I don't subscribe to the idea that you can learn to be passionate about anything. But, you definitely can learn to be passionate about things you did not think you liked. Curiosity is the main thing here. If you are curious about things in general, it's much easier to find your passion. To people who aren't curious. Sorry folks, but you will most likely live a quite boring life. That is not to say it's a bad life. But, quite boring. For a curious person, most things are interesting when you learn about how they work. I have periods when I watch loads of videos about some really specific topic like building crossbows, and I find that really interesting. Passion is curiosity. When you are curious about learning something new, then you are passionate. Settling down, is the antidote to passion. It's really an attitude more than anything. By striving to learn more and progress you will keep your passion burning. Remaining passionate is not that different from having a good relationship. It requires hard work. Of course, if you absolutely hate your job then you might have to look for something else. But, I think most people can learn to be passionate about what they are doing if they just change their attitude.
Hey Proby, I dig yr philosophy!!! I know where ya coming from!!! I can't get my head around as to why people don't what to learn new and interesting stuff??? I once said to my daughter-in-law, "I have a dozen hobbies and no time for any of them"!!! She just laughed!!!! 😂 Life is good when ya learn something new!!! 👍
I have heard many "motivational" and "how to be successful" speakers in my time. Mostly I walked away thinking what they said was a bunch of "BS". Nice to hear someone who figured it out and actually executed on his passion.
Wow your story sounds a lot like mine! I never went to college, barely passed high school, hit the stages in venues and bars right outta high school recorded with a couple big names but the industry took a dive and decided to go into the gear aspect of it because I've always been obsessed getting that saturated heavy distortion. (love mesa rectifiers) So I bought a fuzz factory clone finally... got frustrated with it so I couldn't let it go and decided to just start building my own pedals and haven't stopped since. My dad used a soldering iron everyday and wires (light fixture guy) and he was a musician too so it was like a marriage of what my dad did and what I like to do which is play music! Thanks for this video!! very down to earth.
Frigging love taking things apart and changing how they work! That's why I started a pedal company too! You've been a major inspiration to me Brian. Gotta say thank you.
I think that the article is aimed at people from my generation who were told that if our job isn't the thing we are passionate about, then its not worth doing. There is a balance, and if you are able to do your passion and make a living, great! if not, then your career that isn't your passion is the vehicle that allows you to do your passion in your free time.
The older I get, the more I have come to live by the motto "Never allow yourself to come to resent someone or something you truly love". That means not only working hard to remember what it is you truly love about it/them, but also taking steps to avoid and remove those aspects that might make you *start* to resent. So, "following your passion" is still good advice. But ONLY following your passion, without taking those preventative steps to stop your passion from sliding into your "big regret", is bad advice. In other words, do it in a way that keeps the passion alive, and finds new ways for the passion to be fulfilled each day. Brian has a great business, a great reputation, a terrific wife, great kids (who work the booth with him), and as his videos continue to demonstrate, a great zeal for what he does. And none of those things put a dent in any of those other things. But I can't emphasize enough that he is a good businessman, who conducts his affairs in a way that allows him to maintain that passion. I'm sure there are, or will be, days when the thought "Why did I ever start this mess?" will come to mind. But they will quickly be displaced by moments that erase such thoughts. These days, the access to services and supplies is such that any kid can start a pedal business on the desk in their dorm room. Throw up a website (no office rental required), download PCB-drafting software and get the boards made professionally, but your powder-coated enclosures cheap and throw a decal on them, tout a simple mod as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and you're off to the races. But it won't last unless you know how to be a sensible businessman who can plan sustainability. Me, I love pedals, but I'm a lousy businessman. I happily leave the business to guys like Brian, who know how to do it. So, kids, follow your passion....but NOT until you've figured out the mechanics and steps of how to keep that passion going. And, as Brian indicated, that might consist of figuring out a *slightly* different version of whatever your passion is; one that you can keep alive.
Regarding passion... a few lines from Rumi, a 13th century poet, has shaped my world... "Every day we wake up empty and frightened. Don't pick up the book and study, pick up a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do; there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground." Brian... dig that you've geeked out on your passion! Thanks for it!
This is a great message. Thank you so much. I am an Engineer by trade about a year and a half ago I discovered Cigar Box guitars and wanted to build one so I did. Well 46 guitar builds later I really really love it and now I am teaching myself to play. I build mostly 3 string but have built a few 6 string and 4 string. So much fun. Thanks again.
That’s probably the smartest thing I’ve heard anyone say in a long time. I can’t stress to younger people to keep looking for what you love before you get older and have responsibilities like a family to take care of and you get stuck in a job you hate but have to keep. It’s something I wish I could do over again.
You are an inspiration to me on this stuff.Ive played in bands most of my adult life ... Last year or so I decided to start building amplifier kits (Mojotone)..I use what I build exclusively on stage now... After building 2 5E3 amps and a 5E5 , I needed a special drive pedals FOR these amps simply to lower my headroom and get a good drive...I stumbled onto your stuff on TH-cam and have been hooked ever sense...Thank much!! This video is awesome advice even for me at 60 years old...Thank you Brian!!!
Hi Brian. Good advice. I spoke to you the last day of Winter NAMM 2020, end of day. We talked bread boards, my Wampler pedals, and my Bravado. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Best! Michael Syfers
I agree w/ you on the comments on passion and work. There is a ton of crap you have to put up with and do while working in you're "passion." On average, over the course of a project, it is about 10% of the really cool, "passionate" work, and 90% "getting it done" - the crap work that needs to get done to get the project finished. I typically rate each day on a 3 point scale: 1 point for getting paid, 1 point for learning new stuff, and 1 point for having fun. If you're a 2/3, it is usually a good day. All 3 is a bonus (though not getting paid is a major issue if you have bills). What keeps me going is the rush when a problem I've been working on is solved. The tougher the problem, the bigger the rush. Unfortunately, that rush doesn't last long (like maybe the rest of the day). The passion aspect keeps you working in an area, even though there is a ton of BS. Maybe the motivation is different for different fields. I've been an EE for 27 years, and everyone I know that works in engineering or "hard sciences"(biology, chemistry, geology, physics, math) is motivated similarly. The graduates/workers now that expect that everything is going to be easy, exactly like they taught you in school, or the solution is can be found with a Google search, usually have a rude awakening when they get a job. Hard work always pays off in the long run.
Great advice. Although it may not be what every parent wants their child to hear. Let’s be honest. There are probably a few factors that contributed to your success. 1. You have the knack/talent for it. Key, but not necessarily the answer as there are many talented people out there that have not achieved your success. 2. You don’t strike me as a quitter. Many people give on them selves at the first sign of criticism or defeat. This is a great key to success. 3. Is simply good fortune or luck. Having some big moments fall your way is quintessential to nearly every success story I’ve ever read. I agree more with you than anyone in that article, however, not everyone gets to enjoy success from their passion. I also agree with you that while you’re younger try as much as you can. Get a taste for as much as possible and if your ego can take it make as many mistakes as possible, you will be better prepared for your future. They don’t effectively teach this in school enough to prepare you for real world application. Ultimately doubt is your biggest enemy. Great vlog Brian! I like a little philosophy peppered in on my pedalboard to keep it honest!
