What's Enough Amps..For Me; the amp purge method and final choices

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I've been adding amp to my "stable" for 20 years...until now. I took a long look at my life as a player and decided to trim down to what is essential for me. See the process I used based on Marie Kondo's books and the amps I decided to hold on to. This is the first of three videos on me selling off my gear and embracing "...the most music from the least gear" ethos.
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Keith
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[@RiffsAndBeards]

Well geez I WAS gonna send you this vintage tweed Deluxe but looks like you are all set.

[@dangitdan9938]

🤣🤣🤣

[@guppybill]

LO F'n L

[@the_nondrive_side]

Five Triple Rectifier World.

[@armyofchris]

Just throw it over the fence. Let arby's deal with it.

[@bootgrip6]

Well now see, since that wasn’t in the stable he couldn’t exactly make a descision based on that… so I guess you need to send it over.

[@hank_says_things]

Don’t ever lose that Snorlax. He sparks much joy.

[@EasyHeat]

Agreed

[@ahriik]

I'd love to hear the story about that Snorlax, if there is one. I haven't seen all the streams so perhaps Keith has already mentioned something about it, but if not, I'd be very interested!

[@fivewattworld]

Years ago my son wanted a peekachu pluffie. I said, “sure, and you know I’m going to get this Buddha looking guy. What’s his name?” So I put him in the studio and he’s been there ever since. So the Snorlax is the studio/video mascot to remind me of my son. Pretty simple really.

[@brianlegg6009]

" . . . marriage DE-LAMINATED . . .". Very interesting way of describing the process. For my first marriage words such as "deteriorated" "imploded" "disintegrated" "descended into gut wrenching chaos" come to mind. I'm glad you came through it, Keith. You seem to be at peace now and future focused, as am I.

[@fivewattworld]

Totally hear you.

[@chrish4858]

“Getting the least music from the most gear” hurt me in a way I didn’t know I could be hurt

[@fivewattworld]

Sorry Chris. I didn’t make that up. :)

[@boemarshall1]

Haaaa! Me too... A change is gonna come.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Ditto... I guess it's time to spend money on lessons instead. LOL I already did though... I guess I should actually use that GuitarTricks subscription I paid for. I suck... LOL

[@charlies3287]

@@NeoRichardBlake True Fire All Access has been the best investment I've made in years.

[@paulcowart3174]

LoL yeah man have a bunch of vintage combo's I need to sell myself One of these days LoL Not looking forward to it

[@JeffHendricks]

Selling off my huge pedalboard for a small modeler. Selling off my cheap guitar collection for 1 good one. Keeping my 1 amp. Experiencing zen: priceless.

[@therangersinger]

Hey I did the same recently. Sold both of my victory amps and cabs and my outrageous pedal board down to the last patch cable. Bought a helix and powercab 212. Couldn't be happier.

[@gibsonguitarplayer]

Me too. Sold off a Single Rectifier, EVH50, Classic 50, Hot Rod Deluxe. Sold my American Strat, LP Standard which never stayed in tune. A massive pedalboard. Now I have a fantastic sounding Yamaha THR30 and a LTD EC 1000. I am in Heaven. Bunch of cash. Now to thin out my acoustic collection.

[@Stashmanfpv]

You’re truly onto something. I just started using pedals after YEARS of guitar straight into amp. So, everything is getting whittled down, except for my new “Pedal Addiction.” Everything else I’ve broken down to just what I need, instead of just what I want… I think that is the best way, for me anyway, to approach this… Best! ✌🏼

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I don't feel the need to get rid of anything. 2 good guitars 3 O K guitars. 9 amps or something to play loud through. Got free keyboards. Got very cheap electric drums. 1 of the guitars is a bass. 2 of the amps are bass. With free keys came a key amp. Just got enough unless something cool comes along. Got storage for most of this stuff. Including some cases. Like the drums are in an old tool storage container all wrapped up in towels. My P A head is in a old folding cooler that has protection for the knobs. All this stuff stacks up real good and most fits in a closet. Why get rid of stuff I always wanted but couldn't afford. Except for my main guitar stuff everything was free or super cheap. None of it is the greatest of quality but it works. And it's mine.

[@TJjjjjjjjjjj]

Seriously one of the most genuine people on KZbin. The world needs more Keith Williams’s

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks TJ

[@chrisnash8411]

So true!

