How does everyone afford all these guitars?

[909one]

Ok, I was just looking at this thread....
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=453002

A lot of you are posting pictures of your music rooms. In some cases people have more than a dozen guitars, and more than a handful of amps and effects.

My question is, how does everyone afford all of these instruments?
Most of you obviously aren't working musicians, because if that was the case, you'd never be able to to afford all the stuff you have. Most of my friends are musicians, and even those who have pretty decent day jobs don't even own close to the amount of gear in these pictures.

What does everyone do during the day?

I am a graphic designer, and on my salary its still pretty tough to make any major purchases without getting into credit card debt.

[edwarddavis]

I sell the organs that I have two of . Seriously I have a lot of guitars but dont know how.

[jay42]

I live in an area with an unbelievable number of BMWs and expensive SUVs, often driven by expensive looking women. I've come to the conclusion that there are a substantial number of people who make much better coin than I do....or, are really stupidly mortgaged. There's only so much beach area to go around. I suppose I don't really qualify to live where I do.

[aeronius]

credit cards, leftover school loan cash, good day job (web designer)... as long as i have all my bases covered (bills, rent, etc.) it's all good :)

[Bryan T]

Keep in mind that some of these folks have been playing guitar for 30+ years. If they put $1,000 into their hobby every year, you can see how they might end up with a lot of nice stuff.

Bryan

[Joe Boy]

I'm with you 909..I have 4 guitars and two amps.
Through the years the pieces change.

.. but I find it very strange that someOyalls got so many geetars..

[JakeELee]

I pimp myself out to old cougars.

[guitarpkr67]

I've been playing for close to 10 years and have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. These days I either just save up for what I want or use some kind of no payments/no interest deal. I don't make much money at all, but I have some decent gear.

[jackaroo]

Bit by bit it adds up. I've been playing for 28 years and so- you can imagine. Also guitars, for a while seemed to be cheap- then they went nuts. Now they're getting cheaper but not where they were. Les Paul jr.s from the 50's were 250-800 bucks for the longest time. I remember scoffing at the first one I saw @ 1500.

I do make a (shitty) living playing and recording music so to some extent I need these things like a lawyer need nice suits or a carpenter needs good tools. Though I do have a few things that are excessive now. I'm thinking of selling off a big chunk, but with the market the way it is...why?

I also used to never sell anything. Then I sold a bunch of things that had appreciated and so I got to buy more stuff. I only spend what's already spent on gear now. So for something to come in...something must go.

It can get pretty nutty I admit. The clutter, cases and just plain ol' clutter drives my wife batty.

[Ken Ho]

Keep in mind that some of these folks have been playing guitar for 30+ years. If they put $1,000 into their hobby every year, you can see how they might end up with a lot of nice stuff.

Bryan

This is pretty much true. If I put as much money into guitars a year as an average cigarette habit, pretty soon I have a roomful, while all the smoker has is a medical condition.
Guitars and amps don't get used up by using them, thy are simple, very few parts to break or go wrong, cheap and easy when they do. There are also no compatibility issues between eras, so they do not become obsolete and need to be replaced. They last for decades easily.

If you want an expensive hobby, try racing ANYTHING !! You'll blow a lot of dough and have no obvious thing to show for it. Guitars and amps are not lioke that

[stevieboy]

I use the money I didn't spend on a boat and a Harley.

[Flyin' Brian]

It doesn't always apply, but once when Zappa was asked how he was able to afford the studio he had in his house he said. "The money didn't go up my nose". If you have no vices, reasonable overhead, maybe no kids and no ex wives, you can afford gear.

[909one]

Keep in mind that some of these folks have been playing guitar for 30+ years. If they put $1,000 into their hobby every year, you can see how they might end up with a lot of nice stuff.

Bryan

True...
I guess the key word here is 'hobby'. I guess my post is maybe more of a comment on the irony of this situation: Most working musicians can barely afford to buy a few pieces of nice gear, but those with day jobs can afford to buy the gear they want, but usually are unable to really invest the time needed to make playing music something beyond a hobby.

I am 33, been playing for about 17 years, but I spent about 5 years living extremely poorly, but playing in as many bands as I could. I toured the US and Europe a couple of times, but still had to borrow instruments to play on some of these tours. Now I am starting to be able to afford stuff, but I don't as much time to work on music as I'd like.

[baxen]

Age is a factor, I'm 50 and have been buying since the early seventies. I rarely played in the 90's but I never sold anything and hopefully never will. The guitars that are so expensive in the vintage market were just nice used guitars when I was a kid. I only had a couple of amps until I found this place, now I'm hovering around 10 on those. I still want to buy a Soloway and will in the near future and am always interested in those "deal of a lifetime" guitars. All that said I have a good job but definately not in the doctor, lawyer income level.

