I bought every Guitar I ever wanted. This is what I learnt

Utkarsh Mohan on Music #60: What happens when you can buy anything you want. You learn something. Which changes your life
Episode Guide
0:40 Introduction
1:51 Why I was able to buy every Guitar I wanted
7:28 The Life Lesson I learnt
11:45 How it changed my Life
Utkarsh Mohan is a Singapore based writer, musician and artist of Indian origin. Formerly in corporate senior management, he now pursues his passions and is also the owner of the Ministry of Guitar collection
You can also follow him on Instagram @ministryofguitar

[@garrysimmons111]

Good video. Although not as well off as you, I can buy most any new guitar I want, but I have trouble justifying spending the money for the reasons you mention. My modest "collection" is more about trying out different/iconic body shapes and pickup combinations and (hopefully) experiencing something different. What I found out is that I pretty much play and sound the same regardless of what guitar I'm playing be it a $400 Epiphone SG or a $5K PRS Studio (core). What I've learned is that (for me, YMMV) the guitar is a primarily a tool to make music. Sure, I can appreciate what makes a high quality guitar a better/nicer thing than a cheap guitar when at home in my studio.. Nicer tools are nicer (duh!). But when I walk on stage with my band at some local bar, it really doesn't matter which of my guitars I have in my hands. It's about having fun putting on a show. And that's what makes me happy.

[@Stephen-zx4uf]

Similar experience to the first half of your message. Yet my playing changed significantly on every guitar and magical NEW STUFF started coming out that is uncertain I’d ever heard, much less played. Scale length, body shape, tone woods, neck width and shape made the biggest differences.. Kinda like a meditation, tuning into the moment, being present and speaking to what is offered, listening to the guitar and falling into the flow.. what comes through and is developed on one guitar often doesn’t resonate as well on another.. mostly all solid wood acoustics, though recently electric, hollow bodies, and tube amps.. It’s fun, and reasonably priced.. though seems humorous to be content driving a modest reliable vehicle with the instruments in the trunk worth 4x the value of the car. Curious about the justifications it seems folks with GAS come up with to rationalize the behavior.. if a woodworker, I’d probably have more saws and a robust workshop, if I liked guns there would be an arsenal in the basement, and if a polygamist.. I’d never have time to play guitar..😂 Nice topic ❤

[@GeoffByrdMusic]

I found that limiting my desires to be functional and relatively minimalistic was the best plan. I have a 5 guitar rack and I limit myself to those 5 slots. I have two Jazzmasters, a Telecaster, a bass and an acoustic. If I want another guitar, I have to get rid of one from my collection of 5 to fit in my rack. This keeps me honest. I have 12 guitar pedals and one amp. A Fender Princeton which I love and 12 of the best pedals you can buy. But again, I have 12 power slots and I need to get rid of one to buy a new pedal. This way, if I still love what I have, they hold court. I keep them. If there is a weakness, a change of sound I want or I fall out of love with a pedal, I get another one to take its place. But I never have more than 12 at a time. This again, keeps me honest. And it makes me focus more on creating new music than just acquiring new gear. I appreciate your video and I came to a similar conclusion. Cheers!

[@ministryofguitar]

That's a great approach

[@GeoffByrdMusic]

@@ministryofguitar Thanks man, and I'm going to catch up on your older videos as well. Cheers!

[@SubhadeepDas]

A very grounded, self aware and wise person you are. It's always great listening to these talks that you share with us.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks for your kind words

[@EazyDoor]

​@JacobS-q7cBro, take a couple of slow breaths and calm down a bit

[@joshuarobinson5031]

This is a very insightful video! Thank you for sharing the knowledge that you have gained! I’ve recently been discovering that once you already have a decent guitar and amp that sounds good enough, the most fulfilling place to invest in guitar is quality guitar instruction, either in person or online. Learning is one thing that you will always have with you, and it will never weigh you down like extra material possessions. Another valuable area to invest in guitars is upgrades that will make your playing time more enjoyable such as locking tuners to keep your guitar in tune better, or a professional setup. A third area to focus on is time spent playing music with others. That will develop you as a musician like nothing else will, and you will form lasting memories, which is really the most valuable thing we can obtain. As for cars, I am happier owning my older used vehicle and not having a monthly car payment that I ever was owning a brand new car. Thanks again for the video!