[@Dontchangemynameok]

The most elusive part of my 46 year guitar playing journey has been finding my own musical voice. I’ve been through all the copycat phases, wanting to play like everyone from Randy Rhoads to Stevie Ray to Al Di Meola…….and on and on. It seems logical to mirror the equipment of an admired artist to sound like that artist. But for me it was very unfulfilling and shallow. Real progress was made when I started over with nothing but an acoustic guitar and began to play what was in my heart. I started to love the guitar again. Today I have a Strat, a Tele, a Taylor acoustic, a loud Fender tube amp, and a less loud Fender tube amp. I have 4 pedals which I don’t use. What I do use is my picking attack, volume, and tone knobs. I rarely leave the neck pickup and my clean sound is so full and rich that I am completely satisfied. I haven’t searched for tone for a couple of years. I’m not disappointed in my playing because I no long focus on trying to play like someone else with equipment that doesn’t fit with who I am. In fact, I think I might even be getting to be a half decent player. And that is a really good feeling. Great video. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@danabiondo9243]

Excellent Kevin. And So Right On. We can never Be Who We Are Doing Covers or Wanting to Be like Any One Else. Good for You. ☮️

[@DoktrDub]

I just need one good small tube amp, maybe a reverb/delay pedal, 1 acoustic, 1 Gibson SG, and a schecter 7 string for heavier playing, if I want to try anything else I’ll usually sell other gear.

[@theroadsnearyou...5088]

Be you, not a copy of someone else!🙏👍

[@mtmusicgear]

Your plain spoken and direct commentary on gear sets you apart on KZbin, Keith. I appreciate you sharing parts of your personal life that underscore your commentary about transitions and introspection in life. Keep up the great work.

[@Hawking1969]

My "ideal music life" is so modest it's embarrassing. I simply want to play alone, at home, along with my favorite songs, accurately.

[@Hawking1969]

@@dougsmith6648 i disagree. playing accurately is a great start to improvisation.

[@mikem668]

@@Hawking1969 I don't disagree, but the first three - home, alone, favorite songs - are definitely simpler that accurately. I came from a trumpet background. I could play anything I could read "accurately." It never occurred to me there was more than one way to coax sound out of the instrument a la Miles Davis, say. John Mayer talks about why he dropped out of Berklee. Technique, theory and accuracy are important, but so is communication (his goal), expression and feel. Take Dylan, leaving aside Hendrix. How do you play or sing Bob Dylan accurately?

[@phillipholt6005]

I love to watch guitars and accessories videos but I'm not good enough to own a lot of gear. I have two modeling amps and a acoustic amp and 7 guitars and that's all I need! I have one of each guitar for types of playing.

[@mikem668]

@@phillipholt6005 The New Math 😀 When I first read "not good enough" I thought "not rich enough." But then... We're both doing the same thing. Different guitars, different amps, exploring and learning about sound and music. But I often wonder if we'd be better (more good), whatever that is for each of us, if we only had one guitar (even a Squier) and one good amp? Not as much fun though. And we'd always fear we were missing out.

[@jarrusjenkins]

I vote that Keith be recruited for the "Calm" app to read a sleep story.... Dude, you've got a very calming, soothing voice...

[@ElektroCuration]

This was just the Friday morning Zen that I needed before a busy weekend of playing music! Thanks for sharing your journey with us all.

[@izzajoker]

Funny, when my marriage ended, I went from 1 amp to 5 and 2 guitars to 10! No Regrets! I might need to add a Victory. :D Wishing you all the best, I hope those amps continue to spark joy.

[@cfrssll58]

What I most appreciate about this show is it gives me "permission" to keep the five amps I own. Thanks! ;-)

[@Claytone-Records]

Right? I have seven, but five are under 30 watts. The other two however…

[@TeleCaster66]

I'm more into amps than guitars; I have two great guitars and 4 amps and I'm open to buying a 5th.

[@fivewattworld]

I’m there for you man!

[@Art-zs6sl]

I own exactly 5... now I want a Victory though!

[@Claytone-Records]

@@Art-zs6sl Nice.

[@Lwayte]

This is a beautiful rumination on meaning in life, not just gear. Thanks!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Larry

[@Angus.Maclean]

These 18 months have taken such a toll on so many individuals and relationships. All of us have had to take stock of what is most important, what we value at our core. Sure, it looks different for different people, musically and relationally. You have been inspiring us to do this before March 2020 and continue to do so. Thank you for your dedication to the Five Watt World in which we all (metaphorically and in so many ways literally) must live.

[@roadworthy1102]

Genuine insights, refreshing honesty, and respectful candor. Appreciate and respect what you're doing here.

[@jkinzie20]

Slash has been playing pretty much the same amps, strings, picks, straps, guitars, etc. from the beginning. He says he doesn't like messing with things. Works for me.

[@Voltanaut]

I love having a small collection. I have 2 Ric basses (a 4 string and a 5 string) and 2 amps (an Ashdown and an 80s Ric amp). I'm never lost in a sea of choices.

[@telecasterbear]

Nice. I have two telecaster basses, a fender rumble 200 combo, and looking for a smaller 1x10 combo.

[@Voltanaut]

@@telecasterbear That's perfect. Focus allows me to improve my music. If I have too many options, I'm more worried about not having a good sound than I am about creating the best sound I can.

[@josephpbrown]

Same. I have an Ampeg PF thru an Ashdown 2x10, or a tiny Rumble 15 as my practice amp. Feeding this is my SUB Ray4, which can get me any tone I want. 5mins of adjustment and its the "tone in my head" coming right at me.

