What cured it for me? 1. Moving to a new continent and prior to doing so, selling gear and taking the essentials only (this was painful at the time...of course) 2. Once I settled in the new destination, realising that I lived in a tiny room and it wasn't even worth unpacking all the gear cuz it simply didn't fit all at once 3. Playing with a practice amp and even unplugged at times. This made me improve my vibrato and touch since there wasn't a bunch of effects between me and the guitar 4. Spending time with gear that I already owned for years, reading the manuals and going through all the features. Why? I rediscovered that my gear was already great but I never noticed because I spent too much time browsing eBay instead of playing 5. Making a few very specific and necessary purchases once the space and financial situation improved: proper amp, first Les Paul, and a few cables that I needed 6. Going deep into the music rabbit hole rather than the gear one. Discovering new bands, new genres and listening closely to what each instrument is doing and when Haven't had G.A.S for the last 4 years :)
thank you so much, for the tips Miguel. in my case I've been playing since i was a kid, studied music... but now i have (80% of the time) almost no will to play... and that 20% of joyful playing goes to playing again songs i forgot i liked from Clapton to Jason Becker). anyway i have more gear than i use, and i wonder if i should sell it all and buy one newer stuff OR keep it all OR sell some and keep some others.
I also did n°3 and 6 on this list. Perhaps that's what cured me. But I think also because I wasn't satisfied with the music I was composing at the time... Too bleak and dark. So I just put down notes of what could be bettered for each track and just left composition aside for a while and started to go out a bit, meet people in bars and have random discussions with strangers... Maybe that's another way to cure the syndrom 😁
Very well said. I am currently spending time to learn how to get the most out of what I have instead of endless research into the things I don't have. I salute you!
@@michaelmiller237 LOL! We can all list our favorite demo artists and say thinks like "...tube screamer aficionados need not apply." :-) That's too perfect! In a couple weeks from now when Reverb launches their dating app, we'll know where they got the idea.
I used to have GAS but I realise it was healthy GAS, because now I have my dream pedalboard and haven’t felt the urge to buy a pedal for months. By buying and selling pedals for years I finally found what works best for me and now I don’t see many things changing. Thankfully I’m also super partial to Fender Mustang type guitars so there isn’t a wide range of guitars I want. Also love my Roland Jazz Chorus.
I did the same. Built a great pedalboard and have a enough extra to pretty much cure GAS Prices also do that. Makes me want to sell some stuff. But I won't. If I need something I research it. Just put together a wireless I E M system for my worship band and had to really search out good deals on all the main pieces. So GAS research helped to keep prices down a little. Plus it's fun to know this stuff.
I have a rule where I can only buy pedals if they’re used. It instantly takes all the brand new hot pedals off the table, and means I’m looking for things I actually need based on the stock that’s out there. Wouldn’t work for every music style, but definitely fits for how I want to play.
I really appreciate this video. For me the feelings I need to attack are like “I have an amp but it would sound better if I replaced it with amp”. In reality, once you have the basics covered. The biggest variability in your tone is how you play.
It's the idea of getting something new that's interesting, when you finally get it, you just want something else. I have had real issues with this, so I try to remember why I wanted the things I have instead, and that helps! It's not always easy, but try to relive those feelings you had until you made your purchase.
You are totally right on point with this video. Having played for over 50 years I have suffered from g a s all to often. First off when I started out playing there were 2 options: if you were poor like me you were stuck with used Tesco's or a harmony or some piece of crap. Then later on there were tons of decent affordable equipment. As I grew old and made a modest income I bought happiness by purchasing stuff I didn't need but like you stated here the excitement was in shopping and buying and then coming down after actually getting the gear! What every musician needs to do is spend that time, engery, and money on learning, practicing, and growing as a potential artist. Even if your never to become the next superstar it's all in the fingers. No pedal, amp, or guitar will sound good if the person playing it isn't well practiced and in touch with there unique take on making music.
Also I have 14 guitars I've started donating them to this church in Laguna Beach I skipped the selling process and am just giving em away.. (not em all)
WOW What a nice guy. Will that help you get it heaven? Only joking,what do I know I'm playing in a worship band but this new- to- me music doesn't come automatically like rock songs do. Gotta work at it and consistently listen to it. Not always easy!
I found your video without looking for it, and I didn't know that a GAS exists, but it helped me a lot! I had this situation buying synthesizers and everything you said, happened with me, and the less I had, the more music I was producing until I entered in a loop of checking more and more gear. Clearly one of my problems was social media, showing all the time people with more gear, and new gear coming, and that's poison. Not because is bad to buy gear, but because it kills your creativity taking you from that process and making you more anxious looking for more new gear. I was out of social media two years ago, and I was so productive making music, but when I got back to social media to be in touch with more artist and tutorials and things like that, I screwed up all my creative process. Thanks a lot for the video! Definitively it helped me and now I'm gonna focus only on making music with everything I have :)
I was just wondering the other day how many hours during the pandemic I’ve spent watching gear reviews and finding the next “magic” pedal I’m not sure why I need. I have six overdrive pedals now. That’s enough, I think.
I feel like this speaks to almost all purchases, not just guitar related. Great points! As a beginner, I research guitar gear just because I'm unfamiliar, but it does make me want all this stuff too. So I just add the item to my Sweetwater wishlist everytime I see something I might want and put it out if my mind. I have no business needing pedals or a bunch of guitars when I'm still learning the basics!
Some excellent points here, although going off on That Pedal Show, which is one of the best musical entertainment channels on TH-cam, was a little off-track. Everything else though was pretty much on point. We've all been there. I've not bought a pedal in a long time, but I still have 40 or so I need to sell. And at least 3 of my Suhrs, as I don't play them (I have 4 that I do play regularly, but I definitely don't need all 9)
Well! I was listening to you and I was looking at myself in the mirror. I came to be more concerned with what to buy than with practicing and evolving as a musician. Unfortunately all TH-cam channels only focus on gear. More art and Knowledge it's all we need! 🙂
That's what's unfortunate: gear sells the most. No wonder why there are so many gear channels - it's popular! I also have to make occasional gear demo videos in order to get more reach on my channel, and then, hopefully, get people to stick around more for my lessons, music and videos like this one.
@Jose Delacerda Do you realize I have a website where I sell online courses? And that I'm talking about my free courses all the time on the channel? You should check that out :-) my course 'KORDZ Program' is all about fretboard knowledge of chords, which is my specialty.
I have GAS and its not even a joke. You have described my problem perfectly. It really affects me and I realise its a waste of my life and on top of all that im actually perfectly happy with my tone yet I keep coming back to GAS. Its like you where reading my mind when making this video. Every time i get GAS I’m going to watch this video from now on. Thank you for making this video. This is actually a serious problem of mine
I confess I’ve been a victim of gas, and in some degree I still are. I’m slowly recovering and the things I really crave for are less and less. On the positive I have now an amazing, for me, guitar and pedals collection. Proud of it but I paid the price, literally, for it.
I started watching videos / reading / researching about gear I already owned.. This got me that research fix while learning more and getting excited again about my own gear!
Absolutely spot on. I needed this. I missed a week playing which isn't like me. Looking for pickups. I want to build up one guitar and keep one for backup and sell off the rest.
