Gear Acquisition Syndrome. A Warning.

[@iainmc9859]

Man, you are so right. I've been watching a lot of Dennis Potter plays lately. Also some of his interviews. He hit the nail on the head when he said after WW 2 we were led down the road in the 50's of no longer being citizens but being consumers. You buy something, you're happy; the latest camera, the latest phone, the latest car etc etc, the list is endless. A symptom of illness, both of the individual and society. More stuff than you'll ever use. Even if you apply a utilitarian viewpoint - have nothing in your home which isn't useful or beautiful - we still amass unused stuff. I'm not immune, a garage full of, I'll keep it 'just incase'.

[@loneshootr]

Yep for sure. General consumerism is one thing, but when it becomes chronic it's a sign of something deeper I believe - but then that's only my personal experience of it, nothing more than that really. The whole 'I'll keep that it may be useful' thing... I'm not too fast to condemn that - there's a big difference between hoarding stuff that may be useful and straight up compulsive buying. The 'may be useful' thing has got me out of a spot more than once!

[@Magik1369]

My first 25 years of playing , I played on 1 Les Paul and 1 Marshall amp. The excitement of finding the "perfect guitar" or "prefect amp" causes the dopamine release. I once had 35 guitars, 100 pedals, and 10 amps. Now I am down to a more reasonable 15 guitars and 5 amps and continue to thin the herd.

[@lordbyron9758]

This is me you are talking about I am that person and this video has just made me understand and made me wonder wtf am I doing. Everything I have undertaken I go at it 150 percent t or not at all, that includes acquiring everything I think I need and not what I actually need I have never thought about it before I just thought it was a part of me and the way that I am made, well you have certainly given me food for thought and definitely time for me to take stock of things, so from a very grateful subscriber thank you.

[@loneshootr]

Lord Byron - don't worry, there are a lot of us about... I share the same type of drive that you describe - I blow into things like a tornado and eventually blow clean out the other side, always been my way. There is a 'positive' to be gained from this. We tend to expand our range of experience and knowledge more than cautious people. The hard part is moderating our behaviour. The next hard part is to establish whether there is an underlying cause - because there is a fine line between us driving ourselves, or us being driven by outside influence. It's important not to rush to a conclusion brother. Take time to calmly look around you - until you are clear on whats going in in your life. I'm here if you wanna talk.

[@andymellor9056]

"The dopamine release of the purchases". Exactly this. Don't be hard on yourself. Lots of people get addicted. You broke out. Your honesty is refreshing and creditable.

[@antico.2757]

Out of all the GAS videos I've seen, yours is so on point recognizing the root correlations of how, why, and self! Other than my pedalboard(s) overflowing, I think I can finally beat this now. Thank you! Much respect.

[@stillobsolete]

I had G.A.S. really bad last year. I have trimmed down and no longer have any desire to compulsively get another guitar. Thank you for posting this. It has been nice to see/hear that others went through the same problem/process. We're not alone :)

[@NickJardine]

Great video! Creativity can spawn from limitation. Option paralysis is real. Some of the greatest music ever made came from bare bones setups. Forget gear and just play/practice. Post a sign in your house or room that reminds you “if you had all the gear in the world, you will still sound and play like yourself”. Listen to artists like BB King, Tab Benoit, Derek Trucks, Robert Cray, most Clapton. No pedals, no effects. One guitar, one amp and they make beautiful music. Also, try playing acoustic only. Strip it all back. When I do this, I typically think to myself “forget about more gear, I need to practice more”. Also, stop following ALL accounts which are targeted towards selling stuff and advertising more gear. This stuff has kept me grounded!

[@andyhinds542]

Spot on! I have seen far to often that people see you with an expensive DSLR and assume you're a great photographer which is totally untrue. I also have a passion for guitars and basses, etc so I know all too well about GAS. A fool and his money are soon often parted.

[@franko444]

Oh man, what a great video. I commend your honesty and humility. GAS is very real and problem for so many today, including myself. To be honest, prayer has helped me greatly. Asking God for the grace to be detached from the things of this world is prayer He never fails to answer, and quite quickly too. Take care brother!

[@martin-krzywinski]

Until you are more excited by what you create than by what you use to create, you'll always has GAS.

[@loneshootr]

Beautifully said 😎

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Very sound advice Drew. I think we can all relate to periods in our life like this. I really enjoyed your guitar playing. Music is a therapy in itself. Thanks again for another thoughtful and enjoyable video. All the best, David

[@loneshootr]

Thank you David.

[@tanyamaycock8935]

Thank you for your insight. You thank us for our time but, we appreciate the time you put into making these videos.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you for your kindness Tanya.

[@user-fm3vj5im1m]

Thanks for sharing. Your guitar playing is great, btw.