I bought One of your pedal mod books ... I think I used to post things about doing what you love to do ... Thought it was cool when you decided to "Go For It" and build your own business on your Passion ... Music and Tone
I work in a kitchen and I mean I have a good spot there. one day my buddy asked me to fix one of his pedals because he knew I could solder, and man i fell in love i built a breadboard started making circuits i ripped all my old av gear apart for components, good to know i'm not the only one. I really wanna start a pedal shop or guitar shop or make synths. I love cooking. but since then i've built a guitar a bass, 2 pedals and solid body uke for my brother my passions are very split.
Thank you for this video!! I am working on plans to start a business on the side, have been writing business plans and planning for a couple of months now, and could be a few more months to go before I exit the research stage and start the actual business stage. I was starting to get impatient, like I need to start now. It is comforting to hear you experimented around for 2-3 years before starting business operations. Right now, I have a full time career, but I will not do that forever, my passion is guitar gear, and freedom, not working in a cube which I currently do, and I have a great job with great pay. But, passion should always win! Thanks again for the video, really uplifting! I also have no experience with the business I am starting, so am learning everything from scratch doing it for the first time. Awesome to hear you started in the same place. Great video, always enjoy your content!
~9 years ago, I was working a dead end warehouse job, and had a kid on the way. Decided I would go to the local technical college and get a 2 year degree in something to better my, and my family's, life. I had two things in mind... either electronics engineering (interest here was ultimately building guitar amps/pedals) or computer programming. I chose computer programming because the market in that field was insane here; easy to find work. Been doing it for almost 8 years now, and I'm grateful for the life it's allowed me to provide to my family... but if I said I enjoyed it the majority of the time, I'd be lying. I'm sure I'm looking at your line of work through rose colored glasses, but it really does seem more rewarding/fulfilling.
Somehow Electronics became my passion. I took a class in high school as well as being a guitar player. After high school I ended up working at Mesa/Boogie for over 13 years, in the end I managed their pedal assembly line. Then I moved to Oregon and started working at a contract electronics assembly company. I do wish i'd paid more attention in the class though, but been at it for almost 20 years.
I enjoyed and respect your video Brian. I say follow your passions! At age two and three I loved violin and drawing and painting and looking at things to see if I could understand them. I went to college and studied art. Got out of college and starved as an artist, really starved. Lucky for me Leonardo Da Vinci was my hero and I had an natural understanding of engineering principles. I became a draftsman, then a self taught engineer. I rose to the top even though I had a free spirited non corporate personality. I made my living as an engineer until illness forced me into being disabled. These days I play guitar all day, every day. I can't hold a violin under my chin because of a neck injury so I can't and don't play violin often. I had studied with a Graduate of the Juliard School of Music and I did learn to read violin music when I was in my early 20's. I still draw and paint but not as much as I play guitars. Just before I was disabled I was teaching myself photography and even opened a business that did not make me anyoney but I did spend $50,000 on Camera gear! Anyway that's my story. I wanted to be a Fresco Painter and if there was any opportunity to do Fresco Paintings even today at age 68, I would still follow my dream. Until such time, I am content to play guitars all day every day. I never thought about making a career as a musician but I am passionate about playing. I'm on my second studio, a complete studio with everything needed. Drum kit, PA System, 3 digital recorders, mixer, electric piano, synthesiser, saxophone, flute, Dizi (flute), electric bass, acoustic instruments. But realistically all do is play guitar. I still say follow your passions. It adds feeling to life to do so. I street raced my 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750 from 1977 till 1986 and won every cafe race for the entire 10 years. Took her out in 1992 and beat Japan's best- the 1992 Kawasaki Ninja 1,100cc and Honda V4 Hurricane 1,000cc. I rode for sport and for honor. Best time in my whole life. I still have my Triumph and I still ride but at my age I don't break any laws so that means I resist speeding, so I no longer race. I ride a Harley-Davidson FLHP Road King Police at or below the posted speed limits and I ride every back road I can find. I play many different world stringed instruments just to enjoy making music. Sitar, Veena, Sarod, Sarangi, Oud, Rabab, Pipa, Erhu, Bouzouki, Quinn, violin (once in a blue moon), viola, cello, upright bass. These are my passions and absolutely they add to my feelings about how wonderful life is. Don't waste your life in a job/career that means nothing to you except putting food on the table. I enjoyed engineering as much or maybe more than painting and that is why I'm a happy man. I did things that I loved. Right on Brian! Peter
I truly enjoyed your video, and agree with most of the points you went over. I am 68 and went through 40 years in the IT business. 9 years ago, I opened a guitar repair business, but in recent times I have found that my passion is more in electronics and amp repair. I received training in electronics/ tubes while serving in the Navy in the 70's. I actually was a percussion major at the University of Maryland, but those times in my life were tough especially with Vietnam. I am currently transitioning my business into mostly amp repair because of the passion. I had the privilege of meeting you and Elmo at the Sweetwater Gearfest. I like your products, not just the tones, but the quality which I am a critic about. In a recent visit with my grandsons, I had discussions about passion, and their futures. I am also a critic about "work ethic", and work ethics become a little easier when your are applying yourself to your passion. Thanks again for this interesting video - Rock On!
Well Brian, if you ever find your passion or gain interest in remodeling houses again.....I wish to have a Wampler house. Already have the pedals, now comes the house.
I got sick of being ignorant looking at an amp or pedal circuit board. So I bought your book "How to Modify Guitar Pedals", a book from Radio Shack, and Muzique amz website. I voraciously studied and butchered some pedals, then i went to amp school in Chicago and built a 5e3 kit. Got to know Mouser & DigiKey really well!
I love your videos about your pedals and other guitar topics Brian, but this one was really special. I'm close to retirement age, but I have four grown children all starting out in the workforce, some went to college, and some didn't, but I'm sending this to them in hopes it resonates with them and saves them a lot of time and heartbreak through their professional lives. Excellent video!
Six of ten pedals on my board are Wamplers, after having tested a ton of others. There’s no overkill. I use them all regularly. The sounds in my head are most like what Brian creates from his head. I’ve also dealt with the company on rehabilitating one of his Indyguitarist Boss compressor mods, and on troubleshooting my board, and the customer care is top shelf. My only criticism is that Brian needs to write a book about tone, signal path, amps, guitars, pickups, pedals and pedalboard setup. Lots of us would buy the heck out of it.
Thank you for sharing your story, inspiring! I really appreciate you debunking the myth that if your passionate about something then it shouldn't feel like work. I think alot of people hear this and get discouraged when it turns out their passion takes alot of work! Anything you do is going to have some not so exciting or tedious parts to it. I think it's a passion when you don't mind doing the "work" because it's something you love doing.
to choose is hard, but make decisions are the most important part of life: I love drawing, play/create new games (from boardgames to computer games), listen to music and play/create/mix songs even create pedals... this creative energy that I used to use to create "art" now I use to make "science", to analyze and explore data, to program my codes or even to create papers. I prefer to use this creativity in something else and have more freedom than to adapt myself to a function like a job in a company, for example
I am glad to have found this video today. I have struggled with this for years. Music is my passion and getting it to pay the bills is difficult. I thought I would love a job at a music store, now, there are hardly any music stores. Guitar Center is about the only place here. The market isn't that good around here. I have been looking for a better job, that fits me better. I greatly admire those that have succeeded. It is contiuous hard work to keep things going. Anything that you are interested and passionate about takes an investment of time and energy and there will always be a struggle. Thanks for your videos Brian.
