This entire article can be summed up in a sentence: new gear is cool, and we don’t need a reason.
But for the sake of science, let’s all disregard the harsh reality of the bug-eyed impulse buyer and analyze why we musicians (yes, I readily put myself into this category) do what we do.
Why do we buy new music gear?
As a musician of nearly 30 years, I think I am uniquely qualified to discuss the subject matter of music gear and the evolution of the player and the want/need buying dynamic.
I phrase this in exactly the way I wrote it. Wants are the equivalent of wishes.
For example: I’ve got several great, functional guitars, but my favorite guitar company just came out with a killer brand new 6 string. I want it.
As opposed to: my number one performance instrument just became unplayable (let us all shed a tear) and I’m down to my backup instrument. Coincidentally, my favorite guitar company just came out with a killer new 6 string. I need it.
There is a difference between these two sentences. One finds me comfortably sitting at home with multiple guitars yet desiring a new one I don’t yet own.
The other finds me without my main guitar and my backup has become my main. What happens if my backup fails? I am in a less than ideal position and I truly need to acquire a new guitar if for no other reason than performance insurance in case of my new main’s failure.
However, these states are hardly the entirety of the conversation.
The second scenario is justifiable. I have a real concern that my backup instrument may fail and I’ll need a new instrument to be my “backup”. You never know when the crazy guy in the front row is going to spill his drink on your performance.
It’s a real gamble playing out without a backup instrument. The same applies to gear. I’ve been pre-performance only to find that my only pedalboard has suddenly stopped working.
That’s poor planning and I encourage any touring musician to have backups for their rigs. Maybe even backups for their backups.
I always tell people: research your needs 2 hours for every 1 hour you spend drooling over gear.
We have all made impulse, gut, or just downright ill-advised purchases. So, let’s analyze some of the reasons why we make these choices.
1: It’s on sale!
Oh yes. My personal favorite. “This is a killer sale, man. You don’t understand, this violin is usually so expensive. I can’t afford it normally. I’ve got to buy it!”
On face value, this makes sense, right? You can get the gear at a significantly reduced price. It all checks out fine until…you check your bank account.
Ask yourself: Does my current setup work? Do I actually need new gear? Is this going to jeopardize my ability to make rent this month?
Folks, I’m not joking. These are real life situations that either myself or my friends have dealt with. Take into consideration that you have other obligations and other life needs.
If you do a self-check and your other needs and obligations are taken care of, then by all means, make the purchase.
However, if you are even remotely close to not paying your bills that month due to this purchase when you’ve got perfectly functional gear and backups, my advice is to save up till the next sale. Trust me. There’s ALWAYS the next sale.
2: My spouse/friend/family member/band mate/music store sales guy said I should…
This one can hurt the most. It can also be a major benefit. But it boils down to the self-check we recently discussed, albeit slightly different questions must be asked.
Is this something that I’m choosing or is it something my friend is choosing for me? Will I be happy with it or am I just doing it because someone else told me to do it. Am I getting this just to make someone else happy?
Ask yourself these questions. I’ll be honest with you. Your friends might be giving you the best advice. However, if you’re not sold on the gear and convinced of the idea, even if it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, you may resent the purchase later.
Conversely, if you’re the type of person who painfully analyzes their motivations and emotional responses, you may grow to appreciate the advice, provided that the gear turns into a good decision.
Unfortunately, only you can figure that part out. I’d love to give you the magic bullet, but it’s all part of your decision-making process. My best advice is to analyze your needs and don’t make impulse purchases.
3: I may never find one like this again…
This is similar to an item being on sale. The truth is, most items are able to be found again. With the exception of vintage gear and an item you personally bonded with, most items are replaceable. Even items that are discontinued have substitutes and sometimes, even better counterparts.
I’ve experienced this myself.
I will admit that there are simply some items with history, nostalgia and a personal bond that can’t be replaced. That may be a time for you to take the plunge but again, go through our check lists.
I don’t care how amazing a guitar is, if it’s more than you make in a month, it is NOT worth it. Trust me. Personal experience talking here.
Finally, I can’t think of a single piece of electronics outside of vintage gear that falls into this category so take that into account.
4: I’m bored with [insert random arbitrary and subjective quality or trait here] on my guitar…
This is what I call the “post honeymoon critique”. You know how when you get a shiny new piece of gear, you’re super excited and you can’t seem to stop using it? Well, this is 6 months down the road when it’s collecting dust in the closet.
Don’t go searching for a new piece of gear just because you are no longer satisfied with color schemes.
Superficial things are generally not reasons to go out and buy an entirely new piece of gear.
First, do an analysis of why you stopped using the gear. If it is a functionality, usability, or practicality reason, dig deeper, because those things are valid critiques.
Next, decide how likely it is that you’ll once again require that functionality.
If you can legitimately see no another circumstance where you will need it, then sell it or trade it in.
I’ve done this before and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. But remember, it’s not about how it looks. Remember that Willie Nelson’s guitar literally has a hole in it.
Final thoughts
If you’re selling gear to get gear, follow the check lists written here first. Make sure you won’t need that gear ever again or you’re replacing it with something that has the same or greater functionality, usability and practicality.
Buying new gear is FUN and at times, definitely worth it. However, avoid impulse buys and you’ll likely have more money in your pocket, make wiser purchasing choices and be less stressed in the future.