[@westheguitarist8546]

He is right. I remember the thrill of playing my Squire for 5 years. Any other guitar after that is exciting for one week and that's it.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks

[@steveDC51]

Due to personal circumstances I now have fewer possessions than I have had for years. Luckily this was by choice not circumstances and I am very content - there is a certain peace of mind that comes with having less “stuff”. This includes reducing my double figure guitar collection down to four. I have found that fewer guitars and pedals etc equates to more playing and less playing around with gear.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks for sharing. I really respect how you made the choice. It's a difficult one for most people to make

[@MrBarefoot09]

@JacobS-q7c you're a bit nutty aren't you

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I have a very small version of having everything I’ve ever wanted. The funny thing is about pursuing a hobby is that you may find that if you achieve a goal, your mind may have changed during the journey, and the thing you thought you wanted becomes a little bit of a burden. I get obsessive about using and maintaining the stuff that I have. If I acquire too much then it turns into a job of maintenance rather than just playing with my toys. I prefer to just play with my toys, so having only a few that I really like has become a priority, and learning how to use them well has become more fun than wanting and pursing things I don’t have

[@ministryofguitar]

It's a great thing to value and be obsessive about what you have. I completely agree how we change along the journey, both for hobbies as well as life

[@GeoffByrdMusic]

Yes. Changing strings on 100 guitars would be a nightmare. I keep 5.

[@JojoFryrocks]

@@GeoffByrdMusic Right?! I’ve had to change 3 sets of strings today and I’m wiped out! 🤪

[@GeoffByrdMusic]

@@JojoFryrocks I hear you. I always play them a little past due because it's not my favorite thing to do. But on 5 guitars, totally manageable.

[@theroadsnearyou...5088]

Thank you AI bot, you made my life so much easier!🤪👍

[@lazvt8469]

As a lefty, I have to buy everything I ever want to experience before I die. At 62, I finally reached my goal a few months ago with the acquisition of two custom shop Teles...one a Fender...while it eased my GAS...I still like shopping/buying budget Teles from great makers and modding them to my tastes. My AIO TC4 Tele was a really nice buy....with better pups....a true gem to play and hear. Oh, I agree with your philosophical tenants here...the fun is the CHASE....the JOURNEY....often hitting the goal can be a bit deflating...or short-lived joy. The Book of Ecclesiastes has a way of tempering the ambitious. ..."all is vanity...chasing after wind".

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you for sharing your story. Appreciate the perspective

[@mowisqu20]

Amazing video! Your best one yet.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you

[@austinp973]

You conveyed this very nicely. I agree with you. I had the same realization that things won't make me happy, but I forget exactly how I came to the conclusion. I don't think our purpose in life is to grind for a bigger house, make more money, get a nicer car and so on. But of course, what other option do we have in this world? I've gotten the greatest joy in life from playing and writing music. Working is something I've done solely for money and that's it. It's just a place to go where my passion dies a bit. At the end of the day though, I'll always have music and my enthusiasm for it. It's honestly a reason to live. As far as buying guitars goes, I've always known to get the sound you want, it won't come from an amp or guitar, but your hands. A $5000 guitar won't sound great if the player isn't. I didn't think I'd get so contemplative and honest on KZbin, but here we are. :)) I'm glad I'm finding these channels that are discussing the culture surrounding guitar rather than just gear talk/reviews.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks for sharing in so much detail. I really appreciate it

[@neiljohnsen276]

Congratulations! You have found the truth. Thank you for sharing!

[@katzensprung7449]

Great video, thank you for all your wonderful work!!

[@andrewbecker3700]

As comparitively inexpensive as guitars can be. I think you've hit on an important lesson. Buying just for the sake of buying, will never be ultimately rewarding. I've become addicted to the knowledge I gain, with each and every guitar I choose to buy. This has kept the path relatively clear for me. I'm at 2 per year on average, or approx. 1 every 6 months. Now, I find it much easier to sift the chaff, and only get my interest peaked once in awhile. I'd estimate the average time it takes to aquire a "complete" solidbody electric guitar collection, is certainly a minimum of 5 years. And in most cases around 10 to be certain. Any less than that, is either dumb luck or destiny. I'm always so thankful that I've had this opportunity to fulfill one of my life's dreams also! The beauty of it for me, is more about spending less. Yet getting ALL the most iconic models I've ever wanted. This hasn't EVER been possible at the level we're enjoying currently. If you do your homework, and know how to haggle. There's absolutely no reason a person can't accomplish this.