[@alexcrouse]

For me, the 5 watt philosophy is "you don't need to spend a ton of money to get what you want". The goal is to get the music you want, without spending everything you've ever earned. The community is here for you, Keith. Take any time you need. We will be here whenever you need us. I recently ended a 12 year relationship, and found what i was missing - changing nearly everything. But i've still got my pile of craigslist amps and guitars!

[@RGMDG]

So much wisdom in the things you’ve said Keith. I really appreciate your presentation style and your transparency. It is very real and refreshing. Just trying to get me to think critically about what is “essential “. Thank you. Best wishes to you my friend. The future has great things in store.

[@camhaines5482]

Keith - Love your videos. This time of year I like to work outside with the amazing colours of changing leaves and crisp air. Head in at the end of the day and sit by the fire tinkering on an old acoustic guitar. That's how your videos make me feel. Keep makin them!

[@davidchase-lopes8413]

This was such a wonderfully done video my Friend. Loved every part of it. I'll bé watching and rewatching this one. Appreciate all thé care,honesty and thoughfulness that you invest in these videos. Thanks again, Keith !

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks David

[@The802Rider]

As always, a great channel to watch. I always love the info and opinions that come with these videos...even if I agree with them or not. This particular video struck home with me as I have been in the same mind set. I am a sucker for new gear, guitars, and amps, but at the end of the day, I can really say that I gravitate to using 2-4 guitars, out of my small collection and only one of my 4 amps. I may be down-sizing my amp/guitar collection to what I use regularly. I'm just an at-home player and occasionally play with others (when time permits).

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

I'm never triggered by your videos or focus on less gear and more music (and my collection is approaching "too much"). I appreciate your POV and although it's different from mine I can still benefit from watching & supporting your channel. Thank you for sharing everything with us.

[@zazoomatt]

Great CALL ! Thank You Keith Williams for it all .

[@bro7269]

Holy crap man! This has been the exact story of my life the last year and a half. Divorce, lost material possessions, cross country move, reevaluating what is important (not coming up with many answers). Right now I am in the rebuild phase of my life and content with my Boss Katana in my living room and a decent pedal board. It is certainly enough for me to create music. I also read the Marie Kondo book. I am enjoying (for now) my reduced possessions. My friends laugh at me for not having many “things” right now. I don’t care. I’m saving money and get ready for the next chapter. Health, music, and good work…..it’s all I got right now. Peace Five Watt!

[@jadm110]

your video's just seem to come at just the right time for me. ( when to buy& when to sell) keeping me focused on my playing and not on ordering stuff off the internet! thank you

[@MichaelFix]

I love your channel...your videos are always informative, & honest; there's always an important message that seems to find me at exactly the right time!

[@battmanvonrichtoven]

Thank you again Keith. Such a great video, I really love how you present your information. Please keep putting out all this great content. You are extremely inspiring person.

[@lorenzo-agnes]

Of all your videos, this one helped me the most. Thank you dearly.

[@ampman5863]

Great to hear the shoutout for amps. I started with learning about guitars, then learned how to build/design/mod amps and found more good tone with amps amps rather than more guitars. All my guitars are stock but few amps are.😎 Great channel; thanks for all you do for us Keith!

[@Stashmanfpv]

Interesting… I too, had found that I own entirely too much gear and have gone into “purge” mode. I no longer own 16 tube amps, 56 guitars, 16 basses, 3 drum sets, a serious - SERIOUS collection of synthesizers, and a myriad of recording equipment and rack mount gear, etc. I’m no longer gigging, so I felt I no longer needed all that gear. I also have the Fractal AXE FXIII, AX8, Line 6 Helix, POD HD500X, Kemper floor, and the Quad Cortex. The modelers are terrific and beyond compare (in my world) for recording. It’s just so easy to get a tone and have it dialed in perfectly. They (again, to me) are the best for what I do. I did however buy my last amp (praying cause I’m weak lol) I purchased a Ceriatone OTS Mini 20 (Dumble clone) that I had played one night at a jam-fest, and that amp was glorious! So, I came home and immediately ordered one and it’ll be here in a few more months, but I don’t see myself purchasing anymore tube amps, or other gear, as what I have left should suffice for years to come… 45yrs of collecting gear was enough for me and I believe I’ve learnt my lesson, as far as having every bit of gear I’d ever wanted, instead of making the gear I have currently (tons of gear still) work for my situations. Great time to be alive and a guitarist! Thanks for the terrific videos and the mind-set! Best! ✌🏼

[@ozkarov]

I have to say that I truly enjoy and love your videos.... I started watching thinking this was an Amp video.... it turned out this is a life confession. This is a let-go exercise, not just of amps, but letting go of things that don’t help us move on. I must admit it brought laughs, sights, teary eyes, and a sense of relief at the end. I don’t know, it must be my age.

