Literally No One cares (And why that's a good thing)

[@RobChappers]

If anybody here has any hints or tips for other guitar players please leave them under this comment, let’s help each other out :-)

[@snapfinger1]

Who knows ? Who cares, for me ? C’est La Vie. Learn more Chuck Berry & Gregg Lake songs.

[@Nugmania1]

Rob, you are a good musician and I dare to say a good business person, I like the whole Chapman story, the only people who care are usually the haters. Keep on Rockin, have fun and keep putting out good quality products and good art

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

Take some singing lessons. It's another way to express musical ideas and you don't need more kit for it.

[@NiqScott]

Don't listen to spotty Irish guitarists with long hair.

[@NiqScott]

Your action is too low, you're using too much gain, and you worry too much about which pick you're using - personal experience? Guilty conscience? Me? Surely not!

[@darrenclewes9017]

Is this the most humble brag video of all time.

[@tylersweet5994]

Yes! The first few minutes were some of the most high quality humble bragging I've ever seen. And Rob sets a pretty high bar on that sort of thing.

[@johnny2demax]

I keep getting his videos recommended to me but I end up hate watching them, he's unbelievably smug.

[@coldacre]

nobody cares

[@doctorskull8197]

I’m 70. Been playing electric guitar in bands over 50 years. I must say, the message in this video is incredible! I’ve known this for decades. Thanks for putting this out there ‼️

[@Brykk]

People need to realize how much happier they will be when they realize that not caring so much what other people think about what they do is very freeing. Its almost spiritual. I was a roommate with eddie kramers son and he came to visit us and we got to hear some really good studio recordings from the 60’s and 70’s.

[@russgoos4628]

So true, Rob! It all goes back to that old EVH quote... "If it sounds good, it is good!"

[@dropdeej]

22+ years as a bedroom player (nobody cares!) and I'd like to borrow the mic for a moment to echo a lot of the video's sentiment through personal experiences. It's incredible seeing figureheads of the KZbin/online guitar community unify over the last few weeks through warm messages to remind us who the hell we all are offline - imperfect humans enjoying a hobby we love that at one time seemed like magic at a simpler time in life. *If you have ever experienced identity/sense of self issues, this comment is for you. We're all in this together.* First...Music is really hard, dude. Give yourself a lot of credit for what you've done so far. Learning to play well is truly an evolving career in itself, learning about equipment and maintenance another, theory and music language another, recording and mixing another, and it's reasonable to feel like you need a speed boost or quick fix somewhere. When you look around our bubble, there have never been more experts screaming about what you need to buy or what you don't have and it seems like everyone is a virtuoso now! I can't speak for anyone else, but some of the greatest times I ever had with my guitar were my first few years learning...after developing some basics but before I knew about all the different kinds of guitars and gear. Why? Because that was when it was about making what I wanted to make without thinking about what I could have instead... I've since spent so many thousands of dollars over the years and almost all of it was to try to be like someone else (because then I'd be cool, right?!) instead of prioritizing fulfillment and self-expression. A headstock logo or pedal brand is not a sense of identity and self-worth. Companies have made billions convincing new players and frustrated intermediates that if they just buy (item they don't need), their dreams are in reach! In turn, the communities of these players that believe this can end up pushing a sense of superiority from gate-keeping and elitism. It's all part of the desire to be in the "in" group (insecurity) because we know deep down, it isn't the gear - it never was. After the luster of the purchase fades, we still have to practice for hours, days, weeks, months, and years with consistency, intent, and goals no matter what path you take to do (the thing). Let's flip it though -- Why is that a bad thing? Why do we run away from it? That's what brought us to guitar in the first place, right? We want to make cool sounds, challenge ourselves, and feel happy! Your favorite guitarist didn't start out with their signature model either, but it's easy to forget that. You are enough with whatever you have, and I hope you find peace and joy making the noises you find cool forever.

[@RobChappers]

What a wonderfully thought through, interesting and detailed response I really appreciate you taking the time :-)

[@musiqtee]

As a 40-years recording pro, I attest to this. I have been extremely fortunate, but also broke like a wind swept tree repeatedly - and put the “career” to rest in the end. Numerous papers show that creative people share an increased mental vulnerability. The share even rises for creative professionals. Way beyond science, we know how every artist we’ve heard of, attribute some kind of suffering or trauma to their art. This tells me that what’s “normal” is a flawed imperative. Being creative is human - being different, vulnerable, intuitive and artfully expressive is too.