[@KINNZ94]

Thanks for the video mate. Really appreciate sharing your own experience so frankly. And it’s awesome that you also play music!

[@loneshootr]

Yong Park - thank you kindly my friend 😎

[@markstoker3077]

All spot on advice mate = Change things in your life if you are unhappy. I did, the only problem being it took me until I was 50 to do it! Thank you.

[@loneshootr]

Yep, it can take us a while!

[@417051]

Thank you so much.

[@martinmchale8069]

Wise words, I think many people can relate.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you Martin.

[@martinjames9535]

New to your channel, arrived hear looking at canon 7d reviews. I have own one from new when they first came out, spending far to much time looking for the next camera I thought I needed, turns out I have the camera I need thanks to your review. I will rewatch this video every time the GAS starts to take hold. Many thanks.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you kindly Martin.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

A lot of the time, we've already got the gear we need. This is big...

[@JordanElliottMcClure]

I am loving your channel! This is special. Hits home in a big way. And these days I’ll bet it hits just about everyone that can afford it. I am in college and I keep buying things for my filming wants. Nothing big that will put me to much in debt. But it debt I am spending. Yeah this hits home. Thank you for making this video. I super feel it!

[@loneshootr]

Jordan Elliott McClure - thank you my friend. Yep, maybe most of us go through this kind of thing at some point - and when it comes to film/video gear... man I still don't believe I'm cured!

[@edwardjColon]

Yup right on the money video 👍🏼 To fill in the voids 💔 we get the toys basically the wants vs the needs... Been there done that 😎

[@loneshootr]

EDWARDJ PHOTOGRAPHICS - "To fill in the voids 💔 we get the toys"... that pretty much sums up in 9 words what it took me 6 minutes to say!

[@DanSZiegler]

Thank you for making this video! I'm currently wrestling with the consequences of a serious of GAS. Folks joke about it on KZbin. but for some it's a very serious issue. It is for me. Thank you so much for having the guts to make this video. Any other advice or resources you could provide - reading, resources, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@NickJardine]

Forget gear and just play/practice. Post a sign in your house or room that reminds you “if you had all the gear in the world, you will still sound and play like yourself”. Listen to artists like BB King, Tab Benoit, Robert Cray, most Clapton. No pedals, no effects. One guitar, one amp and they make beautiful music. Also, try playing acoustic only. Strip it all back. When I do this, I typically think to myself “forget about more gear, I need to practice more”. Also, stop following ALL accounts which are targeted towards selling stuff and advertising more gear.

[@Gearslayer92]

I found out that boredom is what caused me to have GAS with guitar gear. It caused me to go window shopping which is how the purchases were made in the first place.

[@vedrankosoric4857]

Great video and some hard truths.

[@hotrodsgarage]

Spot on.

[@loneshootr]

Thanks James.

[@codyallen3729]

Profound video. I just found your channel after searching for 5D classic vids (proud owner lol) and gotta say I LOVE your channel. Seeing what you produce with just a 5D is really inspiring me to think more creatively and this video especially is important. 'GAS' is often a complete joke in the photography world, but here you look at it as a symptom to a larger mental health crisis and I really appreciate that.

[@loneshootr]

Thanks brother, appreciated 😎

[@overnightguitarist5063]

This is by far the best video I will like and share on GAS. Like Lord Byron, I am the exact person you described. My personality is addictive, and being a so called artist,I can justify buying guitars for multiple reasons,like growing a yourube channel, or to experiment upgrading,finding my true tone in playing,or thinking I can get a good deal and make a bit of coin on back end..but you said it best,it's the RUSH the next.the wait for mail.the drive to the super deal on a used guitar,etc..it's the chase I believe that drives many of us to get bad GAS..you nailed this video like its pure science...BEST GAS VIDEO ON KZbin...PERIOD!!!

[@loneshootr]

Overnight Guitarist - Thank you my friend, sincerely. I appreciate your kindness 😎

[@musicisfree91]

Thank for sharing this, I've spent a lot of time watching gear reviews, ang looking for more gear. What I need to do is spend that time practicing.

[@loneshootr]

Thanks my friend.

[@davidgoltra9950]

Feel like I’m listening to a kindred spirit. Guitars and photography stuff Serious weakness for me. Love your channel

[@loneshootr]

Thank you kindly David, yeah it's a real internal struggle sometimes...

[@tmuss]

Well, this certainly hit home.

[@loneshootr]

tmuss - oops... sorry 😟

[@brakmaster]

Have been watching your videos for the past 24 hours. I am completely hooked. Perhaps because it feels as if it feels like looking in the mirror. There is so much I can relate to. Your wisdom is very timely because I am at the crossroads and need to make many changes in my life or I will remain stagnant and eventually die, metaphorically speaking.