I am so happy guys to find this video and find all of you, the people that I can identify myself to and relate to. I have discovered TH-cam videos about gears, Rock and Metal trends in General end of 2019. I have never been that excited and I started to improve my understanding of great guitar tones. I have bought a lot. I spent so much money that it's not even decent to share... My guitar heroes switched from Kurt Cobain, Stone Gossard, Kirk Hammett, John Petrucci to Rabea Massaad, Ola Englund, Colin, Andy, Mick and Dan and so many others. I have to be honest, I love the playing of these guys, Man these ambient tones of Rabea, the killer riffs of Ola... Absolutely love them. But... I kept buying gears and kept experimenting and it was great. One day I was holding my daughter hand to help her fall asleep and all I could think about was my new Wampler pedal or JHS pedal that was shipped to me. The best moments of my weeks were not the moment where I sat with my wife and daughter. My best moments were the moments when they were out playing and I could unbox and start tweaking my new gear. Everyday my phone was exploding of notifications from my favorite TH-camrs about gear and I kept buying, buying, buying. It's awesome but recently I realized something. 15 years ago I had a folder in my DAW called ideas. It had almost 100 songs that I enjoyed playing and improved my guitar skilled. I had 1 guitar and the Line6 Pod 2. Today with all these awesome tones, in almost 2 years I have like 5 songs in the idea folder. It's a pity and I really feel that I have escaped from the everyday difficulties of family to the awesome world of guitar tones. I decided to take a radical decision. I have sold my awesome pedalboard and I kept only 2 guitars and 2 guitar plugins. I have unsubscribed from all guitar gear channels and turned to songwriting and pure music channels. I really have a great feeling about it and I strongly believe that despite all the happiness I had buying gear and watching gear videos, controlling my passion feels a lot better than letting my passion controls me. I will decide on few slots per week where I can play and jam with friends and work strongly for the right balance between TH-cam, the guitar and my family. I feel so good to share this here and it means the world to me that I am not alone in this. Keep on Rockin guys and guitar 4ever 😁😊🤘🏻
If I can just add to this, it’s great coming from the perspective of someone who has all the expensive pedals and guitars. Most of us have to sell one pedal/guitar to buy another if it doesn’t float your boat or wasn’t what you expected. GAS isn’t necessarily a problem, it can be part of the process of finding what works.
I get what you're saying. I think it still circles back to Step 1: make a list. If you want expensive pedals but can't afford them, you CAN buy a more affordable pedal for now while you're saving up for something better, but you still have a calculated plan and you're not just swapping gear for no reason. And the most important part of the equation that people rarely mention is: don't prevent yourself from making music while you're waiting for better gear. If someone has GAS, but they're making plenty of music, good for them! But if all you do is think about gear, and making music and practicing is not even a part of your MUSIC hobby anymore, then that's a problem!
Thanks for this video. Funny that you should mention Rick Beato's videos. As I'm watching this, TH-cam is offering me one of his titled "Confessions of a Gear Head: My Struggle with Gear Acquisition Syndrome". Too funny!
Good video!!! To manage my GAS, I made a deal with myself a week or two ago: I can’t buy a new pedal until I record a musical “sketch” with the last pedal I bought. My problem is that I’m not using the pedals I have. And then I buy another, and I don’t use it either! The idea is to slow my acquisition rate to one pedal every two or three months instead of two or three (or four) pedals every month, and have some fun in the process.... and, you know, actually use them! :-)
Great tip! I would actually make a deal with myself of more than one sketch per new pedal, because if you write something new everyday, that can get worse ;-)
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar :-) Pedals do most certainly deserve more than a single recording! In all seriousness, if I only use a pedal in a single recording, I have spent my money poorly and wasted the time of the people who design and build these great pedals.
One tip I have is if you want to watch videos of gear, try watching videos/demos of gear you already own. You often find that it’s the reviewers demo that got your interested in it and revisiting stuff can really help.
One must keep in mind that most gear videos on youtube are done by people who have an interest in promoting that specific gear. Its insane how people demoing gear (sellers) are becoming so famous. I think that contributes to the GAS too.
Losing your job also helps. It didn't happen because of G.A.S., but it is certainly a wake-up call that I have more pressing issues, and the situation motivated me to stop buying stuff when I am not even making any money, as a matter of principle before it becomes a matter of financial issues. It breaks the habit and hopefully I won't relapse.
I'm down to: 2 guitars 2 basses 3 practice bass amps 8 distortion and fuzz pedals 5 noise gates 2 compressors 1 analog delay 1 analog chorus (probably dead) Whittled it down from 4 guitars and some 20+ pedals. Planning to sell off: 1 compressor 1-2 distortions 1-2 amp(s) 1-3 noise gates
Isn't it funny how excited I feel now that I watched this! Almost like when I get excited about buying gear... ehuummm.. those riffs from 2012 are starting to smell funny - time to get writing!
I learned about this by accident on a reddit thread about buying too much audio gear. I knew I had a problem, but I didn't really know it was a kind of condition where we can let it get out of control. Thanks for your help!
Well said indeed my friend! Im currently in gear acquisition mode and i am very aware of this issue. I am however buying pedals very carefully and selecting ones that i have been shy to get in my lifetime as a guitarist and bass player. Im going to be checking out your tutorials. thanks!
Marriage, I thought would cure me, but she shows a lot of her love 💕 by her Giving ... 1st Christmas - Rickenbacker 360/12!!!😳 A few years ago, she and my “mother-in-love” got together at Christmas to give me a Rockman Talk Box, a Fender Precision Deluxe, TC Tuner and a Whammy IV!!! Later in the day, I said, “Thank you so much for all the gear...etc, etc, etc🥰😘💕❣️... but why did you get all of them for me?!” She answered very sweetly, “You said you wanted them [insert beautiful woman smiling beautifully].” I wrote a song for her that week! So, I would add one more suggestion: no pedals/musical equipment for holiday gifts and birthdays. Buy the pedals spaced throughout the year, mastering each one - within reason - before even contemplating another pedal! Spread the purchases out over months or years .... I have to say, after years in the beginning barely making ends meet, and before I married, God has blessed us greatly. But there are other uses for extra money, right? NEVER let “G.A.S.” get in the way of your giving to God. (To me, our tithe comes first and always has.) And, always try to have enough money to Give - not ‘loan’ - to people in need. Otherwise, if you’ve a conscience of any kind, you will feel absolutely awful should the need arise and your new Ltd Ed Fuzz pedal already ate your leftovers ! (Even if the borrower wants to pay you back, do not expect it to be paid back. Friendships last a lot longer this way.) Happy hunting and be wise. Be blessed, be healthy and thankful, and remember, in the end, it is all just “stuff”!✌🏻💜🎸👨🏼⚕️🏴🏴🇬🇧🇺🇸🏴
One that helped me a lot too was...buying a mid range multiffects before buying more pedals, so you try all the effects to see if you really need an expensive pedal or you can live with cheap one, i was buying Fuzz and Distortion pedals like crazy but havng a lot of effects on a single unit helped me realize what i really needed.
Extremely relevant video! Especially to ambient guitar players. Although my GAS technically stopped when I bought an Empress ZOIA 6 months ago (with which I can imitate every cool weird experimental effect on it to my heart's content and have a lot of fun LEGO-ing them together) sometimes I still find myself watching too many pedal demos... 😆
Hi. Grateful for the video. I really did and still have G.A.S. Today I can say that I am much more controlled, critically analyzing the need to have this or that equipment. The worst of G.A.S. it is the distance you get from what is most important, making music. Thanks again. Cheers from Brazil
I’ve recently started selling a great deal of my gear. It’s like it’s weighing me down. I got rid of recording equipment, guitars, amps, etc. And I still have a ton. My wife has been trying desperately to get me to play my gear that I own, which I do. But I spend countless hours on the internet looking up new gear. I bought a new guitar today! If I’m trying so hard to get rid of what’s weighing me down, why do I have this obsession to get more??? And now I’m not even happy. I mean, its a cool guitar and all but do I really need it? I was just getting happy with practicing with the gear I own. Thanks for the great video. Very helpful and informative. I think I’m going to watch it again and take notes.
