How I Save For New Gear ---------

[SurferJoe46]

I actually like my local Guitar Center in Murrietta, California. Nice people who know my name - no pressure to buy-or-get-out and I can pretty much take anything down I want and just plug in and try it.

Anyway - 'saving" for new gear is pretty easy.

I gave myself a gift card and every week or so I put another $100 on it. That way when I actually take physical possession of my new bass or whatever, I never feel it.

NO - really I don't! I just don't get those new tires as soon as I want (not need) and the paint job on my K5 can wait for a while or until the sagebrush pinstripes are a lot more noticeable.

Just filling that gas tank on the K5 costs me for over 32 gallons! A week!

So GC GAS gift cards are a lot cheaper!

[Buslady7803]

Yeah the GC up here (Rcho Cucamonga) got to know me...not exactly the most positive way but they know who I am lol...

Maybe I'll come down there and check out the store by you; where's it at?

[drteeth]

You can save 100 dollars for instruments a week ?! That's not bad I'd say!

[Exploiter8]

K/5!!!

What year? I had a '74 Hawaiian Blue one. 350 4-bbl, 4-Speed with the non-sync 1st gear and BFG Radial All Terain T/A tires. It's best feature? The removable fiberglass top! It was the '73 - '75 that had the full tops. After that they went to half-tops. I hear you about the gas tank. At least when I was filling mine gas was around 55 cents!

I know, I know...OFF TOPIC!

X8

[lunarpollen]

My method is to eat nothing but ramen and peanut butter & crackers during my lunch breaks at work for a few months....

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by Buslady7803

Yeah the GC up here (Rcho Cucamonga) got to know me...not exactly the most positive way but they know who I am lol...

Maybe I'll come down there and check out the store by you; where's it at?

The Murrietta GC store at the Kalmia Exit from the 15 freeway. That's a Google map for you with directions.

Originally Posted by drteeth

You can save 100 dollars for instruments a week ?! That's not bad I'd say!

Most weeks I can. I have a set income and some 'residuals' that come in all the time - and I don't want to die with a big bank balance either.

Originally Posted by Exploiter8

K/5!!!

What year? I had a '74 Hawaiian Blue one. 350 4-bbl, 4-Speed with the non-sync 1st gear and BFG Radial All Terain T/A tires. It's best feature? The removable fiberglass top! It was the '73 - '75 that had the full tops. After that they went to half-tops. I hear you about the gas tank. At least when I was filling mine gas was around 55 cents!

I know, I know...OFF TOPIC!

X8

Nah! NEVER off topic to me!

I have a 1982 K5 350/THM350 and the one I mostly drive is a 1986 K5.




THIS ^^ IS MY DRIVEWAY.



PS: I never painted the hood last time - about 10 years ago! Maybe someday I will!

4-bolt 350, stroked to 383 with the 5.7" rods and Eutectics, Crane TorkR Cam, Edelbrock Lo-Riser and a Q-Jet. I built a 7-speed for it and it has Gov-Lok rear and Posi-Traction front 3.71:1 axles. I added manual Warm Premiums - those auto hubs are suicide!

33x12.50R15 Dunlops (yeah - I KNOW but I got them free when I bought the rims) and another set of 265x75R16 Vredestins for the snow/mud/rainy season on stock 2001 Chevy aluminum rims that I machined to go over the front hubs with spacers.

I actually prefer the later model partial tops as there's a lot more support if you roll it.

[Corey Y]

Here's how it works for me. I have a bunch of disposable income, I buy things that make no sense or get an idea that I'm going to fix something up or can't pass up a sale because it's "such a good deal", even though I really will never use it. Then at some point the financial tides shift, I have almost no disposable income, I sell all the crap I bought before and try to get at least what I paid (sometimes less, once in a blue moon, more)...then stop spending money on anything else and scrape and save and buy something new I really NEED.

It's a terrible system, I don't recommend it. Personal loans through my credit union come into play here and there. Ironically I've taken out loans, which were very affordable and spread out over a few years, to beef up every type of gear I have EXCEPT bass. Which is why I have a beautiful Gibson Les Paul Custom that never gets played, a rack full of fantastic compressors that haven't been used to mix any recording projects in 6 months and 8 RealTraps panels still in their boxes. Now I've got an envelope slowly filling up with cash at home marked "new bass amp". Sort of an analog version of the GC gift card approach I guess.

[Mr wiggl3s]

guitar center is a horrible store. the actual store, not the people there. they're on the same lines with gamestop.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by Mr wiggl3s

guitar center is a horrible store. the actual store, not the people there. they're on the same lines with gamestop.

Would you rather they run GC like the Welfare Office and just hand things out, staying in business by federal grants and secret taxpayer funds?

Look - they are a business and that's their big claim to fame. They treated the advertisement, warehousing and selling of musical instruments as just that - a business.