[@ministryofguitar]

Great perspective

[@AScottB]

What a wonderful discussion! Thank you! I am almost done buying all the guitars I’ve ever wanted - about 10 in total - made possible by the recent sale of my 1964 Fender Jaguar. When that is finished, I will be satisfied. If I win the lottery subsequently, I have zero intention of buying any other guitars or upgrading the ones I have. In fact, it gives great satisfaction to spend 1/6th of my proceeds to buy my dad a guitar of his modest dreams and my wife a nice ukulele. One MUST learn the art of satisfaction to be truly content. Thanks again, Utkarsh! Sharing this video now. ❤

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you for sharing your story. Also appreciate the share

[@robinhouse5805]

I was going over my subscriptions to see which ones to keep and this one is a keeper. I thoroughly enjoyed your insights and would like to see more videos like this one.

[@2good2betrue3]

I can relate deeply with you, thanks for the great conclusion. "There's no further happiness in accumulating too much material desires (like guitars or even cars)."👍 It's better to be content and appreciate the thing we have than having an endless pursuit of material things.🙏

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Great video this one, may you continue to find the time to breathe, our most important asset is indeed time, time well spent

[@georgemoore7231]

What an amazing perspective you bring to the elusive question of what gives us happiness and fulfillment. I was fascinated by your presentation.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you. Appreciate your kind words

[@JuxtaCrucem]

I never forget the wisdom of my Bhagavad Gita - advice of which you are echoing. I can afford any guitar, but don't want another one extra. More restringing, older strings -I don't need that, just need new riffs, and they come free. Arise above it, strong soul.

[@lupuscorvidae]

"And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun." Ecclesiastes 2: 10-11

[@LekkerDops]

I like your comments and evaluations on things. You mention a wife, but no children? That is where my life takes me for happiness, regardless of money and my own guitar collection. I have played guitar professionally for 30 years in a very successful cover band, and then also had a corporate career at the same time, but my guitar collection, my musical memories of playing to 1000s of people, although so amazing and happy, I still throw everything I have into my 2 little girls. I'm 53, with 8 and 11 year old girls, and I know I cannot retire or slow down. I have school fees to pay for many years to come. I'm educated and accomplished in most things I've done but I'm still volitile, still worried, I'm tired, stressed.... but then I just play my guitars and smile. I don't have 90 guitars, I have under 30, and although some are expensive, I pretty much only cherish 2 of the 32, regardless of price, it's the many 1000s of hours I've put into my favourite tools that always brings me back to them. I agree with you, I couldn't care less about owning a burst. I own my memories, ive earnt them frok gig to gig. When i bought my new J200 back in 1991, and have built my musical career with it, ill never sell it ever. 3500 shows and counting... sounds amazing Long comment!!! Sorry.

[@ministryofguitar]

Yes, no children yet. Thank you for sharing

[@tymanngruter1808]

I do not know how you do it, but i am 59 years young now, and every time i hear you explane every matter about guitars, my ears are sealed at your lipps! Please stay enjoying me? 🙏

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you for your kind words

[@richardmcpike]

I love these thought stimulating videos Utkarsh and I have had a similar journey have every guitar and often several of every guitar I ever wanted. I recently started giving them away to friends and their kids and I enjoy that. I will sell most off soon and settle with a core group to play. I agree that some of the hard fought for early purchases provided the most thrill. The thrill could literally last hours in recent years. I am happy to have tried all the guitars now and no longer need to own them. Really enjoying your work here. Thanks

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you. Appreciate it

[@MischkaCarmona]

This is my favorite video you've made so far

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you

[@avjake]

After buying about 20 guitars, I can recommend trying to find "The One" of each type of guitar you want to own. A guitar that makes you want to pick it up and play is priceless, really.