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable. I'm working on another video that I want to release next month on the root causes of GAS, so I hope it will help understand the problem even better and how to get out of this cycle! Stay tuned
The "Any benefit" mindset we've been sold through aggressive marketing is how we ended up living in this technopoly; pulling the lever of the digital slot machine with great excitement for the chance to obtain the elusive life-changing ______________ that's going to make us a success! Instead we lose money and the most valuable thing we have... TIME The system you've created and taken your decision to live by should be commended! I hope it inspires others to develop a system of their own.
Thanks Bob, I'm currently reading 'Digital Minimalism' right now after your recommendation and that's a great book. I agree that this 'any benefit' mindset is extremely toxic!
Hi I’m using my husband’s account to write this, this is the most beautiful and educational video I have heard. Thank you💙 this is what I have been trying to say for years and you have explained everything in this video and he understands and is taking the advice. And just found out your French which is awesome!! I work in mental health and this video should be worldwide to help more people with this unique situation. And totally sharing. Much love and be safe out there💙
Excellent, thank you. The way I solved this was by agreeing with myself that I would only get a new piece of gear if I let go of something I already have. Now I've ended up with the pedalboard I want and need.
1. Get into crippling debt that eventually scares the shit out of you 2. Get lots of anxiety with every gear purchase that eventually breaks you 3. Sell everything and buy a multi-effect unit or modeler. It will be fine.
I have absolutely every pedal... Except the hologram... And the chase bliss blooper, warped vinyl, and thermae but I promise that is absolute it... But in the meantime.. I'll be enjoying what I have . That's the end of my list.. 😁
I had to go through a lot of pedals /guitars and synths to find the ones I love. I would not appreciate the pedalboard and instruments I have now without giving in to GAS earlier on. Right now I KNOW what I like and don't like.
Having a Kemper I have all amps and effects I could ever dream having. And yet I only use 3 different sounds in it. No GAS for amps, pedals, cabs, etc etc. It's a big relief.
Love your comment about un-subbing from pedal channels. I'm not even a guitar player, and yet I'm subscribed to all these pedal channels. Great suggestion! I have 44 pedals currently, and four more on the way. Sigh. I finally set a new rule that I can only keep what fits on my Ikea pedal shelves. If I get something new, something has to go. I've been working on a huge musical, but non-composing project for the past four months. I think I started buying more gear because I'm not getting to write new music. I think I started buying lots of gear because I'm not actually getting to make music. Fortunately, I'm at the end now, so I can get back to writing new music instead of shopping for gear. I love your no. 7 goal too. My publisher will keep me accountable for my monthly album release now, so I can get back to my focus of writing instead of shopping. This is a great video. Thanks so much!!!
Good point! But gear can enhance your creativity, which in turn makes you a better player. I think the nuance here is: when you think that ONLY gear can make you a better player.
There is a lot of wisdom here for those willing to listen. I'm 65 now, have played guitar more than 50 years. Weekend warrior mostly. Spent just enough time on the road to realize that's not how I want to live. I've owned about a dozen guitars in that time. Currently have two guitars. Epi Les Paul and a nice Breedlove. I've been rehearsing with a band since mid January. Classic rock, classic country, whatever else we like. At first I was unenthused about my tone. Being a long-time Fender guy, I had trouble bonding with the Les Paul. Too dark, too muddy, scale too short, yada, yada yada. Naturally I started down the rabbit hole of tone. "New pickups! That's what I need." Eventually I got sick of information overload. I realized that nobody is ever going to say my tone sucks because of the pickups (Epiphone Alnico Classic Pro). I decided to go with what I have. Then the search for pedal nirvana beyond the Boss overdrive and MXR analog delay I already had. As Antoine mentioned, I did identify a need. No tap tempo for delay. And no reverb beyond that on my Peavey Bandit. In the past 3 months, I purchased an EHX nano chorus, Korg pitchblack tuner, and a Nu-X Atlantic reverb/delay. My homemade pedalboard is meager, but II'm happy with my sound, even appreciating the LP a lot more. In the course of my research, I stumbled upon Antoine and a couple other guys who produce ambient music. "Aha! I need a looper because the Boss RC 20XL is hard to use," I told myself. I then tried a technique I saw a couple days ago - recording an "empty loop." Three hours whizzed by last night as I played my first ambient music. Only to myself in headphones. I am so satisfied with that! I have all I need to make my music, and to sound like a decent guitarist in a classic rock band. But I am going to get a volume pedal for the ambient music. It's hard to do smooth volume swells on Les Paul. All this verbiage to simply say Antoine has some excellent insight, and it reaffirms what took me 50 years to figure out!
Great video! Something to always keep in check. Another good tip I learned is that just because it’s more expensive or well known piece of gear, it doesn’t mean it’s better.
Great video. Thank you! I'm wrestling with GAS and am in the process of getting rid of tons of unneeded gear. The suggestion of unsubscribing to gear TH-cam channels is a great one. I have noticed, though, that I also have to mark gear review videos that pop up in my feed as "Not Interested". TH-cam's algorithms have learned my past browsing habits, so I am working on teaching TH-cam to suggest musical content content and to not suggest gear-related content. 😂
all the gear I got is used, 2 fender stratocastor 1 from indo. the other from china, and a Washburn Lyon, all from pawn shops, now i'm just learning to play, and the Lyon hold a tune best, but none of them sound like what hear on video or youtube teachers , that's how I got this far, and guitar shops try to up sell me over priced new gear that I can't play, but for now I will learn on my Lyon.
I'd also add try before you buy, for one, demos are someone else, playing their guitar, into their amp, with their cables, picks, mic, the whole lot, and you have no idea how much post mixing has been done....... Then it's compressed on upload and coming through your headphones which will never sound like when your sitting in a room with it. Nothing will sound the same as it does on a video, as there's too many variables at work. So take your amp and guitar and existing pedalboard, to your nearest brick and mortar. That way you get the real feel for it and see if it works to your ears and where it works best before you part with your hard earned. It's surprising how often things don't sound like you'd expect, but that's it your chasing an idea, not listening to what sounds best to your ears. A byproduct is that your keeping the brick and mortar shop open, because when you need a pack of strings at short notice, you'll be thankful they are still open.
I lusted after pedals (not having any) but watched too many demos so could never decide what was right for me. BIAS FX 2 mobile fixed my Pedal G.A.S 😁 It also helped me to pin point what I would buy if I do go analogue. Time and money saved! My studio G.A.S... It's a work in progress. 😂
I'm just out of the denial stage. You pretty much nailed all the major points. Cheers. Time to start selling the excess weight, focus on music and learning MIDI which I actually do need, because diverse covers band repertoire. Definitely unsubbing from a lot of channels and Reverb, stay off eBay. I really like Eric Haugen's YT channel. He's not pimping anything - he's making and sharing great music tips, lessons, etc. I have everything I need except a place where I can crank my amps! I will stay subbed to TPS but you're correct about the Q & A streams. The educational stuff is interesting, and the banter is goofy fun. If you watch it with a critical, self-aware and mindful perspective (and God knows I haven't done that until recently), it does have some value. Adam Neeley and David Bennett Piano are two musical YT channels that guitarists could benefit from. Like Carthage, GAS *must* be destroyed!
