How I PAID for MY GEAR

[@BretBunton]

I’ve known colt for 2 decades. He recording some songs for me about 10 years ago in Peoria. I remember him at Flores. His story is 💯 true. He worked his way up from the bottom and worked his ass off. Period.

[@Sleeplessnights007]

I like the realness because a lot of the guys on KZbin be acting like all they money comes from mixing and mastering when it's really youtube

[@alexovercast3359]

Got a like for naming your acoustic duo "Colt 45 and Johnnie Walker"

[@dc-o2976]

Bruh, you paid for it all. Your assets are a great example of building value the right way. No hype, no bs,…just heart and grit. You deserve to be where you are and if another person who sees this video started out picking lettuce, then digging irrigation furrows, then highways, …the progression looks similar. I hope you take good care of yourself and prosper for a long long time. We’re proud of you.

[@guerillastudios1426]

I traveled a very similar path we get there 1 piece of gear at a time ❤

[@ALLforROME]

Hmmmm…2002 Peoria Il…Mudvayne was blowin' up! You probably know who Taxi War Dance is then?!? We played a few gigs with them at The Madison. I was the drummer for a band called The Brain Chiggers outta Bloomington at that time. I like P-Town

[@killervirusrecords]

Crazy the greats come from Peoria IL! My home Town

[@charliekey2979]

One of the best qualities of a human being it's to be grateful, congratulations man! for all the hard work.

[@Sacrifice-Paid]

It’s not financial advice, it’s Work Ethic advice 🔥👊🏻 , you put the effort in, you eventually reap the benefits

[@SpencerAnnis]

So gooood. Also yes, for sure- shoutout Sweetwater here as well. Good dudes. I bought some used gear from Guitar Center and it got damaged in shipping and when I let them know, they were like “well you know it’s used right? We can’t help you there” and I had to purchase replacement parts myself from the manufacturer. And just yesterday a demo pair of monitors I bought from Sweetwater was damaged in shipping and they just had me send em back and sent me a brand new pair. Super easy, super great customer service 👌🏼 If I ever start doing some mixing videos on KZbin I’d definitely love to have an affiliate partnership with them as well so thanks for the confirmation ha

[@SC515]

Rite on man. Hard work has paid off for you. Vision for your future is harder done than said. Like your videos.

[@HillyDoyle]

God Bless ya brother....Great story, truly inspirational. I watch guitar/music type KZbin vids all the time and have seen nothing like this......

[@nealehanvey4825]

Hard work, passion and determination. There are never any shortcuts. Great video.

[@jonathanmoellman]

It's so great to hear that you pushed on through until you ended up where you are now! Respect, man!

[@eddysel10]

God bless you, Colt. Thx for sharing all this with us.

[@tsmberk]

Inspiring story. I've fallen prey to jealousy when watching youtube videos. But, really, your story illustrates that with diligence and smart purchases, anyone can build a great studio. Plus, you are grateful. Good video! Thanks. I worked in music stores for over 20 years. One patron gave me a '73 Telecaster (gold sparkle!), a Roland BR8 digital recorder, Danelectro bass and some effects. He was moving to Hawaii and thought I would use this gear. It was incredible- I spoke to the guy a few times, nothing crazy. Your story resonated with me- the kindness of people, those who see your work ethic or willingness to go the extra mile with customers. We sacrifice so much to indulge in our passion- sleeping on cold floors while on tour, eating peanut butter sandwiches instead of hot meals, and couch surfing. Thankfully, those days are long behind. It's great to look back and realize it was all worth it. I hope to give back in the ways you have, Colt.

[@Deckie1969]

Sooooo your a hustler? Dig it! Keep it up dude love your channel been a subsciber pretty much since the beginning. Do you still use a DigiTech TSR-12? I saw it in your rack in a video a while ago and was curious about it.

[@djwolffe_OG]

This is inspirational. I wish I had the drive to follow my passion in my 20s and not live in fear. Well done Colt. You deserve all the good that comes your way 🙏

[@Tru-Luv-is-2-Giv]

Your drive is there, just fill up the tank. Some are born to move the world - To live their fantasies But most of us just dream about The things we’d like to be Sadder still to watch it die Than never to have known it For you - the blind who once could see - The bell tolls for thee…

[@djwolffe_OG]

@@Tru-Luv-is-2-Giv I read this yesterday, and had to breathe for a second. I also may have shed a little tear or two. Thank you. Things aren’t good right now, but they also could much worse. Thank you for the reminder of the light at the end of the tunnel; a little motivation to keep me going a little bit longer ❤️

[@nealehanvey4825]

@@Tru-Luv-is-2-Giv A truly wonderful song

[@claymillsmusic]

Never knew that about you Colt. Looks like we both left home at 19 with little possessions and started working at music stores. Music stores were a great way to get into buying recording gear and meeting other musicians. I started out working full time in Manny's music on 48th St in New York City. Changed my life. Write on! ~CM

[@ColtCapperrune]

Also, having some sort of background in sales, I think is a very valuable skill set! Thanks for the comment!