[@loneshootr]

brakmaster - wow, thank you my friend.

[@firstname4474]

Thank you, I think I've learned something from this. Subbed

[@loneshootr]

First Name - Thank you for your kindness my friend.

[@Skymanfoob]

Too relatable, man. Thanks.

[@Analogbrain]

I want a camerabag for christmas! Maybe not. I just found out that I've got 19 of them, if I haven't overlooked some... I've never bought anything on ebay, I enjoy treasurehunting in thriftshops. That said, I've come to a position were I'm quite satisfied with the gear I have. But you play some awsome guitar man, reminds me of Øystein Sunde!

[@loneshootr]

Wow thank you Kalle. Yeah... camera bags... I lost count.

[@Robsi60]

I am a beginner and got terribly hit bei GAS. I knew that the reason is not the gear in most of the cases but psychological. Now I am very well equipped an did not make any progress in playing. I can not solve my psychological reason but I really want to get better with the guitar. So I just refuse to buy most of the times and only buy if I really need it, which it seldomly is. And the whole music gear was expensive if I summ it up. Exciting at the beginning but now a burden.

[@loneshootr]

It happens to a lot of us my friend - you are in good company. For me, the main problem was admitting to myself I had a problem. It was not quick to solve, but I improved over time. Be merciful with yourself. Drew

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

WOW!… that's a whole load of guitars. Definitely a problem I've had, and still do to an extent, but I've learned how to manage it. I just convince myself out of making those purchases right now. It could be cameras, laptops, valve amps, trumpets… Lately it's a particular camcorder… I tell my self that I'm going to buy that new thing next week, and when next week comes, I say it again… and then pretty soon, I don't want that new thing any more, and have moved onto lusting after some other new thing instead. Seems to work!… Excellent upload as usual. 😇

[@loneshootr]

Life & Times of a MultipleMediaManager™ - thank you my man - yeah it's kinda like 'one day at time' philosophy. Ah you mentioned valve amps - brother I didn't even dare start mentioning my vintage amps... the video would've ended up two hours long 😊 Hope all is well with you down there in town.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

@@loneshootr Can't go wrong with a valve amp or three!… LOOOOL Everything is everything. 😆

[@shonkyindustries]

This has been my strategy of late - used to buy loads of music software but now have so much I rarely use that I have to ask myself "is this new thing you're buying doing anything you can't already do with what you have?" and usually the answer is a resounding "no". Your strategy also works well because you take the "need it now" element away and then also realise that once you eschew that immediate dopamine hit, the waitng makes you realise you don't need it. Better to figure out the buyer's remorse element before rather than after the purchase.

[@NikZ3r0]

Great video 👍👍

[@loneshootr]

Thank you 👍

[@DeannaRose20.20]

Really good!! ❤️‍🩹

[@alexmurphy5289]

This is me but with guitar pedals. I actually stopped buying them and sold a lot but I am wanting to run amps in stereo so back down the rabbit hole I go…and in reality I should be practicing more and worrying way less about my guitar tone. I don’t even play in a band lol, oh the ways we convince ourselves we need to buy something….

[@loneshootr]

Man I understand. It's an uphill struggle sometimes 😎

[@NickJardine]

Forget gear and just play/practice. Post a sign in your house or room that reminds you “if you had all the gear in the world, you will still sound and play like yourself”. Listen to artists like BB King, Tab Benoit, Robert Cray, most Clapton. No pedals, no effects. One guitar, one amp and they make beautiful music. Also, try playing acoustic only. Strip it all back. When I do this, I typically think to myself “forget about more gear, I need to practice more”. Also, stop following ALL accounts which are targeted towards selling stuff and advertising more gear.

[@plam9305]

Just genius!

[@loneshootr]

Thank you my friend!

[@bobbowring1702]

I love guiitar music, I used to have a couple nothing fancy but I had to sell them in the end after a accident on my wrist, my nerves and veins lost the feeling in some of the fingers and the others only slight feeling and now with the arthritis I have no hope of playing one again. I will listen to most types of music but you cant beat the sound of a well played guitar.

[@loneshootr]

Bob, if you still would like to play - I'd recommend learning the lap style playing with a dobro. Playing with the tone bar takes the emphasis off finger mobility. Check out Greg Booth kzbin.info

[@bobbowring1702]

@@loneshootr I will have to look at that as I have never heard of a Dobro. Thanks for the tip.

[@normancoutts]

Tools are my weakness. Tools that go unused. But things could be a lot worse and beating up on myself won’t help. That I have learned.

[@loneshootr]

Your comment made me smile Norman - it reminded me of when I ran my workshop, I couldn't rest until all my tools were accommodated and organized into matching Snap-On rollcabs and chests. You'll know how much that costs no doubt!

