Musicians that buy cheap gear

[Scafeets]

 

I've played the same OLP copy, but it was a refurb, so it was seven cheaper. It had one of the best necks I've ever played. The pickups were incredible - neck pickup was soooo smooth with a clean channel and the bridge pickup with an overdriven setting was unbelievable - it had a near perfect balance of drive and breakup, and palm muting chords was a joy. I think the person bought it for around $130- it did need a good amount of setup work, but I did that for free. If it was mine I would have changed the tuners to something better, and knocked down the frets in a couple places, but for about $200 for the guitar + upgrades I would have no problem using that guitar for playing or even recording instead of the les paul I paid $2000+ for.

 

 

True. I have an EBMM Axis and use the OLP as a backup. The neck and fretwork is amazing even at double the price -- even the pickups sound great.

[summit111]

My Brothers,

 

You wanted to hear about drum kits and equipment, well here you go. My first kit was an entry level Pearl Export Forum, and I was happy as a clam until I started noticing other drummers and their gear. When I tried out the pro-level kits and cymbals, I knew the difference.

 

Now I play with Yamaha Stage Customs, Evans heads, Vic Firth sticks, high end Sabians, Iron Cobra kick pedals, and use SKB cases and Rock & Roller dollies to move it all around in. Believe me, it makes a big difference!

 

But one thing, there is a break even point where quality and price aren't even. You can reach a point where the more you spend, you don't neccesairly get better quality or sound. You may pay more, but the return isn't so noticeable.

 

Each person has to find that break even point.

[newmaxnew]

I think I may have only met a handfull of people that could do justice to a 3k-5k guitar. Most guys who own those instruments have way more money than talent or desire to practice.

 

Max

[rhat]

 

I think I may have only met a handfull of people that could do justice to a 3k-5k guitar. Most guys who own those instruments have way more money than talent or desire to practice. Max

 

 

The problem with guitars in that range is you are spending your money on gingerbread and not a guitar. A decent Made in USA guitar isnt going to cost you 3 or 4 grand. If you wanna pay for fancy inlay work or exotic curly maple flames go ahead. The guitar isnt going to play or sound any different than just the standard models. Sure you can upgrade pickups but that isnt going to get you to 4 grand. rat

[maybeyes2]

Well said, but I think you're missing the point of the OP. I believe that he was referring to folks who's gear constantly breaks down, and that this is a poor reflection on the band.

 

I agree this is a poor reflection on a band when gear is constantly breaking down. Sorry for the rant. Thanks for reeling me back in.

[Scafeets]

 

The problem with guitars in that range is you are spending your money on gingerbread and not a guitar. A decent Made in USA guitar isnt going to cost you 3 or 4 grand. If you wanna pay for fancy inlay work or exotic curly maple flames go ahead. The guitar isnt going to play or sound any different than just the standard models. Sure you can upgrade pickups but that isnt going to get you to 4 grand. rat

 

 

 

 

I agree that once you hit around 2 grand, you pretty much bought all the workmanship and hardware you can get on a solidbody. After that, you are paying for the fancy wood and inlay work.

 

And if I could afford a Warrior, JET, McInturff, etc. I'd blow the extra money because at that point you're buying a piece of playable art.

 

However: If you look at the workmanship in a top end acoustic, it's easy to see where the labor, as well as the materials, can easily set you back 5 Large and much more.

[vanlatte]

But one thing, there is a break even point where quality and price aren't even. You can reach a point where the more you spend, you don't neccesairly get better quality or sound. You may pay more, but the return isn't so noticeable. Each person has to find that break even point.

 

Hey that's a really good point!

 

Especially when we are talking about tone and accustics and whatnot: reliability is one thing, but I would wager that most of us playing out are at the mercy of the venues when it comes to sound anyway, so that rare handcrafted $8,000 guitar is not going to sound a whole heck of a lot better than that Oscar Schmidt coming through the house

[fastplant]

 

I think I may have only met a handfull of people that could do justice to a 3k-5k guitar. Most guys who own those instruments have way more money than talent or desire to practice. Max

 

 

True, alot of people think they can buy talent. Or that their flashy equipment will make them seem like a better player. I think it does just the opposite. It makes it that much more clear that they are not on par with their gear.

