Gear Acquisition Syndrome is a serious disorder that impacts lots of musicians worldwide. In fact, one in six musicians is obsessively refreshing online classifieds right now searching for deals on used gear.
However, sometimes your gear has to get out of the way to allow you to create.
Buying something new may not be the answer in case your gear collection is getting overwhelming
Before you give in to G.A.S. and add a new piece to your collection, find out if there’s something you can retire to reduce the clutter.
Right here are 10 gear questions to help you know when it’s time to let go.
1. Does it work?
Is it broken? Do you have plans to fix it?
If a piece of gear is not working and there is no clear path to get it functioning once more time, it’s already a burden.
Repairing gear could be difficult and expensive. If the situation is hopeless you could be better off to cut your losses.
Get it fixed or get it out the door!
2. When did you last turn it on?
When you can not keep in mind if you last turned it on, that is a bad sign. If it’s more than a year since you last powered it up, even worse.
When you aren’t even often utilizing a piece of gear it may be hard to justify keeping it around.
When you do not know once you used it last, you probably will not be using it again anytime soon.
Let it go!
3. Did you ever really learn how to use it?
Have you ever read the manual? Do you still probably not know the way it works?
Before you eliminate something you need to at least take the time to figure it out.
When you still do not like it you could put it back on the chopping block. However, eliminating something just because you did not give it an opportunity is not exactly fair.
Learn it or lose it!
4. Do you have something else that can do the same thing?
Did you replace its main function with another piece of gear?
Modern tools are incredibly versatile. Generally, a swiss-army knife unit can take the place of several different items of your gear arsenal.
When you have something else that does the job just as well, why bother keeping both?
5. Do you have plans for it in the future?
If it isn’t currently in use, do you at least have concrete plans to include it in your workflow?
When you need it for when you finally get around to beginning that 90’s throwback stoner metal project, it’s fine to save it for a rainy day.
But when there is nothing on the horizon where it would be helpful it’s probably not doing you much good.
6. Was it an impulse purchase?
Do you suffer from buyer’s remorse? Making a hasty decision to open your wallet could leave you feeling like you must stick with it.
However, you may have to swallow your pride if it’s just sitting on the shelf getting dusty.
Even if it was not the best financial decision you have ever made,
7. Does it have sentimental value?
Is it tied to a great memory? Did you get it under fascinating circumstances?
You do not have to be a strict minimalist in terms of gear. When you are keeping something just since you like, that’s no problem!
At least you have a connection to it!
8. Did you buy just because it was a great deal?
Was it an offer you could not refuse? Everybody loves a great deal.
However, sometimes getting a great price is not enough to justify hoarding tools.
When you got it for a great price chance are you can turn it around get just as much for it—if not more!
Which leads me to my next point…
9. Would you rather sell it to fund something else?
Do you have lots of money tied up in it? Can you easily flip it for something more helpful?
Saying goodbye to large purchases could be tough. But if it isn’t actively contributing to your music, that money could be better spent elsewhere.
Think about what you actually need for your workflow.
10. Does it make you feel inspired when you plug it in?
Does it provide you with a spark of creativity when you fire it up? Your gear should make you feel good once you plug into it.
It’s probably an important issue in relation to your tools. If it doesn’t contribute positively—or worse, makes you uninspired—you don’t need to let it weigh you down.
Keep concentrated on bringing gear into your workflow that provides a sense of satisfaction to use.
It isn’t just about tone, it’s about the connection you have with your tools!
Acquisition specialist
Endlessly buying gear is a behavior that may flip into an obsession.
Whether or not you’re stockpiling synths, pedals, guitars or plugins, your assortment can flip right into a burden that weighs you down creatively.
Ask your self these 10 questions to search out out if there’s any gear you’ve gotten that you possibly can do with out.