[@bradhorne6552]

Man that is so well said... I echo so much what you said. Let all that go and the fun comes back 🙏 thanks well said and mr Chapman too. Brilliant well needed video.. probably your most important

[@2good2betrue3]

Thanks, Rob, for this insight, you are absolutely correct.👍 I realized that after collecting 15 of the best guitars. (Gibson, Fender, Chapman, Suhr, Ibanez, ESP, etc) Upgraded them all and set them up as perfect as I can thinking that people will be impressed. But in reality, people don't really care about your gear. It's ONLY Me who cares for it. Also, I have a friend who is a fellow guitarist. He's the only one who can understand "GAS" and my passion for guitars.. the rest they don't even care about "shredding" or "technical skills". Lots of people only enjoy listening to me when I play "mainstream/famous relatable songs" on gatherings. But shredding indulgently on a very expensive guitar doesn't really matter to them. 🤭 The moral lesson is, don't purchase guitars if your goal is get validation or to please other people. The rude awakening is that people don't really care. BUT if you buy because it makes you happy, and it's important to you. Then that's the ONLY thing that matters.😉💯👌

[@WSBM]

The longer you’re in the recording game the easier it is to fall prey to the idea that to improve means acquiring more and better gear rather than seeking to grow in your art. Thanks for the reminder. I really needed to hear this.

[@shanewalton8888]

Great message, Rob. Watching this at one in the morning here in Japan and suddenly am so motivated that I can't sleep.

[@toddclarke1580]

I sometimes get the sense you reverse engineered this , as a chance for you to NameDrop your entire life.

[@EdubertoPalitroke]

Sometimes?

[@funk0rz]

no one cares

[@mattchurchill]

​@@funk0rz😂

[@InstruMentalCase]

I spent over 20 years obsessively researching tones and collecting vintage guitars and gear… until I completely burned out about a year ago. Can confirm: no one cares, it doesn’t make you a better musician, it doesn’t provide meaningful connections to other human beings, it’s not a smart or reliable “investment,” it takes up a lot of space and requires a lot of maintenance, it’s a burden to sell, collecting is an unhealthy obsessive hobby that puts many people in debt, and you can’t take the shit with you when you die.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

Okay I take your problems you take mine? Okay now to go on to the annual band dinner and pretend I lost my wallet because I'm too broke to afford a burger... not selling my Gibson Flying V though haha. I tried... they offer 1.5 k for limited edition going for 3k on Reverb. Fk that. I sold my Duncans and DiMarzio's instead. Those go fast. Guitars not so much. Amps too. People actually need those. Technically you only need one guitar.

[@cfloyd199]

I am a guitarist and pianist. When I am in my guitar circle we talk about gear, amps, pedals, strings, technique etc. When I'm with my Pianist friends, we talk about music.

[@neighbourhoodmusician]

😂 Sounds about right.

[@bbowjazz]

I study classical guitar + jazz guitar seriously and also dabble in the obligatory studio/funk/gear-laden electric stuff that most dudes over 40 seem to be into. In the classical world, it's almost always about the music. In the jazz world it mostly is about the music and seldom about gear. In the general electric world, whole different story 😮

[@dan8346]

Nobody cares.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Ok, but why is that surprising? people don’t trade sell or move pianos around anything like the do guitars, or guitar gear. it’s just a very different environment in almost every way.

[@bbowjazz]

@@jonathanstrand2474 … I think the point is that different world is more focused, to their credit, on actual music and less on gear. Remember, that at least in the earlier part of guitar history most of our heroes were way less focused on gear than many (if not the majority) of us.

[@liverloop123]

No one cared how many paint brushes Michelangelo had.

[@christopheranderson2100]

... or more like how many apprentices he had doing the coloring for him.

[@nickhammick5777]

No one ever called Pablo Picasso an asshole 😮

[@jensschettler1732]

I Care bout the brushes.

[@christopheranderson2100]

@@jensschettler1732 But you're a painter

[@pierremaiden]

ive seen a dude shred like hell with a donner pedal board , when we got chattin' he said that ''smaller gear means less heavy stuff to carry'' , and boy was he right!!