Your videos often pop up in my feed, but not sure how I hadn't subscribed yet. If ever there was a video that would have made me hit that subscribe button, this was it. And I did so. Love your videos and thanks for the words of wisdom. I'm (barely) doing a job in my field of study from college, but not many I know can say the same. Sometimes finding that passion is hard and even though I wouldn't say my job is always fulfilling, at least it allows me to use a bit of that passion in it.
I’m actually so scared. You literally hit it home for me. I love pedal. Not just playing them but the way they work. I don’t know much about it (the nerdy stuff) but I would like to. When you said the part about not knowing whether to be an account ( WHICH IS WHAT I AM DOING ) made me think about what I want.
I'm trying to pass this philosophy onto my younger children. I tell the from my experiences of wasting a lot of years doing something just for the money and benefits. It's not fulfilling at all! It leaves you feeling empty at the end of the day, not wanting tomorrow to come and do it all over again. I eventually started a business that wasn't exactly my passion 100%. Part of my passion was to be self employed. If I had it to do all over, self employment would have been my enrire life! There's nothing like it. You actually don't get that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you have to go to work! I tell my kids if you can be self employed at something you're totally passionate at doing, life will be so much more fulfilling to you! I hope I'm getting through to them...at least a little bit!👍😎
Indeed Brian. I'm one of those who know exactly what you're talking about... Keep up the good work no matter what for in the last couple of weeks I've been greatly influenced by your authentic passionate videos alone, and I mean it, to the extent that I've decided to start my own business around one of my passions. Godwilling, you'll find out sooner or later. Greetings from Mexico!
Wise words man. Yea I joined the military because college didn't appeal to me, got a desk job but I ended up failing out of that carrier option because it just wasn't for me, picked up a welding/repair carrier field and I loved it been at it for 8 years now
Brian I started watching this video to see how you went from guitar mods, which I still have that I purchased from you, to a pedal company. I have a daughter who is searching for herself and a nephew who is finishing high school. I think this is great for them to start thinking of what they might do. Thanks again.
I totally understand... I have an 18 and 20 year old going through the same thing right now. Just keep encouraging them to try new things and never be afraid of “failing “ - failing is a good thing. It tells you what you need to change so you can pivot. They will find their way 😊
I don’t think most people struggle with finding their passion, but they sure struggle with following their passion. We are taught from a very young age that there is a certain path they we must follow, and if we do not follow that path, we will fail. I’ve know since I was 13 years old what I was passionate about but It took me another 25 years to reprogram myself to actually follow that passion. That’s the hard part. But it’s never too late.
Aimless passion can burn you, true. Doing what you really love drives you to improve, immerse yourself, become extremely involved, which are ingredients for success. Good on you man.
Thanks for this video Brian, this is a true inspiration to me in particular because I feel the same way entirely, as my passion is also around guitar, music and electronics. I worked retail for 15 years and was basically a bartender on the edge of hell, it burned me out completely. Years later I rediscovered my passion and want to start my own business doing this. I actually love work when it's my passion and I will work 16 hours a day and not think twice about it. All your points totally hit home for me.
brian i love your story brother, you can tell how much you love music, thank goodness you did chase your dreams....if not there would have been alot of uninspired players out there including me...
I was happiest when I followed what I loved. (being creative and building guitars) Not being able to play guitar that well I decided to learn every aspect of making electric guitars I could. I was very fortunate to have learned from one of the most brilliant and humble bosses/musician/luthier/genius. I was also very fortunate to have worked with equally creative and talented coworkers. Many of us were and still are very passionate about making the very best electric guitars they possibly can. These days I just work to survive. Not doing anything anywhere near close to my heart and what I love to do. Years have slipped by and I’m filled with regrets and remorse over poor choices and ignorance of my younger days. Moral of the story? Follow your passion first. Chase after it like every day is your last. Only you know what makes you happy.
Honestly I would like to work for a pedal or amp company. But I still got a good amount of school left so yeah. Within the last year though I have gone and started modding my own pedals thanks to you.
This is one of my favorite videos of yours. You keep it very real and honest for the sake of keeping it real and honest, I have a deep appreciation for it. Thanks Brian, keep up the good work. I’ll try my best as well.
Mate,,I have recently purchased the tumnus,(the little one) ,catapulp,and Pinnacle,and ,I would say after52 years of trying to find "that" sound in my head,i am finally,totally there .I use wah ,chorus and delay as well,this is a great rockin' sound . Stratocaster with Gibson late sixties 't-top pickup in bridge blackstar s1-45, marshall jtm45,and fender hot rod deluxe ,series4,amplifiers,and thats it,thanks and cheers,Brian!!!!!!!
Some months ago i started watching your videos and got inspired to build some pedals... Now im on the third one and im starting to experiment... Im studying production engineering and all this is making me want to do also electronic engineering... You have definitely inspired me and ive learned a lot. Thanks!
People can be passionate about all sorts of things... Clothes, caring for others, caring for animals, playing an instrument or listening to music, making machinery work hard, smashing things, building things, building specific things, painting things, collecting money, spending money, spending other peoples money, pushing money around a spreadsheet, creating laws, enforcing laws, fashion, driving, driving fast, creating video content, being video content, editing video, .... and there is so much more that could be added to the list... and for a lot of it you don't need advanced education, but you do need that desire to be involved in those things you like, to want to learn all there is about them, to be familiar and aware, to be comfortable and in control when in those environments....It is no singular orgasm yet all blended together is passion.
Your insight is always interesting, Brian. No need to apologise. I've often thought about doing some of my own circuits for pedals but not sure I'm really cut out for small business. Like you say, even though it's your passion, there's still a lot of work to do to build a successful business. Plus, there are so many "boutique" pedal makers out there these days, I wonder what you have to do to cut through. Good on you for making it though and for staying real.
Hey mate I think this is the best video that I've seen in ages and I also think it's one of the best videos to get kids to learn what they need to do to get where they want to be in life instead of doing what they think they have to do because school told them that they should do a certain thing because the government says so. It's a shame that the schooling system teaches everyone a very one-sided answer of how to get through life but when you find someone like you on the internet you realise that life can be another way a more happier life than what we've been taught is our reality good work mate keep on with the good work all the best with your pedal Company too
i'm kinda in the same spot as when you began. i did a 12v ecc82 booster (NOT a valvecaster) then retrofitted it with a 4558 to further boost and distort the signal i took off a (repaired! yay) blown amp. this now sounds almost like my '99 laney hybrid and whoah it turned some heads. then i did a bass fuzz for a friend of mine and he said "it's the only type of fuzz that should exist please make one in a box i need one NOW". now i have an ecc83 thingie on a breadbord that gave me a small 160v burn mark on my index because MOAR TUBE VOLTAGE! :D i'm also experimenting with voltage regulators, pwm fan controllers, boost/buck convos.. my desk is THE mess. :)
i have your faux tape echo. i've never seen your product before buying the pedal. i just went inside a guitar store and i was looking for a delay pedal i tried a bunch, i ended up buying your pedal. glad i did!
Great (and successful) example of following one's dreams 😊 I followed the other path, but the passion is still intact. Now that I'm old and I have more time, I maybe ending up being a musician for good… at 65 !? Afterall, our iconic idols are in their 70's aren't they ? 😃
This is kind crazy and surreal to see this video after failing college and working at a store for 2 years. Glad I quit a couple of weeks ago to work at this nice warehouse job that's made me pretty happy to wake up in the morning. Now I just need to find a way I can have music as a career.