[@fivewattworld]

Yeah the key word their is “enough”. It’s been my theme since I turned 50 (so for a while now.)

[@Adipsia1]

I've been where you are Keith, and I'll probably be there again. Thanks for sharing so many positive thoughts and tips.

[@Catdaddysound]

You will pull through this Dude. Seriously! The wimmins will come and go... It sucks that happened! Hang in there! You might find that with no one to distract you, things will get better. I love my little Fender. I have also built a few as well. Glad to see you back!!

[@fivewattworld]

It was six months ago and I was better immediately after getting out. Just getting better all the time now.

[@Catdaddysound]

@@fivewattworld Been There myself. Glad to hear it!

[@raysmith1630]

You do great videos Keith. This one was particularly interesting. I got involved in guitar playing in around 1969. I didn't get what you could call semi serious until a bit later. At one time I had one of the original hot pink paisley Telecaster. This was 1970, before Brad was born(maybe). For a long time I mostly went with my Takamine acoustic that I have had with me since 1975. She's awesome. Now, here at the age of 71 I'm getting a little more serious. I'm getting back into the electric world and I want to gain more real understanding of what playing can be. I really appreciate your efforts and the efforts of your like minded army of KZbinrs. You all are a great help I'm guiding people like me towards our goals. Thanks again.

[@glennpace9783]

Another great segment on simplifying...thanks Keith. I really took to light weigh backpacking/thru-hiking a few years ago, and the process of only taking what you truly need, and evaluating every item in your pack, has transcended hiking into all aspects of what I do...including music. While I don;t cut off all the tags on my music gear, or drill holes in my pedal board to save weight, I do look at everything in a more holistic manner, Thanks again, and best wishes through this journey.

[@stickman55100]

Eloquence and elegance in your videos and gear reviews! Always great and so informative.

[@joephillips4082]

A thoughtful and well-reasoned video. You've acted on something we've all thought about. I commend you for getting that far. I don't want my widow to have to muck out this guitar cave, but so far I haven't made a move. Maybe this vid will be an inspiration. Thanks.

[@schlep4730]

Keith - nice, thanks for posting and sharing where you are at. I too am trying to always own only what is essential, with both gear and in life, so I always have a keen interest in your thoughts.

[@theguitaramptech]

Thanks for sharing this, Keith. Your honesty struck a chord with me.

[@romeopatterson2118]

I agree with your concept. A logical approach to gear makes sense, even though many of us search for that “golden tone” . Thanks for sharing this content!

[@lefauxpas]

I always enjoy your thoughtful videos. Thanks.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

This is such a great video. Walking through the methodical process of finding what *works* for you in the gear realm I think can be so freeing and inspiring.

[@finchisfunny]

Thank you for sharing your story. In a similar way, my own soul searching in an emotional transitional period forced me to decide what kind of a player I was as well. I went with an mx5 in a similar setup to your hx stomp. Couldn't be happier. Now the cherished blackfaces stay at home, and I can bring that sound with me anywhere in just about any scenario I need to. Playing > Shopping Sometimes a downsize is a huge upgrade for the soul.

[@jdguitarmusic]

Thanks for this Keith - as I've shared in the past, Five Watt World has inspired me to work on the "least gear" concept, hoping to get to "more music" in the process. My amp history has really just focused on Fender and Vox - but I feel I really need to check out the Victory VC35 Copper. Looking forward to the next 2 videos.

[@theHAL9000]

Just completed this somewhat grueling process myself, although it was just downsizing from 7 to 3 amps. Kept my favorite, a Swart 5 watt Atomic Jr head played thru Celestion Blue cab, a PRS Sweet 16, and an Ampeg Bass PF20-T. Six-string played thru the Ampeg sounds great ... except for the amp hum which has defied all my efforts to eradicate it, but still a great sound so I kept it.

[@zacherycampbell7296]

I’ve had my eye on a sweet 16! Not the Sweetwater edition. I can’t seem to find much about it. Any feedback?

[@matthewkelly8039]

Keith, you have inspired me again. I love you and this channel for that. Recently I stumbled onto my own solution: one 10” bass cab, one 12” guitar cab, one tube amp head, one Quilter 50 watt solid state, and one bass head. I get all of the effects I need from a Boss EQ and Blues Driver pedals. Everything else is too heavy or unnecessary. Next, the instrument collection.

[@bobbyswamp]

This vid contained the precise thoughts and words I needed to hear at my personal point in my journey. Very grateful. Thanks, Keith.