[Outkaster]

I get really annoyed when people state that they have all this great equipment they paid for and then can't play it at all. As a few have already stated how well you play or sound really has nothing to do with how expensive you equipment is. I have seen a lot of folks put to shame by someone with an inexpensive guitar/amp/effects combination right after they were putting down that same person for their inexpensive equipment. It becomes a snobbery that people like to perpetuate. Sort of like when people try to tell you what you are like by your astro sign or how your hair is cut or by what you where. They are usually way offbase. While I may not be as good as some of you who post on this board I really try and I like my tone to this point. I don't have a basement full of guitars and gear (I'd love to but my girls are still at home and have claimed my basement), but I take care of what I have and continue to practice. I really don't want to spend $3-5K on a guitar either. I love playing, but cannot justify spending that much money on equipment. I am not a pro, I don't tour, I play in a worship band and jam with buddies. I have no intention of being a professional musician. Explored and discarded that route years ago and have no interest in it now. I do however love to play. If you want to buy the expensive equipment be my guest, but back off on the snobbery. I am more impressed if you just get up there do your thing and then if you like what I did compliment me. If I like what you do I will compliment you no matter what gear you are playing with. As someone else alluded to earlier. Some people are slowly working their way up to the better equipment. They pay their dues with what they can afford. I have a lot of respect for that as well. They really don't deserve to have someone act like snob becuase they don't have the more expensive stuff. Well done my rant. Who is next?

 

All I am saying is I see plenty of pro keyboard players use {censored} Hammond sounds or keyboards in general and there is no reason for it. Especially at a pro level. I saw Dicky Betts keyboard player using a C-3 and 122RV last summer then had a {censored}ty ass digital piano on top of it. I was like WTF is that about? Or you see people that just don't give a {censored} and I could not understand that why you would not want to put your best foot forward.

[adamrobertt]

I think the real problem is that people seem to think that more expensive gear = more talent, better tone, better show.

 

Wrong.

 

I get better sound out of my Epi. Casino and Fender Hot Rod Deluxe than half the "professional" live acts I've seen. If you can't, then that's not your equipment's fault, that's you.

 

I've heard great tone out of a Squier strat through a solid state Marshall, and I've heard {censored} tone out of a Gibson LP Custom through a Soldano.

[Outkaster]

 

I think the real problem is that people seem to think that more expensive gear = more talent, better tone, better show. Wrong. I get better sound out of my Epi. Casino and Fender Hot Rod Deluxe than half the "professional" live acts I've seen. If you can't, then that's not your equipment's fault, that's you. I've heard great tone out of a Squier strat through a solid state Marshall, and I've heard {censored} tone out of a Gibson LP Custom through a Soldano.

 

 

Not in all cases. The above example was someone that HAD talent. Forget I brought this up.

[Preacher Will]

 

I meant more keyboard players and drummers but this has turned into a guitar thread which is ok.

 

 

 

I don't know. I played "keys," primarily organ, for about fifteen years back in the late '60s, '70s, and early '80s. I was classically trained and have played some truly great instruments, many of them high-end pipe organs such as Moellers, Schantzs, Wurlitzers, Leeds, etc. not to mention excellent electronic ones such as Allens, Hammonds, and Baldwins. I used to gig with a B-3 and Fender Rhodes. Today, I play guitar and my wife is the keys player in my band. While I would love to have that old Hammond back, her Casio is a heck of an instrument. It is light weight and versatile; has decent patches and a nice action; is midi capable and easy to hook up--all for $500.00. No, it is is not a Triton, but it does the job we need and does it well. With nearly four years of weekly gigs behind us, it has never had a hiccup.

[Outkaster]

 

I don't know. I played "keys," primarily organ, for about fifteen years back in the late '60s, '70s, and early '80s. I was classically trained and have played some truly great instruments, many of them high-end pipe organs such as Moellers, Schantzs, Wurlitzers, Leeds, etc. not to mention excellent electronic ones such as Allens, Hammonds, and Baldwins. I used to gig with a B-3 and Fender Rhodes. Today, I play guitar and my wife is the keys player in my band. While I would love to have that old Hammond back, her Casio is a heck of an instrument. It is light weight and versatile; has decent patches and a nice action; is midi capable and easy to hook up--all for $500.00. No, it is is not a Triton, but it does the job we need and does it well. With nearly four years of weekly gigs behind us, it has never had a hiccup.

 

 

I doubt you would see a Casio in a pro line-up. I know what you mean but I guess it is something I would just not do.