I think what’s happening here is nothing but perfect. A guitarist is usually a passionate character that compared to a educator. A lot of times these personalities do differ even if the “Educator” plays guitar.
Great video bud, it hit home. I Just watched the one with you and your wife doing a Q&A and had to send it to my wife. She has her own business here in small town Indiana as well and we have a lot of people asking us similar questions. I love your work and have several of your pedals on my board. I hope to get the chance to meet you some day. I'm just two hours south of you if you ever want to meet up grab coffee and talk guitars lol. I have a good friend down here in Southern Indiana who builds some amazing amps, you need to play though one some time. His name is Ben Farley, I sold my Dr. Z to fund one of his builds, it's killer!
"If being *great* were easy, everyone would be doing it." I've heard that said. Being great involves work. That "follow your heart" principle often times results in starving, not paying bills, and falling on one's butt. It's true. Following your passion can be the same thing, unless you put the work into it. Sounds like you put brains behind your passion and took the necessary risks, and I'm glad it's working for you. This is the American dream in a nutshell. Rock on. :)
Great advice Brian - many end up finding success in related areas and not necessarily what they intended to do. Flexibility and keeping your eyes open as you go but at the same time sticking to something if it’s worth it ..
Love your pedals! Thank you for following your passion! I pretty much always have at least one of your drive pedals on my boards. So far I have a Euphoria, Plexi Deluxe, and Tumnus. They’re so so good. 👌🏼
I have cut ties with crap jobs just like you said... cut my losses and moved on to something new. Now I am 40 and am still cutting my losses and trying something new. The one thing that has been consistent since I was in my early 20's til now is that the jobs keep getting crappier and I keep getting paid less as I get older. Now I find myself completely burned out, cynical, physically busted up, and quite often unemployed. Let this be a lesson for anyone out there that reads this, figure something out or you will end up in my cycle of neverending shit and develop some serious anger issues along the way. I am pretty much a broke down shell of my former self now.
I didn't know kathy bates was giving out awards now. Seriously though, congratulations, I've been watching you guys since the start on TH-cam, the awards are well deserved. Andertons is my favorite and always will be.
Totally agree that Paul is wrong. I'm kind of in this boat at 40, married and raising 5 kids. I don't mind having a day job, but my wife and I keep brainstorming for what we could do that would be more fulfilling. Good video. Very worth watching.
Great video and being age 66 now…I totally agree with your points of view, regardless of what a persons passion may be. Guitar player since the 1970’s…Georgia.
The big challenge of following ones passion is sticking to it once it becomes "every day life". And i think that alot of people misunderstand that challenge and see it as a warning instead.
Too true! There's a difference between our age (40+) and the internet age. I work in a high school and talk to and listen to teens all the time. There are the usual issues, mating rituals, posturing, questioning authority, but there's another aspect to it. These kids see constant success of their heroes and peers on the net. I was talking to a young man about colleges, majors and jobs and we got on the subject of salary. I mentioned a job that starts at 40k and he scoffed. I asked him what he thought a really good salary was and he said 400k! There is an expectation of success without the basics of how to succeed. My main point to these kids is 'Work hard and the rest will follow." When you ask kids how someone made their fortune, you get a simplistic response "He's a singer" or "He bought and sold buildings". They seem to have no clue about the amount of work it takes, how many hours a day, how you will sacrifice sleep or parties to keep working. How you will likely fail, more than once, before you see success. It's the people who work their asses off, who sacrifice all the time, who 'get rich'. Love your content! I'm thinking of modding on old Danelectro pedal thanks to you. Keep up the good work, sir!
Great comment Matt! Yes, that paradigm troubles me greatly as well. I’m constantly trying to teach my kids why it’s silly to compare themselves with someone on social who on the surface appears like they have it all together. Many kids don’t understand that that person on social is just fronting, just putting on an act in order to build up their own low self esteem
If it's easy everyone will do it and there isn't a job in it. Work is what makes it valuable to others. I guess you might be able to follow your passion without work but you will be very hard pressed to make a living at it. And the truth is when you can do the work that goes with your passion you will be able to follow it even more.
Playing guitar (or anything guitar related) has been my passion since i was 12. I've never had a way of making a living in that area. I guess I got lucky though. By the time I was 22 I was married and had a 3 year old daughter and was trying to find any job i could get. I got hired on in the machine shop of Snap-On Power Tools making parts for tools. Didn't know what i was getting into but i was willing to learn anything to get a job. Turned out that I really like machining. Been there 15 years now and still like what i'm doing for the most part. I don't dread going to work anyway. I have to admit, I would still rather be playing my guitar LOL
It sure is great to find someone who loves what they are doing, you are blessed Brian but you have also earned it. Congrats, I can still remember the indyguitarist stuff and even emailing ya back and forth as you helped me to build my own true bypass looper lol. You’ve come a long way but still obviously a down to earth guy. Thanks for what you do. I am no professional guitar player and rarely play out but I still enjoy chasing tone and have a great collection of your pedals that I get to enjoy when I’m not at my regular (ugh) job at the railroad lol. Take care!
It probably depends on your definition about passion: a lot of people see their passion as their hobby and work is work (at least a lot of the parents of my students do) and if you happen to have made your work of what they see as passion it will see irrational. I get asked a lot what my day job is (the answer is always something in the line of gigolo or secret agent). I think a lot of people do not see how work and passion can coexist...
Following your passion doesn't mean avoiding challenges. It's overcoming challenges that fuels that passion. Anything that is worth doing, isn't easy to do. It's the willingness to meat said challenges and work through those challenges that defines your passion. Challenges and more importantly defeating said challenges are also what drive us to improve ourselves. Those who cling to the adage of those doing what the truly love never work a day in their lives are misleading themselves and others. You will still be working, it just doesn't feel as daunting of a task because you are welcoming the tasks and challenges. Following the path of least resistance only leads to complacency and stagnation of ingenuity. That's my rant on the subject.
I don't subscribe to the idea that you can learn to be passionate about anything. But, you definitely can learn to be passionate about things you did not think you liked. Curiosity is the main thing here. If you are curious about things in general, it's much easier to find your passion. To people who aren't curious. Sorry folks, but you will most likely live a quite boring life. That is not to say it's a bad life. But, quite boring. For a curious person, most things are interesting when you learn about how they work. I have periods when I watch loads of videos about some really specific topic like building crossbows, and I find that really interesting. Passion is curiosity. When you are curious about learning something new, then you are passionate. Settling down, is the antidote to passion. It's really an attitude more than anything. By striving to learn more and progress you will keep your passion burning. Remaining passionate is not that different from having a good relationship. It requires hard work. Of course, if you absolutely hate your job then you might have to look for something else. But, I think most people can learn to be passionate about what they are doing if they just change their attitude.
This is fantastic. I’d like this 1000 times if I could. I shall pin this to the top!
@@wampler_pedals Thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate your channel!
Hey Proby, I dig yr philosophy!!! I know where ya coming from!!! I can't get my head around as to why people don't what to learn new and interesting stuff??? I once said to my daughter-in-law, "I have a dozen hobbies and no time for any of them"!!! She just laughed!!!! 😂 Life is good when ya learn something new!!! 👍
An actual success story, college is cool and all but without passion that shit is useless
I have heard many "motivational" and "how to be successful" speakers in my time. Mostly I walked away thinking what they said was a bunch of "BS". Nice to hear someone who figured it out and actually executed on his passion.