[Flyin' Brian]

True...
I guess the key word here is 'hobby'. I guess my post is maybe more of a comment on the irony of this situation: Most working musicians can barely afford to buy a few pieces of nice gear,.

One of the REAL ironies is when struggling musicians are getting themselves deeply into debt for gear while musicians with decent paychecks are getting the gear for free.

[Bryan T]

I guess the key word here is 'hobby'.

To me, 'hobby' is not a pejorative term. It does reflect what music making is for the vast majority of musicians.

Bryan

[909one]

One of the REAL ironies is when struggling musicians are getting themselves deeply into debt for gear while musicians with decent paychecks are getting the gear for free.

Yes! Also very true! You could start another post on that.

Its funny how people in big bands are always getting gear endorsements but they are usually the ones who don't need it!

[playon]

Day gigs.

[909one]

To me, 'hobby' is not a pejorative term. It does reflect what music making is for the vast majority of musicians.

Bryan


No offense meant by the term hobby! Just pointing out the differences!

[baxen]

Sometimes I think I buy gear to reward myself or help me justify my decision to put my job first in my life versus things I would rather do such has playing music full time. When I see all my stuff it makes me feel I haven't given up on the dream!

[Bryan T]

No offense meant by the term hobby! Just pointing out the differences!

I understand. I was just trying to be clear that I don't knock music-making as a hobby. There have been some silly threads in the past where people try to knock others down with labels - hobbiest, semi-pro, weekend warrior, etc. I'm happy that folks like to make music. The fact of the matter is that folks with big guitar collections tend to be successful at things that typically aren't related to music.

Bryan

[90wreck]

I use the money I didn't spend on a boat and a Harley.
Ding!
I started with one...sold it, bought 2......Made some dough.....Buy low, sell..........this has been over a 20 some year deal thing as well.
My Harley is my Trainwreck.
Start small, within 20 years you will be suprised.

[soulohio]

Ding!

Start small, within 20 years you will be suprised.


i started small and I is still smal. man, i am surprised like you don't know.

[gkoelling]

I have no wife or kids, so my money is my money to spend as I wish.

[Abe]

Here one I don't get...

A guitar teacher fiend of mine has more priceless gear than anyone I've ever seen. Several 1930's Martins, Grevens, TJ Thompsons, traugotts, etc. Ribeckke, Stromberg, Languadoc archtops, 1950s/60s Fenders and Gibson guitars and amps. A pair of 4x10" tweed bassmans. I could go on and on. The point is, he has tons of the most valuable instruments you can get. All he has ever done is teach and play out at a regional level. He lives in a modest home and his wife has an average job. I just can't imagine how he does it. Its not like he bought all this stuff before it became sought after either. He's always adding to his collection and never sells a thing. Amazing.

[harryjmic]

I'm not a big fan of hoarding. I look to find the best of a specific type of guitar and don't really bother with 10 of one type. I got money through travel reimbusements through work, basically if I flew coach to China I got some $. The way I look at a long flight is a long flight.

I'm pretty set guitar wise and the amp situation is looking good as well. I really don't want any guitars for practical reasons but I would like to start a Hamer Korina collection, that would be my indulgence.

[Ken Ho]

Here one I don't get...

A guitar teacher fiend of mine has more priceless gear than anyone I've ever seen. Several 1930's Martins, Grevens, TJ Thompsons, traugotts, etc. Ribeckke, Stromberg, Languadoc archtops, 1950s/60s Fenders and Gibson guitars and amps. A pair of 4x10" tweed bassmans. I could go on and on. The point is, he has tons of the most valuable instruments you can get. All he has ever done is teach and play out at a regional level. He lives in a modest home and his wife has an average job. I just can't imagine how he does it. Its not like he bought all this stuff before it became sought after either. He's always adding to his collection and never sells a thing. Amazing.


Well, without knowing the man, I can garuantee that he does not drink , smoke or gamble.
He sounds well connected too. I'll bet he gets lots of tips about guitars for sale through students and other industry contacts. He may know someone in a public trustee office or something too, or have a pawn shop contact. There will be a story for sure, just a matter of what.

[Figher53]

Ever take a look at the cars that mechanics drive?

More seriously, though, I believe that some of it is due to lifestyle as well. I'm a dental student, and there's a significant difference in the lifestyles of my classmates. Some are living as cheaply as possible. They eat at home or pack lunches, walk/bike to school, live in tiny apartments, don't drink/smoke/do drugs, etc... Others are living it up on whatever student loans they can get their hands on. Eat out at expensive restaurants all the time, drive nice cars, live in townhouses, etc...