[@Rhythmattica]

@claymillsmusic Thats me! Left a Management job, and was being melded into being a state manager, following to national manager... Then... I Quit. Moved to a music store in the hitch section in Sydney (1990)... And bought equipment ever since... Luckily, many a classic... So mush more to the story, but in the end, its what YOU need to do in music... From serving coffee , to tape op ect ect ect . Theres a reason we have done it.... Because it was the right thing people like us, need to do.

[@claymillsmusic]

@@Rhythmattica Totally agree! Write on!

[@hooplapedals9299]

I'm still sad that Manny's closed. I have a Martin guitar I bought there in the early 00s. It will be passed on to my kids with a story.

[@claymillsmusic]

@@hooplapedals9299 Truly no place like it then or since. I bought a Mannies tShirt online the other day feeling nostalgic.

[@eyesintheskies]

Respect ✊

[@MattCiprianoMusic]

Thanks Colt. Honesty and Hardwork - a great recipe for success. Keep it up my friend

[@mickeyBrown-y5z]

SOOO GOOD!! Thank you

[@yochillsmith]

I’ve been watching your videos for two years and JUST realized I’m not subbed 😭 great video, it’s inspiring 🙏🏿

[@austinbridge]

Fantastic story! For some reason folks think successful people just became that way overnight and don't understand the decade or more that they were just grinding and hustling to get where they are. Great video. I love the transparency.

[@guitarcheckermarc]

seems my life... not thaaat intense but... ;)) cool story man, great to hear!! you lived it!! thanks

[@cjjohnson4363]

Been a long time subscriber, lived in the Peoria myself for awhile. Rendleman, had mentioned ya but I think we must have just missed meeting each other. Inspiring to hear your story! Not surprising though the Peoria folks are some of the most talented and hardworking people I have ever met

[@DougBeck-m5j]

This is exactly how you do it! It's how I did it and it's how many others I know did it. Maximize your skill set. Good work is the key to good fortune!

[@MilestonesGlobal]

Awesome story from nothing to where you at all with dedication

[@thinkbeforeyoupost9766]

Amazing video - so motivational! Don't listen to anyone and continue doing what you're doing - they are not on the same road as you are even though their road may cross yours or is adjacent to yours

[@bigkickleo]

YEAH MAN!!! Hustle, hustle, hustle... sleep/ eat, then hustle MORE!!! THAT'S how you do it! Thx for reiterating what I ALWAYS tell people. Get it man - 👊🏼🤘🏻❤️

[@MattPicsET]

I started performing professionally when I was 14 and I was able to put every penny into building my studio. There were periods where I was performing 8-10 sets a week. I even got part-time side jobs in retail to furnish my stage wardrobe, and I’d pick up a shift or two if I ever had any downtime in between sets. I easily spent more time on the road than at home in my studio. It was a serious hustle. I was separated from my friends, my family. I missed Thanksgiving, Christmases, birthdays.

[@thinkbeforeyoupost9766]

I am on the same road and there are people who don't understand why I am 'wasting' money on studio gear and call me a shopaholic and say I have a spending problem, up to this point I thought I was crazy but looks like I am not the only way, I literally just watched this video and was like yep that sounds like me lol maybe people just don't understand us, and there will come a time when you can ask 'where are they now?'

[@EmperorKamikaze]

It's called gear-aquisition syndrome.

[@nicefish10]

Colt it’s people like you that are doing stuff for real and we’re not just stuck in the fantasy of doing it. My story is very similar. I started running sound for bands. I bought a truck to haul equipment, and every nickel I could was reinvested into my gear. Most of the time I didn’t have a girlfriend. I never had a car payment or credit card debt. All of the money I earned went towards equipment, and I kept my life incredibly simple so that I could do that. So here I am, with no debt, a 56 channel Neve desk, $40,000 worth of microphones, and I own the building my studio is in and it’s not in my house… It’s a commercial building that I own. And I’ve had so many people just like you that say “must be nice”… And they have no idea of what it takes. The people that are envious are the people that don’t have the tenacity to do it themselves and they would rather live in fantasyland because it’s easier and doesn’t take real effort. But the people that are doing stuff for real do it for the love of the gear and what you’re able to do with it. God bless you brother.

