Thinking of selling most of my guitar gear

[Aleksi]

I dunno if this is a gear rant or what, but anyway. I've had most of my guitars in storage since september when I went on holiday, I think? I keep the Strandberg 8 out in case I feel like playing it, but I've honestly played for maybe less than an hour this year. I'm just not drawn to it at all.

I always wanted to think that I was a guitarist, but I've never felt creative or particularly skilled on guitar. If someone asked about my hobbies, I'd be hesitant to mention the guitar. I've played for more than 20 years but you'd never guess from my playing. Guitar feels like I have to perform physically and a lot of the time I've spent with the instrument has been drilling whatever I'm working on with a metronome. Such fun. It doesn't help that I've got tinnitus and distorted guitars seem to make it worse.

I'm even thinking of selling the FM3. I mean I could just use plugins whenever I actually felt like playing or even grab a Tonex One or something. I'm going to give the FM3 another try with my synths, but I wasn't super impressed last time. I could always get a VP4 if really liked FAS effects.

TL;DR: I've realised that guitar is a chore for me and makes me feel inadequate. Thinking of selling it all and getting more pretty sounding bleep machines.

 

[QQQ]

Been there several times. Put it down for a while. I was always drawn back a bit down the line. Would recommend holding on to a few pieces of gear, especially anything sentimental. Everything else can be replaced, if need be. It shouldn’t be a chore. It should be something that adds to your life, but just because it isn’t a net positive for you right now, doesn’t mean it won’t be sometime later.

 

[Alex Kenivel]

Your synth gear making your guitar gear jealous?


Everyone goes through phases. I've gone back and forth the past 5 years. Keep anything prized/rare if you have any. Also keep some kind of happy place personal rig in case you decide to fall back in love with it.

 

[Aleksi]

Your synth gear making your guitar gear jealous?


Everyone goes through phases. I've gone back and forth the past 5 years. Keep anything prized/rare if you have any. Also keep some kind of happy place personal rig in case you decide to fall back in love with it.

I did go through a phase of barely playing at all for a few years and then I got back into it a few years ago. But I've always felt like I'm not good enough on guitar (except when I was a teenager and thought shredding up and down a minor scale was hot shit ). Playing in bands was kind of fun sometimes.

I think with synths there's also the fact that I don't really have any baggage. I'm just doing what I feel like and I'm just enjoying exploring sounds and different ways to create something. It's super relaxing.

 

[TSJMajesty]

I once had a 5-year drought with just no desire. Didn't even pick up a guitar most of that entire time period. But I didn't sell anything, as it didn't really bother me one way or the other.

Then for some unknown reason, about 7 years ago, I had a revival. And I too didn't like my skills for the amount of time I'd been playing (over 30 years at the time.) So I got on a mission that I'm still on, which has made a big difference. And I enjoy tf out of it. Even to the detriment of other things!

I guess what I'm saying is, you never know. If you have the space, can keep them in good condition, and don't need the money, I'd keep the guitars. But I'd get rid of the other gear because imo, it's all becoming worth less as time goes by. Especially anything digital because of upgraded versions. Maybe consider putting the funds into something new....?

 

[Aleksi]

I once had a 5-year drought with just no desire. Didn't even pick up a guitar most of that entire time period. But I didn't sell anything, as it didn't really bother me one way or the other.

Then for some unknown reason, about 7 years ago, I had a revival. And I too didn't like my skills for the amount of time I'd been playing (over 30 years at the time.) So I got on a mission that I'm still on, which has made a big difference. And I enjoy tf out of it. Even to the detriment of other things!

I guess what I'm saying is, you never know. If you have the space, can keep them in good condition, and don't need the money, I'd keep the guitars. But I'd get rid of the other gear because imo, it's all becoming worth less as time goes by. Especially anything digital because of upgraded versions. Maybe consider putting the funds into something new....?

I'm thinking that I'll keep my KxK 7-string, because it's pretty unique and I got it for a great price 16 years ago. Probably keep the Strandberg and one or two six strings. I don't need the money, but I'm at a point where I don't want to keep all this stuff lying around unused. The FM3 might be going. It's such a guitar centric piece to keep around if I don't actually play the guitar.

 

[Alex Kenivel]

I did go through a phase of barely playing at all for a few years and then I got back into it a few years ago. But I've always felt like I'm not good enough on guitar (except when I was a teenager and thought shredding up and down a minor scale was hot shit ). Playing in bands was kind of fun sometimes.

I think with synths there's also the fact that I don't really have any baggage. I'm just doing what I feel like and I'm just enjoying exploring sounds and different ways to create something. It's super relaxing.

The association between instrument and skill creating baggage is unfortunate, sorry to hear. I see it more like a language and less a measure of skill but I carry other associated baggage myself (never became a lucrative creative) but as long as I keep having fun, I'll do it. When it isn't fun, I'll put it down and tinker with production and sample-based music.

I love your submissions in the Do Something Challenge, BTW!

 

[laxu]

I think with synths there's also the fact that I don't really have any baggage. I'm just doing what I feel like and I'm just enjoying exploring sounds and different ways to create something. It's super relaxing.

Could this be just because you're better at playing synths?

I'm a beginner on keyboards and it's kind of frustrating that I have to climb that hill all over again to feel comfortable playing keys. Which in turn makes me pick up my guitar way more often than playing my Hydrasynth.