Now I'm not saying that those on this forum who have lots of gear are doing it by running themselves into debt. In fact, I'm saying the opposite. Of my classmates above, which group do you think will be best equipped to live it up in 10 years time? By scrimping on whatever you can, you can save up a lot to do the things that you really want to. Buy clothes at Ross, not Nordstroms. Eat at home more, not at Claimjumpers or Olive Garden 3x a week, etc... I'll bet that guitar teacher guy and his wife are careful with money in other areas of their lives.

Again, this is only ONE of the factors that go into it. Obviously some on this page simply have jobs that bring in a good income and leaves them with disposable funds.

[GAT]

I'm a dental student...

Specialize and you can buy all kinds of great gear!;)

[diego]

Drive a cheap car. Don't drink or smoke.

[Joe Boy]

I really don't care what anybody finds cool or nessesary to spend their hard earned $$$ on, more power to ya.
I wish I had a couple more toys to play with but I make do with what I have.
And I'm a happier man for it.
Love, Life, Surf, and if I get to Jam...all the better.

I know a couple friends with multiple guitars and amps and everytime I hang with them its always the basic stuff. Big surprize, I think not.

Personaly, I find it more productive and enjoyable to spend those hrs. spent wood shedding on just a few guitars.
I love my little family of tone.

Show up with some new chops, not a new axe.

[Tonefish]

We're all a bunch of old farts been playing for years.

[Peeb]

Ok, I was just looking at this thread....
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=453002

A lot of you are posting pictures of your music rooms. In some cases people have more than a dozen guitars, and more than a handful of amps and effects.

My question is, how does everyone afford all of these instruments?
...

How do I do it?

Well, for starters I'm Eddie Van Halen! :D

[Figher53]

Specialize and you can buy all kinds of great gear!;)

Haha... that's actually the plan (orthodontics), but getting there is an altogether different proposition.

[shane88]

i know a couple friends with multiple guitars and amps and everytime i hang with them its always the basic stuff. Big surprize, i think not.

Personaly, i find it more productive and enjoyable to spend those hrs. Spent wood shedding on just a few guitars.
I love my little family of tone.

Show up with some new chops, not a new axe.
+ 1

[rgsss14]

Playing for 25 years; the 6 years I gigged regularly I had 1 guitar and one amp. The gear aquisition phase started about 14 years ago. So yeah, time is a factor as well.... even if you buy 1 guitar a year that's definitely more than you need, (in theory).

Frankly, at this moment in time I'm glad a fair chunk of change is tied up in gear and not in the market...:cool:

Soon, even with guitars it will be a seller's market again, I just don't know when......

[mtlin]

Some people have high paying jobs. Some people have family money. Some people are good savers. Some people go into debt. Some people don't have fifty guitars.

[multifoil 88]

I play for a living , 3-4-5 nights a week since 11 years ago .

I don't drink alcohol. don't smoke , don't do drugs

And I believe I know hot to save money , good opportunities , good friends who sell stuff , etc, etc

[HurricaneJesus]

It doesn't always apply, but once when Zappa was asked how he was able to afford the studio he had in his house he said. "The money didn't go up my nose". If you have no vices, reasonable overhead, maybe no kids and no ex wives, you can afford gear.

True, when I quit drinking/smoking my gear purchases went through the roof. Now I'm every bit as broke but I have a closet full of kickass stuff that I get to parade about on weekends. Granted, I don't have a fraction of the collections of some of you guys but I'm young, have a wife, kid, and a crappy job....gimmie a few years and people will hate on me too!

[rockinlespaul]

I quit drinking 5 years ago. That jacked up the gear income tremendously. You would not believe what I spent on booze, its criminal.

[FeloniousBishop]

I'm curious what people spend on car payments, cable TV etc.

It's easy to accumulate good gear. $100 a month over 30 years can easily become more than $60K worth of gear when you consider that good guitars and amps go up in value but most daily driver cars go down in value.

$100 a month is not much. I always drove cheap used but reliable cars. I know a lot of people spend more than that on car payments but 30 years later you got nothing to show for it.

[snoggin]

I focused on my work like a madman for about 12 years and got my business to a point wher e it wasnt fun anymore but made lots of money.. Then switched my focus to race bikes and now back full circle to music which I gave up as I was was focused like a madman on partying back when I used to play.. Been two years and I am way into playing the guitar at this point.