[@corralesdavid]

Great story! Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻

[@larswillsen]

I've always admired you as the person you are presenting stuff you do .. I once critizised you (when you promoted a new VST along with 500 others at the same time) .. But I'm still here enjoying your videos :-) .. and yes, you're right ..its non of our business what you do .. no hard feelings :-)

[@mael1561]

Same ! Started playing guitar at 9 (25 now), studies in audiovisual, and now I’m sound tech in TV, a few FOH gigs twice a year and gigs as musician. Invested most of the money back in the music and sound gear. Still a long way to go ! Few things that I keep with me when it’s coming to gear: - Be really clear about your needs, your reality and your projects. Do I need that 2k tube amp or may a 300$ amp sim pedal would work given that I need a lightweight setup? (Works for every piece of gear) - buy trusted gear, aiming for the long run. I just bought an X32, which is crazy overkill for my current needs (1 voice + 1 guitar), but now I can gig with bands, record albums etc (without spending 45 grands on consoles) instead of spending half the money on a smaller console that would not let me do these works + easier to resell - buy second hand !!! It’s ecological, and you can find amazing deals (I spent hours in second hand shops and found some pretty good gear) Hope someone finds this helpful!

[@Nightmoore]

Colt, I've got nothing but massive respect for what you do. And that was before you published this story. I don't know of any other mixing engineers on KZbin that come across as approachable and humble as you do on your channel. It's pretty obvious how serious you take this stuff. And you're also serious about sharing as well. It's not like any other successful mixing engineers are strapping GoPros to their caps and showing us everything they are doing. Thanks for all your content. We really do appreciate it.

[@TUFFSTUFFProduction]

I totally identify with your journey. Thank you 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@keeppushin]

Inspired me bro. Idk how to talk to myself in a camera tho, but im working on it lol

[@hooplapedals9299]

Thanks for laying it out there and for keeping on going. Your mixing advice has helped me immensely in the past few years. Can't wait to see the new build videos.

[@PiercombProductions]

Good on you, bro. Love seeing honest, hard working people have success like this.

[@danielgatica828]

New subscriber here diggin all your content man keep up the good work! Learning a lot from this channel so thank you!

[@legacyShredder1]

It always amuses me when people ask me how I bought all the gear in my studios, because my simple answer always seems to short circuit their brains. I have a job that pays me money. If a piece of gear can make my job easier or help improve my results I'll take that money I make at my job and buy that piece of gear for my job. I never see these people asking a carpenter or a plumber how they bought all of their tools, because that answer would be too damned obvious.

[@NRVE8]

Show me a plumber or a carpenter that has a room full of tools where each peice cost potentially thousands of dollars…

[@legacyShredder1]

@@NRVE8 How about multiple vehicles, cranes, lifts, bobcats, backhoes..? We've already racked up several hundred thousand dollars there and I haven't even mentioned a hammer or nail gun.

[@djwolffe_OG]

I would love a pair of Adam s3v’s… not because I’m an engineer or something. I just want a decent pair of speakers, and an acoustically treated room

[@artisticboundaries]

@@NRVE8 I'll answer the question because I have done both. I funded a huge project studio I had in the late 90's from the proceeds I made from my wireless company and a Guitar Center and a Musician's Friend credit card. In total I spent well over $40K. I bought a lot of rack modules on eBay, but my Mackie board was $10K all by itself. On the contractor side, I flipped the profits from most of my jobs into newer and better tools. I also had a $10K Home Depot card and a $5K Lowe's card to help. I had every tool you could think of and sometimes doubles for my helper. I housed the extra tools and supplies in two adjacent storage units that I rented. The truck was an animal all by itself. You would be surprised how quickly things add up. And to be clear I didn't rent or lease anything. But yes... people ask me all the time about both setups how I bought all of my stuff. I always said "I worked really hard" because in the end it was really none of their business!!! EDIT: BTW I'm in Baltimore.

[@WheelieMix]

I agree with you. But the analogy doesn’t work. Hence why people are still surprised : Plumbers are essentials. Everybody with a roof over their head may need a plumber at some point. Music producer/musicians aren’t essentials. Not everybody with a pair of ears need musicians or even need to pay for anything music related. Hence why people are still surprised that, despite that, you manage to collect a lot of gear. So kudos to you 🙌🏼.