[@fivewattworld]

Welcome Bobby

[@ryansnydercg]

The next video I was looking for!!! These are my favorite videos of yours Keith. And congrats on pairing down the amps

[@buzzawuzza3743]

You're right about so much of this. I have two guitar amps, one to gig and one to bring to rehearsals. Same with my bass rig. And my two Gibson guitars are all I want and my bass does everything I need. It flies in the face of what we always talked about as young guys but live and learn.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

I've spent the pandemic tweaking, evaluating, and exploring what gear I didn't need and what was essential. I wound up with 3 amps behind an ABY switch. I run a custom 20 watt head and a cel v30 cab on one side with 3 simple pedals, a an HX effects on the other side where I have patches for stereo, wet/dry, and single amp with either 2 or 4cm and know the sound I need to dial in on my amps; a pair of marshal origin and fender deluxe combos. Chasing tone is a rabbit hole, and I'm glad that I found something to anchor to so I can start climbing back out. Now, the more I notice, the more I sound like myself and really got into P90 equipped guitars thanks to finally not being afraid to play the PRS custom 22 soapbar 10'top, and boy do I kick myself for leaving that in the case for so long, and now I use the vol tone knobs on it and it's changed my life. Thanks for making these vids.

[@williamkerr3350]

Mate,you are truly a thinking musician,love listening to you ,thanks

[@brianmay7864]

Neil Young’s core rig has stayed pretty stable, recent addition of newer Magnatone notwithstanding Mike Campbell possibly. Simplification is more challenging for those of us who prefer to avoid multi-effects units.

[@christopherweise438]

Brian May - Neil will have to make a new version of "The Whizzer" for the Magnatone.

[@judithcoffing6326]

Thanks Keith. You're still ahead of me. Running a Fender Accustisonic 30 and a Vox AC15C1. Playing a church and before COVID in a pit band for local HS musicals over the past 6 years. A pedal board and I'm off. I'm new to the channel. Love the short histories. I too love making music with others and teaching guitar.

[@DocDisco241]

Man I love your videos. You’re like the most transparent bloke on the internet.

[@johnevans1453]

Inspirational guitar players Johnny Winter, James Taylor, John Fahey, Angus Young, Jimi, Stephen Stills, Jack Johnson. Your content resonated with me immediately. Thanks! 🙂

[@robcaldwell3172]

Your candor in this is both helpful and moving. Thanks are not enough.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Rob

[@stanskipworth]

As always, excellent show, Keith. Thank you!

[@rankenfile]

Simple is beautiful. Loss is painful. Honoring both enables growth. Good video sir.

[@portsideguitar1981]

Great thoughts behind all this Keith. New to your channel and really enjoying it. Thanks for all you do.

[@E29music]

I could not have expressed it any better. Good job Keith! Hope life is treating you well. Forward Motion!

[@joeriffanucci]

This is very good news. Looking forward to hearing more about your collaboration/voyage with Victory.

[@LewisShieldsUS]

Read and was influenced by a peer reviewed psych journal long ago (haven't found it since) regarding a Japanese concert pianist spent a sabbatical year off instrument immersed in performance visualization and returned with exceptional improvement. My first big stage was 10 steps from backline to footlights. Stretched 2 cables between a Boss pedal; looking over shoulder played whole show terrified was gonna pull amp wall down. A room full of gear was my emotional response to the pros and cons of minimalism. Heedless of all my therapeutic advice my wish lists and shopping carts, though unpurchased, remain full. Great show, thanks.

[@jeffgerndt2813]

Sorry to hear of upheaval in your life. You seem to be adapting well. I too have run the gauntlet of gear, only to pare it down later in life. It is a journey! Thanks for sharing. ☀️

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

thanks 5 watt, you've helped inspire me to figure things out guitar wise and music wise, and the direction for me to take. I have a reverse situation (explained below), so when getting next set of gear, I'll be set . Also truefire is great and lot of great players on there teaching their skillz. It's funny I had dozens of guitars and 2 dozen amps, and had about 15 pedals or so . . . because I was more a dabbler and collector than a player, as I got into guitars during college and after graduating, I had real adult money with low rent and paid off car. When I got into video games a few years ago, I sold anything guitar related off. But strange how things work I forgot about my 90's peavy amp, a tweed champ, and a fender twin reissue, two teles, the PRS mira, heritage lp, p and j bass, the classical @ the parent's. I'd left it behind during moves and essentially forgot about it. Video games I'm into, but not hardcore . . . so I had extra time and (building championship esport pc rigs every 3 years does cost serious $$). I ran into my old college buddy (old money so he's like Joe Bonamassa style, collector), and he was going on his usual shopping spree (LA, so you know has lot of great g fiddle stores that we'd be hitting up). While he was closing the deal on some, I saw a shiny metal guitar on the acoustic side where MIM tele / Epiphone section is. I didn't know what it was but it was recognizable (later going through my blues collection and saw Bukka White and other blues guys with resonators), and when I played it, it was a weird sound, but it touched me. It was under 1K so I got it. Later I wound find out all about resonators. So that's my main so far, and will save for the american built reso, as the nationals and mules my buddy has are way more tonal than what I got (though mine does get close). But only a few, and maybe an ES type guitar and 1 strat. . . and that's about it . . . So far been just starting out slow, learning scales and more chords, and on truefire taking some lessons with the resonator.