I agree, as an aspiring guitarist, Eric’s YT is where I want to get to. I’m carefully putting together a pedalboard that is matched to the music I want to play. The challenge will be then to explore what that array of pedals can achieve & just play!!
I agree, as an aspiring guitarist, Eric’s YT is where I want to get to. I’m carefully putting together a pedalboard that is matched to the music I want to play. The challenge will be then to explore what that array of pedals can achieve & just play!!
Excellent video bro. I got myself delivered from GAS recently when I realized I should focus on MUSIC and using my gear better. My last purchase for a long time will be my KOT, which I had been waiting for a long time. I also recommend getting another passion, but now that I'm into astrophotography I'm spending money on cameras and lenses ;D
Aloha from Hawaii 🏝️ I'm way ahead of this issue. Last year I decided to get a Cool inexpensive Amp with " built-in " effects; got me a Brand New Peavey Vyrpr VIP 2 40 Watt for only $249. I really like this Amp and the power & effects are there, don't need pedals which saves me hundreds of dollars. I only have a Boss Looper & TC Thunderstorm flanger I had BEFORE buying the Peavey and I hardly use them as the amp effects are enough. 🤩🤙🎸
I literally got into synths just so I could buy pedals! Now I love synths, but instead of just getting a Grandmother, I cheaped out and bought a Microbrute. Then 3k more on a bunch of other shit. Then I realized my hodgepodge was preventing me from playing. Literally sold everything except for the microbrute and filled out my kit with stuff that is fun and simple.
Just get a Zoia, then spend your days on PatchStorage and fiddling with making your own patches. I’ve bought one overdrive and one reverb pedal since it came out. Sold a bunch of gear and upgraded to a couple of Eastman guitars and now I don’t have any desire for more crap. Quality over quantity and knowing what you want out of a rig is KEY. Before that I spent 15 years playing a kinda mediocre acoustic to get my technique better. Invest in learning over gear any day.
I’m from Brazil! This problem exists here too much! And worse people don't have money to buy most boutique pedals and make astronomical debts because here everything that's foreign is worth five times! Congratulations on the video and courage.
I got rid of all my pedals and amps and opted for emulation then limited myself to three guitars. I didn't however limit myself to 3 chordophones. Now I only have two guitars. One five string banjo. One four string banjo. A ukulele. A banjolele. A mandolin. A dulcimer. Finally, I still can buy myself another guitar if I want. I said three.
It's very hard when you are full with adds in social media ... You need to be strong. I have this problem but i sold something to buy another thing" that's my statment" last week sold my hx stomp and buy a Cali 76 and a revival drive just have the pedals that i use if i dont use sold it. Great video.
You are describing an addiction. It might be worth asking what is the root cause of the addiction? What other things (stress, anxiety, boredom etc) is this gear addiction being used to hide away from? It might be worth treating that problem directly. Ideally being “addicted” to making music instead of getting gear could serve the same purpose.
That's a very good point! Let me suggest some potential causes: self limiting beliefs that you can't be a good musician; procrastination from practicing (issues with self-discipline); comparing yourself to more talented musicians (made more accessible with internet and social media) and feeling like a failure; tendencies to go for instant gratification and finding quick fixes instead of focusing on long term gains (becoming a good musician requires long-term work).
I have a friend who just bought a high end PRS and now is planning his next one. For what? I did just buy and expensive acoustic but I did not have one. But I only have 7 guitars total. Not out of control, IMO. I bought a Helix and that cured my pedal lust.
Step 8: Learn basic electronics and soldering and only buy pedals that aren’t easily reproducible. There are gazillions of schematics and pcbs out there for all sorts of cool pedals. And since every pedal involves quite a bit of effort you appreciate them more and buy less kits. Same goes for synth modules. Step 9: Introduce the rule that every full new instrument - e.g. a guitar or synth - means you have to make a new publishable album using that instrument before getting anything new. One publishable EP per pedal/module - at least 3 songs/tracks. And yes, this applies to utility modules too 😂 Before you have done those tracks you can neither sell, trade nor buy an instrument / pedal / module. I now buy instruments, pedal kits or synth module kits to solve specific limitations of my gear only. For example, my modular was distinctly too unmusical for me. It’s fun, but it doesn’t actually get me inspired for full tracks. So I added a semi modular as a single pre-patched voice that doesn’t require me to do a whole lot of patching before I can get somewhere! Bonus, it added a second midi channel, so I can now have two melody lines, which will make things more musical in itself. I also added a swiss army knife module, because I sometimes need a third LFO or envelope. And then I realised I need another 2 modules to get that new module to work with my other modules because they have different voltage requirements - different modular format 🤦♀️ So, yes, I’ll have to DIY those, and then I will have to make an album based on mostly utility modules, now that’s a challenge 😂 and only then can I get something new for the modular. I’ll be happy and busy for a year at least!
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Man...i just willingly clicked on an intervention.
Admitting we have the problem is the hardest part.
Honestly same
Bwahaha
you speak for everyone
Same here! :’O
The fact that you have so much free space on your pedalboard and not filling it up is a true sign that you cured of the syndrome. Well done
What cured it for me?
1. Moving to a new continent and prior to doing so, selling gear and taking the essentials only (this was painful at the time...of course)
2. Once I settled in the new destination, realising that I lived in a tiny room and it wasn't even worth unpacking all the gear cuz it simply didn't fit all at once
3. Playing with a practice amp and even unplugged at times. This made me improve my vibrato and touch since there wasn't a bunch of effects between me and the guitar
4. Spending time with gear that I already owned for years, reading the manuals and going through all the features. Why? I rediscovered that my gear was already great but I never noticed because I spent too much time browsing eBay instead of playing
5. Making a few very specific and necessary purchases once the space and financial situation improved: proper amp, first Les Paul, and a few cables that I needed
6. Going deep into the music rabbit hole rather than the gear one. Discovering new bands, new genres and listening closely to what each instrument is doing and when
Haven't had G.A.S for the last 4 years :)
thank you so much, for the tips Miguel.
in my case I've been playing since i was a kid, studied music... but now i have (80% of the time) almost no will to play... and that 20% of joyful playing goes to playing again songs i forgot i liked from Clapton to Jason Becker).
anyway i have more gear than i use, and i wonder if i should sell it all and buy one newer stuff OR keep it all OR sell some and keep some others.
Congrats ! Yeah practical aspects tend to lead to a minimalistic approach. Gear just takes too muh space.
I also did n°3 and 6 on this list. Perhaps that's what cured me. But I think also because I wasn't satisfied with the music I was composing at the time... Too bleak and dark. So I just put down notes of what could be bettered for each track and just left composition aside for a while and started to go out a bit, meet people in bars and have random discussions with strangers...
Maybe that's another way to cure the syndrom 😁
Very well said. I am currently spending time to learn how to get the most out of what I have instead of endless research into the things I don't have. I salute you!
DvdddcDNC’s c
This video is dead on. Every single point is true - both the symptoms and the rehab. Antoine you are wise beyond your years.
I got so much happier when I deleted the reverb app. I stopped thinking about what I don't have all the time and started actually playing my guitar
There was a point when I was opening my Reverb app every hour or two to check new pedal listings, even while I was at work.
@@thejontao maybe we need a dating app where you match based on pedalboards lol
@@michaelmiller237 LOL! We can all list our favorite demo artists and say thinks like "...tube screamer aficionados need not apply." :-) That's too perfect! In a couple weeks from now when Reverb launches their dating app, we'll know where they got the idea.
Ah, yes. The rabbit hole constantly beckons. Listen to your heart instead.