Thanks so much, that means a lot to me! 🙏🏼
Being successful is something entirely different from being passionate. These two things should never be confused with each other.
number 1 reason. The babes
LOL!
Wow your story sounds a lot like mine! I never went to college, barely passed high school, hit the stages in venues and bars right outta high school recorded with a couple big names but the industry took a dive and decided to go into the gear aspect of it because I've always been obsessed getting that saturated heavy distortion. (love mesa rectifiers) So I bought a fuzz factory clone finally... got frustrated with it so I couldn't let it go and decided to just start building my own pedals and haven't stopped since. My dad used a soldering iron everyday and wires (light fixture guy) and he was a musician too so it was like a marriage of what my dad did and what I like to do which is play music! Thanks for this video!! very down to earth.
You must be doing something right! Every piece of Wampler gear that I own I love!
Frigging love taking things apart and changing how they work! That's why I started a pedal company too!
You've been a major inspiration to me Brian. Gotta say thank you.
I think that the article is aimed at people from my generation who were told that if our job isn't the thing we are passionate about, then its not worth doing. There is a balance, and if you are able to do your passion and make a living, great! if not, then your career that isn't your passion is the vehicle that allows you to do your passion in your free time.
The older I get, the more I have come to live by the motto "Never allow yourself to come to resent someone or something you truly love". That means not only working hard to remember what it is you truly love about it/them, but also taking steps to avoid and remove those aspects that might make you *start* to resent. So, "following your passion" is still good advice. But ONLY following your passion, without taking those preventative steps to stop your passion from sliding into your "big regret", is bad advice. In other words, do it in a way that keeps the passion alive, and finds new ways for the passion to be fulfilled each day.
Brian has a great business, a great reputation, a terrific wife, great kids (who work the booth with him), and as his videos continue to demonstrate, a great zeal for what he does. And none of those things put a dent in any of those other things. But I can't emphasize enough that he is a good businessman, who conducts his affairs in a way that allows him to maintain that passion. I'm sure there are, or will be, days when the thought "Why did I ever start this mess?" will come to mind. But they will quickly be displaced by moments that erase such thoughts.
These days, the access to services and supplies is such that any kid can start a pedal business on the desk in their dorm room. Throw up a website (no office rental required), download PCB-drafting software and get the boards made professionally, but your powder-coated enclosures cheap and throw a decal on them, tout a simple mod as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and you're off to the races. But it won't last unless you know how to be a sensible businessman who can plan sustainability. Me, I love pedals, but I'm a lousy businessman. I happily leave the business to guys like Brian, who know how to do it.
So, kids, follow your passion....but NOT until you've figured out the mechanics and steps of how to keep that passion going. And, as Brian indicated, that might consist of figuring out a *slightly* different version of whatever your passion is; one that you can keep alive.
Regarding passion... a few lines from Rumi, a 13th century poet, has shaped my world... "Every day we wake up empty and frightened. Don't pick up the book and study, pick up a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do; there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground." Brian... dig that you've geeked out on your passion! Thanks for it!
This is a great message. Thank you so much. I am an Engineer by trade about a year and a half ago I discovered Cigar Box guitars and wanted to build one so I did. Well 46 guitar builds later I really really love it and now I am teaching myself to play. I build mostly 3 string but have built a few 6 string and 4 string. So much fun. Thanks again.
I've got a Wampler Fuzztration and it shoots bolts of pure gold! So, good job, sir. I think you've hit on something really good.
That’s probably the smartest thing I’ve heard anyone say in a long time. I can’t stress to younger people to keep looking for what you love before you get older and have responsibilities like a family to take care of and you get stuck in a job you hate but have to keep. It’s something I wish I could do over again.
You are an inspiration to me on this stuff.Ive played in bands most of my adult life ... Last year or so I decided to start building amplifier kits (Mojotone)..I use what I build exclusively on stage now... After building 2 5E3 amps and a 5E5 , I needed a special drive pedals FOR these amps simply to lower my headroom and get a good drive...I stumbled onto your stuff on TH-cam and have been hooked ever sense...Thank much!! This video is awesome advice even for me at 60 years old...Thank you Brian!!!
Thank you so much! 🙏
Hi Brian. Good advice.
I spoke to you the last day of Winter NAMM 2020, end of day. We talked bread boards, my Wampler pedals, and my Bravado. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.
Best!
Michael Syfers
Thank you for the inspiration to keep building and repairing guitars, I'm 55 and finally starting to see some respect and trust for my work.
I agree w/ you on the comments on passion and work. There is a ton of crap you have to put up with and do while working in you're "passion." On average, over the course of a project, it is about 10% of the really cool, "passionate" work, and 90% "getting it done" - the crap work that needs to get done to get the project finished. I typically rate each day on a 3 point scale: 1 point for getting paid, 1 point for learning new stuff, and 1 point for having fun. If you're a 2/3, it is usually a good day. All 3 is a bonus (though not getting paid is a major issue if you have bills).
What keeps me going is the rush when a problem I've been working on is solved. The tougher the problem, the bigger the rush. Unfortunately, that rush doesn't last long (like maybe the rest of the day). The passion aspect keeps you working in an area, even though there is a ton of BS. Maybe the motivation is different for different fields. I've been an EE for 27 years, and everyone I know that works in engineering or "hard sciences"(biology, chemistry, geology, physics, math) is motivated similarly.
The graduates/workers now that expect that everything is going to be easy, exactly like they taught you in school, or the solution is can be found with a Google search, usually have a rude awakening when they get a job. Hard work always pays off in the long run.
dphidt that’s right! Hard work always pays off. They don’t teach that in school anymore, cause it’s challenging to everything else they teach
I've bought many of your pedals of the years and your passion shows. Thanks!
Great advice. Although it may not be what every parent wants their child to hear. Let’s be honest. There are probably a few factors that contributed to your success. 1. You have the knack/talent for it. Key, but not necessarily the answer as there are many talented people out there that have not achieved your success. 2. You don’t strike me as a quitter. Many people give on them selves at the first sign of criticism or defeat. This is a great key to success. 3. Is simply good fortune or luck. Having some big moments fall your way is quintessential to nearly every success story I’ve ever read. I agree more with you than anyone in that article, however, not everyone gets to enjoy success from their passion. I also agree with you that while you’re younger try as much as you can. Get a taste for as much as possible and if your ego can take it make as many mistakes as possible, you will be better prepared for your future. They don’t effectively teach this in school enough to prepare you for real world application. Ultimately doubt is your biggest enemy.
Great vlog Brian! I like a little philosophy peppered in on my pedalboard to keep it honest!
I bought One of your pedal mod books ... I think I used to post things about doing what you love to do ... Thought it was cool when you decided to "Go For It" and build your own business on your Passion ... Music and Tone
I work in a kitchen and I mean I have a good spot there. one day my buddy asked me to fix one of his pedals because he knew I could solder, and man i fell in love i built a breadboard started making circuits i ripped all my old av gear apart for components, good to know i'm not the only one. I really wanna start a pedal shop or guitar shop or make synths. I love cooking. but since then i've built a guitar a bass, 2 pedals and solid body uke for my brother my passions are very split.
Thank you for this video!! I am working on plans to start a business on the side, have been writing business plans and planning for a couple of months now, and could be a few more months to go before I exit the research stage and start the actual business stage. I was starting to get impatient, like I need to start now. It is comforting to hear you experimented around for 2-3 years before starting business operations. Right now, I have a full time career, but I will not do that forever, my passion is guitar gear, and freedom, not working in a cube which I currently do, and I have a great job with great pay. But, passion should always win!