[@joseluisrevelo]

It’s great to see this level of honesty from a KZbinr. Kudos

[@Rhythmattica]

The advantage back then working in a music store , it was Pre internet...... And you knew the decisions of what to buy, and why. Loved the 80's / 90's I experienced in one of the most loved music stores in Sydney.... And the other bonus was everyone , besides their musical capabilities, had some form of "common" humour... Great times. As for your channel, RESPECT

[@denk_studios]

This is one of my favorite videos that you have ever done. I really enjoyed hearing your story!

[@nameenbeats]

Such a nice guy

[@kevinlentz7604]

❤Love it 67 still rocking and recording,your awesome ❤

[@mutt_retro]

Sweet! I didn't know you where from Peoria, IL. Pretty cool and I go that music Flores music store. Good story, people never see the hard lived grind to get where you're at. Keep it up.

[@UrosGuitar]

Nothing but respect for you, Colt! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@chrisw443]

Financial advice! I'll take it! Let's go buy a arri on loan baby! wooo!

[@garyshainemusic]

True story... I remember young Colt! All that and... a very cool & down to earth guy, which goes back to the "be a good hang". That goes a loooong way!

[@ChrisJustice]

Great testimony Colt!! I think everyone should listen closely to your story and the encouragement that it can give to keep going and work hard! Bravo brother!

[@justbartee]

WELL DONE SIR !!!! What a great testimony to a person being committed to WHAT they are doing, BUT more importantly, HOW they treat others. Life is ALL about relationships !!!!

[@DougHill-k9l]

Great testimony! I am a big fan of your videos! You've help me a lot with making the right purchases for my studio! Keep up the hard, quality work!

[@ChannelForty2]

Im late to the party here but you're an impressive dude and a perfect example of what I think we should all strive to be in this business! I love this channel and i learn SO much! Thank you man!

[@smtonlinevideos]

So much respect for you after hearing your story. Thank you for being open with us. Truly inspiring! I will definitely use those Sweetwater links next time I purchase!

[@ZachMeadowsMusic]

After a couple decades of playing live and recording (while waiting tables and bartending for the first decade or so), I’m right on the cusp of getting into the content part of the industry, which seems unavoidable at this point. I don’t like social media and what it has done to modern culture, but you know what they say, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join em!”. Thanks Colt, I needed to see this today. We’ve never met, but follow each other on IG, and I remember you congratulating me when my son was born, which you definitely didn’t have to do. That was cool 😊

[@farrel_x]

I love that mentality

[@constantineapokis445]

Colt your a beautiful man. Your passion and love for what you do, your goodness and honesty and your strive for fairness and honesty will take you to bigger and better things in the audio industry. its time for you to start producing and working with the biggest Artists. your time has come to go get them. Stay positive you can do it all if you really want.i believe in you.

[@gregorygoodellofficial]

This resonates... this mirrors my journey almost play by play.

[@necroticpoison]

Insanely massive respect, inspirational af🔥🔥🔥

[@theheatstudio]

Your story is very similar to mine, hard work is always the key and never giving up even when it gets hard. Amazing story!

[@erniesanders3724]

Love your commitment and focus. Totally agree concerning Sweetwater. Amazing company and products. Hoping nothing but the best for you Colt. Very inspirational. 🎶

[@reavismitchell6031]

Mad respect to you brotha! I appreciate your work ethic. Thanks for sharing your story. Very inspirational.

[@andynonimuss6298]

I definitely appreciate this channel a lot more knowing the hard work behind it. Thanks for this Colt!

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

Colt, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for anything.

[@Ibantar]

Loved this video my brother! Been thinking about the KZbin thing but honestly... I feel like I'm too old to do it now. I did do a short video on some Temu guitar effects pedals I got recently but that's it. I spend most of my time now just creating a few tracks here and there. (I'm retired after 31-years from law enforcement. That's why I have time on my hands now😂😂) But again, this was an EXCELLENT video!! Much continued blessings and success!!👊🏾🙏🏿

[@pedroh.soares]

This is GREAT advice, dude. I just started this channel and I haven’t uploaded anything yet. I have two others not focused on music that are doing alright. You have to put in the work and know the ins and outs. KZbin is not a sprint. Just start. Press record and keep going.