[@TheBarstowProphets]

5W videos (excluding the Short History videos) can usually be summarized in 3 or 4 important takeaways. This video: 1 - spend your money on lessons and your time on practicing not searching for and buying new gear. 2 - Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "am I a musician or am I a collector"? either answer is cool, but musicians need very little gear to excel (BB King and Derek Trucks plug straight in from guitar to amp). 3. 90% of us don't need 90% of the gear we own to live/play our current musical identity & mission. 4. It's the Indian not the arrow. Thank you again KW. Keep it coming. @gigwithvintage

[@fivewattworld]

That’s about it Chris

[@GeoffSweet]

Keith...as I lay here post surgery healing up...this video could not have come at a better time...I struggle with these thoughts...daily...I have come to the conclusion...a '68 Custom Fender Deluxe Reverb, a Wampler Tumnus, and my Gibson Les Paul '58 Reissue with Wizz PAF's....are really all I will ever need...desert island, coffee house gigs, jams...all of it...the realization of this...has lifted a giant gorilla off of my back...thank you...from the bottom of my heart sir.

[@ericwarrington6650]

Hi Keith! As always what a pleasure...made my Day..thanks...told wifey this was a new one and she said..." U don't need any more amps"...and she's right... just ironic cuz the point of this is n- 1 not n+;1..lol

[@robertbrancato9478]

You're spot on about Dan Lurie and his builds. Keeping with the theme, I have a 5F1 he built for me and it's glorious.

[@mykeychainrecords]

Stellar as always, Keith! Now you have me thinking...

[@jazzzfer]

Keith, You are a real inspiration. I had a similar collection of gear. Kept buying and buying to fill voids that I had/have. Ever since I started watching your videos I began selling my gear. I still haven't reached the point to where I'm making the most music but I'm getting there. I'm down to 3 amps (fender 66 bassman, matchless HC30 and a suhr PT15) If pressed I could do everything with just the PT15. I have 5, mostly cheap, guitars possibly keeping only 3 but I'm still working on that

[@Claytone-Records]

Bill Frisell is known for utilizing loops and delay effects, but he always gets great sound and tone no matter the toys he employs. I like doing the same and have scaled down to 3 or 4 effects boxes and using 2 out of 7 amps both for playing by myself and with others: an old Fender Blues Deluxe (that I put casters on years ago for easier transport) paired with either an old Acoustic Bass 20 watt or a newer Line6 Amplifi 75 watt. I also have other smaller amps. Only the Blues Deluxe was bought new. Another great video. I always appreciate your insights. Down to earth. Much appreciated.

[@urbancattle]

Keith, thanks for sharing that. Lots to think about in there. Best wishes.

[@trubadorphotography2541]

Thanks for the ❤️ on my first comment, KW. I had to leave to go to work after I posted it, but wanted to add more to it. The part I wanted to also say was that when you mentioned your world turning upside down re: the pandemic and then your marriage, I know whereof you speak. My world turned upside down when my now ex came home from work one day and said that dreaded “we have to talk… “ where she told me she didn’t want to be married any longer. Two weeks later the raging Thomas Fire blazed thru town (I live in Ventura CA) and caused a lot of additional stress and panic. Then, after the D (divorce, dust) was settled, I moved into a rental with one of our dogs… and that forced me to pair down my acquisition of “stuff”… but not nearly as completely as I really needed to. At the beginning of 2020 I suddenly had to put my little dog down, and shortly after that… well… C19 reared it’s ugly head to the whole world. I have been hoping to move to another location (another state) with the dread to having to move… AGAIN. But I take a good look at the remains of “ stuff” I have in my home office (way too many books and trinkets) as well as in my garage. I recently began donating some clothes that no longer fit (losing 10-12 lbs was a good thing). I must now tackle the bookshelves and boxes and containers in my garage and really go thru it all and say “keep”, “toss” or “donate” to finish the pairing down so that if/when I do move it’ll be easier on myself. And it’ll be better for my well being, as well. The purge is necessary. Concentrate on building up a photography business… start up a sea glass jewelry making business… cut in half the number of books I have to only the essentials… give away at least half of the trinkets I’ve collected over the years… go thru boxes of old (possibly ancient) paperwork and toss or shred most of it… and dust off the three guitars and one amp that I have and try yet again to restart taking lessons at my old fart age. It’s a process that’s necessary, weight lifting (literally and figuratively), and certainly cathartic. Thanx for the great videos! 😎🎸📷

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I traded my way into 3 good guitars and 3 good amps, and I think I’m finally happy. They all do something different within the styles I enjoy most. They’re all inspiring to me, which I suppose is what matters most. In the back of my mind always is “the most music from the least gear”, where did I hear that?🤔😏 Thanks, Keith!