[@mutt3135]

Yup. I similarly saw a busker in New Orleans playing an old cheap Strat copy from some no-name manufacturer through a little solid state Peavey practice amp and he sounded awesome. Make music with what you have.

[@RollerCoasterFenatic]

I play gigs with a cheap lyx pro guitar, but no one cares.

[@amrofarid]

Grrreeeetings is back!! Love it and love you Rob. Thank you for the video and insight. Wish you the best sir.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

If it sounds good and you enjoy playing it, then that's what matters the most!

[@jos_t_band3912]

Who cares

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

@@jos_t_band3912 Only G.A.S

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

@@jos_t_band3912 Only G.A.S

[@robluciani2374]

Hey Rob! It's Rob. You've touched on a very important issue that impacts so many of us: our need for validation from others, and why that is not unhealthy. Most of us want to be liked, admired, loved, and in so doing, we try so hard to impress, and then we are left disappointed and confused by less than enthusiastic responses. We have to do it, whatever 'it' is, for ourselves first and expect nothing in return. I think ultimately what you are saying is be passionate about what you do, be compassionate and engaging, and those around you will be lifted up. Please continue with these types of videos: they are filled with wisdom, humor, and kindness. We all need more of that.

[@ChrisMartinsMusician]

It's not the gear, it's not even the artist. It's the art. It comes first, and it will stay long after people have forgotten about setups and artists.

[@VideoDetection]

Its about the individual's talent and not their equipment. Play the music you want to hear and express what you need to express for your own well being and enjoyment. I was 68 years old when I first picked up a guitar to learn to play and nobody cares. Actually I do care about learning the guitar and hope there is enough years left in me to be able to play it. I care about playing my guitars because weirdly it brings me a sense of achievement and joy.

[@VICGUZ]

That is so true. We just listen to the music, the melody, lyrics, and maybe as a musician, you wonder how they got that sound. If we love the music, we're going to listen to it. And we don't care what they used.

[@colinhardy7203]

Brilliant. Utterly brilliant and oh so true. Thanks for saying something that needed to be said. The art is everything.

[@joerggrau4407]

Every time I see you (or Danish Pete, or Rabea) play on your or the Andertons channel, it just brings it home. Good players sound good no matter what gear they are playing. Specific gear may help to find a particular sound in your head, but the fingers are always more important. Which sucks for me...

[@chrisbernal1120]

100% True. I've noticed people that are lazy about practicing, delusional or lack talent focus ~way~ too much on gear.

[@SPD-Echo]

Agreed! I love acquiring new gear but I've discovered that it isn't about impressing anyone else, but rather inspiring myself. If a new guitar inspires me to play more -- value! If a new pedal inspires me to write a song with a different feel than usual -- value! I also see value to myself, my band and the audience when I buy a product that makes live performance more professional. For example, a product that gives my guitar more tuning stability. That's way more important than the model of guitar I'm playing.

[@A.Fred_Davies]

You’re absolutely right, not going to lie. I have some expensive gear I never thought I’d have, and I’ve not done anything with it 😢 it’s my goal this coming week to actually write something and put it out, one way or another, I have no idea how but I’ll find a way. These inspirational videos have been great Rob 🤘

[@DirtyLexi]

Nice one Rob, thanks for that great message. didnt tell my Mrs this though incase she decides I can sell the good gear LOL.

[@TechJunky777]

Yup. It’s all about the light show and pyrotechnics 🧨

[@killrockstartv]

I just bought a strandberg guitar and I am not a good guitar player, I am not a shredder, but I love the way the guitar plays/looks/feels and it gives me that dopamine hit holding it that spurs me on to play. But there is a stigma/expectation of expensive gear, I would feel almost embarrassed to pull it out and play in front of people because my skill level does not warrant me owning such an expensive instument (and or pieace of gear). There is even a certain toxic subreddit that is literally dedicated to shaming and shitting on people for guitar faux pas, I really wish that "no one cared" and the community was more supportive of each other. Maybe I should care less..... 😅

[@eddiejr540]

I’m not on social media, I didn’t know there was a subreddit that did that…but I’m not surprised!!