[ggm1960]

 

I don't know. I played "keys," primarily organ, for about fifteen years back in the late '60s, '70s, and early '80s. I was classically trained and have played some truly great instruments, many of them high-end pipe organs such as Moellers, Schantzs, Wurlitzers, Leeds, etc. not to mention excellent electronic ones such as Allens, Hammonds, and Baldwins. I used to gig with a B-3 and Fender Rhodes. Today, I play guitar and my wife is the keys player in my band. While I would love to have that old Hammond back, her Casio is a heck of an instrument. It is light weight and versatile; has decent patches and a nice action; is midi capable and easy to hook up--all for $500.00. No, it is is not a Triton, but it does the job we need and does it well. With nearly four years of weekly gigs behind us, it has never had a hiccup.

 

 

I imagine the sound of those Casios has come a long way over the years. Myself, for live performance I shy away from any keyboard that has built in speakers but I'm already using Roland and Korg units and I don't mind spending the money to get the boards I want.

[Roy Brooks]

I like reliable gear no matter what it cost. I have lots of effects units that I bought for $35 or less. They all sound good and hold up on the gig when I decide to use them.

 

One of the guitars I regularly gig with is a Danelectro U1 from the early sixties. It was $250. And I have been quite pleased with the way it plays and sounds.

 

My Fender Pro Junior was relatively inexpensive. But it sounds really good. And I gig with it often.

 

But I also play with some really nice expensive stuff too. Though sometimes I don't take them to the places I play. I have a 1956 Gibson ES-175 and a 1934 National Style O. They don't go to honky tonks or sports bars.

[Baldrick]

 

I think the real problem is that people seem to think that more expensive gear = more talent, better tone, better show.

 

 

Well, I own a Gibson LP and won't claim to be the most talented player to walk this earth. But the thing is, if you have dreamt of an instrument since you were a kid and then finally earn enough money to afford it, then why not?

 

What really disturbs me is to see somebody treat a beautiful instrument like a piece of garbage. (Like people smashing up guitars on stage, even if they are big rock stars or talented as hell.)

[ggm1960]

 

Well, I own a Gibson LP and won't claim to be the most talented player to walk this earth. But the thing is, if you have dreamt of an instrument since you were a kid and then finally earn enough money to afford it, then why not?

 

 

I've never heard anyone regret springing for top notch gear.

For my PA gear I'm always hunting for best bang for the buck but I always keep in mind that when something breaks it's me who's gonna have to fix it

[caveman]

It's not about price, it's about performance.

[slight-return]

 

I've never heard anyone regret springing for top notch gear.

 

 

I have.

I don't mean it as contrarian or anything, and I don't have a particular view to push -- I just mean it as a datapoint

[ihateyouguys]

 

I have. I don't mean it as contrarian or anything, and I don't have a particular view to push -- I just mean it as a datapoint

 

 

Same here - and not just in the music area.

[Roy Brooks]

 

It's not about price, it's about performance.

 

 

True that, G.

[Preacher Will]

I imagine the sound of those Casios has come a long way over the years. Myself, for live performance I shy away from any keyboard that has built in speakers but I'm already using Roland and Korg units and I don't mind spending the money to get the boards I want.

 

Obviously we don't use the built-in speakers. But, run it direct out in stereo to a good PA and its a whole 'nother ball game.

 

(That said, I must admit I miss a real Leslie.)

[Brian Krashpad]

 

What's the deal with musicians that buy cheap gear? I see this a lot especially with people that can afford it. You would think people would want to put their best foot forward but often they don't. Then you get them always fixing gear, sounds like {censored}, or it is in the shop, or they are trying to tune constantly on stage.

 

 

No offense, but you're living in the past, or the people you're seeing/hearing are idiots. There are TONS of perfectly giggable instruments made now inexpensively.

 

Didn't used to be that way.

[RobRoy]

 

What's the deal with musicians that buy cheap gear? I see this a lot especially with people that can afford it. You would think people would want to put their best foot forward but often they don't. Then you get them always fixing gear, sounds like {censored}, or it is in the shop, or they are trying to tune constantly on stage.

 

 

I didn

[RobRoy]

What bugs me even more is talentless hacks with top notch gear.

 

That is more true than you know. And not just in music. My old next door neighbor had an amazing collection of gear for how good a player he was.

 

His name is Paul Allen.