[@guitarandcamera3392]

This is what I’m recently doing. Hard time, but worth it. Great video. ✌🏼😊

[@guitareveryone]

Great episode. I too have downsized my amp collection to six amps now owning the Tonemaster Deluxe and Twin amp, Hot Rod Deluxe and 68 Custom Deluxe , a Katana 100 and Mustang III V2. To be honest I could be happy with the Tonemaster Deluxe and the Hot Rod Deluxe so I’m sure the collection will shrink more with time. And I own just too many guitars so that collection will be reduced as well.

[@wipperwil]

Excellent video as always Kieth. Appreciate your opinions.

[@danbailey1229]

I’m going to be down to 1 amp Marshall Origin 20 with 3 power options .5 Watts, 3 and 20 Watts. Rarely use the 20 watt unless I’m home alone feeling a little sassy. Does everything I need to it’s simple and takes pedals great. I also have the matching 2/12 cab it can get loud in here. Love the video as always.

[@zackguitar07]

Always love your honesty and practicality, Keith! I’m personally not a fan of having more amps than I will use all of the time and won’t take up too much space, so I understand where you’re coming from. I have 7 amps (custom built 2x12 AC30, a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, a Spark, a Henriksen jazz amp 110, a little Fender modeler, a little Kustom 10 watt, and currently getting a 1x12 AC30 built with power scaling for quieter practice and smaller to carry for gigs.) Looking to sell the Henriksen, Hot Rod, and Kustom soon because they don’t get used ever.

[@frankadams4586]

Good stuff Keith. Very good points made and thought provoking commentary. Quite a few of my amps were acquired “when things wuz cheap” as they say. That was my justification for going a bit overboard. Might be time to reevaluate! 😁

[@kevindean1327]

Reminds me of that great saying that sprung up in the 60's "Simplify man". Insightful episode Keith!!!

[@Tibbon]

I'm struggling with this a bit myself. One thing that I enjoy about multiple amps and guitars is that for some reason they inspire me in different ways. Some of them are weird (Magnatone M15), some I have multiple of for a stereo rig (blackface Bandmasters), I like something super portable (AC4), and sometimes I want something stupidly high headroom (Twin). But, sometimes I realize too that I haven't turned on one in over a year. The maintenance bills and headache is high. I'm also in the process of setting up a large home studio, and the theoretical flexibility is really nice. Still, I can't help but wonder if I could actually enjoy having just one or two again much more. I did make more music when I had one amp over a decade ago...

[@maxpeck4154]

EDIT: I need sparkle but the JM was too bright/thin and the SG was still too warm. I discovered the Firebird. Game over. Sold the JM, picked up a Nash T63 and a 2014 Firebird V in white that already had Lollar Firebird pickups in it. Most balanced, comfortable guitar I've ever had. I sold all my electric guitar gear 15+ years ago and did solo acoustic gigs for years. Last year I set about putting together an electric rig. I play a 2020 SG Standard Maestro through a Morgan MVP23 combo with a Strymon Flint for reverb and tremolo. Pulled the hot, nasal humbuckers out and replaced them with HB sized underwound p90s for more articulate cleans. I came of age playing Teles and missed that Fender sound but wanted something different so I picked up a Jazzmaster. I have a wah pedal if the song calls for it. That's it. That's the whole rig. Several months after I got all of that stuff I discovered your channel. I'm a minimalist by nature and your overall message spoke directly to me. If I can't play it with either of those guitars through that rig, then it won't get played. Best tone I've ever had and I'm very happy. Just as important, it's all paid for and I'm not broke. Love your channel!

[@MrKaufmana1]

I really enjoy the goals of the channel - and I appreciate a lot of the things you said in the first three minutes. I used to work at a music store, and I was always amazed at the 'collections' some of our customers had (The least music from the most gear indeed). I new several players that had a dozen guitars, all variations on the same theme (11 Les Pauls and 1 Telecaster {With hum buckers}) or would have 30 + guitars, all modified 'budget guitars'. After years of hearing what others had, and spending 40 hours a week in a shop with hundreds of instruments, set some rules for my self. Never sell anything that sounded good. Never own two of the same thing. Only buy instruments that inspired me to play, and don't turn them into a money pit of constant modifications. I have learned in recent years, that what a person needs to create art, and find joy creating it, is completely different. If it's 30+ Epiphones and Squiers? Have at it. If it's all guitars you built, yourself, from a kit? Great. If it's a jazz box and a Polytone solid state amp? Fantastic. In the end, what matters is, what goals are you chasing as a player, and what brings you joy? Thank you for all you do on this channel, I truly enjoy it. ....and yes, ALWAYS spend money on lessons FIRST.

[@NateTheMeh]

I offloaded all of my amps and ended up with a Handwired Tyler pt14 65 style Princeton with a 1x12, and it’s been absolutely perfect at home and at shows, I use an Eminence Maverick attenuating speaker so I can push the volumes more at home, and it really does everything. I have tried many other amps since then and literally cannot find one that can stand up next to the Princeton.

[@PlaydateDrummer]

Thank you for the inspiration and bravery to commit to paring down!