Thanks again for the video, really uplifting! I also have no experience with the business I am starting, so am learning everything from scratch doing it for the first time. Awesome to hear you started in the same place.
Great video, always enjoy your content!
~9 years ago, I was working a dead end warehouse job, and had a kid on the way. Decided I would go to the local technical college and get a 2 year degree in something to better my, and my family's, life. I had two things in mind... either electronics engineering (interest here was ultimately building guitar amps/pedals) or computer programming. I chose computer programming because the market in that field was insane here; easy to find work. Been doing it for almost 8 years now, and I'm grateful for the life it's allowed me to provide to my family... but if I said I enjoyed it the majority of the time, I'd be lying. I'm sure I'm looking at your line of work through rose colored glasses, but it really does seem more rewarding/fulfilling.
Somehow Electronics became my passion. I took a class in high school as well as being a guitar player. After high school I ended up working at Mesa/Boogie for over 13 years, in the end I managed their pedal assembly line. Then I moved to Oregon and started working at a contract electronics assembly company. I do wish i'd paid more attention in the class though, but been at it for almost 20 years.
I enjoyed and respect your video Brian. I say follow your passions! At age two and three I loved violin and drawing and painting and looking at things to see if I could understand them.
I went to college and studied art. Got out of college and starved as an artist, really starved. Lucky for me Leonardo Da Vinci was my hero and I had an natural understanding of engineering principles. I became a draftsman, then a self taught engineer. I rose to the top even though I had a free spirited non corporate personality. I made my living as an engineer until illness forced me into being disabled.
These days I play guitar all day, every day. I can't hold a violin under my chin because of a neck injury so I can't and don't play violin often. I had studied with a Graduate of the Juliard School of Music and I did learn to read violin music when I was in my early 20's.
I still draw and paint but not as much as I play guitars.
Just before I was disabled I was teaching myself photography and even opened a business that did not make me anyoney but I did spend $50,000 on Camera gear!
Anyway that's my story. I wanted to be a Fresco Painter and if there was any opportunity to do Fresco Paintings even today at age 68, I would still follow my dream. Until such time, I am content to play guitars all day every day. I never thought about making a career as a musician but I am passionate about playing. I'm on my second studio, a complete studio with everything needed. Drum kit, PA System, 3 digital recorders, mixer, electric piano, synthesiser, saxophone, flute, Dizi (flute), electric bass, acoustic instruments. But realistically all do is play guitar. I still say follow your passions. It adds feeling to life to do so.
I street raced my 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750 from 1977 till 1986 and won every cafe race for the entire 10 years. Took her out in 1992 and beat Japan's best- the 1992 Kawasaki Ninja 1,100cc and Honda V4 Hurricane 1,000cc. I rode for sport and for honor. Best time in my whole life. I still have my Triumph and I still ride but at my age I don't break any laws so that means I resist speeding, so I no longer race. I ride a Harley-Davidson FLHP Road King Police at or below the posted speed limits and I ride every back road I can find.
I play many different world stringed instruments just to enjoy making music. Sitar, Veena, Sarod, Sarangi, Oud, Rabab, Pipa, Erhu, Bouzouki, Quinn, violin (once in a blue moon), viola, cello, upright bass. These are my passions and absolutely they add to my feelings about how wonderful life is.
Don't waste your life in a job/career that means nothing to you except putting food on the table. I enjoyed engineering as much or maybe more than painting and that is why I'm a happy man. I did things that I loved. Right on Brian!
Peter
I truly enjoyed your video, and agree with most of the points you went over. I am 68 and went through 40 years in the IT business. 9 years ago, I opened a guitar repair business, but in recent times I have found that my passion is more in electronics and amp repair. I received training in electronics/ tubes while serving in the Navy in the 70's. I actually was a percussion major at the University of Maryland, but those times in my life were tough especially with Vietnam. I am currently transitioning my business into mostly amp repair because of the passion. I had the privilege of meeting you and Elmo at the Sweetwater Gearfest. I like your products, not just the tones, but the quality which I am a critic about. In a recent visit with my grandsons, I had discussions about passion, and their futures. I am also a critic about "work ethic", and work ethics become a little easier when your are applying yourself to your passion. Thanks again for this interesting video - Rock On!
Well Brian, if you ever find your passion or gain interest in remodeling houses again.....I wish to have a Wampler house. Already have the pedals, now comes the house.
I got sick of being ignorant looking at an amp or pedal circuit board.
So I bought your book "How to Modify Guitar Pedals", a book from Radio Shack, and Muzique amz website.
I voraciously studied and butchered some pedals, then i went to amp school in Chicago and built a 5e3 kit.
Got to know Mouser & DigiKey really well!
I love your videos about your pedals and other guitar topics Brian, but this one was really special. I'm close to retirement age, but I have four grown children all starting out in the workforce, some went to college, and some didn't, but I'm sending this to them in hopes it resonates with them and saves them a lot of time and heartbreak through their professional lives. Excellent video!
Oh, and by the way, I am a Mechanical Engineer -- you didn't miss much by skipping college! ;-)
Six of ten pedals on my board are Wamplers, after having tested a ton of others. There’s no overkill. I use them all regularly. The sounds in my head are most like what Brian creates from his head. I’ve also dealt with the company on rehabilitating one of his Indyguitarist Boss compressor mods, and on troubleshooting my board, and the customer care is top shelf. My only criticism is that Brian needs to write a book about tone, signal path, amps, guitars, pickups, pedals and pedalboard setup. Lots of us would buy the heck out of it.
Thank you for sharing your story, inspiring! I really appreciate you debunking the myth that if your passionate about something then it shouldn't feel like work. I think alot of people hear this and get discouraged when it turns out their passion takes alot of work! Anything you do is going to have some not so exciting or tedious parts to it. I think it's a passion when you don't mind doing the "work" because it's something you love doing.
to choose is hard, but make decisions are the most important part of life: I love drawing, play/create new games (from boardgames to computer games), listen to music and play/create/mix songs even create pedals... this creative energy that I used to use to create "art" now I use to make "science", to analyze and explore data, to program my codes or even to create papers. I prefer to use this creativity in something else and have more freedom than to adapt myself to a function like a job in a company, for example
I am glad to have found this video today. I have struggled with this for years. Music is my passion and getting it to pay the bills is difficult. I thought I would love a job at a music store, now, there are hardly any music stores. Guitar Center is about the only place here. The market isn't that good around here. I have been looking for a better job, that fits me better. I greatly admire those that have succeeded. It is contiuous hard work to keep things going. Anything that you are interested and passionate about takes an investment of time and energy and there will always be a struggle. Thanks for your videos Brian.
Your videos often pop up in my feed, but not sure how I hadn't subscribed yet. If ever there was a video that would have made me hit that subscribe button, this was it. And I did so. Love your videos and thanks for the words of wisdom. I'm (barely) doing a job in my field of study from college, but not many I know can say the same. Sometimes finding that passion is hard and even though I wouldn't say my job is always fulfilling, at least it allows me to use a bit of that passion in it.
Very Good advice not only to young people, but everyone.
Thank you, Brian. Sage advice. Still adoring my Tumnus and my Dual Fusion! Keep inspiring us all.
