Running out of G.A.S.

[antichef]

I went to GC today for the Labor Day sale (which actually started on Friday) and didn't get anything. Recently, I've noticed the urge to acquire equipment fading, and my attention is returning to recording music with what I have. While I'm more aware than ever that my set up is not high end, I'm not itching to introduce a bunch of high end components into my chain (knowing that the other components would likely obscure their quality until I replace the whole enchilada), but I generally like the results I'm getting with my current stuff.

[My secret? Perhaps it's my low end monitors - while I'm sure there's lots of room for improvement in my sound, I probably won't be able to hear it. ]

I had resolved to get Amplitube Live in today's Stupid Buy at MF, but spaced off and missed it (it's sold out), and it doesn't even bug me.

Anyway, it's kind of depressing - I'll be the first to admit that I got a kick out of bringing home some new bauble of equipment, and now I feel like I don't have that to look forward to.

Been here?

[ocnor]

I think those are the first signs of a horrible affliction known as "maturity" that my wife keeps telling me about. There is no known cure but staring at pictures of naked women and guitars seems to slow the progression of this disease.

[antichef]

I'm too old to be maturing!

psst - got any good guitar pix? (although at this point, I'm not sure which would upset my wife worse )

[WhiteStrat]

Notice how few replies this thread has garnered? Mostly you've scared the marble out of some people. (G.A.S.--the only disease people want to keep.)

But yeah, I'm with you. I have a list of a few key pieces (just a couple actually) that need to be upgraded/replaced, but then I'll have a better equipped mid-tier studio than I ever thought I'd have.

After that, there's nothing left but the really swanky stuff--and while I'm already pleased with my results, I know I can still squeeze a lot more out of what I have.

So when I see an old mic, I say, "Hey I need--no I don't...I've got three others that do the same thing." Or when I see another guitar, "I need--no I don't..." And don't get me started with cheap/mid pres...

So let's stop buying for a while and make some music, huh?

[Riffmaster]

Mines more a case of running out of C A S H No I'm happy with what I have for now.....except monitors....and a new bass...and...dammit!!

[antichef]

Maybe that's it - the monitors... I've got two sets: 15 watt Edirols and KRK Rokit 5's. The Rokit's sound better to me, but I generally keep them packed up, because my 22 month old sticks her fingers in the cones (the Edirols have grills).

I figure I need to cough up a couple of grand to step up in a meaningful way in monitors (which opens the door to all the rest of the stuff), and that's enough to get me onto a GAS plateau (the "monitor plateau"). I guess I'll enjoy it while it lasts (which will be for quite some time, I imagine )

[eyema_believer]

I'm kinda with you, antichef. I don't GAS much anymore. I've got more at my disposal than I ever thought I would have, anyway.
I'd bet you and your babies have more in your living room than all the famous songs from motown were ever recorded on!
Which, I think, is the point in the end; it comes down to a good song and a decent performance more than anything. Oh... and having some fun :-)

Peace!!

~Shawn

[pohaku]

GAS kinda comes and goes. I've got way more recording gear than my meager skills warrant. It's no longer a case of "needing" a particular functional item, because I generally have something from all the basic food groups. Granted one can always find gear that is supposed to do it better or slightly differently, but for a home studio, that probably no longer qualifies as a need.

Now instruments on the other hand. I don't know that I'll ever get beyond GAS for yet another guitar. Or mandolin. Or uke. Or keyboard. Or amp. Or sax. Or. . . . .

[kojdogg]

It's a cycle. I go through periods of GAS, anti-GAS (I start selling things even though I don't need to) and of being content.
If you're worried about not experiencing GAS, my advice would be to take up another instrument. I play guitar, bass, keyboards and dabble in drums, and recording gear is usually the focus of my GAS, but right now I'm in a guitar GAS phase. A new instrument will offer all sorts of possibilties for future GAS-- especially if the instrument requires amplification (and comes in acoustic forms), effects, gold hardware, etc

[antichef]

gold hardware.... of course....

[jarrydee]

I know what you mean..I used to come into the studio..turn on the computer and, search for gear..and for ABOUT 3 MONTHS ALL i DID WAS BUY AND SELL GEAR ON E-BAY AND gc....now I have stopped and I feal like I have nothing to do..kind of depressing...Now I have to actually focus on songwriting..and am getting no where!! Good Luck!!

Oh ya..I like the sound of my set up also..but I just need a sm7 to complete it...see what I mean..that sm7 would sit right next to my bluebird I had to have and barely use!!! But damn it I need it!!