I do NOT begrudge them a profit - after all I expect them to be there with open arms tomorrow - next week - next month to handle my warranty, sell me new and used basses and gear have a nice place where I can play them in air conditioned comfort for as long as I want and out of the rain, sun or snow.

Anyone can find error and hate in anything they want - but frankly if it weren't for GC then a lot of people would not have the only opportunity to test and actually feel the instrument they are buying.

Unfortunately the Mom-N-Pop stores have fallen to being boarded up and closed because they could not keep their train loads of buying power as high or the display floorspace as large as GC did.

Even GC started from a small building - so why don't the privateers? GC didn't just fall out of the sky and invade all the places they are in overnight. They took the territory by attrition of stores that couldn't or wouldn't take the monetary chance they did and just go wide open and expand like they have.

I say more power to them for taking the chances they did. Capitalism is a great motivator.

I always appreciate a winner. A vanquished store is just that - dead and gone - or soon will be.

[TheMutt]

Originally Posted by Buslady7803

Yeah the GC up here (Rcho Cucamonga) got to know me...not exactly the most positive way but they know who I am lol...

Maybe I'll come down there and check out the store by you; where's it at?

If you're fed up with the Rancho store, you can try the ones in Covina or Brea. I frequent both of those stores very often and I'm fairly sure that they know my face by now. It's actually more rare for me to go over to the Rancho store even though I live in Upland (it's right next to Rancho Cucamonga for those outside the area ).

Edit: Also, I should really start a GAS savings plan sometime. It's much easier than:
1. get money somehow
2. decide what said money can buy
3. order the things that said money can buy into a list
4. purchase the item(s) at the top of the list
It's not so great because I'm always poor.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by TheMutt

If you're fed up with the Rancho store, you can try the ones in Covina or Brea. I frequent both of those stores very often and I'm fairly sure that they know my face by now. It's actually more rare for me to go over to the Rancho store even though I live in Upland (it's right next to Rancho Cucamonga for those outside the area ).

When I go to Loma Linda VA for my osteo-chemo, I drop by the GC on Hospitality Lane some times. Their bass section is almost a ZERO for having anything to test, plunk or try. USED is a total loss too. Nada!

The Brea GC is very nice and almost feels like a boutique store.

All that's missing is some guy passing out Earl Grey tea and crumpets.

Next month I am going to Bass Guitar Disneyland - GC in Hollywood.

[TheMutt]

The GC in Sherman Oaks is pretty amazing too, but that's a ridiculous drive out. The Cerritos store is another one that I frequent, but that's pretty far out of the area as well. Both had a decent selection of things the last time that I visited those stores, with the Sherman Oaks store having an amazing amount of effects pedals.

[Bassamatic]

The gift card idea is a really good one. The cash is gone, so it is not tempting you by it's presence!

And - yes - The Sherman Oaks GC is not too bad - I think I am lucky to have it nearby as well as the Bass Exchange. Brian, the salesman I deal with at GC, has really gone out of his way for me a few times, and I appreciate it.

[Mr wiggl3s]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Would you rather they run GC like the Welfare Office and just hand things out, staying in business by federal grants and secret taxpayer funds?

Look - they are a business and that's their big claim to fame. They treated the advertisement, warehousing and selling of musical instruments as just that - a business.

I do NOT begrudge them a profit - after all I expect them to be there with open arms tomorrow - next week - next month to handle my warranty, sell me new and used basses and gear have a nice place where I can play them in air conditioned comfort for as long as I want and out of the rain, sun or snow.

Anyone can find error and hate in anything they want - but frankly if it weren't for GC then a lot of people would not have the only opportunity to test and actually feel the instrument they are buying.

Unfortunately the Mom-N-Pop stores have fallen to being boarded up and closed because they could not keep their train loads of buying power as high or the display floorspace as large as GC did.

Even GC started from a small building - so why don't the privateers? GC didn't just fall out of the sky and invade all the places they are in overnight. They took the territory by attrition of stores that couldn't or wouldn't take the monetary chance they did and just go wide open and expand like they have.

I say more power to them for taking the chances they did. Capitalism is a great motivator.

I always appreciate a winner. A vanquished store is just that - dead and gone - or soon will be.

This is more of a political discussion, but sure, lets hijack the thread.

Welfare isn't secret. everyone has a chance to get it, if life ***** on you. i don't know why you'd bring that into it.

Even GC started from a small building - so why don't the privateers? GC didn't just fall out of the sky and invade all the places they are in overnight. They took the territory by attrition of stores that couldn't or wouldn't take the monetary chance they did and just go wide open and expand like they have.

They started out that way. Then they whored themselves out to every street corner, and cornered the market. It doesn't take any advanced business knowledge to know that if you put something in front of people enough, not matter what it is, they'll take it. It's not advanced service, awesome display, more product offered, or better quality product; it's sheer laziness on our part.