STEP 8 - Bookmark this video, every time when the GAS comes, watch this video again
This comment must be fixed at the top. Perfect!!! And Antoine, thanks for the vídeo!
I was thinking the same thing.
I used to have GAS but I realise it was healthy GAS, because now I have my dream pedalboard and haven’t felt the urge to buy a pedal for months. By buying and selling pedals for years I finally found what works best for me and now I don’t see many things changing. Thankfully I’m also super partial to Fender Mustang type guitars so there isn’t a wide range of guitars I want. Also love my Roland Jazz Chorus.
This is what I've been doing, getting there now!
I did the same. Built a great pedalboard and have a enough extra to pretty much cure GAS Prices also do that. Makes me want to sell some stuff. But I won't. If I need something I research it. Just put together a wireless I E M system for my worship band and had to really search out good deals on all the main pieces. So GAS research helped to keep prices down a little. Plus it's fun to know this stuff.
just take some gas X
“Creating a need” because you saw something...such a good observation! You were happy till you saw what you don’t have.
I have a rule where I can only buy pedals if they’re used. It instantly takes all the brand new hot pedals off the table, and means I’m looking for things I actually need based on the stock that’s out there. Wouldn’t work for every music style, but definitely fits for how I want to play.
I really appreciate this video. For me the feelings I need to attack are like “I have an amp but it would sound better if I replaced it with amp”. In reality, once you have the basics covered. The biggest variability in your tone is how you play.
It's the idea of getting something new that's interesting, when you finally get it, you just want something else. I have had real issues with this, so I try to remember why I wanted the things I have instead, and that helps! It's not always easy, but try to relive those feelings you had until you made your purchase.
Great perspective!
You are totally right on point with this video. Having played for over 50 years I have suffered from g a s all to often. First off when I started out playing there were 2 options: if you were poor like me you were stuck with used Tesco's or a harmony or some piece of crap. Then later on there were tons of decent affordable equipment. As I grew old and made a modest income I bought happiness by purchasing stuff I didn't need but like you stated here the excitement was in shopping and buying and then coming down after actually getting the gear! What every musician needs to do is spend that time, engery, and money on learning, practicing, and growing as a potential artist. Even if your never to become the next superstar it's all in the fingers. No pedal, amp, or guitar will sound good if the person playing it isn't well practiced and in touch with there unique take on making music.
Also I have 14 guitars I've started donating them to this church in Laguna Beach I skipped the selling process and am just giving em away.. (not em all)
Right on!
On a mission from God.
WOW What a nice guy. Will that help you get it heaven? Only joking,what do I know I'm playing in a worship band but this new- to- me music doesn't come automatically like rock songs do. Gotta work at it and consistently listen to it. Not always easy!
that’s sick
Prince used the same pedals for at least 30 YEARS , mostly Boss.
Prince was actually a good guitarist. I suck!
@@sashafury2422 like that mattered at all. The guy has a legacy, a world renowned artist with a huge musical archive. Tones lol
@@sashafury2422 Listen to the song Dreamer, great tone🎸🤟👍
I found your video without looking for it, and I didn't know that a GAS exists, but it helped me a lot! I had this situation buying synthesizers and everything you said, happened with me, and the less I had, the more music I was producing until I entered in a loop of checking more and more gear. Clearly one of my problems was social media, showing all the time people with more gear, and new gear coming, and that's poison. Not because is bad to buy gear, but because it kills your creativity taking you from that process and making you more anxious looking for more new gear. I was out of social media two years ago, and I was so productive making music, but when I got back to social media to be in touch with more artist and tutorials and things like that, I screwed up all my creative process. Thanks a lot for the video! Definitively it helped me and now I'm gonna focus only on making music with everything I have :)
This video has brought on some intense anxiety. I think I’ll have to buy a pedal to feel better jk! Thank you for this much needed video
Haha!
I was just wondering the other day how many hours during the pandemic I’ve spent watching gear reviews and finding the next “magic” pedal I’m not sure why I need. I have six overdrive pedals now. That’s enough, I think.
I feel like this speaks to almost all purchases, not just guitar related. Great points! As a beginner, I research guitar gear just because I'm unfamiliar, but it does make me want all this stuff too. So I just add the item to my Sweetwater wishlist everytime I see something I might want and put it out if my mind. I have no business needing pedals or a bunch of guitars when I'm still learning the basics!
This really hit home for me man... I feel seen and exposed.
Antoine, you helped to remind me how attached I am to not just music gear, but things in general. Thank you bro good vibes here
It’s like you’ve peered into my skull and know everything, and told me word for word, all the first points. 💯 % true. Thank you.
Some excellent points here, although going off on That Pedal Show, which is one of the best musical entertainment channels on TH-cam, was a little off-track. Everything else though was pretty much on point. We've all been there. I've not bought a pedal in a long time, but I still have 40 or so I need to sell. And at least 3 of my Suhrs, as I don't play them (I have 4 that I do play regularly, but I definitely don't need all 9)
When there’s nothing left to buy...you’re cured!
This is very helpful! I always say that there's no known cure for G.A.S., you just deal with the symptoms when you have a flare - up.
Well! I was listening to you and I was looking at myself in the mirror. I came to be more concerned with what to buy than with practicing and evolving as a musician. Unfortunately all TH-cam channels only focus on gear. More art and Knowledge it's all we need! 🙂
That's what's unfortunate: gear sells the most. No wonder why there are so many gear channels - it's popular! I also have to make occasional gear demo videos in order to get more reach on my channel, and then, hopefully, get people to stick around more for my lessons, music and videos like this one.
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar I wish you gave music lessons! Taught theory and fretboard knowledge. I’d buy that!
@Jose Delacerda Do you realize I have a website where I sell online courses? And that I'm talking about my free courses all the time on the channel? You should check that out :-) my course 'KORDZ Program' is all about fretboard knowledge of chords, which is my specialty.
I have GAS and its not even a joke. You have described my problem perfectly. It really affects me and I realise its a waste of my life and on top of all that im actually perfectly happy with my tone yet I keep coming back to GAS. Its like you where reading my mind when making this video. Every time i get GAS I’m going to watch this video from now on. Thank you for making this video. This is actually a serious problem of mine
I confess I’ve been a victim of gas, and in some degree I still are. I’m slowly recovering and the things I really crave for are less and less. On the positive I have now an amazing, for me, guitar and pedals collection. Proud of it but I paid the price, literally, for it.
I'm literally watching a gear demo on the other tab...This has GOT TO STOP!!!
lmao
This is definitely one of the best videos in youtube. It lowers unnecessary anxiety that we can create sometimes. Thank you
I started watching videos / reading / researching about gear I already owned.. This got me that research fix while learning more and getting excited again about my own gear!
Excellent advice!
Thank you, we all needed that
Absolutely spot on. I needed this. I missed a week playing which isn't like me. Looking for pickups. I want to build up one guitar and keep one for backup and sell off the rest.
Great wise advice Antoine. G.A.S. "Got Another Subscriber" !
I am so happy guys to find this video and find all of you, the people that I can identify myself to and relate to.
I have discovered TH-cam videos about gears, Rock and Metal trends in General end of 2019. I have never been that excited and I started to improve my understanding of great guitar tones. I have bought a lot. I spent so much money that it's not even decent to share... My guitar heroes switched from Kurt Cobain, Stone Gossard, Kirk Hammett, John Petrucci to Rabea Massaad, Ola Englund, Colin, Andy, Mick and Dan and so many others.
I have to be honest, I love the playing of these guys, Man these ambient tones of Rabea, the killer riffs of Ola... Absolutely love them. But...