[@WSBM]

One of my biggest regrets was selling a guitar early in my development that I didn’t think I was worthy of. I wish I still had it. It was such a great guitar. I hope you keep your strandberg and don’t make the same mistake I made. If it makes you play more and for longer periods because it’s so enjoyable, that’s the guitar for you, no matter the cost.

[@killrockstartv]

@@WSBM ty for such kind words of encouragement, I hope one day you are reunited with that guitar!

[@WSBM]

@@killrockstartv It took me about 20 years but I found one at the end of last year that has a lot of the same qualities! LOL

[@christopheranderson2100]

It's ergonomic, that's reason enough. It's so ergonomic it's improving you health while you read this. I would totally buy one if I had the money, just so I can learn to play guitar without getting out of bed. Now, if you bought that new with with those crazy frets that zig-zag all over the place and couldn't play, that might be concerning... but I don't think I'd care. I'd be more interesting in seeing someone actually play one.

[@LibertyDIY]

100% true, good music speaks for itself

[@MeesterJoey]

Being 33, I feel like I can share valuable experienes with a lot of younger people. But I feel like I needed to hear this from someone more experienced. This video was valuable.

[@thelaymanpreachers]

Great message!! 🤩 ...we don't have too much going for us, but we do take pride in being authentic. What you hear is what you get, love it or leave it! 😁 PS: Greetings from AUS. We love your vids!

[@dave_clarke]

I'm somewhere between novice and intermediate depending on what I've had for breakfast that day, and I am not in a band nor do I plan to be. I do make a bit of money here and there from electronic music production / soundtracking. But I just bought an Ultra Stratocaster. I can't stop playing it and when I do, I feel something deep within myself, like a direct connection with the history of music or something. Frankly, I don't give a toss if anyone thinks I haven't 'earned' the guitar. I sure as shit earned the money to pay for it! My humble suggestion is to buy what you like because YOU like it, not because someone on the internet told you to buy it or you think it will be a shortcut to great playing or self realisation. But it's never worth going into debt for a guitar (or any other hobby for that matter). If you can't afford to immediately replace it, you can't afford it.

[@2good2betrue3]

This -> "My humble suggestion is to buy what you like because YOU like it, not because someone on the internet told you to buy it, or you think it will be a shortcut to great playing or self realization."👍 Very well said, You should buy guitars because YOU LIKE IT, and it will make you Happy. Not to please others or buy guitars based on the opinions of so-called experts on guitars that will be a "shortcut" to make you play better, what is cool and what's not, etc. Even if "No One cares", as long as you care and enjoy it. That's ALL that matters.👌

[@sebastianryan8774]

I 100% agree! Your gear, recording process and surroundings are all for you to create a vibe for yourself. The mark of a good musician is the ability to funnel that emotion into the finished product for the listener.

[@francescob.3019]

if chapman guitars gonna all have that new headstock I'm finally buying one

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

Just so there’s no confusion… Are you saying that no one cares?

[@alienraider]

Nobody cares... 😅

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

@@alienraider 😂

[@godsinbox]

unless you have made a name for yourself, then yes, nobody cares

[@FrancoW1]

No, what I think he was trying to say is, that no one cares.

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

@@FrancoW1 Yeah, that must be it. 😂

[@ssg9ssg989]

Nobody cares that a GIANT pinch of salt is oxymoronic. 😁 Great video Rob.

[@jcarh]

😂

[@christopheranderson2100]

It's not really... I mean, I don't care.

[@ESP77769]

Thank you, Rob!! I needed to hear this. I literally delayed my recording, waiting for a stupid overdrive pedal (I have 12) that probably sounds like the others.

[@kenramirezchs]

Great perspective! Would you be so kind for those of us that have rekindled our love of guitar to make a video of how to start recording? I have no idea where to start. I know there are videos that inform us on this. I just a fan of your delivery! Thank you for your content!!!

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

Yeah. I have a Squier Classic Vibe, AND the Fender Pawn Shop version. Only one guy had even heard of the Squier version. One guy trash talked Squier because it has the wrong name on the headstock, but AFTER the show, he was BLOWN AWAY. Only one friend is enough of a modder to know my Squier Classic Vibe is modded, and we get to nerd out over each other's guitars. 99.99% of the audience would not know one guitar MODEL from another, much less know one guitar BRAND from another. 99.99% of the audience would not know my Fender shirt is old enough to vote. (Not even joking. I still have, and still wear those shirts.) 99.99% of the audience would not know the dance floor in front of the stage is actually OURS, not the venues. 99.99% of the audience ONLY cares about the music itself. If it gets them dancing, THAT is what people care about. If it gets them dancing, you have succeeded. That said, if you see the individual musicians, or the entire bands mingling and befriending, you have a winning ticket.