[@user-nz5em5wg2h]

Thanks brother from Warren. 😎

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you

[@TR-uw2sp]

Excellent video. I am a guitar enthusiast who has come to a similar realization and you have accurately conveyed the message many need to hear.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks

[@humblegeorge]

Most amazing I stumbled onto this video.There are times when the internet lets us understand one another from around the World.Where we see we are very much on the same journey in life.I have found the one thing I can take with me for ever is my relationship with God.He has always been and and has never changed.I spent over 50 years studying the Bible and watching it play out in my life.And like you in this way I was poor as a child.I remember my first guitar at age 10.It was plastic and had nylon strings.Now I have amazing Guitars even a seven string Conklin fretless Bass.God delights in the prosperity of His Children.I am 68 and enjoy every day as I did at 5 years old.I think you are on this journey too.Cheers dear person.

[@ministryofguitar]

Wonderful to connect with you as well. Thank you for sharing your story

[@GuitarIv69]

In regards to your comment about your first guitar: it's pretty much the same as kissing a girl or being in love for the first time; you will never replicate that moment and feeling ever again. Although not financially as well off as you I have collected, traded and bought quite a good amount of guitars over the years, mostly used, and I am at a point where I have all I'll ever need. I have even more than that. I realized one thing: it doesn't make me a better musician or player. Only practice can do that. I ended up playing a beat up Highway One Telecaster on stage although I own guitars that are more expensive. Paid 800 Euros for it used. It feels nice and sounds nice and I don't care if it gets dinged up as it already has battle marks from the previous owner. In the end the music matters and if you find a good instrument sound and playability wise, stick to it. Everything else is practice.

[@ministryofguitar]

The analogy makes a lot of sense. And yes completely agree on practice

[@Olivya.A.Musing]

The slide down the slippery slope from dreams and desires to the point of satiation and becoming servant to material things can often be a saddening journey. Utkarsh, one might imagine you’ve studied the Upanishads and Dhammapada.🤔 Are you now pursuing and collecting Subscribers? 🙃😉

[@ministryofguitar]

Interesting you bring up Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. I haven't studied the Upanishads but I know the guidelines (and these are guidelines because there are no rules). Sanatana Dharma (which is essentially Hinduism) is not against material desire (kama). It has its place. Life is a balance of kama (desires), artha (economic, prosperity), dharma (righteousness) and moksha (spiritual self realization)

[@Olivya.A.Musing]

Hi Utkarsh, I was a bit worried you might take my comment the wrong way. And was curious if you were going to reply. LOL. It was purely a lighthearted observation and shared understanding of our human nature. And I appreciate your thoughts. I’m quite a bit older than you. And in my early 30’s, after watching the movie “The Razor’s Edge” with Bill Murray in which The Upanishads is mentioned by an old coal miner to Bill’s character, I found myself consumed with the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Dhammapada translated by Eknath Easwaran. Anyway, my comment/thoughts revolved around how many of us (me included) go off on tangents in life. Changing priorities, pursuits, interests, values, etc. During the pandemic, out of boredom I collected hand-made marbles. I don’t even remember WHAT got me started! 🤣 After amassing dozens of them, and after the excitement of the search and acquisition, and 'glow' of the collection wore off, I shipped most of them to a relative for her young kids to enjoy. Kept a few really cool ones. Keep up the good work!👍 I’m laughing here, because this marble is one for you ! 'The Razz Guitar Character'. www.houseofmarbles.us/product/bilook-raz-marble-1-38/ They also have a U.K./international website which is .com.

[@user-tx1ec9wb1z]

Having a spouse who is understanding of your guitar addiction. Now that's priceless.

[@ministryofguitar]

For sure

[@jamesmarcin4787]

Great video. I agree with your points. Im in my 50's. I been obsessed with guitars since I was 13.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks a lot

[@user-jy3io4iz2p]

To me it seems certain association one has make a purchase special. It is (very rarely) the gear itself but the story behind it. When I hear the song Ça plane pur moi by Plastic Bertand I am at the French-Swiss border. On a vacation with a VW T2 camper it was this song I heard here on the radio. With guitars etc. it is a similar thing...a Tele (Keith Richards), a Strat (Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour), LP (B.B. King) you get the idea 😅

[@seconduser1809]

Often the fun is in the hunt, the search, and the actual purchase. Once the object is obtained, those thrills are gone, and we start over again with a new chase, to experience the feelings again

[@chocolatepinkspider]

over the last month i fulfilled my private stock dream. at the same time i bought a cheap tele copy as well. as much as i loved the private stock, my tele copy brought me a lot more joy. happiness can be had everywhere if you are willing to look. its great to see that you are doing things that you find fulfilling.