I’m actually so scared. You literally hit it home for me. I love pedal. Not just playing them but the way they work. I don’t know much about it (the nerdy stuff) but I would like to. When you said the part about not knowing whether to be an account ( WHICH IS WHAT I AM DOING ) made me think about what I want.
So nice to know that. And you have a lot more than a College in your head now. You are the man.
I'm walking a similar path, and definitely, as much as it is my passion, it's a whole lot of work, but i love it.
I'm trying to pass this philosophy onto my younger children. I tell the from my experiences of wasting a lot of years doing something just for the money and benefits. It's not fulfilling at all! It leaves you feeling empty at the end of the day, not wanting tomorrow to come and do it all over again. I eventually started a business that wasn't exactly my passion 100%. Part of my passion was to be self employed. If I had it to do all over, self employment would have been my enrire life! There's nothing like it. You actually don't get that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you have to go to work! I tell my kids if you can be self employed at something you're totally passionate at doing, life will be so much more fulfilling to you! I hope I'm getting through to them...at least a little bit!👍😎
Indeed Brian. I'm one of those who know exactly what you're talking about... Keep up the good work no matter what for in the last couple of weeks I've been greatly influenced by your authentic passionate videos alone, and I mean it, to the extent that I've decided to start my own business around one of my passions. Godwilling, you'll find out sooner or later. Greetings from Mexico!
Wise words man.
Yea I joined the military because college didn't appeal to me, got a desk job but I ended up failing out of that carrier option because it just wasn't for me, picked up a welding/repair carrier field and I loved it been at it for 8 years now
Brian I started watching this video to see how you went from guitar mods, which I still have that I purchased from you, to a pedal company. I have a daughter who is searching for herself and a nephew who is finishing high school. I think this is great for them to start thinking of what they might do. Thanks again.
I totally understand... I have an 18 and 20 year old going through the same thing right now. Just keep encouraging them to try new things and never be afraid of “failing “ - failing is a good thing. It tells you what you need to change so you can pivot. They will find their way 😊
I don’t think most people struggle with finding their passion, but they sure struggle with following their passion. We are taught from a very young age that there is a certain path they we must follow, and if we do not follow that path, we will fail. I’ve know since I was 13 years old what I was passionate about but It took me another 25 years to reprogram myself to actually follow that passion. That’s the hard part. But it’s never too late.
Aimless passion can burn you, true. Doing what you really love drives you to improve, immerse yourself, become extremely involved, which are ingredients for success. Good on you man.
Thanks for this video Brian, this is a true inspiration to me in particular because I feel the same way entirely, as my passion is also around guitar, music and electronics. I worked retail for 15 years and was basically a bartender on the edge of hell, it burned me out completely. Years later I rediscovered my passion and want to start my own business doing this. I actually love work when it's my passion and I will work 16 hours a day and not think twice about it. All your points totally hit home for me.
Glad to hear your story. Thank You for all the videos. I know that they are way more work than most people realize.
brian i love your story brother, you can tell how much you love music, thank goodness you did chase your dreams....if not there would have been alot of uninspired players out there including me...
I was happiest when I followed what I loved. (being creative and building guitars) Not being able to play guitar that well I decided to learn every aspect of making electric guitars I could. I was very fortunate to have learned from one of the most brilliant and humble bosses/musician/luthier/genius. I was also very fortunate to have worked with equally creative and talented coworkers. Many of us were and still are very passionate about making the very best electric guitars they possibly can. These days I just work to survive. Not doing anything anywhere near close to my heart and what I love to do. Years have slipped by and I’m filled with regrets and remorse over poor choices and ignorance of my younger days. Moral of the story? Follow your passion first. Chase after it like every day is your last. Only you know what makes you happy.
Honestly I would like to work for a pedal or amp company. But I still got a good amount of school left so yeah. Within the last year though I have gone and started modding my own pedals thanks to you.
One of the best videos from a great guy and genuine golden advice. Great Job fantastic Message !
This is one of my favorite videos of yours. You keep it very real and honest for the sake of keeping it real and honest, I have a deep appreciation for it. Thanks Brian, keep up the good work. I’ll try my best as well.
Mate,,I have recently purchased the tumnus,(the little one) ,catapulp,and Pinnacle,and ,I would say after52 years of trying to find "that" sound in my head,i am finally,totally there .I use wah ,chorus and delay as well,this is a great rockin' sound . Stratocaster with Gibson late sixties 't-top pickup in bridge blackstar s1-45, marshall jtm45,and fender hot rod deluxe ,series4,amplifiers,and thats it,thanks and cheers,Brian!!!!!!!
Thanks so much Garry!
I am quite stoked you decided to make a great line of pedals and a few days away from getting the Tumnus deluxe.
Some months ago i started watching your videos and got inspired to build some pedals... Now im on the third one and im starting to experiment... Im studying production engineering and all this is making me want to do also electronic engineering... You have definitely inspired me and ive learned a lot. Thanks!
I traveled a similar journey, thank you for sharing
People can be passionate about all sorts of things... Clothes, caring for others, caring for animals, playing an instrument or listening to music, making machinery work hard, smashing things, building things, building specific things, painting things, collecting money, spending money, spending other peoples money, pushing money around a spreadsheet, creating laws, enforcing laws, fashion, driving, driving fast, creating video content, being video content, editing video, .... and there is so much more that could be added to the list... and for a lot of it you don't need advanced education, but you do need that desire to be involved in those things you like, to want to learn all there is about them, to be familiar and aware, to be comfortable and in control when in those environments....It is no singular orgasm yet all blended together is passion.
Your insight is always interesting, Brian. No need to apologise. I've often thought about doing some of my own circuits for pedals but not sure I'm really cut out for small business. Like you say, even though it's your passion, there's still a lot of work to do to build a successful business. Plus, there are so many "boutique" pedal makers out there these days, I wonder what you have to do to cut through. Good on you for making it though and for staying real.
A good story. I wish you continued success and me enough budget to get a couple of your drive/distortion pedals. Been thoroughly enjoying the videos.
You make great pedals and you are a heck of a player ! Keep on keepin on !!
Hey mate I think this is the best video that I've seen in ages and I also think it's one of the best videos to get kids to learn what they need to do to get where they want to be in life instead of doing what they think they have to do because school told them that they should do a certain thing because the government says so. It's a shame that the schooling system teaches everyone a very one-sided answer of how to get through life but when you find someone like you on the internet you realise that life can be another way a more happier life than what we've been taught is our reality good work mate keep on with the good work all the best with your pedal Company too
Thanks dude. This hit me in the right moment.
i'm kinda in the same spot as when you began. i did a 12v ecc82 booster (NOT a valvecaster) then retrofitted it with a 4558 to further boost and distort the signal i took off a (repaired! yay) blown amp. this now sounds almost like my '99 laney hybrid and whoah it turned some heads.
then i did a bass fuzz for a friend of mine and he said "it's the only type of fuzz that should exist please make one in a box i need one NOW".
now i have an ecc83 thingie on a breadbord that gave me a small 160v burn mark on my index because MOAR TUBE VOLTAGE! :D
i'm also experimenting with voltage regulators, pwm fan controllers, boost/buck convos.. my desk is THE mess. :)
i have your faux tape echo. i've never seen your product before buying the pedal. i just went inside a guitar store and i was looking for a delay pedal i tried a bunch, i ended up buying your pedal. glad i did!
I did stumble upon it... The Iron Maiden CD in my dad's CD-rack... But most might not be that lucky to have that moment.
