.

Quit to come home and play thrash. Several CD's later, I quit to do a military stint in the 90's. Other than co-writing a CD in 2013, I pretty much just buy the amps I really want now, since I have the guitars I always wanted. Got all my gear by working for it, and living in my tractor trailer during the week. Some of the better stuff was trade-ups. If you keep a recto and 6505 around, many times people will trade top shelf stuff for one plus cash. Got my first pittbull that way.

 

[some dude]

Wow, it looks like I'm the minority around here. I own quite a bit of equipment and gig regularly. But no I do not play everything daily. It's fun to rediscover equipment when you leave it to collect dust.

It is funny because when i was in a band that was gigging regularly and working on a demo
i only had two USA kramers(one for back up) and a marshall half stack.
I have more gear now than when i actually needed it or could use it to its fullest extent.
Thinkin of selling off a few guitars and at least one amp since i am not ever going to be in a band again
I know some just like collecting even if they dont use the gear and i understand that.

I only had one guitar, amp, and a shitty distortion pedal until I discovered gear forums.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

is being in band a requirement? I have an ass load of gear and guess what? I don't play in a band but I actually do play all of it and not take just pictures and talk about it all of the time

 

[Pushead]

how many do not play in a band and how did you get the $$$ for such great gear?

I play in original bands, and have for the last 15 years or so. In that time, I've made enough to buy lunch off the dollar menu. But 4 albums of various sorts and gigs enough to keep me happy. It was more than I ever expected to get out of a music hobby. It's good enough justification for me, regardless if someone thinks I don't "deserve" such nice gear.

I work in video production, and get gear money from freelance work and the regular gig pays the bills and savings.

Do you use all of the gear you own on a daily basis?

Nope. I try over every Christmas holiday to clean, setup and restring every guitar. Some have sat on the wall or in the rack since the previous Christmas.

 

[charvelstrat81]

is being in band a requirement? I have an ass load of gear and guess what? I don't play in a band but I actually do play all of it and not take just pictures and talk about it all of the time

couldn't even get all of it in the pic i see
and is it a requirement to be in a band? Nope never said it was
I was just trying to see how many were not in a band and still had a massive amount of gear.
I should have asked how many are in fucking debt!

 

[Shawn Lutz]

is being in band a requirement? I have an ass load of gear and guess what? I don't play in a band but I actually do play all of it and not take just pictures and talk about it all of the time

couldn't even get all of it in the pic i see
and is it a requirement to be in a band? Nope never said it was
I was just trying to see how many were not in a band and still had a massive amount of gear.

When I did play in bands I had 2 electrics and acoustic, (4) 4x12's and between 2 and 4 2203/04 heads which may seem like a lot but I was a poor musician trying to make at the time. After a while I wasn't willing to put in the sacrifice of living at poverty levels in hopes I could make an adequate living off it. Chances are I'd still be poor today lol

 

[guitarobert]

how did you get the $$$ for such great gear?


By not being in a band

+1

 

[Gorehog]

I am NOT in a band currently. I am looking. My last band was a total disaster. 1 yr lost of my life i wont be able to replace.
So i dont look down on people not in bands.to each their own. Buy/play what you like. For your own enjoyment.i play for my enjoyment and to reach goals i set for myself.

Ive been lucky. I have a decent job. Allows me to keep up on bills and toys also. My kids are well taken care of. I buy for me, when i know i have Xtra cash.

In the last 7 yrs,ive worked on the road. So i havent used/played anywhere near as much as i like. Pretty much a weekend warrior. And part of the reason my last band didnt work.

Now i have a job that im hone every night. Now i play every day again. And its awesome to be able to do that.im 45 and in my 20s i had shit gear. Making up for it now.

 

[charvelstrat81]

I am NOT in a band currently. I am looking. My last band was a total disaster. 1 yr lost of my life i wont be able to replace.
So i dont look down on people not in bands.to each their own. Buy/play what you like. For your own enjoyment.i play for my enjoyment and to reach goals i set for myself.

Ive been lucky. I have a decent job. Allows me to keep up on bills and toys also. My kids are well taken care of. I buy for me, when i know i have Xtra cash.

In the last 7 yrs,ive worked on the road. So i havent used/played anywhere near as much as i like. Pretty much a weekend warrior. And part of the reason my last band didnt work.

Now i have a job that im hone every night. Now i play every day again. And its awesome to be able to do that.im 45 and in my 20s i had shit gear. Making up for it now.

My last band(and i really mean LAST band) was a f**kin nightmare and a total disappointment.
I am pretty much like you in that I buy what gear i can without neglecting the mortgage or eating
and without using any credit cards!
For whatever reason this thread got read as a "if you are not in a band you should not own a lot of gear"
when it was not about that and was originally deleted for the very reason that it would be taken wrong.

 

['63-Strat]

I have quite a lot of gear, play in a band and record music for film/tv projects in my studio. If you are a bedroom/house jammer I don't think any less of you, but I do not respect your opinion on what works live, because your not using it live. I think thats fair.

Harsh but true.

 

[Gorehog]

I am NOT in a band currently. I am looking. My last band was a total disaster. 1 yr lost of my life i wont be able to replace.
So i dont look down on people not in bands.to each their own. Buy/play what you like. For your own enjoyment.i play for my enjoyment and to reach goals i set for myself.

Ive been lucky. I have a decent job. Allows me to keep up on bills and toys also. My kids are well taken care of. I buy for me, when i know i have Xtra cash.

In the last 7 yrs,ive worked on the road. So i havent used/played anywhere near as much as i like. Pretty much a weekend warrior. And part of the reason my last band didnt work.

Now i have a job that im hone every night. Now i play every day again. And its awesome to be able to do that.im 45 and in my 20s i had shit gear. Making up for it now.

My last band(and i really mean LAST band) was a f**kin nightmare and a total disappointment.
I am pretty much like you in that I buy what gear i can without neglecting the mortgage or eating
and without using any credit cards!
For whatever reason this thread got read as a "if you are not in a band you should not own a lot of gear"
when it was not about that and was originally deleted for the very reason that it would be taken wrong.

Well,i didnt take it that way at all.

I WILL joun another band someday. When i do, ill have all the equipment ill need. Im taking this time away from a band to get my chops back up to par. Ive had 2 offers,they werent right for me. Im tryin to get an old band if mine back together to jam in June. Ill be prepared. Lol.

 

[FourT6and2]

It's just a fun hobby for me—playing guitar. And lately I haven't really even done that much. I like to build amps. That's a lot more interesting to me.

And I can afford my gear because you know... I have a job. Isn't that how it works?

I don't use all the gear I have on a daily basis, let alone a weekly basis. I only ever play guitar like twice a month now. Living in an apartment will do that. My free time is now spent rock climbing and hitting up the shooting range.

 

[stephen sawall]

I like to change the name of the band I am often. Usually get the name from condoms.... Like Purple Circle.

These days I prefer to just sit in with bands. No wasting time practicing or that other nonsense.

 

[firegate]

I haven't played in a band in years. Wish I could but I really just don't have the time - work keeps me on the road more often than not, and whenever I'm back home I'm usually busy catching up.

Have an incredible gear collection now. Ironic - back a few years ago when I had all the time in the world, I could never afford any of it. Now I'm in a position to afford all of the guitars and amps I wanted, but it's mostly a home gear collection.

I do try and play out every once in a while with friends when I can. And I will say that, whenever I am home, I try and play at least an hour a day.