[@taylorius]

As soon as your "nobody cares" video finished, youtube started playing an Anderton's video with you and Lee, who was saying "this is literally a prehistoric moose bone, dug up from a bog in Sweden...". pointing to a part of some high-end guitar. 😆

[@paveldvorak5402]

Exactly! I hate these endless conversations about pick ups or comparing Fractal with tube amps...if it feels great, sounds great I am gonna play it! Thats all I need to know :D

[@EasyHeat]

"Gear doesn't matter" - Tom Morello Facts! Love you Chappers! Cheers!

[@nitewulf2020]

Love this video. I can honestly say I was happier as a 13yo with a $250aud tele copy thru a gorilla amp, bashing out power chords, than at any point since. There's nothing wrong with wanting or having premium gear, but it's important to enjoy what you have, and exploit it to it's maximum potential.

[@Monsoon1973]

I really like this video because it reflects, what I was thinking for years now about equipment and the gear aquisition syndrom, that makes you think, you need this and that to have that final breakthrough with your sound, but nobody cares. 😅

[@robburgess1111]

Forgot I was watching a video for a minute and started speaking back 🤣

[@arsenaultgilles4557]

Awesome job Rob where the first to love ones work has to be the musician himself and learning to love ones self sounds and songs go hand in hand bon courage Mon Amie from the east coast of Canada 🍁

[@shawnbell6392]

This is the one video where I agree with you 1000%. I stopped caring much about stuff when I realized we all suffer from not playing enough and now I pick up the guitar everyday. The only thing that matters is what you are putting out on an instrument.

[@publickx7611]

I think you are so right on all levels. I have chased the gear things at times and found its about the creating of the song riff or a lyric that is inspirational. In fact having not having what I want at times has caused better creative solutions. Its is really out of hand at times to chase the gear - and all the you tuber videos etc. While informative it's not definitive and or experiential as it is playing in person. I agree, get some basics and what you like or go for the best of what you hold high and make the music.. Tom Morello also says this same thing and I love this perspective. thank you Rob - met you and the guys briefly at GC in Hollywood quite a few years back - great day ! All the best !

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Absolutely true. Great video, especially the part on why it’s a GOOD thing 🤘

[@DrKevGuitar]

100%. I have the stickies app on my Macbook which opens at every start up, little do-to lists, songs to work on, and AWESOME QUOTES from people I like. This has now been added to to the quotes. Thanks Chappers.

[@matarikimuppets7854]

nobody cares

[@pn332]

Thank you Rob for broaching this subject. The armour is unfortunately strong amongst many of our kin!

[@naggelwauss]

Thanx man, I needed this today! I hit that subscribe though no one cares.

[@goprochef6352]

Gosh I needed to hear this

[@parantolafilms]

I used Fender Squire, Yamaha THR and an iPad for my first EP released in Apple, Amazon, Spotify, Tidal etc. I guess no-one cared, but I was still proud of it.

[@VinnieLeeStudio]

That is so true. It's like food, a nice dish from a high-end restaurant CAN give me the same satisfaction as a nice sandwinch from a small dinner located around the corner.

[@jody-studio-Q]

Hey Rob is that Monkey Shoulder Scotch any good. Gave me a good chuckle seeing that on the couch.

[@KWM1972]

None of this matters it is such a personal journey and a calling. What are you doing when no one is watching ? What is your motivation ? because if your looking for that recognition or praise from other people you have to ask yourself, why are you playing in the first place ? But when you are playing that same small gig with a group of guys and having fun, then someone comes up to you during a break or after the show and they say Thank you for that wonderful memory that's when i think it matters, Great video man.

[@EdubertoPalitroke]

Wish I had an ego like this.

[@thenovello-pugh]

So true, Rob! Listen to early Misfits records. The sound quality is awful, but the tunes are so strong - the poor sound actually adds to the experience.