[@ministryofguitar]

Congratulations. And fully agree

[@chocolatepinkspider]

@@ministryofguitar congrats to your growing channel as well. Im from sg as well and have been watching your carousell listings from a while back and then realised at some point that you were doing videos. Not many in sg would have the courage to do what you did - here’s to the next 20k!

[@ggreloaded5269]

I needed to see this video, I am 36 and lately I have been learning this lesson. Thank you brother, the joy of learning something new on my guitar far exceeds the temporary thrill of owning a new one and this translates with every thing in my life. Appreciation for what I have is key

[@allenmitchell09]

When you know how to set a guitar up by adjusting the truss rod, checking the frets for high frets with a fret rocker, then level and crowning them, making sure the nut is cut right, setting the intonation and string height, you will realize that uberexpensive guitars really aren’t worth it. Because even them need to be set up to your preferences. With this knowledge you can take the cheapest of the cheapest and make it play well.

[@atonofspiders]

Yeah becoming more involved in the details for myself has made high end guitars completely lose their luster.

[@allenmitchell09]

@@atonofspiders yeah you start to question what it is you’re paying for, and a lot of times it amounts to fairy dust lol.

[@Guitarman007]

Agree that this is a great insightful video. I will say though that I still get that thrill or very close to that initial thrill any time a play a truly exceptional piece of resonant wood and construction, with an exceptional feeling neck, wonderful pickups, that is set up well. The only difference is that no longer care at all what it costs (unless out of budget), and surprisingly more and more these can be found in lower cost guitars. The new Yamaha Revstar P90 is good example of that. I also still get more thrills from playing good analog pedals and amps than digital, but surprisingly the TONEX unit gave me a similar experience in terms of recording or using for gigs.

[@xray5niner1]

I agree with you on all points. Exceptional video and insight as always. Keep up the great work!

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks. Appreciate it

[@Desperado665]

Your channel has been booming. Seemed to have 1k subs not long ago . Glad to be here from the start

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks for being here from the start

[@JojoFryrocks]

Really interesting Utkarsh, as ever. You have such a unique perspective. It's so true; I don't think I've ever been as excited about getting a new guitar as I was about my first ever guitar when I was a child. I'm very lucky in that I have actually got that moment captured on video from 1988; when I watch it back, I can remember the exact feelings that I had, the smell of it, I just didn't want to put it down or open any of my other presents (it was Christmas), I don't really think I've ever felt that way about anything else ever since!

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks. I hope that you still play that guitar

[@JojoFryrocks]

@@ministryofguitar Ah I forgot to say it was a 3/4 size acoustic so I outgrew it after a few years but the love of playing it never left me; I’ve always had an acoustic guitar, if I had no other guitars, if I had to have just one, it would be an acoustic, can’t ever imagine being without one!

[@ratwynd]

When I go in most guitar stores I will walk around and look at stuff, only rarely do I pick something up. My personal rule is nothing comes home until I have a clear hook on the wall for it to live on. Like all rules it is sometimes broken, but then I HAVE TO get a hook cleared out. It is reserved for special situations, like a lifetime find at a garage or estates sale. Like you I am lucky enough to own what I consider my dream guitars. What I find interesting and somewhat perplexing is other guitars seem to get more play time, some much less "valuable" but that I just like playing more. Then sometimes guitars I did not really have specific expectations for but thought looked kool turned out to be favorites. My Eastwood Sidejack Baritone is one of those, purchased impulsively on an annual clearance sale for really low price just to try a baritone electric. At a certain point "stuff" can become burdensome and does not add any value to your life.

[@davehall8584]

Thanks..you are an honest intelligent kind person!

