I absolutely love the guitar. But I’m not in a band, and I hardly ever go into a studio with anyone.
I love gear so much that I can’t resist buying guitars, Effector, and home recording equipment, but I’m constantly plagued by a sense of guilt, wondering, “Is it really okay to buy so much when I’m not even actively making music?”
That guilty feeling just won’t go away.
I understand that feeling.
People who are actively involved in music have a “reason to buy gear” because they use it for recording or live performances.
If only I had that kind of “get-out-of-jail-free card,” I could buy the gear I want without worrying...
It’s something we all struggle with, isn’t it?
Actually, not only at music stores but also among guitar enthusiasts in the music industry, there are plenty of “hobbyist guitarists” who don’t perform professionally but simply enjoy playing the guitar as a personal hobby. So I really understand how you feel.
It’s easy to overlook this, but the truth is that these actions—starting with buying gear—are done for the sake of the “hobby” of guitar, unless you’re a professional.
Professional guitarists buy gear for their “work,” but we guitar enthusiasts buy it for our “hobby.” It’s for our hobby, for our own enjoyment. There are no restrictions based on whether we’re actively making music or how we use the gear—it doesn’t matter at all.
Going on trips. Collecting watches. Supporting your favorite artist. All of these are important hobbies for the person involved.
"What are you going to use that for?" "Do you really need that when you're not even a pro?"
You don’t need to pay any attention to that kind of outside noise.
"Just playing this guitar by myself makes me happy."
“I just wanted to have this Effector right here.”
“My spirits soared when I put this amp in my room.”
These reasons alone are more than enough for a music lover’s hobby.
You should feel free to buy the gear you want.
"I’ll buy it if I can form a band."
"I'll buy it if I can release one song."
I think it’s great to motivate yourself by setting goals, but
but if you’re “looking for a reason to buy” or “trying to justify the purchase,” there’s no need to hold back.
The prices of all guitars are rising year by year. For limited-edition models or one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, if you miss the right moment, it may become difficult to get your hands on them.
"I wish I’d bought that back then."
Don’t you have several pieces of gear that make you think that?
The time to buy is when you want it.
You love guitars and can’t get enough of gear. That alone is reason enough to buy.
Your irreplaceable hobby is a wonderful thing, full of romance.
Go ahead and treat yourself right now.
You’re the one who understands your hobby best.
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