I kept buying gears and kept experimenting and it was great.
One day I was holding my daughter hand to help her fall asleep and all I could think about was my new Wampler pedal or JHS pedal that was shipped to me.
The best moments of my weeks were not the moment where I sat with my wife and daughter. My best moments were the moments when they were out playing and I could unbox and start tweaking my new gear.
Everyday my phone was exploding of notifications from my favorite TH-camrs about gear and I kept buying, buying, buying. It's awesome but recently I realized something.
15 years ago I had a folder in my DAW called ideas. It had almost 100 songs that I enjoyed playing and improved my guitar skilled. I had 1 guitar and the Line6 Pod 2.
Today with all these awesome tones, in almost 2 years I have like 5 songs in the idea folder.
It's a pity and I really feel that I have escaped from the everyday difficulties of family to the awesome world of guitar tones.
I decided to take a radical decision. I have sold my awesome pedalboard and I kept only 2 guitars and 2 guitar plugins.
I have unsubscribed from all guitar gear channels and turned to songwriting and pure music channels.
I really have a great feeling about it and I strongly believe that despite all the happiness I had buying gear and watching gear videos, controlling my passion feels a lot better than letting my passion controls me.
I will decide on few slots per week where I can play and jam with friends and work strongly for the right balance between TH-cam, the guitar and my family.
I feel so good to share this here and it means the world to me that I am not alone in this.
Keep on Rockin guys and guitar 4ever 😁😊🤘🏻
Thanks for sharing your story. This felt very real, honest and self-aware! Wish you a lot of creativity :-)
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar and thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak and share 😊 I really appreciate that you didn't judge me. Cheers 😎
If I can just add to this, it’s great coming from the perspective of someone who has all the expensive pedals and guitars. Most of us have to sell one pedal/guitar to buy another if it doesn’t float your boat or wasn’t what you expected. GAS isn’t necessarily a problem, it can be part of the process of finding what works.
I get what you're saying. I think it still circles back to Step 1: make a list. If you want expensive pedals but can't afford them, you CAN buy a more affordable pedal for now while you're saving up for something better, but you still have a calculated plan and you're not just swapping gear for no reason. And the most important part of the equation that people rarely mention is: don't prevent yourself from making music while you're waiting for better gear. If someone has GAS, but they're making plenty of music, good for them! But if all you do is think about gear, and making music and practicing is not even a part of your MUSIC hobby anymore, then that's a problem!
I needed/need this haha.
The ironic thing is that the video also made me miss my Boomerang that I sold just like a month ago 😂
Whyyyy😅😅😅
Don't worry, it'll come back....
@@adamlitchfield3371 haha.
Thanks for this video. Funny that you should mention Rick Beato's videos. As I'm watching this, TH-cam is offering me one of his titled "Confessions of a Gear Head: My Struggle with Gear Acquisition Syndrome". Too funny!
Good video!!!
To manage my GAS, I made a deal with myself a week or two ago: I can’t buy a new pedal until I record a musical “sketch” with the last pedal I bought.
My problem is that I’m not using the pedals I have. And then I buy another, and I don’t use it either!
The idea is to slow my acquisition rate to one pedal every two or three months instead of two or three (or four) pedals every month, and have some fun in the process.... and, you know, actually use them! :-)
Great tip! I would actually make a deal with myself of more than one sketch per new pedal, because if you write something new everyday, that can get worse ;-)
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar :-) Pedals do most certainly deserve more than a single recording! In all seriousness, if I only use a pedal in a single recording, I have spent my money poorly and wasted the time of the people who design and build these great pedals.
Now I want Strymon pedals. Thanks.
One tip I have is if you want to watch videos of gear, try watching videos/demos of gear you already own. You often find that it’s the reviewers demo that got your interested in it and revisiting stuff can really help.
Excellent advice!
or just loving the beauty in what your hearing, and how that sound makes you feel
One must keep in mind that most gear videos on youtube are done by people who have an interest in promoting that specific gear. Its insane how people demoing gear (sellers) are becoming so famous. I think that contributes to the GAS too.
Losing your job also helps. It didn't happen because of G.A.S., but it is certainly a wake-up call that I have more pressing issues, and the situation motivated me to stop buying stuff when I am not even making any money, as a matter of principle before it becomes a matter of financial issues. It breaks the habit and hopefully I won't relapse.
I'm down to:
2 guitars
2 basses
3 practice bass amps
8 distortion and fuzz pedals
5 noise gates
2 compressors
1 analog delay
1 analog chorus (probably dead)
Whittled it down from 4 guitars and some 20+ pedals.
Planning to sell off:
1 compressor
1-2 distortions
1-2 amp(s)
1-3 noise gates
Isn't it funny how excited I feel now that I watched this! Almost like when I get excited about buying gear... ehuummm.. those riffs from 2012 are starting to smell funny - time to get writing!
Trying effects has been fun. Selling the ones I don't want has been difficult. The struggle is real.
This made my day! Absolutely perfect advice. Thank You so much Antoine!
It’s hard to play guitar when I’m trying to work so I’ll stick with the gear videos. 🙂
I learned about this by accident on a reddit thread about buying too much audio gear. I knew I had a problem, but I didn't really know it was a kind of condition where we can let it get out of control. Thanks for your help!
It is almost as if I have just awoken from some terrible nightmare...
Well said indeed my friend! Im currently in gear acquisition mode and i am very aware of this issue. I am however buying pedals very carefully and selecting ones that i have been shy to get in my lifetime as a guitarist and bass player. Im going to be checking out your tutorials. thanks!
Marriage, I thought would cure me, but she shows a lot of her love 💕 by her Giving ... 1st Christmas - Rickenbacker 360/12!!!😳 A few years ago, she and my “mother-in-love” got together at Christmas to give me a Rockman Talk Box, a Fender Precision Deluxe, TC Tuner and a Whammy IV!!! Later in the day, I said, “Thank you so much for all the gear...etc, etc, etc🥰😘💕❣️... but why did you get all of them for me?!” She answered very sweetly, “You said you wanted them [insert beautiful woman smiling beautifully].” I wrote a song for her that week!
So, I would add one more suggestion: no pedals/musical equipment for holiday gifts and birthdays. Buy the pedals spaced throughout the year, mastering each one - within reason - before even contemplating another pedal! Spread the purchases out over months or years ....
I have to say, after years in the beginning barely making ends meet, and before I married, God has blessed us greatly. But there are other uses for extra money, right? NEVER let “G.A.S.” get in the way of your giving to God. (To me, our tithe comes first and always has.) And, always try to have enough money to Give - not ‘loan’ - to people in need. Otherwise, if you’ve a conscience of any kind, you will feel absolutely awful should the need arise and your new Ltd Ed Fuzz pedal already ate your leftovers ! (Even if the borrower wants to pay you back, do not expect it to be paid back. Friendships last a lot longer this way.) Happy hunting and be wise. Be blessed, be healthy and thankful, and remember, in the end, it is all just “stuff”!✌🏻💜🎸👨🏼⚕️🏴🏴🇬🇧🇺🇸🏴
One that helped me a lot too was...buying a mid range multiffects before buying more pedals, so you try all the effects to see if you really need an expensive pedal or you can live with cheap one, i was buying Fuzz and Distortion pedals like crazy but havng a lot of effects on a single unit helped me realize what i really needed.
I was just allowing myself to slip into this affliction. I think I'll get it under control before it takes hold any more! Good advice.