[@ministryofguitar]

Thank you

[@-itkindaworks-]

I did almost what you talk about, I bought some pre-cbs strats, Collings, old Nationals. They aren't so super expensive in the end of the day. BUT, I do so much enjoy all of them! I play them every day. Just have only what you need, not more.

[@iwritegoodessays9779]

Amazing. I have been keeping this same feeling of material desires fulfillment in my life and have been curious for a long time now. I might regret this since I am still in my 20s and I am not born into a wealthy family nor I am wealthy but I somehow had this little experience of "Material Desires Fulfillment". After buying few guitars for myself I keep realizing "this is it?". Then I come to a point where I stopped dreaming about owning more guitars because of that. I realized this too early before this video came out but thank you Ministry of Guitars for sharing and clarifying your honest experience about this topic.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks for sharing. It's good to come to realisations early in life

[@bluenoise153]

I agree, having the time and environment to do what you want is really a great source of happiness, however, as a music creator and guitarist, with about ten instruments I use regularly, I have been noticing how playing each one of them invokes the muse, the creative ideas and motifs, especially in moving through various musical styles. Just getting each one in tune can suggest unique vibes and feelings, sounds that can become ideas.

[@xxxmindlessxxx]

Congrats on your enlightenment! Now you get the time to play those guitars.

[@ministryofguitar]

Yes I certainly have more time now

[@ltxr9973]

Great video! You're making a good point, agree 100%

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks

[@picksalot1]

Thanks for sharing your insight. You may find the Mundaka Upanishad verse 1.2.12 interesting.

[@3mstudiospalmdesert]

It's a good thing that you don't have a desire for a near-mint unmodified 1959 Sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard.

[@wagonet]

I went thru this on a much smaller scale (mechanical keyboards). I spent a lot of money collecting. This video speaks truths

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks

[@WithCarePlz]

You’re telling yourself lies to avoid the vintage guitar bug 😂 I’ve played most of the guitars you have shown off. Not a single one of them feels or sounds as good as like a $2000 1966-69 Fender Coronado II lol. It’s not just about things being old. It’s about the feel/sound/experience. Cars are a good analogy. So many men feel too short, or inadequate in some other way- and they run their mouth 24/7 about straight line speed and power numbers as if they mean everything. They think that pressing the gas pedal in an automatic or having a car moving power around for them with electronic diffs and part time awd is the greatest thing ever. They think that they’re great drivers. They think people want manuals to show off or to pick their gear- they have no clue about car control or being more involved in the driving. They mock somebody in (for example) an STI. Does that mean STI’s suck to drive? Exactly the opposite. They wouldn’t understand why somebody would wanna drive an analog unassisted car with full time rear bias awd, 2X limited slip torsen type mechanic diffs, front and rear, with a driver controlled limited slip center diff, and hydraulic steering. Most “car guys” are flex enthusiasts, not driving enthusiasts. They don’t understand car control or why somebody would want more. They just want people to think they’re big dogs. So they insult somebody in an STI and call them slow. Does that mean they won? Or does that mean that they don’t actually know much about cars or car control? Does that mean the STI driver doesn’t also own corvettes and mustangs? Never would enter their mind. It would never occur to them. Vintage guitars are similar to me. Nothing feels like an old dried out guitar from the 1950’s-1960’s. Sure a new guitar might be unplayed and look new, and it might make music just as good as the old one- but does that mean that the vintage playing experience isn’t better? No. I guarantee that you don’t have a single guitar in your collection that feels as resonant or sounds as good as my 1500$ all original 1966 Coronado II, regardless of price. From your shoes you might say “how much a neck vibrates my hand doesn’t matter to me or make music any differently” but does that mean that I don’t want a lighter more resonant older guitar? Still doesn’t mean you would. But that’s kind of my point. If somebody had never played a great old guitar and got addicted to that feel/smell they wouldn’t get it. That’s how I feel about great vintage guitars. You might say you want new things and that old things don’t mean anything to you- but that doesn’t mean that an old dried out guitar isn’t more resonant than a PRS. Just because one person thinks automatics with undefeatable systems is a better car than an old Miata doesn’t mean that the Miata guy isn’t learning more about unassisted car control than you. I’m not trying to attack anybody for anything. I’m just trying to demonstrate that people often are completely oblivious to what other people like about something. Somebody in an automatic might say that somebody with a manual just wants a manual to say they have one. They think they said the sickest burn. But really, they can’t understand driving dynamics and clearly don’t comprehend the level of control a clutch pedal gives. Doesn’t mean you want a manual. But often people are oblivious.

