I absolutely love guitars. But I'm not in a band, and I hardly ever go into the studio with anyone.
I love gear so much I can't resist buying guitars, Effector, and home recording equipment. But is it okay to buy so much when I'm not actively involved in music?
That guilty feeling always follows me around.
I understand that feeling.
People involved in music have a "reason to buy gear" because they use it for recording and live performances.
If only I had that kind of "excuse," I could buy the gear I want without hesitation...
I know that feeling.
Actually, there are plenty of "pastime guitarists" out there—people who work in music stores or the industry, who love guitars purely as a hobby, without pursuing music professionally. So I totally get that feeling.
It's easy to overlook this, but the truth is, unless you're a professional, these actions—like buying gear—are done purely for the "hobby" of guitar.
Professional guitarists buy gear for their "work," but we guitar enthusiasts buy gear for our "hobby." It's for enjoyment, for our own pleasure. There are absolutely no restrictions or relevance tied to whether you're actively involved in music or how you use that gear.
Going on trips. Collecting watches. Supporting your favorite idol. All of these are important hobbies for the person doing them.
"What are you going to use that for?" "Do you really need that if you're not a pro?"
You don't need to care about such outside opinions at all.
"Playing this guitar alone makes me happy."
"I just wanted to have this Effector close at hand."
"Having this amp in my room just made me so excited."
These reasons alone are more than enough for any instrument enthusiast's hobby.
Go ahead and buy the gear you want without hesitation.
"I'll buy it if I can form a band."
"I'll buy it once I release a song into the world."
Setting goals to motivate yourself is a great thing,
if you're "looking for a reason to buy" or "trying to justify the purchase," there's no need for such restraint.
The prices of all guitars keep rising year after year. Limited-edition models and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces can become impossible to acquire if you miss your chance.
"I should have bought it 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, who absolutely love guitars and gear. That alone is reason enough to buy.
Your irreplaceable hobby is a wonderful, romantic pursuit.
Treat yourself right now.
You are the one who understands your hobby best.