Extremely relevant video! Especially to ambient guitar players. Although my GAS technically stopped when I bought an Empress ZOIA 6 months ago (with which I can imitate every cool weird experimental effect on it to my heart's content and have a lot of fun LEGO-ing them together) sometimes I still find myself watching too many pedal demos... 😆
Hi.
Grateful for the video.
I really did and still have G.A.S. Today I can say that I am much more controlled, critically analyzing the need to have this or that equipment.
The worst of G.A.S. it is the distance you get from what is most important, making music.
Thanks again.
Cheers from Brazil
I’ve recently started selling a great deal of my gear. It’s like it’s weighing me down. I got rid of recording equipment, guitars, amps, etc. And I still have a ton. My wife has been trying desperately to get me to play my gear that I own, which I do. But I spend countless hours on the internet looking up new gear. I bought a new guitar today! If I’m trying so hard to get rid of what’s weighing me down, why do I have this obsession to get more??? And now I’m not even happy. I mean, its a cool guitar and all but do I really need it? I was just getting happy with practicing with the gear I own. Thanks for the great video. Very helpful and informative. I think I’m going to watch it again and take notes.
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable. I'm working on another video that I want to release next month on the root causes of GAS, so I hope it will help understand the problem even better and how to get out of this cycle! Stay tuned
The "Any benefit" mindset we've been sold through aggressive marketing is how we ended up living in this technopoly; pulling the lever of the digital slot machine with great excitement for the chance to obtain the elusive life-changing ______________ that's going to make us a success! Instead we lose money and the most valuable thing we have... TIME
The system you've created and taken your decision to live by should be commended! I hope it inspires others to develop a system of their own.
Thanks Bob, I'm currently reading 'Digital Minimalism' right now after your recommendation and that's a great book. I agree that this 'any benefit' mindset is extremely toxic!
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar Great to hear you picked it up. The author Cal Newport has another great book called Deep Work. Enjoy!
Hi I’m using my husband’s account to write this, this is the most beautiful and educational video I have heard. Thank you💙 this is what I have been trying to say for years and you have explained everything in this video and he understands and is taking the advice. And just found out your French which is awesome!! I work in mental health and this video should be worldwide to help more people with this unique situation. And totally sharing. Much love and be safe out there💙
Excellent, thank you. The way I solved this was by agreeing with myself that I would only get a new piece of gear if I let go of something I already have. Now I've ended up with the pedalboard I want and need.
Great method, Lorenzo!
Wow you talked me out of that second hand guitar I was convinced I needed to buy this weekend
1. Get into crippling debt that eventually scares the shit out of you
2. Get lots of anxiety with every gear purchase that eventually breaks you
3. Sell everything and buy a multi-effect unit or modeler. It will be fine.
I have absolutely every pedal... Except the hologram... And the chase bliss blooper, warped vinyl, and thermae but I promise that is absolute it... But in the meantime.. I'll be enjoying what I have . That's the end of my list.. 😁
Just bought an Ottobit Jr. after going on a spree the past two months and this was the first video on my feed when I opened YT. Thanks. 😂
😂
I had to go through a lot of pedals /guitars and synths to find the ones I love.
I would not appreciate the pedalboard and instruments I have now without giving in to GAS earlier on.
Right now I KNOW what I like and don't like.
This is probably the healthiest TH-cam video I’ve ever watched.
My GAS (guitar wise) stopped when I picked up a Gibson 335. I've learned a lot on it and can't put it down.
The idea of getting a new piece… man, that one’s the worst! Thanks for the tips, compadre!
Having a Kemper I have all amps and effects I could ever dream having.
And yet I only use 3 different sounds in it.
No GAS for amps, pedals, cabs, etc etc. It's a big relief.
Currently in GAS recovery. This helps. Thanks :)
Love your comment about un-subbing from pedal channels. I'm not even a guitar player, and yet I'm subscribed to all these pedal channels. Great suggestion! I have 44 pedals currently, and four more on the way. Sigh. I finally set a new rule that I can only keep what fits on my Ikea pedal shelves. If I get something new, something has to go. I've been working on a huge musical, but non-composing project for the past four months. I think I started buying more gear because I'm not getting to write new music. I think I started buying lots of gear because I'm not actually getting to make music. Fortunately, I'm at the end now, so I can get back to writing new music instead of shopping for gear. I love your no. 7 goal too. My publisher will keep me accountable for my monthly album release now, so I can get back to my focus of writing instead of shopping. This is a great video. Thanks so much!!!
I need to rewatch this video. Over and over
I just rewatched it. Still very helpful.
Another thing that causes GAS is thinking that gear will make you a better player.
Good point! But gear can enhance your creativity, which in turn makes you a better player. I think the nuance here is: when you think that ONLY gear can make you a better player.
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar Good point!
There is a lot of wisdom here for those willing to listen.
I'm 65 now, have played guitar more than 50 years. Weekend warrior mostly. Spent just enough time on the road to realize that's not how I want to live.
I've owned about a dozen guitars in that time. Currently have two guitars. Epi Les Paul and a nice Breedlove.
I've been rehearsing with a band since mid January. Classic rock, classic country, whatever else we like.
At first I was unenthused about my tone. Being a long-time Fender guy, I had trouble bonding with the Les Paul. Too dark, too muddy, scale too short, yada, yada yada.
Naturally I started down the rabbit hole of tone. "New pickups! That's what I need."
Eventually I got sick of information overload. I realized that nobody is ever going to say my tone sucks because of the pickups (Epiphone Alnico Classic Pro). I decided to go with what I have.
Then the search for pedal nirvana beyond the Boss overdrive and MXR analog delay I already had.
As Antoine mentioned, I did identify a need. No tap tempo for delay. And no reverb beyond that on my Peavey Bandit.
In the past 3 months, I purchased an EHX nano chorus, Korg pitchblack tuner, and a Nu-X Atlantic reverb/delay. My homemade pedalboard is meager, but II'm happy with my sound, even appreciating the LP a lot more.
In the course of my research, I stumbled upon Antoine and a couple other guys who produce ambient music.
"Aha! I need a looper because the Boss RC 20XL is hard to use," I told myself.
I then tried a technique I saw a couple days ago - recording an "empty loop."
Three hours whizzed by last night as I played my first ambient music. Only to myself in headphones.
I am so satisfied with that! I have all I need to make my music, and to sound like a decent guitarist in a classic rock band.
But I am going to get a volume pedal for the ambient music. It's hard to do smooth volume swells on Les Paul.
All this verbiage to simply say Antoine has some excellent insight, and it reaffirms what took me 50 years to figure out!
say... there's a lot of empty space on that pedalboard, don't you think?? ;)
That was brutal- and absolutely true!
Thank you
Great video! Something to always keep in check. Another good tip I learned is that just because it’s more expensive or well known piece of gear, it doesn’t mean it’s better.
People all have different needs, so a 'universal better pedal' does not exist. Great point!
Great video. Thank you! I'm wrestling with GAS and am in the process of getting rid of tons of unneeded gear. The suggestion of unsubscribing to gear TH-cam channels is a great one. I have noticed, though, that I also have to mark gear review videos that pop up in my feed as "Not Interested". TH-cam's algorithms have learned my past browsing habits, so I am working on teaching TH-cam to suggest musical content content and to not suggest gear-related content. 😂
all the gear I got is used, 2 fender stratocastor 1 from indo. the other from china, and a Washburn Lyon, all from pawn shops, now i'm just learning to play, and the Lyon hold a tune best, but none of them sound like what hear on video or youtube teachers , that's how I got this far, and guitar shops try to up sell me over priced new gear that I can't play, but for now I will learn on my Lyon.