[@jimbrown6139]

I really enjoyed your video, Utkarsh. Thank you. I'd like to think I learned the same lessons as you without having achieved the ability to buy any guitar I wanted, but I can't say for certain. Though I may still be in the euphoria of my first USA PRS, I can't remember feeling this much joy and satisfaction with any of my previous guitars (around 20). So, perhaps we are not fated to diminishing or comparitively lesser joy, even if there's a marginal utility difference.

[@ministryofguitar]

Yes in my experience , there is significant marginal utility between a ordinary guitar and a great guitar (most PRS USAs are great). Just don’t go buying 20 of them 😜

[@bpilley]

I've come to realize that the anticipation of the thing is often much more satisfying than the acquisition of the thing.

[@ministryofguitar]

For sure. Thank Dopamine

[@jdubz33]

There was a point that you brought up which was about materialism. I personally think that word should be reserved for people who’ve made material wealth and goods they’re one goal in life, making those things their god. Hence the “ism” as if it is being referred to as a religion.

[@myriad860]

awesome just awesome video!

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Awesome

[@rockdogs3972]

Love this. Subscribed.

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks a lot

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Great wisdom! Thanks for sharing!

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks. Glad it was interesting

[@alexandrefalardeau9976]

Being someone who works a lot i buy guitar frequently because i have the money for it but i cant find more then 5 hours a week to play those i absolutely get your point! Im only 32 years old but i hope i can learn from your experience. There is some more things i want but TIME is the 1 thing i want more and i hope i can end my search for everything better and learn to be happy with what i have

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks for your kind words. One of my main motivations for making these videos are to share aspects of my experience which I think can be helpful to as many people as possible

[@aintnotomgrossi9116]

I always buy anyone i want but still want one more lol.

[@johnmm777]

Thanks

[@StephenMorganCanada]

I was on a similar position, working in marketing with enough money to acquire every guitar I desired, including some vintage pieces. What I learned is that it is the pursuit of joy where happiness resides.

[@user-pk2lu6qn6v]

An existentialist would use the words "meaning and purpose." Maslows heirarchy of needs does value food, water, shelter, safty of course as foundation to a piramid but self actualisation isnt about more and more stuff in the end. Some famous folk with so much money, fame, and power end up divorced miserable or worse. Creation is cool, perhaps consider looking toward the creator above next.

[@feedrdev]

@JacobS-q7c Taoism has it formulated really well for someone like me: let go of trying to control the world around, be like water, don't force anything. Enjoy the harmony of the world as it occurs naturally, be one with it. Material possessions are an illusion, power over others is and illusion. Both end up possessing and often destroying the possessor. It's difficult to teach, it has to be learned and internalized through one's living experiences. Realizing what is enough and enjoying it without regrets and ambitions is something that only truly wise people value.

[@EnterJustice]

Very recognizable! But I think it's worthwhile to do it - have the career, indulge in those materialistic urges. So you can understand it's not the answer. So you can learn to re-appreciate the truly valuable things in life - your friends, family, your health and mobility, creating beautiful and remarkable things etc. It's the same thought behind that famous Jim Carrey quote "I wish everyone could be rich and famous." Luckily I'm already reaching that point of truly understanding the diminishing returns (reduced marginal utility) before sinking in hundreds of thousands ;-) PS you may want to blur out your name in the LinkedIn profile you're sharing. Didn't stop me from adding you as a connection, however :-)

[@larryjackson6075]

A hit record is way more important than the guitar. What about a great amplifier, effects, etc?

[@WinItReigns]

I talked to you on the channel about the Prs 8 strings. I always dream of obtaining a peice of art such as those private stocks. ..... Won Day

[@allenmitchell09]

My collection, if I chose to grow one, would consist of cool small brands. A lot of one person outfits and “boutique” guitars.

[@BruceLeeMani]

Nice one!