I do think my gear gas is waning ,, Just one more and I'll be done, hahahhahahahhah

[Frankee]

Wife and I both work hard, so that she, the kids and myself can have decent stuff and be able to do stuff together. My classic car and motorcycle habit is cheaper than my guitar habit belive it or not, as I restore those myself. A nice chunk of inheritance early in our marriage gave us a nice head start/buffer. The rest is just budgeting/money management. Mrs. Frankee is a whiz when it comes to that. She can stretch a buck pretty far. She also has no complaints about my gear since I don't complain about her Gucci shoes/purses etc.

[wstsidela]

It's good to be king

[atomicmassunit]

Knowing how to fix stuff helps. I've bought tons of broken gear and either resold at a huge profit or kept it. Especially old amps. I don't make much money at all, but we keep a tight budget, and I only buy gear that will go up in value, I don't smoke or drink, eat out only about once a month, don't have any expensive hobbies, don't have cable tv, drive a 12 year old car, have no debt, and have a huge network of people who call me when gear is selling. I keep a gear fund with a couple thousand in cash for when those deals come along, the $600 Les Pauls and whatnot because a lot of that has to do with timing. When people want to sell, they want cash and they want it now, if you have it, the buy is usually yours. Then, if it's something I want, I keep, or if not, resell. I think in a nutshell though, it's the car thing. Most people I know buy new cars every 2 years and lose $10,000 bucks each time, or lease... If you do a budget you can very quickly find out where your money goes and take control of that. Works for me anyway!

[paulg]

Most gear that's a)non vintage b)non boutique and c)used is relatively inexpensive. It's easy to go out to dinner and a show and drop $100-200. $300 - 600 will get you a good guitar. ditto amps

[whitehall]

It doesn't always apply, but once when Zappa was asked how he was able to afford the studio he had in his house he said. "The money didn't go up my nose". If you have no vices, reasonable overhead, maybe no kids and no ex wives, you can afford gear. +1 and like someone else said, I've been doing this a long time. I probably buy/sell 8-9 guitars a year after awhile it adds up.

[Gas-man]

How do they afford the guitars?

They're lawyers.



LOL!

[burningyen]

How do they afford the guitars?

They're lawyers.



LOL!
Works for me!

[LowWatt]

Different things to different people. Some people are just rich. Others bought at the right time. Others have squirreled away a little bit of gear every year. I'm closest to that last category.

I'm lifelong friends with a lot of really good musicians. By far I have the best and the most gear. I'm 30 and have never made much more money than them and at times I've made much less.

The differences, as with what many have said, are vices and responsibilities. 3 of them drive, 2 of them are married, 1 owns a house. All of them smoke, drink heavily at bars, and had at least one phase in their life that they would describe as "the cocaine years." My only vices outside of guitar are bourbon and Guinness, and I rarely go to a bar to drink them. My collection grows a little every year. Usually one new mid-priced item or I'll upgrade one of my mid-level pieces of gear to something nicer.

They don't resent my gear, I don't wish they had better stuff. It's all meaningless. They live their life the way they want, I live mine my way and we all respect it and understand it. In the end there is no real difference between my stuff and their stuff when we play as a band.

Same thing applies here. While I disagree with gear hoarding because I feel it inflates the price of great gear and leads too many of the greatest guitars spending too much time not being played, I definitely understand the addiction some of us have with gear and know the sacrifices that many make for it.

Not everyone who is loaded with gear here is loaded.

[prsflame]

I started actively buying/selling/trading when I was out of Grad school (1996). I also bought alot of nice pieces (early PRSi, for example) before they "took off" $$$ wise. As a result, I was able to sell a piece, make a profit, and aquire something else. At one time, I had 32 guitars. I'm down to 11 know, and done buying for awhile, if not forever.

I'm not rich by any means. I just bought guitars wisely. I'm doing the same thing now with Violins. I go to auctions/tag sales weekly. I Buy on the cheap, and sell for a profit. 95% of people selling violins still have no idea what they have, unlike the guitar market. I now own a 60k+ modern Italian instrument, but I never actually laid out that kinda coin for it. I started with 2K, and continued to put my profits back into the hobby. In a few years, as this investment continues to grow, I will "trade up".

[Phil M]

I quit drinking 5 years ago. That jacked up the gear income tremendously. You would not believe what I spent on booze, its criminal.

I remember that and am always glad to see you posting. God bless you, man.

On the topic of the post, what's "a lot"? I have 3 guitars that are pretty nice and gig here and there but not a ton. Should I sell one or two?

[The Golden Boy]

I collected a bunch of shit over the past 20 or so years.