Love your story... congratulations on your success
Love your musings... Great life advice as we all find our way in our own way. Cheers Brian.
Great (and successful) example of following one's dreams 😊 I followed the other path, but the passion is still intact. Now that I'm old and I have more time, I maybe ending up being a musician for good… at 65 !? Afterall, our iconic idols are in their 70's aren't they ? 😃
This is kind crazy and surreal to see this video after failing college and working at a store for 2 years. Glad I quit a couple of weeks ago to work at this nice warehouse job that's made me pretty happy to wake up in the morning. Now I just need to find a way I can have music as a career.
I think what’s happening here is nothing but perfect. A guitarist is usually a passionate character that compared to a educator. A lot of times these personalities do differ even if the “Educator” plays guitar.
Great video bud, it hit home. I Just watched the one with you and your wife doing a Q&A and had to send it to my wife. She has her own business here in small town Indiana as well and we have a lot of people asking us similar questions. I love your work and have several of your pedals on my board. I hope to get the chance to meet you some day. I'm just two hours south of you if you ever want to meet up grab coffee and talk guitars lol. I have a good friend down here in Southern Indiana who builds some amazing amps, you need to play though one some time. His name is Ben Farley, I sold my Dr. Z to fund one of his builds, it's killer!
What city? I was just in French lick a few weeks ago
I'm in my 50's and can totally in agree with the follow passion idea!
Thanks Brian, i needed to hear this today! Great story, love your honesty and advice.
"If being *great* were easy, everyone would be doing it." I've heard that said. Being great involves work. That "follow your heart" principle often times results in starving, not paying bills, and falling on one's butt. It's true. Following your passion can be the same thing, unless you put the work into it. Sounds like you put brains behind your passion and took the necessary risks, and I'm glad it's working for you. This is the American dream in a nutshell. Rock on. :)
I did that except I went the IT route. Great job man. Some of us are the 50+ crowd and still envy what people do.
Not nearly enough views brother. Great message for younger people. Rock on.
Love your pedals man. Happy to own the tumnus deluxe. Keep at it
Great insight and perspective Brian.
Great advice Brian - many end up finding success in related areas and not necessarily what they intended to do. Flexibility and keeping your eyes open as you go but at the same time sticking to something if it’s worth it ..
Love your pedals! Thank you for following your passion! I pretty much always have at least one of your drive pedals on my boards. So far I have a Euphoria, Plexi Deluxe, and Tumnus. They’re so so good. 👌🏼
Brian, Thanks for sharing this, your success made me happy. Out of all OD pedals, what is your favorite?Jim
Your mod for the Boss CS3 is still my #1 comp pedal after 10 years. Still going strong.
Awesome video.Very inspirational
I have cut ties with crap jobs just like you said... cut my losses and moved on to something new. Now I am 40 and am still cutting my losses and trying something new. The one thing that has been consistent since I was in my early 20's til now is that the jobs keep getting crappier and I keep getting paid less as I get older. Now I find myself completely burned out, cynical, physically busted up, and quite often unemployed. Let this be a lesson for anyone out there that reads this, figure something out or you will end up in my cycle of neverending shit and develop some serious anger issues along the way. I am pretty much a broke down shell of my former self now.
I didn't know kathy bates was giving out awards now. Seriously though, congratulations, I've been watching you guys since the start on TH-cam, the awards are well deserved. Andertons is my favorite and always will be.
This is exactly the kind of insight that I needed today. Thanks, Brian!
Totally agree that Paul is wrong. I'm kind of in this boat at 40, married and raising 5 kids. I don't mind having a day job, but my wife and I keep brainstorming for what we could do that would be more fulfilling. Good video. Very worth watching.
Great video and being age 66 now…I totally agree with your points of view, regardless of what a persons passion may be.
Guitar player since the 1970’s…Georgia.
The big challenge of following ones passion is sticking to it once it becomes "every day life". And i think that alot of people misunderstand that challenge and see it as a warning instead.
Too true! There's a difference between our age (40+) and the internet age. I work in a high school and talk to and listen to teens all the time. There are the usual issues, mating rituals, posturing, questioning authority, but there's another aspect to it. These kids see constant success of their heroes and peers on the net. I was talking to a young man about colleges, majors and jobs and we got on the subject of salary. I mentioned a job that starts at 40k and he scoffed. I asked him what he thought a really good salary was and he said 400k! There is an expectation of success without the basics of how to succeed. My main point to these kids is 'Work hard and the rest will follow." When you ask kids how someone made their fortune, you get a simplistic response "He's a singer" or "He bought and sold buildings". They seem to have no clue about the amount of work it takes, how many hours a day, how you will sacrifice sleep or parties to keep working. How you will likely fail, more than once, before you see success. It's the people who work their asses off, who sacrifice all the time, who 'get rich'.
Love your content! I'm thinking of modding on old Danelectro pedal thanks to you. Keep up the good work, sir!
Great comment Matt! Yes, that paradigm troubles me greatly as well. I’m constantly trying to teach my kids why it’s silly to compare themselves with someone on social who on the surface appears like they have it all together. Many kids don’t understand that that person on social is just fronting, just putting on an act in order to build up their own low self esteem
If it's easy everyone will do it and there isn't a job in it. Work is what makes it valuable to others. I guess you might be able to follow your passion without work but you will be very hard pressed to make a living at it. And the truth is when you can do the work that goes with your passion you will be able to follow it even more.
One of your best videos!
Playing guitar (or anything guitar related) has been my passion since i was 12. I've never had a way of making a living in that area. I guess I got lucky though. By the time I was 22 I was married and had a 3 year old daughter and was trying to find any job i could get. I got hired on in the machine shop of Snap-On Power Tools making parts for tools. Didn't know what i was getting into but i was willing to learn anything to get a job. Turned out that I really like machining. Been there 15 years now and still like what i'm doing for the most part. I don't dread going to work anyway. I have to admit, I would still rather be playing my guitar LOL
It sure is great to find someone who loves what they are doing, you are blessed Brian but you have also earned it. Congrats, I can still remember the indyguitarist stuff and even emailing ya back and forth as you helped me to build my own true bypass looper lol. You’ve come a long way but still obviously a down to earth guy. Thanks for what you do. I am no professional guitar player and rarely play out but I still enjoy chasing tone and have a great collection of your pedals that I get to enjoy when I’m not at my regular (ugh) job at the railroad lol. Take care!
Love your pedal work Brian i own 3 of your pedals and will definitely own more soon
It probably depends on your definition about passion: a lot of people see their passion as their hobby and work is work (at least a lot of the parents of my students do) and if you happen to have made your work of what they see as passion it will see irrational. I get asked a lot what my day job is (the answer is always something in the line of gigolo or secret agent). I think a lot of people do not see how work and passion can coexist...
Following your passion doesn't mean avoiding challenges. It's overcoming challenges that fuels that passion. Anything that is worth doing, isn't easy to do. It's the willingness to meat said challenges and work through those challenges that defines your passion. Challenges and more importantly defeating said challenges are also what drive us to improve ourselves. Those who cling to the adage of those doing what the truly love never work a day in their lives are misleading themselves and others. You will still be working, it just doesn't feel as daunting of a task because you are welcoming the tasks and challenges. Following the path of least resistance only leads to complacency and stagnation of ingenuity. That's my rant on the subject.
nice book mentioned , the art of electronics
Great video. One of the finest so far
Brian is the personification of the voice in my head