[@robbyclark6915]

I have several very nice guitars. I bought another one about 3 months ago. I just bought another one last week. Im already shopping for yet another one! Why? Im trying to fulfill some experience or feeling from my youth and that exhilaration of that first real guitar. Im chasing the wind, basically. I could not have seen this video at a more fitting time in my life.

[@jonathanreeves18]

Very true.

[@zaldum386]

An intelligent man will respect the man who has a great body, not a great gym, in the dame way he will respect the man rhat plays great not the one that has a great guitar

[@jamesonpace726]

Funny how rich folks don't consider themselves rich....

[@JamesPetroff]

The guitars saved your soul.

[@ministryofguitar]

True

[@jasondorsey7110]

No matter how nice your house is, there's someone out there who will say "lol my yacht is bigger and more expensive than your house"...just the same old "my 59 les paul is better than your reissue" but on a bigger scale

[@poesybeat]

Agree with so much of what you say here.

[@petersouthwell5971]

Lol.. I have 14. Here's what I know about each guitar I have. They all sound like me... Playing a guitar. Sad but true. I am unfortunately guilty of using GAS to avoid practicing.

[@NinNinOfficial]

If you can only have 1 guitar for the rest of your life, which guitar would it be?

[@johnbach2380]

I dunno man I freaking hated my first guitar... 🤣 My guitar collection atm brings me so much joy.

[@SharpsBox]

There’s no Big Pimpin like Singapore Big Pimpin.

[@parkeschaffer5808]

Learned

[@Olivya.A.Musing]

Both learned and learnt are correct forms of the past tense and past participle of the verb learn. Learn and understand before trying to teach.

[@Vance-sn7ei]

Hi Utkarsh, I agree with everything you say but you forgot to mention the most important issue. As a married man, I understand the need for the blessing from your wife to find true happiness. I am a collector by nature and have gotten myself in trouble several times.

[@ministryofguitar]

Haha spousal approval is the starting point

[@Vance-sn7ei]

@@ministryofguitar Yes indeed-happy wife happy life

[@MrBarefoot09]

wise words bro

[@ministryofguitar]

Thanks

[@bluedeskfan2754]

I tell myself I can get another guitar, but has to be purchased with money generated with my old instruments... So of course, I won't be getting any new guitars anytime soon ;-)

[@donmunson4802]

First, I have to ask how you know you have every guitar you ever wanted. Unless you've locked yourself in the house and cut off all communications with the rest of the world, new instruments are going to show up. And at any time, another of your "must haves" could pop up. I know that this is the situation I deal with constantly. I would find it a little sad if I thought otherwise.

[@vorpalblades]

No guitar is worth more than $2,000.

[@allbushnocraft3031]

nothing sadder than seeing tools any tool that was made to create music or create anything sat on a wall doing nothing

[@zaldum386]

Pero Berto pero que ta pasao??

[@unabonger777]

what you didn't "learnt" though was how to play

[@orlandoalexandergomez1885]

Examining Guitar from the perspective of DESIRE is textbook marketing. Clearly, you have not experienced 'mojo' which is very rare in guitar (1-5% depending on the brand). You do not know how to vet whether a guitar is magical. I can tell... you don't have the same number of great sounding tube amps as you have premium guitars. Even being biased against old or vintage guitars, nothing wrong with that, shows you still have a lot to get thru to experience why ONE guitar (or several) is not enough. Multiple guitars with mojo build upon one another and its not about being single coiled versus humbucked, not about bolted on versus set necked, not about Fender vs. Gibson vs. PRS, etc. Watches are unique jewelry. Sportscars are about performance. Guitars with mojo are for the soul. More of them is good for the soul IF AND ONLY IFF they have magic. In my country, there is a local expression which means you don't have to look at everything under a microscope. We don't need to learn lessons from guitar collecting. You just need to make them sound great.

[@benallmark9671]

With all due respect , I’ve seen your impressive collection and you aren’t really that into Classic Rock n Roll nostalgia. IMO anyway.

[@ltgray2780]

A vintage car, you'll barely drive. A new car, you'll drive the s&!t out of it. Same with guitars.

[@lazvt8469]

...ummmm......your wife let you buy them?

[@undersoundproductions1915]

Bored at 5 minutes. Bye