In the world of guitarists, there’s a persistent feeling that the next piece of gear is the missing ingredient for musical greatness. We call it Gear Acquisition Syndrome, or G.A.S. The syndrome is rooted in a cultural current that constantly tells us we're not enough, that the next purchase is the key to unlocking our potential. The messaging is everywhere: advertising, marketing, and the carefully curated feeds of social media, all designed to perpetuate the fear of missing out and make us covet what we don't have.
This desire for more conflicts with ancient wisdom, as expressed by the apostle Paul, who said he had "learned to be content whatever the circumstances". His strength came not from possessions but from a deeper faith. It's a lesson applicable to everyone, especially when faced with the temptations of a music store. For guitarists, it's the search for an ideal instrument. A musician once pointed out that Prince, a musical genius, played a $200 guitar for much of his career. A friend of mine shared a picture of Eddie Van Halen’s "Frankenstein" guitar—saying it was the guy and not the gear. This puts the current trend of buying pre-worn "relic" guitars in a strange light. The magic is in the player, not the gear.
While a musician's spirit matters most, the right tool can help. Choose a guitar that suits the music, because it affects the sound, comfort, and technique. This isn't about collecting every guitar; it's about making an informed choice.
Avoiding the "wrong" fit
Knowing when to avoid an instrument is also crucial. While creative rule-breaking can be rewarding, using an unsuitable instrument can lead to frustration and limit the sound. Here’s something I just figured out. (You may have already know this but…)
Jazz on a high-output solid-body is not great. This will likely produce a bright, aggressive tone, not the warm sound of jazz.
Hard rock with single-coil pickups: But then there is Jimi and SRV that messed this up. But for the rest of us, the hum and buzz at high gain settings will quickly become an issue, and the tone will lack the punch of humbuckers.
The goal isn't to stop wanting things. It's about being content and productive with what is owned while working towards a goal. A guitarist can be great with their first instrument while saving for the one that perfectly fits their style.
Before buying new gear, take a moment. Are you looking for a tool to improve your craft, or are you seeking validation that no purchase can provide? The best musicians achieved greatness by mastering their tools. Try to find contentment with what you have let that inspire you to practice, play and make music.