Originally posted by Dondi
Didn't we all know kids when we were growing up that always had the latest, hippest, most expensive gear; courtesy of a parent or rich uncle? And needless to say, couldn't play worth a damn?
Thats what I'm talking about; and I know that it continues in adult life when you are a well off person that likes to buy the best of everything and really doesn't play much. Fine instruments are just trophies.
I certainly wasn't referring to those who knock themselves out practicing while saving to get the instrument of their dreams. That is called a deserving player working toward newer, better tools.
I guess. I've never tried to decide who "deserves" what, seems more like sour grapes than anything.
I used to have the same attitude when I was younger, trying to figure out how I could get $70 together to buy a copy of a copy of a Tele bass from the Western Auto hardware store... while I saw kids come into the local music store with their parent and get a new Ric just for the asking. Probably never learn how to play it, spoiled bastard.
Then it occurred to me that I didn't know anything about the kid's situation other than what I assumed. I had played out the entire scenario of this undeserving lout getting something for nothing when someone truly deserving, say... LIKE ME, had to struggle.
The problem with assumptions is the weak foundation they're usually based on. I realized all that I didn't know about the situation and as someone who prides themself on logical thought, it just didn't make sense. So what if the kid didn't learn how to play, what concern should that be of mine? For all I know he could be stuck in the middle of a bitter divorce where favors are bought in a sad display of one-upsmanship. He might've been in an abusive situation. He might've had an incurable disease. The list of what I didn't know went on for miles.
DO I deserve the gear I have? Hey, I paid for it
I guess the problem I'd have deciding who deserved what is that I know that in mose cases I don't have the whole picture. Let's say you have a dedicated player who spends most of his free time for years practicing. Let's say this player saves up the funds to get a Contrabass. Does he deserve it?
Now let's say that same player saved the money by not paying his other bills, such as child support. Still deserve it?
Now lets say this same player kicks his dog on a regular basis whenever he's angry. Still deserve it?
Let's say this player visits his elderly parents as often as physically possible. Still deserve it?
As a six string owner AND a huge AJ fan I don't play my sixes like a four with two extra strings any more than I play my fives like a four with an extra string. That probably means I deserve it.
But what if I kick my dog?
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