[GAT]

I focused on my work like a madman for about 12 years and got my business to a point wher e it wasnt fun anymore but made lots of money.. Then switched my focus to race bikes and now back full circle to music which I gave up as I was was focused like a madman on partying back when I used to play.. Been two years and I am way into playing the guitar at this point.

I do think my gear gas is waning ,, Just one more and I'll be done, hahahhahahahhah

I'll quit buying when you do! :p :D:banana

[BIGGERSTAFF]

I'd rather spend money on guitars and amps, than velvet paintings and Elvis plates.

[mprvise]

Started buying when I started playing (early 1980's) and have sold very little. Currently have 13 guitars and 11 amps. That's not really a lot of buying on a per year basis. And while I have a decent day gig, most of my gear purchases were financed with music gig cash.

[Gas-man]

The rule I have with my wife is I can only spend my gig money, so that tends to limit my gear.

[billm408]

I think if I could only spend gig money, I'd be playing the Hello Kitty Strat through a Peavey Bandit! At my house we employ the "don't ask, don't tell" rule. Of course my guitar collection is very modest (7) next to many here. Some of you people have a serious hording affliction! :banana

The rule I have with my wife is I can only spend my gig money, so that tends to limit my gear.

[bluesjuke]

Not all of this gear was bought in a day.
Over the years I have sold and traded many things wisely so a lot of the expense has been covered long ago.

I have sold vaction time back to companies and I don't spend money on much else.

BTW, I have a BMW and live in a barn.


I rarely have ever even touched a paycheck in buying.
The times I have it's been to fill in the $100. I was still short.

[Tuco]

I have no wife or kids, so my money is my money to spend as I wish.

I can't agree enough with this! When your life is your own, so many decisions become almost effortless. But you do need to be comfortable being alone.

[MBreinin]

I constantly buy/sell/trade. I also have multiple hobbies. When you get bored of one, or don't feel like messing with any longer, a liquidation helps with your other hobbies. I generally don't have more than 2-3 amps and 10 guitars or less at a time...sometimes less. For many years I had one guitar and one crappy amp and I was happy with that. I blame the internet for much of my increased spending and lusting for gear. It opened an entirely new world to me...for everything you may ever want to buy.

Mike

[guitarpkr67]

I have a great wife. I had a LTD guitar before I got married. In the 3 years since we got married I've bought a Suhr Classic and a SG 61 Reissue. Not to mention all the pedals.

[Oasis.Guitar]

I'll admit that I've collected a lot of stuff over the years but didn't really get caught up in the GAS until I started making more money. Although I consider myself responsible with money there have been times when I've splurged and bought something simply because I wanted it ...whether I had the cash or not. What can I say, gear makes me happy. I don't spend lots on cars and such...just gear....and the wife and kids.

[dave s]

Personally, I've been gigging for 25+ years now. Never have I dipped into household operating funds (paychecks earned from day job) to pay for gear.

From '98-03 I had a gig that averaged about 80 or so gigs each year. Our minimum was $100 a man per gig. That's a LOT of gear money. Not that I spent even half of that on gear, but a darned good chunk went to buying pretty much whatever caught my fancy at the time.

For the past five years, I've been horse-trading this guitar for that, this amp for something 'better.' Lots of gear pieces have come and gone, but the cash outlay is minimum now that I'm in that 'buy used and play for free' stage of the game.

dave

[stratzrus]

I'm a cheap SOB and really don't spend money on anything else except vacation.

I skipped lunch today to save money but will get a Cheesesteak before rehearsal tonight.

:RoCkIn

Seriously though, I got most of my stuff on eBay cheap, and anything I bought new I usually put a deposit on it, sent a substantial second payment, then wrapped it up with a third. Three payments of $650 gets you a $2K amp or guitar without having to drop thousands at once.

[MBreinin]

I'm a cheap SOB and really don't spend money on anything else except vacation.

I skipped lunch today to save money but will get a Cheesesteak before rehearsal tonight.

:RoCkIn

Seriously though, I got most of my stuff on eBay cheap, and anything I bought new I usually put a deposit on it, sent a substantial second payment, then wrapped it up with a third. Three payments of $650 gets you a $2K amp or guitar without having to drop thousands at once.

Interesting. I am a "stuff" guy. I would rather have a killer new guitar and amp, than a week vacation that will cost me $5,000. I can't bring myself to spend money on vacations. Maybe that is because when I was growing up, my mom was a travel agent and we were well off. We went many places, always stayed Deluxe and always had some kind of special treatment because my mom knew everyone. I guess I know now that I would have to spend a ton of cash to do it that way...and I would rather not. So, I will fire up a new guitar and take a 45 minute vacation into fantasyland.....