 

[Aleksi]

The association between instrument and skill creating baggage is unfortunate, sorry to hear. I see it more like a language and less a measure of skill but I carry other associated baggage myself (never became a lucrative creative) but as long as I keep having fun, I'll do it. When it isn't fun, I'll put it down and tinker with production and sample-based music.

I love your submissions in the Do Something Challenge, BTW!

I think it's the feeling that I'm incapable of creativity on guitar. I like playing metal, but if you ask me to write a riff I'll just go djent-djent-harmonic or 0-0-5-0-7. And playing tightly in time while recording or god forbid double tracking anything is a nightmare

The most enjoyment I get from guitar is laying on the reverb and delay and playing sparse single notes. But I feel like synths are better for that anyway.

 

[TSJMajesty]

I'm incapable of creativity

With some guidance from this guy, I think anyone can write a good song. He explains things very clearly, and if I was interested in writing/recording, I would definitely follow his methods. Based on what you've said, I'd recommend you check out any of his videos that discuss writing in a basic manner.

I especially liked the one on writing a song around a motif (very basic, simple melody, that anyone can create.)

 

[Aleksi]

Could this be just because you're better at playing synths?

I'm a beginner on keyboards and it's kind of frustrating that I have to climb that hill all over again to feel comfortable playing keys. Which in turn makes me pick up my guitar way more often than playing my Hydrasynth.

I can't really play keys (but I want to learn enough to be able to play simple stuff) but there are so many ways to play synths that I don't have to. I use a sequencer all the time and I'm happy to let the machine play what I ask it to. It removes one huge barrier in making music for me.

 

[metropolis_4]

Sometimes it’s good to push yourself, but also: chase what brings you joy.

Playing guitar is not a requirement in life, if something that non-essential is feeling like a burden then it’s not worth worrying about or carrying that weight.

Set it down, step back, and follow your muses. If they lead you back to guitar that’s great! If they lead you somewhere else that is also great!

 

[newholland]

i dunno. why do you need to be good at something to do it? you get better at something BY doing it.

i wouldnt worry about goals, but do whatever brings you joy to do it. maybe guitar isnt your #1 thing, and thats totally a possibility- but maybe its not the guitar ruining it for ya, but your expectations of being something youre not. we cant all be awesome or perform virtuosically, but you can always put yourself 100% into what you create at the level youre at if you stop comparing yourself to other people.

 

[ragingplatypi]

As a kid I took saxophone lessons for 10 years and when I was 18 I put it down and never picked it back up. I started playing guitar at 11 but have only had two lessons when I was 34. I didn’t play scales and arpeggios with a metronome until I was 45. Now when I do that it’s a meditative 5-10 minutes before I go back to just playing. I noodle, write stuff, sometimes I just spend an hour tone chasing. People can hear the influence of my guitar heroes in my playing but I’m barely close to playing like them. However, I love almost every moment I play guitar, and I always have something to reach for.
I also just love the gear. I don’t need to justify it to myself anymore. When I’m old as dirt and don’t want to hang out in bars anymore you’ll probably find me working the Saturday evening shift at an empty guitar center.
Anyways, if synths give you your bliss that’s great. If you can change your approach with guitar to enjoy it more that would also be great.

 

[FuzzyAce]

Definitely sounds like you're at a crossroad, and we've all been there. I like your ideas on synth fwiw, and hope you keep pursuing.

Synths are fun and I enjoy it too because it's a nice change from playing guitar, and I also have tinnitus so it does seem to help with that. But nothing wrong with thinning out guitar gear if you don't think you'll use it. Maybe just keep a few guitars around, some pedals and an amp or 2 for when those moments hit -- because they will eventually. Have fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself. It's about being creative and realizing you have something different than someone else.

 

[Diary Of An Axeman]

Been there several times. Put it down for a while. I was always drawn back a bit down the line. Would recommend holding on to a few pieces of gear, especially anything sentimental. Everything else can be replaced, if need be. It shouldn’t be a chore. It should be something that adds to your life, but just because it isn’t a net positive for you right now, doesn’t mean it won’t be sometime later.

I stopped playing in 1993, because mediocre playing was king ( Grunge/ Alternative) and I stopped playing for 4 .
Man, it was a long 4 years !!!!

 

[TJontheRoad]

Unless you need the money and/or space in your home, there's no reason to sell and may end up regretting it later. Starting over is even more costly.

More importantly, don't feel playing guitar or keys is like a competition. You don't have to be great at it to feel great doing it.

 

[woody]

TL;DR: I've realised that guitar is a chore for me and makes me feel inadequate. Thinking of selling it all and getting more pretty sounding bleep machines.

It's totally valid to nuke the shit in our lives that doesn't spark joy.
It might be interesting to unpack the baggage that is attached to your guitar playing.

It's your life.
There's no obligation to do either.
You do you!

You do you!

 

[newpedals]

All of us go through such a phase.

Please be assured that this is a phase. We get tired. We need change. Sometimes it only means not thinking about something for a while.

Don't sell your stuff. After few weeks or months, you will again have the urge to play. Very few of us, humans on earth try to practice an art. We are competing with ourselves anyway.

 

[Los-D]

Dude, I’ve been there a couple times. I know other members here have gone through those cycles as well. I had a 5-year hiatus, followed by a 7-year hiatus once.

My only advise is to hang in there, forget the metronome sometimes and just have fun. Find those things that inspired you to play in the first place.