[@Andrew-qc9xw]

Well said, Rob. I’ve shared your view since I started playing. There’s a lot of wank in so many industries and it all comes back to marketing products. A great song or musician is always great, regardless of what equipment they use.

[@hungariantutor]

I'm going to release some music soon and most of the guitar tracks utilize free amp sims and IRs. Then I added some extra tracks through my Valeton GP200 which costs around £300 and sounds amazing. My main guitar is an early 2000s Fender Toronado but I'm 100 percent sure I could get the same result with a much cheaper guitar.

[@Thomalom]

Hey mister Rob hope you're well! I've been wondering for a while, one of the things that are demotivating me to play is the fact that the amplifier is loud and I can hear how bad I play, and so can possibly my neighbors and the thought of that is embarrassing. I can pick up one of my guitars and pluck it unplugged, but how can I overcome that "fear" and embarrassment of sounding bad as a beginner? Thank you 🤗

[@wolftruong2413]

I'm not Rob, but are headphones an option? If not, provided that you aren't obscenely loud and disruptive, "nobody cares" if you make mistakes while practicing. Same goes for playing on stage - people see the whole performance, not small slip-ups or mistakes you make at points.

[@christopheranderson2100]

Have a read of "The Game: Undercover in the Secret Society of Pickup Artists" by Neil Strauss (who has done few famous books on/for rock bands too). To overcome the fear of asking women out and being rejected, one guy wore an army helmet with a dildo glued to the top for 3 months. Not sure how this helps your situation, but it's a heck of an anecdote.

[@user-xb3ng5sk6l]

At last!,somebody has said what i've been saying since forever.Thanks for putting this out Rob.Love it.❤️

[@dreamscuba]

Brilliant message Rob! Well said. The best to you.

[@rustamramazanov1056]

Very true! Found myself enjoying gear lately, self-justifying it's all about output technical excellency, top notch quality...you name it. In the end of the day, I've stopped recording... it was (is) mostly about ''sword'' coating, ''armor strength'' and all sort of things. And I'm lying to myself I care about the groove or the riff...its 2 mins about music itself and half an hour setting things up for a good ''sound'' (and it still sounds bad). Thank you for this message.

[@robertgrimsted877]

The simplest songs and guitar bits sometimes are the best acoustic tracks are good as well thanks for the vids rob😀

[@Riffwood432hz]

thanks for this . i dont care that nobody cares . i do things to improve and become a better soul . music is about as important to me as it gets ,but its not everything . good message :)

[@dlj1285]

All that matters is that YOU care. This is true of anything really, and this reality is an important component of maturing. That is my sincere belief. It's a natural part of the human condition to do things for others, not for the right reasons etc when you are young...

[@dlwldr]

This is absolutely the truth! We make music, most listeners of that music will be non musicians. The non musician listeners would stare at you like a dear in headlights if you were to ask them if it sounds like you used a vintage strat through a 60’s plexi with an Original Klon, or was it a Squier through a Pod Go? Us guitarists can be a little bit of a cork sniffer at times. I do love tube amps and boutique pedals. Not saying that stuff isn’t amazing to play through. We love it for a legit reason….its amazing! What’s important is that you work with what you currently have and just create great music! Also to be clear, I play and have owned many brands of gear, and those brands were in a wide range of values. I am definitely NOT a gear snob! What’s important is that nobody cares! 😂 Great video Mr. Chappers!

[@gray25xt]

This is the best video on the internet. Good taste is the enemy of great art (Picasso iirc).

[@FrankBirtwistle]

My first 4 eps were recorded on a mobile phone using just the in built speakers. The recording was video and then the audio was extracted. A bit of compression/eq/reverb was added and I liked the sound a lot so just went with it.

[@CMQ01]

Thoroughly enjoying Chappers 2.0: The Rebirth. Your videos are really clicking lately man. Cheers

[@skaboosh]

I bought a 1970s whirlwind 2 metre cable, a really really early one, it's so well made and beautiful, seems almost like a museum piece...oh yeah...pardon me....

[@riccaregio]

I agree. Talent, hard work, and feeling in music can't be bought. Having said that I have never released a single track, just played with small cover bands. I play because it makes me feel better. I have two guitars, a cheap amp that I like, few pedals and don't need anything more. Nobody cares. But I still play because I like it.