[@billklement2492]

Keith, Great video! I've always shied away from gear. I wanted to learn to play the guitar without the effects. I think that's worked well for me. I think I only have 5 pedals, including a Stomp. I don't really need more. 3 Amps. Ok... and 20 or so guitars! Half acoustic. I did have an amp stolen in my early 20s. My best friend gave me his Bassman 50 head he bought new in the 60s. I had to give it back. I wasn't worthy! I was honored he would give it to me. Thanks for the video!

[@Joe_Hunter]

Keith - I apologize up front for the length of this post. Just wanted to say that your content is leaps and bounds above so much of the other content on KZbin. Watching your channel and hearing about your evolving relationship with gear has gotten me started on trying to evolve my own in trying to determine what really makes me musically happy and aligns with what I need. I also find myself moving more towards smaller, low wattage amps that better suit my current musical life. While I would like to think of myself as someone who needs all of this gear, if I'm truly honest with myself - I am not, nor will I ever be, which is ok. In a similar yet unintentional way, I've recently started to examine my relationship with KZbin. I've found that a similar scrutinization could be healthy for me - just as it was when I deleted myself from social media in 2013. Likening my old days of 100 watt stacks and racks of equipment to my ever-growing list of subscriptions, I've found some surprising and very tangible peace in "trimming the fat" from my subscriptions. For me, KZbin has two faces. It can be the greatest resource and library of knowledge and experience imaginable. At the same time, it can very easily become a breeding ground for feelings of inadequacy through constant comparison and, at times, a resulting failure to put stock in my own opinions in favor of the opinions of someone who I admire as a player or creator. Even the best of content creators unknowingly (or maybe knowingly) contribute to this constant noise that I've noticed in my own mind lately as I find myself trying to "keep up" with them so to speak. As I work to get intimate and familiar with my current gear, I find myself constantly being pulled away from it because these content creators that I've so willingly followed all discover something seemingly better than what's sitting in front of me on a regular basis, often within days of one another. The growing influence of KZbin and the content creators that populate it can create a deafening static that makes it nearly impossible to focus on what's important, and more importantly - what's in front of you. I wonder if more of the big creators out there were to consider what they put out there and weigh it's benefit against it's detriment, how much of a shift a person might see in the content. As I once debated joining the fray of content creators on KZbin, I've come to the realization that perhaps, the best thing I can put out there is silence - right after I dump this novel of a post out there. :) Thank you for producing content that is not only attenuating the static, but helping to clear it for me. - Joe

[@fivewattworld]

Wow, thanks for taking the time to do that Joe. I too really limited the number of channels I watch/subscribe to.

[@alexh3153]

Since I’ve been watching your channel I’ve been thinking about my playing and gear a lot. I have 6 electrics that are too sentimental to weed out but play my LP custom and my new j185 99% of the time. I have a 5150iii 50w for when I can rock out, a katana air that gets the most use and a supro delta king 5w for the in between. Love these amps but have started focusing on acoustic again to get out of the rut and it’s helping me so much to grab it, go find a quiet spot by the water and play unplugged and just enjoy the music and focus on the feeling.

[@PaulWalker87]

Great video. Thanks for sharing about your life and what brought you to minimalism. I was actually surprised that the Revv D20 didn't make the cut, as it had it's own "just 1 amp" video. Alas, you have to do what works for you. Cheers!

[@fivewattworld]

It’s a journey and I just can’t play them all.

[@jessemoneyhun3621]

Missed this content! Thanks for another video!

[@charliekaminsky8489]

Keith I LOVE your vids..... the history ones are great keep doing what you do man

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Charlie

[@hearpalhere]

I used to have quite a few different amps but I'm down to one now (a Bassman style tube amp). I miss the others every now and again but I do fine with just one too. At some point, I'd probably like to have one or two more but I totally felt you on this video Keith. I really think it's far more important to feel comfortable on a few basic amps than having a huge number sitting around, taking up space and collecting dust.

[@DanPeacock]

Sorry to hear about the marriage. I had the same thing happen to me a few years back. Keep going forward and thanks for bringing us along. I am getting caught up in the gear acquisition (mostly in that guitar realm... ) time to see what "sparks joy"

[@adylp7818]

Totally agree with the mantra about focusing on music, not gear.

[@_peachbeach]

I was rude earlier today and I apologize. im sorry about your marriage you seem like a sweet guy, im just struggling tbh, anyways wish you the best and im glad you seem to have found peace etc! sending good vibes :)

[@scottshelley9528]

Hey Keith -- Love your channel. Glad to see you did not purge the Snorlax.

[@PJandtheBeard]

I’m totally happy with a fender style amp without a master volume. Just a great clean and reverb. That’s the constant for me. Add a Barber direct drive and an analog delay and I’m good. Of course, rotating other pedals in and out can be fun and inspirational. Not sure I could sell off everything else but I admire what you’re doing.