Capitalism is a very dirty practice. I wont get into it.

[SurferJoe46]

This is more of a political discussion, but sure, lets hijack the thread.

Why not - it's MY thread.

Welfare isn't secret. everyone has a chance to get it, if life ***** on you. i don't know why you'd bring that into it.

It's the reference to the lack of commitment and desire to achieve that brings it on. There are persons who really deserve it, but then ---------

They started out that way. Then they whored themselves out to every street corner, and cornered the market. It doesn't take any advanced business knowledge to know that if you put something in front of people enough, not matter what it is, they'll take it. It's not advanced service, awesome display, more product offered, or better quality product; it's sheer laziness on our part.

Starbucks too?

All it actually takes is an entrepreneurial mindset and a desire to find a hole and fill it. If the NEED isn't there for a place like GC with brand names at better prices and availability than a small store can offer, then let 'em get out of the way while the bigger monkey swings his fist.

Capitalism is a very dirty practice. I wont get into it.

Then next time bring a dead chicken and a lug of apples into any store (GC or not) and try to trade 'em for durable goods.

[Mr wiggl3s]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

This is more of a political discussion, but sure, lets hijack the thread.

Why not - it's MY thread.

Welfare isn't secret. everyone has a chance to get it, if life ***** on you. i don't know why you'd bring that into it.

It's the reference to the lack of commitment and desire to achieve that brings it on. There are persons who really deserve it, but then ---------

They started out that way. Then they whored themselves out to every street corner, and cornered the market. It doesn't take any advanced business knowledge to know that if you put something in front of people enough, not matter what it is, they'll take it. It's not advanced service, awesome display, more product offered, or better quality product; it's sheer laziness on our part.

Starbucks too?

All it actually takes is an entrepreneurial mindset and a desire to find a hole and fill it. If the NEED isn't there for a place like GC with brand names at better prices and availability than a small store can offer, then let 'em get out of the way while the bigger monkey swings his fist.

Capitalism is a very dirty practice. I wont get into it.

Then next time bring a dead chicken and a lug of apples into any store (GC or not) and try to trade 'em for durable goods.

Um, sir, i've already used my chickens for health care...so...i can't do that.

But on a serious note, don't say all welfare recipients are "lack of commitment and desire to achieve that brings it on". The largest recipients of social welfare, seniors, have done a lot.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by Mr wiggl3s

Um, sir, i've already used my chickens for health care...so...i can't do that.

But on a serious note, don't say all welfare recipients are "lack of commitment and desire to achieve that brings it on". The largest recipients of social welfare, seniors, have done a lot.

I concede that point, well taken.

My larger gripe is people who somehow feel left out when they see the massive disparity between the haves and the have nots.

I never begrudge anyone the funds for which they have worked - in the big-box way or the corner market: 401K or SSI/SSD.

Ya know - this may also apply to bass players, to open a refreshing viewpoint too. There are the biggies and then there are the bar-giggers.

I bar-gigged for years, played some nice venues and even did an occasional beach party - but the blood and guts of my music days were beer bars and CW venues. (ref: The Blues Brothers, aka: The Good Ol' Boys scene)

But - yeah, it's all very lopsided.

I see a lot of very talented bass players on streets and alleys playing licks that far exceed MY capacity and yet they are playing for quarters and hand-outs.

Maybe they're antisocial nut bars and that keeps them from getting a paying gig or maybe they got dropped on their heads during a diaper change - who knows.

A lyric comes to mind by The Rolling Stones:

No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

[/soapbox]

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Anyway - 'saving" for new gear is pretty easy.

I gave myself a gift card and every week or so I put another $100 on it.

$100 per week, that's pretty...uh, something. Disciplined, let's say.

I've been saving for a custom handmade bicycle for a few years now (and am still about two or three years away from receiving it, based on the builder's waiting list) and I've been socking away $100 per month into a dedicated New Bike savings account. And because it's such a long lead time (and because I knew going into it that it would be a long lead time) every time that account gets up to $3-4k, I put that into a high interest (sic) Certificate Of Deposit.

It's worked out so well that when I finally do get the bike, I'm probably going to keep doing it so I always have a New Gear fund. Fortunately, $100/month is practically unnoticeable to my cash flow.

[Subrage]

I do kinda the same thing, but I just have my bank pull out $100 a paycheck and throw it into a savings acct. I would rather keep the money for a rainy day, then be up a creek without a paddle with Giftcards.

GC serves a purpose, I can walk in there 7 days a week if I have nothing else to do, and screw off for a few hours.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by Subrage

GC serves a purpose, I can walk in there 7 days a week if I have nothing else to do, and screw off for a few hours.

Since I retired, I find that having "nothing else to do" doesn't happen as much as I thought it would.

I am busier now than when I worked for a living. Besides: my nearest GC is 55+ miles away. ONE way!