I also listen to you before going to buy a pedal. As you are always spot on. Well I think so anyway.
Wow, what an incredibly useful video. I feel like this guy cares about me 😭
I do!
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar Subscribed! 😭
Great video! I always wanted to play Andy Othling’s Ambient song #22 but I needed a multi channel looper. That’s why I bought the Boomerang! 😎
I'd also add try before you buy, for one, demos are someone else, playing their guitar, into their amp, with their cables, picks, mic, the whole lot, and you have no idea how much post mixing has been done....... Then it's compressed on upload and coming through your headphones which will never sound like when your sitting in a room with it. Nothing will sound the same as it does on a video, as there's too many variables at work. So take your amp and guitar and existing pedalboard, to your nearest brick and mortar. That way you get the real feel for it and see if it works to your ears and where it works best before you part with your hard earned. It's surprising how often things don't sound like you'd expect, but that's it your chasing an idea, not listening to what sounds best to your ears. A byproduct is that your keeping the brick and mortar shop open, because when you need a pack of strings at short notice, you'll be thankful they are still open.
I lusted after pedals (not having any) but watched too many demos so could never decide what was right for me. BIAS FX 2 mobile fixed my Pedal G.A.S 😁 It also helped me to pin point what I would buy if I do go analogue. Time and money saved!
My studio G.A.S... It's a work in progress. 😂
Forgot to thank you for the video! 🙏🏽
Thanks, I really appreciate it!
The suggested diagnostic criteria are spot on, and great treatment plan. I will especially heed step 7. Thanks!
I'm just out of the denial stage.
You pretty much nailed all the major points. Cheers.
Time to start selling the excess weight, focus on music and learning MIDI which I actually do need, because diverse covers band repertoire.
Definitely unsubbing from a lot of channels and Reverb, stay off eBay.
I really like Eric Haugen's YT channel. He's not pimping anything - he's making and sharing great music tips, lessons, etc.
I have everything I need except a place where I can crank my amps!
I will stay subbed to TPS but you're correct about the Q & A streams. The educational stuff is interesting, and the banter is goofy fun. If you watch it with a critical, self-aware and mindful perspective (and God knows I haven't done that until recently), it does have some value.
Adam Neeley and David Bennett Piano are two musical YT channels that guitarists could benefit from.
Like Carthage, GAS *must* be destroyed!
I agree, as an aspiring guitarist, Eric’s YT is where I want to get to.
I’m carefully putting together a pedalboard that is matched to the music I want to play. The challenge will be then to explore what that array of pedals can achieve & just play!!
I agree, as an aspiring guitarist, Eric’s YT is where I want to get to.
I’m carefully putting together a pedalboard that is matched to the music I want to play. The challenge will be then to explore what that array of pedals can achieve & just play!!
You want a hand with midi dude give me a buzz .
@@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist Thanks.
Excellent video bro. I got myself delivered from GAS recently when I realized I should focus on MUSIC and using my gear better. My last purchase for a long time will be my KOT, which I had been waiting for a long time. I also recommend getting another passion, but now that I'm into astrophotography I'm spending money on cameras and lenses ;D
You are spot on with this video mate. And we are always wanting more lol
Aloha from Hawaii 🏝️
I'm way ahead of this issue. Last year I decided to get a Cool inexpensive Amp with " built-in " effects; got me a Brand New Peavey Vyrpr VIP 2 40 Watt for only $249. I really like this Amp and the power & effects are there, don't need pedals which saves me hundreds of dollars.
I only have a Boss Looper & TC Thunderstorm flanger I had BEFORE buying the Peavey and I hardly use them as the amp effects are enough.
🤩🤙🎸
I like to visit here every once in a while for my GAS check-up.
I literally got into synths just so I could buy pedals! Now I love synths, but instead of just getting a Grandmother, I cheaped out and bought a Microbrute. Then 3k more on a bunch of other shit. Then I realized my hodgepodge was preventing me from playing. Literally sold everything except for the microbrute and filled out my kit with stuff that is fun and simple.
The real temptation ones was amps. And then pedals. Now we have Neural Quadcortex coming. I missed my ukulele.
You changed my life for the better,thanks
Just get a Zoia, then spend your days on PatchStorage and fiddling with making your own patches. I’ve bought one overdrive and one reverb pedal since it came out. Sold a bunch of gear and upgraded to a couple of Eastman guitars and now I don’t have any desire for more crap. Quality over quantity and knowing what you want out of a rig is KEY. Before that I spent 15 years playing a kinda mediocre acoustic to get my technique better. Invest in learning over gear any day.
''Invest in learning over gear any day''. Amen to that!
I’m from Brazil! This problem exists here too much! And worse people don't have money to buy most boutique pedals and make astronomical debts because here everything that's foreign is worth five times! Congratulations on the video and courage.
Learn to make your own pedals
I got rid of all my pedals and amps and opted for emulation then limited myself to three guitars. I didn't however limit myself to 3 chordophones. Now I only have two guitars. One five string banjo. One four string banjo. A ukulele. A banjolele. A mandolin. A dulcimer. Finally, I still can buy myself another guitar if I want. I said three.
It's very hard when you are full with adds in social media ... You need to be strong. I have this problem but i sold something to buy another thing" that's my statment" last week sold my hx stomp and buy a Cali 76 and a revival drive just have the pedals that i use if i dont use sold it. Great video.
You are describing an addiction. It might be worth asking what is the root cause of the addiction? What other things (stress, anxiety, boredom etc) is this gear addiction being used to hide away from? It might be worth treating that problem directly. Ideally being “addicted” to making music instead of getting gear could serve the same purpose.
That's a very good point! Let me suggest some potential causes: self limiting beliefs that you can't be a good musician; procrastination from practicing (issues with self-discipline); comparing yourself to more talented musicians (made more accessible with internet and social media) and feeling like a failure; tendencies to go for instant gratification and finding quick fixes instead of focusing on long term gains (becoming a good musician requires long-term work).
I have a friend who just bought a high end PRS and now is planning his next one. For what?
I did just buy and expensive acoustic but I did not have one. But I only have 7 guitars total. Not out of control, IMO.
I bought a Helix and that cured my pedal lust.
Step 8: Learn basic electronics and soldering and only buy pedals that aren’t easily reproducible. There are gazillions of schematics and pcbs out there for all sorts of cool pedals. And since every pedal involves quite a bit of effort you appreciate them more and buy less kits. Same goes for synth modules.
Step 9: Introduce the rule that every full new instrument - e.g. a guitar or synth - means you have to make a new publishable album using that instrument before getting anything new. One publishable EP per pedal/module - at least 3 songs/tracks. And yes, this applies to utility modules too 😂 Before you have done those tracks you can neither sell, trade nor buy an instrument / pedal / module.
I now buy instruments, pedal kits or synth module kits to solve specific limitations of my gear only. For example, my modular was distinctly too unmusical for me. It’s fun, but it doesn’t actually get me inspired for full tracks. So I added a semi modular as a single pre-patched voice that doesn’t require me to do a whole lot of patching before I can get somewhere! Bonus, it added a second midi channel, so I can now have two melody lines, which will make things more musical in itself. I also added a swiss army knife module, because I sometimes need a third LFO or envelope. And then I realised I need another 2 modules to get that new module to work with my other modules because they have different voltage requirements - different modular format 🤦♀️ So, yes, I’ll have to DIY those, and then I will have to make an album based on mostly utility modules, now that’s a challenge 😂 and only then can I get something new for the modular. I’ll be happy and busy for a year at least!