[@josephbrotherton7578]

What's your guitar channel mate? Really enjoyed this video.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you kindly my friend - www.youtube.com/@SwampLightning

[@prOkrEAt]

I love lenses. Also guitar pedals. Also tools. So building my own guitar now. Jazzmaster shape, but bigsby trem, prail pickups, 3 way toggle. Looks like an old wooden surfboard. Its one thing to buy jist to buy, but when you make anything with it is it an addiction?

[@loneshootr]

No brother that aint addiction - that's creativity😎👍 And the JM sounds cool. I do the same thing with Telecasters...

[@prOkrEAt]

@@loneshootr that's what i tell my wife 🤣 actually am joining something called a makerspace that has all kinds of tools and things to make things... which also i think they have a laser that will engrave metal. have a custom pickguard with engraved image designed for it. they also have an electronics lab i may give a shot at building pedals.

[@lepetitbaigneur9073]

How its called the song from 1:05?

[@loneshootr]

It's my variation on Country Boy by Albert Lee

[@lepetitbaigneur9073]

@@loneshootr thanks, man! Keep it up!

[@wojciechkopec9728]

You have absolutely right, let’s look around yt gear videos you must shoot raw, 4K, 6k, 8K etc wait a minute how people manage to film great movies 10 years ago without all this technology 🤔. Btw I have only 3 guitars 😜

[@loneshootr]

wojciech kopec - 3 good guitars I'll guess 😊

[@nethbt]

Holy shizt mate, we share the same GAS! I'm a lens and guitar junkie!

[@pierrelachance123]

Hello. Gear acquisition syndrome. Yes... No money, no funny. Gotta get it no matter. Always a good deal. Was over a K new now only $200. Good deal, now where's the next meal? I was fortunate to purchase a new condition Canon 7d with a 70-300 IS. Not the best but who really cares? In seeing Your captures of horses on the beach it spoke to what it's all about.... The moment.The tools to speak that truth. The best of all the best in that moment .... What more can be said? In struggles the light finds the contrast. Many thanks

[@loneshootr]

Beautifully said my friend.

[@rudedog34]

I have to laugh. At myself, mind you. About 10 years ago, I was sitting in a shop's studio noodling on a $3500 Fender Custom Tobacco Sunburst I had my eye on. I suddenly realized that the neck of this guitar was worth more than the entire stable I already had. That I wasn't going to play better because this was in my hand and I'd probably keep it in a case so it wouldn't get scratched. That's when I started to whittle down to the 5 I have now and noodle on regularly. I've gotten better with what I have even with bad hands. Keeping it simple now days.

[@loneshootr]

rudedog34 - man we've all been there I think. I'm down to just one electric now - cheapo LP copy - plays great. I kept my 2 acoustics, plus mandolin and 5 string banjo - and a fender P bass. Sold everything else, including my old buddy - '53 Esquire. That hurt for a while!

[@TheGingester]

People never appreciate what they already have, They always want the latest and greatest thing, I'm guilty of this, you fall into that pitfall trip because these companies know that this is a symptom of a issue they can exploit, they don't care about your mental wellbeing, just that they profitise from it. I am living this situation at the moment and it is very hard to be living, it is hard to get out but the sooner it is done the better.

[@loneshootr]

Hey Jake - yep, you're right. It is tough to break out of it, but we know when the time is right.

[@Cool_Brazil]

you make damn good videos, sir.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you!

[@BayouJosh]

Oooh Weee. Preach brother. it is the real pandemic. consumerism.

[@loneshootr]

Bayou Josh yep indeed.

[@michellestewart7494]

❤🇨🇦❤

[@mackcity]

I feel personally attacked (jokes), I can hardly walk in my room for guitar gear and am currently getting a videography setup together!😂

[@pps67]

My GAS usually involves 1911 pistols

[@loneshootr]

pps67 - funny you should say that... Back in the day when it was easy to own a licensed pistol in this country - the 1911 was my choice at the range. Springfield Armory to be precise.

[@intrudergrid9530]

We have all become impulsive buyers to some extend all made easy by the internet. It's all just one click away. The richest man in the world is the man who is satisfied with what he has. When I ask myself now, do I really need this, I have to say no. There's so much you can live without. On the other hand, life is about happiness, pleasure, laughter and if you really long for something over an extended period of time and you can afford it, why not give in to it! Oscar Wilde said something about that. I still feel happy like a child with Christmas on my last zoom lens purchase. J.J. Rousseau said, it's reason that makes a man, it's the sentiment that leads him.

[@loneshootr]

Intruder Grid - So true.

[@matthewbell7014]

Spot on.

[@loneshootr]

Thanks Matthew.