[@MariUSukulele]

Good you are bringing this to fellow musicians minds!

[@lillycue]

Thank you for this, at the end of the day, yes I want more people to listen to my stuff, but I make music for myself first, and that's the thing that shows in recordings .

[@chriselston7046]

Knees?! There was one in Malmesbury when we lived there in the 90s. I just assumed it was a single store, not part of a chain and certainly not a subsidiary of Woolworths (which I think does or did exist in the USA).

[@garywoodward2841]

Brilliant! Totally agree sir. I doodled for 6 months in my music room with my Gibson ES339 through a Deluxe Reverb and no one else in the house cared. Then one Sunday i played a brief riff on a performer tele through a battered AC10 and my future son in law knocked on the door and said it sounded sick. Why? Cos that riff was good and the earlier ones weren't. Excellent message, peace!

[@tjbitt65]

I agree 100% Rob. I developed that philosophy 50 yrs ago and has served me well. I enjoy what I do, how I do it with no regard for what others may think. I don't have anything to prove. ☮

[@Rawnfella]

Don’t let the Gibson owners hear that their $6000 Les Paul doesn’t make them a better musician and none of us care.

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

shhhhhh.You said that out loud! I'm seeing the new Slash amplifier go used for $20K....nobody cares if you play the same amp as Slash, especially if you're not making music as good as Slash! Even still...nobody cares! Stop playing music, because nobody cares!

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

​​​@@user-jq4fz6co8b It's not what it says on the amp, it's how the components are wired together :) A Plexi is still a Plexi even if it doesn't say Marshall. Which is why I'm getting mine handwired from China. Custom Tolex colour options (white for me cuz Randy Rhoads) built in Master Volume and effect loop, less than a grand delivered anywhere. In fact less than 800 bucks. And it's point to point handwired so no PCB, that means if anything breaks, even an amateur can replace the component. PCB takes a very steady hand or a technician. They'll even make you a late 70s JCM 800 ("Master Volume Marshall"). That's what these amps cost, a healthy profit margin and delivery included. Of course it was soldered together in China and not the UK and there's no company logo so that's where the other 2 grand went (like a handwired Plexi 2k + mods for master volume, loop and custom colour, that's easily a grand on top and you gotta have someone who can actually do that within driving range. Easy enough in America but in Europe? There's one amp tech in the capital and he charges pro musician prices...

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

@@user-lv7ph7hs7l Amen! End of the day, it's the circuit that counts. The tone stack and capacitor values. Not the goddamn name.

[@timcat8382]

@@user-jq4fz6co8b And funny enough, neither Slash nor studio, even know which amp he was using on AFD. It's hilarious that there is an AFD signature whatever and it's worth stupid coin when after all, it's just another Marshall. And I'm not gonna sound like Slash anyway, that's for sure.

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

@@timcat8382 I think the new slash amp originally costs about 7-8 thousand, which is still fucking ridiculous. No amp is wirth that--not a Dumble, Trainwreck or anythign else. It's just circuits at the end of the day.

[@markg9254]

Dave Simpson is a prize example of this, playing his heart out, sounding phenomenal! The fact its a marshall MG makes no difference! It sounds great, the end!

[@seancollins3106]

excellent point. my guitar teacher is an exceptionally good musician and usually plays his squire tele. he has some really nice gear, too, but you'd never know just by listening... and you're right, it really doesn't matter.

[@jackbaxon]

You make a lot of sense. Some of your most recent videos have had a lot of good nuggets in them. Hope you're well.

[@Ksantipacat]

Very true and it needs to be said. We are being flooded with advertisements for gear from so many KZbin channels. So if we seem to be suffering from gear acquisition syndrome, I think the KZbin content creators who we love are certainly contributing to that with all of the paid promotions they do.

[@dalroth10]

Well I reckon that's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth ............. Well said and I hope your words of wisdom have a beneficial effect on any aspiring guitarist, no matter their musical taste, playing ability or reasons for picking up the instrument.

[@astonsweeney]

This is very refreshing to hear from someone whos business is selling guitars

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

Great video and some salient points, but we had Woolworth's in the US until the 90s. It, like all the other downtown shops, was obliterated by the big box stores. It's even referenced in O Brother, Where Art Thou?