Mike

[Frankenstrat2]

I'm 57. Been playing since I was 10. Still have my first guitar- a cool Gibson nylon string. Been up-trading gear since I was 13.
I have a fantastic wife who understands me.
I found a great T-shirt at NAMM a few years ago that reads "Love one woman-have many guitars".
When people ask what is my hobby, I often explain that I'm a 'retired rock n roll guy'. I don't play out, mostly in my home studio. Yeah, I have a full rehearsal studio in my basement. It was lovingly assembled over 15 years out of mostly used gear sifted from classified ads and going out of business sales. Its killer.
So I tell non-musicians "Some people play golf, I play guitar. I have 18 holes in my basement" Understand that many men spend more than $25k a year for a membership at a golf club, plus lessons, clothing, clubs, outings, etc etc.
Meanwhile, my wife likes to point out that my studio is the new kitchen she never got.
Fortunately, much of the gear has increased in value, unlike a used Viking oven.
I have worked hard for many years to afford the stuff I enjoy. The coolest part is my 21 year old son plays too, and we get to jam together. He's getting pretty good too. Makes a Dad proud.

[bluesjuke]

That's a big part of it.
When you buy guitars and amps you are not spending money that is lost and gone forever like going out for dinner.
They are an investment and the money you spent is still there in another form.

It can be recouped in large part and sometimes even with a profit.

My first vacation was in '76, my second in 2006.
I stayed home and played guitar all week long.


Now my wife has a horse interest.
Except for the horse himself and the horse trailer all money spent is gone forever never to be seen again.

When my wife questions what I have bought I remind her that she spends more than me per year and holds nothing in her hand. That is the difference that she does not see.
I think it's great that she loves something that gives her great joy and financially support her in it but it makes me understand better that those that spend their money elsewhere that doesn't give a tangible result don't see that they are spending the same or greater amounts.


.

[m@2]

I use the money I didn't spend on a boat and a Harley.


same here. you can buy a LOT of nice gear for the cost of ONE decent motocycle, car or boat

and... +1 on bluesjuke. Gear is a tangible asset (especially if you buy used) and you can generally recoup most (and occasionally more) of your $$ back

[Oasis.Guitar]

Interesting. I am a "stuff" guy. I would rather have a killer new guitar and amp, than a week vacation that will cost me $5,000. I can't bring myself to spend money on vacations. Maybe that is because when I was growing up, my mom was a travel agent and we were well off. We went many places, always stayed Deluxe and always had some kind of special treatment because my mom knew everyone. I guess I know now that I would have to spend a ton of cash to do it that way...and I would rather not. So, I will fire up a new guitar and take a 45 minute vacation into fantasyland.....

Mike


+1 on that... Never went on vacations as a kid as both parents worked very hard and my dad was out at sea in the Navy. I'd take a new amp / guitar over "memories" of a nice vacation any day.

[Frankenstrat2]

That's a big part of it.
When you buy guitars and amps you are not spending money that is lost and gone forever like going out for dinner.
They are an investment and the money you spent is still there in another form.
It can be recouped in large part and sometimes even with a profit.

LOL. I rarely call it an investment, because you can only realize a return when you liquidate. But it is a tangible commodity, as evidenced by my insurance premiums. I only wish I had bought gear for investment instead of pleasure, as I'm sure many of us do, especially this week as stocks and money markets are looking for bottom.
But honestly, even on the low end of gear- by the time a good dinner in NYC runs into the hundreds, decent seats at a concert can run $500 and up, and a Broadway show can be $1000 for four (plus dinner, parking, etc) I'd rather buy a couple of fun Korean guitars (which I've done) or a cool pedal, or just sit on it and save up for something really good.
thats assuming any of us still have descretionary income after the dust settles on this financial debacle.
As for the struggling working musicians- I understand. I feel your pain. I've been there in my life. Part of the reason I bailed on music as a profession is the fact that many of you are gigging today for exactly what I was getting in 1975. Interestingly, some of the working players aren't as interested in the gear end of things as the 'hobbyist'. There's a reverse snobbery that enters into it, too. Part jealousy or envy, part necessity, me thinks. Not a dig, just an observation......

[mcknigs]

My answers have already been mentioned by others here. I may not be like the kind of person you're thinking about because I don't have much new boutique stuff. I do have a lot of musical gear though.

1. I started buying musical gear 35 years ago. This has given me time to acquire stuff.

2. Anything I have that's valuable now was purchased for $300 back 30 years ago.

3. A lot of what I have was purchased very cheaply over the last 15 years. One way to do this is to not have champagne tastes. Another is to decide what I want, be vigilant and wait as long as it takes to find a really good deal on it.