[@dburridgemusic]

Love this, big ups Colt. For us it was either first a mortgage on a house or a studio, we picked the latter 😅 no fancy cars, no holidays like you said. It’s up to you isn’t it! Don’t think people realise all the other things they’d have to miss out on

[@janassink9118]

Hi Colt , here Jan from the Netherlands, first off all resept for the way you worked you up in the music scene , the difference between America and Holland is , in the US is maked on your own allmost natural upgrowing. In Holland everbody involves with everybody , for example if you buy a piece of gear everybody has something to say about it ( oh no don,t buy that its no good , meanwhile they buy themselves) or they wanna become friends with you and see what you,re doing and sneeky take your spot with the clients , dutch people have very jealous karakter , so i keep my mouth shot don,t talk to anybody what you,re doing and money you make . They go under fee to get your client or they contact the dutch IRS with the accusation that your making money illegaly so the Dutch IRS is looking over shoulder everyday. Oh yeah almost forgot ,don,t get a dutch girlfriend or wife they don,t understand how this Businnes works. Greetings from Jan , i love your video,s .

[@Wendy-11111]

Great video. Thank you!

[@thewhitedude11]

I feel so seen. I started way later, but it's all hustle all the time. Thank you!

[@LockyerBoys]

LITERALLY was wondering this like last well😂

[@delmixedit]

Great video. Always nice to have perspective given rather than letting people speculate. “No debt in music gear right now” translation….I finally purchased the analogue console of my dreams 😅😅😅.

[@AdamGotheridge]

Good for you, and obviously your work ethic is commendable.

[@jfloyd2919]

Invest in what you love and do ! Nothing comes easy....work hard an never say die ✊️ Good stuff Colt ,always bro !

[@caffeinastudio832]

Great Vid, its always good to see vids like this, no BS, just giving us a honest peak behind the curtain that lets us know it is posible to achieve goals that may seam almost unreachable at the moment, hard works always pays off

[@visualsoundworks]

I did something very similar. I can relate to what you did. You have to be willing to work around the clock!

[@JerMarMusicGroup]

Amazing testimony bro! 👊🏾💯

[@lawanedavis7818]

Man you're the best, you inspire us all. Thank you so much.

[@davidmarais1048]

Excellent, Colt - you worked your tail off and you deservedly have a lot to show for it. Keep it going!

[@MoreMeRecording]

Good for you, Duder...That was a helluva a grind and you ain't gonna do this unless there simply is an innate love for this vocation. I didn't have the love and drive you do (did) well check that, after interning with some real heavyweights in the 80s, I had the unexpected gift in the form of a daughter and simply had to bail on the dream and step up. But while still quite driven and blessed with a degree of natural talent for this stuff, I never went hard like this.

[@J-Dawg-1]

You are an inspiration! God bless you! Thank you for sharing your story and advice with us !

[@Jawmsie]

You know, I really have been coasting a bit as of late. Thanks for this video. I think it just put me back on track.

[@briangreenwood5533]

Great Video, Great Story, Your an inspiration and a wealth of knowledge, with this line of thinking you deserve all the good in life..Thank you from Australia..!!

[@FLAVMEDIA]

What a Great Journey:))

[@muttomatic]

I have respect for people born with the "Hustle Gene". It's a lot of damn work!

[@ultrviolence369]

I'm coming too Colt, love the channel. It's a life long journey

[@Studio22mix]

Hard work, respect 🫡

[@JedWunderli]

Pure passion. Great story, Colt.

[@DavidAskerMusik]

Nice to hear your story 😊

[@theoversouls]

Great story! Not exactly the same, but related: "You're so talented!" Yeah and I played 340 dates a year for years and practiced until my fingers bled. Talent was maybe 5-10% of that and the rest I worked my ass off to achieve. Keep up the good work, Colt - your videos are excellent, concise and to the point, and the knowledge and experience you're sharing are much appreciated!

[@coupdsantana206]

I truly appreciate how you broke this down. I have put over $20k into my home studio so far and its all from working hard year after year!

[@africanrevolution3551]

the T-shirt is FIRE!!!!!!!!!!! where can I buy it?

[@The_Catalyzt]

I second that motion!

[@mynameismudd1518]

Great video. But where can we get that shirt homie?!! It’s awesome!

[@ILOVEDRAGO]

Respect, bro

[@PerryCodes]

I'll have to check that store out. I a little bit north near LaSalle-Peru. ANYTHING other that Guitar Center is a godsend.

[@markmoore9455]

You look like the kind of guy that worked his butt off to get where he is. Good on you, sir.

[@kennethdaniels]

Love this story. I know you’ve told some of it before. Though I was kind sad to hear that you’re making more off KZbin than your studio. Guess that’s just a sign of the times.