Is the economy affecting your gear purchasing?

Taylor Livingston · #1 10-09-2008, 02:48 PM

I am curious how much of an impact the economy is having on musicians' buying habits. Have you changed your plans to buy any music gear in the near future as a result of the downturn?

NWB · #2 10-09-2008, 03:20 PM

My purchasing will be limited by the fact that I now have pretty much everything I want, and then some.

Calebmundy · #3 10-09-2008, 03:24 PM

I guess maybe in a long-term way. I haven't been able to buy any gear for a couple of years, because of debt and/or income, but I guess if things were cheaper, I would work through that more quickly.

b_carville · #4 10-09-2008, 05:15 PM

I used to spend at least about $1200 - 1500 on gear a year not counting strings or cables.
Last year it was down to $600.

This year maybe $380 including strings & cables.

I did it mainly for a tax write off.

I've had to sell some stuff the last couple of years. Now I'm down to three work horse basses,two 4 by 10 cabinets,two power amps & one combo.

I don't expect to buying any gear soon!

steve21 · #5 10-09-2008, 05:43 PM

I started college. That affected my gear purchasing.

steamthief · #6 10-09-2008, 10:44 PM

Nope, ordered my B212 cab last Thursday, the day before the price went up, and got it yesterday. I'm done buying gear, other than a couple sets of backup strings. I've realized I spend more time buying and selling than I do practicing, so it's woodshed time now.

ehque · #7 10-09-2008, 11:25 PM

Since i don't live in America, my purchasing isn't really dictated by the american economy. It is, on the other hand, rather determined by the exchange rate.

MakiSupaStar · #8 10-10-2008, 12:30 AM

I bought an interface for recording the other day. I was really stewing over what really was a 250 dollar purchase. I ended up buying it.

bongomania · #9 10-10-2008, 12:42 AM

I've been out of work for a while already, yes job hunting of course, and the current hoopla about the economy has put a lot of companies on a hiring freeze. Hells yeah the economy has seriously impacted my gear purchasing.

Barkless Dog · #10 10-10-2008, 05:46 AM

I wonder how many guitar makers will go belly up?

Certainly the ones most at risk are custom small shops that depend on peoples extra money to buy basses they really do not need, but desire.

kissmybASS01 · #11 10-10-2008, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve21

I started college. That affected my gear purchasing.

Yeah! Buying all those kegs of beer, shooters, 40 pounders, cartons of smokes... That will do it

Sigh, good times, good times

Pilgrim · #12 10-10-2008, 09:31 AM

I just bought an EB-3 on Ebay. I'll sell my EB-0 so the difference is as small as possible. No biggie.

SteveC · #13 10-10-2008, 09:38 AM

Many things are affecting my gear non-purchases. Economy, priorities, having "good enough" gear for all my gigs, etc.

Bassmanbob · #14 10-10-2008, 11:47 PM

I voted less gear this year.

I stopped playing about eighteen months ago, but just started again.

I can't see spending any money on gear with the exception of new strings when needed. I am still paying down hurricane debt from Hurricane Francis in 2004. I actually needed to take out the debt when I returned to my office in 2006. I took out a ten year second mortgage and am trying to pay it off in five years. This month, yes this month was the first month I couldn't make double principle payments.

So no new bass that I wanted. At least not yet.

tplyons · #15 10-11-2008, 12:42 AM

Nope, wasn't buying stuff anyway, not buying any now.

whoatherechunk · #16 10-11-2008, 01:38 AM

YEA BIG TIME!

MichaelVee · #17 10-11-2008, 08:47 AM

Conical, you should add another poll option:

"I'm planning on selling gear, not buying!"

That would get some votes and would be my choice as well.

spade2you · #18 10-11-2008, 09:52 AM

(knocking on wood, please remember to do that) I'm in a pretty stable field and due to a few people leaving, I have more opportunities than ever to pick up shifts for overtime, which I'm doing. I realize that I'm just one man, but I'm doing my best to support the companies I enjoy because part of the economic crisis is being caused by people who are afraid to spend their money.

P-BASSLOVER · #19 10-11-2008, 09:59 AM

Most Definitely! Thank God Squire has come out with some good stuff and Whirlwind still makes good cables!

Taylor Livingston · #20 10-11-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelVee

Conical, you should add another poll option:

"I'm planning on selling gear, not buying!"

That would get some votes and would be my choice as well.

That's a good idea, but I can't figure out how to edit the poll. Anyone know?