4. Some what I have I pulled out of trash cans and fixed up. Some has been given to me free by friends who don't want it anymore and know I'll give it a good home.

5. I don't get rid of things.

-Scott

[kludge]

Look at some numbers... what's a reasonable gear budget? If you can do $200/mo, that's $2400/year - enough to buy a boutique amp or guitar. If you can do $500/mo, that's $6k/year! Stuff that you resell, you probably recoup at least 50% on, and a bargain hunter with a lot of rotation can actually make a decent profit on gear (I've been there). Now, accumulate $6k in gear for 10 years, and you have $60k in gear - that's a LOT of fine guitars and amps.

I bought my car new 10 years ago, at $400/mo for five years. The five years I've kept it since are five years I wasn't paying $400/mo - that's TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS I've saved! Just by being willing to drive a car that's looking pretty well-worn now.

Like everyone keeps saying... don't waste your money on things that wear out or disappear, like fancy meals and drugs and cars. Spend it on gear, and it just builds up and builds up.

[uOpt]

Ok, I was just looking at this thread....
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=453002

A lot of you are posting pictures of your music rooms. In some cases people have more than a dozen guitars, and more than a handful of amps and effects.

My question is, how does everyone afford all of these instruments? Most of you obviously aren't working musicians, because if that was the case, you'd never be able to to afford all the stuff you have. Most of my friends are musicians, and even those who have pretty decent day jobs don't even own close to the amount of gear in these pictures.

What does everyone do during the day?

I am a graphic designer, and on my salary its still pretty tough to make any major purchases without getting into credit card debt.

Some tricks:

1) never, ever get into credit card debt into the first place. Paying interest is only allowed for things like mortgages.

2) buy guitars used that you can re-sell for the same price.

3) develop skills for selling, such as taking decent pictures and look at good descriptions to see what the good sellers write.

%%

4) don't ruin your credit. Here's an example:

You buy a $200,000 house (good luck with that here in Bostom). You would get a 5.75% interest rate, but due to bad credit you get 7%.

good credit: $1167.15 a month
bad credit: $1330.60 a month

Difference: $1961.40 a year.

A Les Paul. These days that gives you a R8. One historic Les Paul every year, for free. Just for not screwing up your credit.

%%

5) don't drive an inefficient car. Pure waste of money and to make it worse, unpredictable growth in the waste.

[phatster]

Many good points made here.Something I enjoy is giving to others ...ie..getting young people started that otherwise wouldn't have had a chance.I had a '64 SG laying around that a 12yo neighbor showed some interest in...as a surprise I gave him the guitar and a small amp{tube of course}.He has really practiced and now has a hobby that will give him joy the rest of his life.This what it is all about!

[musicman1]

This is just a "in general" rant but I have found that most guys that cant play are the ones with the most disposible cash from their "day job" or actual calling. These are the same guys that amass the most crap of its kind whether its gtrs, cars, motorcycles, sports memoriblia or whatever.

Unless you are a rock star or an endorsee, most pros will have a small, reasonable stable of nice to good quality instruments that get the job done.

Collections dont mean the guy can actually play but either way I never begrudge someone for what they have. Doesnt matter or impact my life so who really cares?

[gregit]

I use the money I didn't spend on a boat and a Harley.


same

[Kingbeegtrs]

How do they afford them? Great question!

I went to the Arlington Guitar Show last weekend and there was a HUGE drop in prices from last year. I saw pre-CBS strats on the rack for $12K....last year they were over twice that price....and they still weren't selling. I don't think anyone is going to be able to afford them for a while.

Oh well...now I don't feel like the only guy with one guitar!

[cadduc]

nothing extravagant

i started playing for money in 1966
i bought a used 62 jazz bass and a bassman amp for $240
i earned money playing for the next ten years, i only bought stuff with the money i earned gigging, i never sold anything
except svt heads
even today, my collection includes basses i gig with, except the 62 stays at home, or rehearsals, or recording

but throughout my life there are other richer people with way more money, you knew these guys too, new rickenbackers with showman amps, and the band had all matching gear, how did 18 year old guys swing that? better financial backing, my parents bought me a used classical guitar for 100

in short, it is time and patience, and no bad habit to drain your cash supply

[SyKrash]

I wouldn't want that much gear to begin with, I'd never get to play all those guitars!

[bluesjuke]

[quote=Frankenstrat2;4919920]LOL. I rarely call it an investment, because you can only realize a return when you liquidate. an [quote]


And that is xwhat I meant in explaing how some can afford this gear- money spent on something that you can get back.
Then in turn use it again.