[@RobChappers]

Well I am absolutely blown away, fresh knowledge for my brain - absolutely love it :-)

[@robertdevincentis941]

True words of wisdom Rob ! Ive said it myself many times

[@wolfcrossing5992]

A 59 Les Paul Standard burst or a 57 Stratocaster, without the master, is just a refined and idolized tool, making the novice essentially a collector of self-aggrandized dreams. An artist is one that can create with the tools at hand, brought by the hours of dedication to one’s art, through enjoyment, happiness, pleasure and all the adjectives that lead to self-fulfillment and contentment. Thanks Rob for the reminders.

[@kengagnon6192]

You mentioned about a store called Woolworths in the US there was one blocks from where I lived as kid would go there now and then

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

Agreed. I heard a story about Sonny Stitt and his horn that I sort of forget but I'll sum it up. Apparently it was sort of a train wreck, and people were always surprised that he could get the sounds he got from it. It was the guy, drunk as hell Sonny Stitt, not the horn. Proves your point I think.

[@powerboon2k]

Back in the 90s when we didnt have mic stands for band practice we used to pile up boxes, books etc on a table up to head height and sellotape the mic to the top of the stack. Precious memories.

[@u-kan-laylee6326]

Wise words indeed. I really like all your videos Rob, and I know you don't care, and nor should you, but YOU are responsible for me being able to understand and use modes after 30 years of trying. So thank you. "And we don't care..."

[@willco5431]

⁠ I can’t remember the year the pickup were based on. Marketed as the pickup Stevie Ray used by fender

[@TVsBen]

Realizing the truth behind "no-one cares" freed me to sell half my guitars early this year (fortunately right before the used gear market completely collapsed and Reverb became overrun), and much of what I kept is affordable. Right now I own a PRS CE24 SE, a PRS 594 SE, and a Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster, plus two Mexico made acoustics (one Taylor and one Martin). My amp is a Fender Blues Junior and my pedalboard is an HX Effects. Gear ruled my life for a long time but I'm getting out of it and focusing on just making music.

[@Gypsy-Brown]

word up. I have lived my musical life of 35 years with this ethos at the very core. what's really profound is that I haven't even ever given the concept a moments thought, so even I don't care. the simple fact is that over those many years I have been through so many diverse standards of living due to the fairly common reasons that have faced so many artists and especially rock n roll musicians resulting in me going through the Martin 0028, Gibson (Mick Ron son Tribute), Fender AVRI with Kinman Woodstock plus system, vintage '74 Tele Custom (Mocha), vintage '73 Guild S100 (a sublime guitar, I will never find its equal) and these all lived together with me and my vintage Marshall and Twin. However I have also been through times where having lost them all one by one I owned just one J. Mascis Squier, then a Classic Vibe Tele Custom (with a wide range in the neck) and steadily down to a 30 quid from cash converters Sunn Mustang ( which was actually really great) and presently a Westfield Strat Michael Landau homage type thing and a fantastic East Coast black n gold Les P (b stock bargain of the century) with just a id core v3 10 for an amp. Yet throughout all the ups n downs I have continued writing and recording and loving creating music every bit as much as any time (well apart from perhaps whilst using the 57 reissue / kinman Strat, and the S100) but mostly as you say Nobody Cares even slightly what I recorded any of the tunes with, myself included. The only thing anyone has ever, should ever and most likely will ever care about is of course the song itself because without the song what is there? well just some dudes stuff I guess and no one cares about other dudes stuff really. Apart from the stuff they can listen to and enjoy and even better if it produces the odd goose bump and tingly neck hair sensation cos then you really have done the job right. Peace out

[@ludvanlazarz]

I loved this message! Liberating! Thank you Rob 🎉☀️🤟

[@danielbuck8614]

I Care!!! I saw you guys (Dorje) at the purple turtle many years, best band of the day! Would love it if you guys did somesort of reunion gig!!

[@RobChappers]

The reunion is effectively my new lineup, we play some of the old material and even some of the new stuff that we never released… “Rob Chapman”

[@edwardsmith9801]

I agree 💯, doesn't matter what you're playing on , people will hear talent & emotion & practice...

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Agreed. It's true. That's why laptop & daw and a usb two ch. audio interface and midi drumkit is such a powerful thing to have. Now we need youngsters who like making music better than playing video games.