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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Lost my GAS...Gear acquisition syndrome.
Lost my GAS...Gear acquisition syndrome.
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congaron
782 posts
Apr 10, 2010
6:36 PM
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I lost my GAS. I was lucky. I only spent a little money on a valve junior head. I scrounged things from my existing guitar gear, I longed for an valve junior speaker..never bought it. I cobbled and improved a cheap vocal mic, modified some gear never intended for this, and spent only another $20 on a "singing machine" wireless unit.
I stumbled onto Richard hunter's web site and copied some patches as closely as possible into my discontinued Digitech pedal. I spent an hour one day tweaking those and recording the results for A-B comparisons, digitally recorded directly off my valve junior and twin speaker rig, via studio condenser mic.
Meanwhile, I practiced, played in Church, played out with my blues band, and jammed at the best local jam with both the amp and just the pedal into the PA, even just any old mic without the pedal.
I have NEVER played out without a positive reaction and people seeking me out to make positive comments and invitations back to play. My videos often lack energy..I know this, but gear didn't cause it. My live experience has been great...and gear didn't cause it.
The audience, my new fans, and my bandmates stole my GAS.
It made ZERO difference what gear I used, even straight into whatever mic is around straight in to a PA. The audience, make that audiences, LOVE the harmonica. Maybe they love the way i play it, i don't know. It doesn't matter, but the reality is...My gear made no difference, zip, nada, zed, none.
Now I love the harmonica too, and am free of GAS. The next year will be even more exciting, I'm sure!
Halleluia!
Last Edited by on Apr 10, 2010 6:39 PM
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phogi
384 posts
Apr 11, 2010
4:03 AM
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Congrats man.
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Ev630
239 posts
Apr 11, 2010
4:45 AM
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He he he. You'll be back...
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Jim Rumbaugh
194 posts
Apr 11, 2010
4:55 AM
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I read a review from an amplifier showcase . A group of amplifiers were lined up. A user could then go from amp to amp to hear the different tones. The writer said what made the biggest difference was the man playing the harp, not the amp and mic.
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Andrew
938 posts
Apr 11, 2010
4:57 AM
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It's a good feeling.
But then, so is the beginning of any compulsion!
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Kinda hot in these rhinos!
Last Edited by on Apr 11, 2010 4:58 AM
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paul45
14 posts
Apr 11, 2010
6:01 AM
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My gas will be gone soon also, right after I buy......and a.......and just maybe a ......
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PaulM
15 posts
Apr 11, 2010
7:52 AM
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Contentment is a blissful state. Congratulations.
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Honkin On Bobo
257 posts
Apr 11, 2010
9:03 AM
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"The writer said what made the biggest difference was the man playing the harp, not the amp and mic."
I suspect it's always been that way, and always will be.
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MJ
156 posts
Apr 11, 2010
11:09 AM
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congaron, I suspect you never really had GAS. By the description of the gear you have put together , you don't seem to fit the mold. when I think of GAS, and I have it to a degree, I think of constant searching and aquiring new, different, or better gear. Money is usually not a big concern, within reason. It is usually an itch that never subsides. When you scratch that itch by a new piece of gear, the itch only dissapears temporarily before returning with a vengence. Sort of like scratching poison ivy.
I own about 16 amplifiers and at least that many different mics. I have sets of harps from different companies. All of the amps, mics, and harps have different characteristics, that are interesting to explore. I will say that I have 3-4 amps that I use the most, and they are ones that I have built to suit my taste. The same goes for my favorite flavor mic. The harps I use depend on the song or other musicians involved.
I also play with no amplification quite often, so as to appreciate the aspect of this little instrument that is so appealing. The ability to play anywhere and not rely on electric power. After all how many campfires have handy outlets nearby? Or how easy is it to wlk down the street with 20 feet of chord,an effect pedal, and an amplifier slung over your shoulder. I have never seen anyone take a guitar out of thier shirt pocket either.
I applaude you for being in no need for new toys. I also agree that playing the harp and the music you make is what it is all about. However, don't sell the aquisition of gear short. It has its place in the world of the musician. Like all things, moderation and priorities must be followed.
Last Edited by on Apr 11, 2010 2:30 PM
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congaron
784 posts
Apr 11, 2010
6:02 PM
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Lol...no, I had GAS when i learned guitar...lol. ifelt it coming on with the harp and just decided to try that stuff. Not knocking it at all. Gear is so cool. My PA system GAS has resulted in some PA gigs...one last friday in fact for a guy named Coffey Anderson...You may remember him from Nashville star..if there are any country fans here. My guitar GAS has also given me some extra income. I think the reason i don't have it right now is my crappy job and the lousy economy. We are cut back to 10 days a month.
My lead guitar player has it for sure, so i live vicariously through him...lol.
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Kyzer Sosa
312 posts
Apr 11, 2010
11:01 PM
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congaron, im soooooooo with u man... i havent played thru shit! no fancy this or that, none of it. im a newb with a 35 dollar amp that probably sounds like ass... my only splurge? a shure sm57. AND i dont even use it! my sentiment is so in tune with what u just wrote is freakin scary brother...would we think any less of any of our highly regarded brethren who are badasses if they played thru my amp? nooooooooo.... when it comes to the question of gear... it will, IMO, always come second to your chops.
P.S. (when i see pics or posts of folk who are dropping hundreds or thousands on pedals and amps, i giggle a bit inside...)
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Kyzer's Travels
Last Edited by on Apr 11, 2010 11:02 PM
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