[voodoochile]

...often driven by expensive looking women. I suppose I don't really qualify to live where I do. :rotflmao

I love that- expensive looking women.

My spending has ramped up since I joined this site for sure, but I do focus on gear instead of other expensive hobbies such as cars, home audio/visual, etc...

My work affords me the spoils of great gear, but alas, it is non-musically related work...

[stratzrus]

Interesting. I am a "stuff" guy. I would rather have a killer new guitar and amp, than a week vacation that will cost me $5,000. Maybe that is because when I was growing up, my mom was a travel agent and we were well off. We went many places, always stayed Deluxe and always had some kind of special treatment because my mom knew everyone.To a large extent I agree.

In 2006 I went to Europe for 10 days, spent about $4K and when walking off the plane upon return the first thing I thought was, "I could have bought a guitar and I'd still have it!"

But I'm at the point where I'm really happy with my amps and guitars and don't feel a pressing need to buy anything else (although I'm developing an itch for a CAA OD 100). So what to do?

This summer I went to Holland for 25 Days, went to the North Sea Jazz Festival (200 bands on 15 stages at once for three days...there was an afterparty at the Rotterdam Hilton where Benson and many others jammed until the wee hours), went to a dance party with 26,000 people on the beach and another one with 40,000 people at Amsterdam Arena, booked some time in a recording studio in a small town with two bandmates, hung out in Bloemdaal aan Zee where there are five beachclubs in a row and the women look like they stepped out of European Vogue, and did a lot of other stuff that would get me banned if I wrote about it on TGP.

It definitely wasn't vacation with mom.

[kludge]

This is just a "in general" rant but I have found that most guys that cant play are the ones with the most disposible cash from their "day job" or actual calling. These are the same guys that amass the most crap of its kind whether its gtrs, cars, motorcycles, sports memoriblia or whatever.


Yes, the guys with nice day jobs accumulate gear. That doesn't mean they can't play. It's an unfounded prejudice, imho. Most of the ones who can't play aren't the gear collectors, they're the ones with just a couple of cheap guitars!

[stratzrus]

Yes, the guys with nice day jobs accumulate gear.Agreed

A day job doesn't hurt.

The one problem with being a professional is that income is not guaranteed. Having a steady income enables one to plan for purchases.

[Oasis.Guitar]

This is just a "in general" rant but I have found that most guys that cant play are the ones with the most disposible cash from their "day job" or actual calling. These are the same guys that amass the most crap of its kind whether its gtrs, cars, motorcycles, sports memoriblia or whatever.

Unless you are a rock star or an endorsee, most pros will have a small, reasonable stable of nice to good quality instruments that get the job done.

Collections dont mean the guy can actually play but either way I never begrudge someone for what they have. Doesnt matter or impact my life so who really cares?

Sorry but I have to say that that is the most retarded comment I've heard in a long while. I guess this goes back to the tired thread about pro's vs. joe's that I've seen here before. It would seem tha you have a some sort of chip on your shoulder...otherwise why make such a statement. I'll admit I've seen some sick collections but most of the time they belong to some really sick players who can throw down with the best of them.

[jazzbasta]

Many good points made here.Something I enjoy is giving to others ...ie..getting young people started that otherwise wouldn't have had a chance.I had a '64 SG laying around that a 12yo neighbor showed some interest in...as a surprise I gave him the guitar and a small amp{tube of course}.He has really practiced and now has a hobby that will give him joy the rest of his life.This what it is all about!

Agreed!

[splatt]

{..... large portions of this thread
remind me of the subject
of an old dire straits song.....}

my profession has encouraged
a minor (& extremely functional) "collection", of sorts.
fwiw:
my profession is music;
it's paid for my guitars, amps, fx, studio gear, & etc.

as regards "free"-gear:
very little is ever really "free", as it were:
though it may often appear to be so
to those whose regular trade is neither in music
nor in evolving symbiotic relationships
with musical instrument manufacturers,
where one's tastes, techniques, base of knowledge & standing
--- quite possibly developed over a lifetime of work ---
might be of some value;
indeed, they might have become some kind of "commodity".

are there folks who "have more" than you?
yes.
do they "deserve" to have that greater quantity of "stuff"?
dunno; hard to tell, maybe but.....
..... i don't really give a feck.

is this something to worry about, to pine over?
no; i shouldn't think so.

better to focus on achieving one's own goals,
or at least attempting to discover
precisely what those goals may indeed be.
my 1.099¢.

dt / spltrcl

[Robapov]

splatts is da man :YinYang