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Gear Snobs

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#101
I have no problem with whatever gear a person may use, but I don't like snobbery.

Having said that, snobbery is a 2-way street. Some folks snob at others for having expensive gear, others get all snobby at folks with cheap gear.

Can't we all just get along?
 
#102
I don't pay attention to actual gear snobbery. Now, I can be a bit of a gear geek myself as talking shop can be fun, or sometimes you may need advice, and want to listen to the opinions of others and their experiences with certain gear. At the end of it all, gear is simply the tools we use to make music with. I quit worrying about what other folks think about my gear choices long ago, and I tend to not worry about what other musicians are playing as well. I don't criticize another person's gear choices, but I will compliment their playing first, along with their sound if I like them, and maybe once in awhile I'll ask how they are liking some bit of gear that they use that may have caught my eye and ears.
 
#103
BassmanPaul said:
Well we can't call Tom Bowlus a gear snob then! He's got two of everything!!! :D
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LOL, thanks! :p

Actually, in order to be a "snob," I would think that you would have to take a derogatory view of presumably "lesser" gear. Well, I have been accused of liking everything (and yes, even to the point of being referred to as "Pollyanna" by one of our respected TB brethren ;)), and I have gear that I love from pretty much every price range out there, so hopefully I can avoid the "snob" term.

It's true that I have way too much gear and that much of my gear probably costs way more than what's "needed," but I get just as excited about finding reasonably priced gear that can perform at a higher than would expected level. Fortunately, we have a lot of great choices out there, now. :cool:
 
#106
Generally speaking, I try to avoid gear and music related conversations with other musicians who are not in my band as much as possible. It too often leads to a pissing match. When the conversation starts going that direction, I either attempt to change the subject or excuse myself and walk away.

I play alot of unconventional instruments and instruments not normally associated with the task at hand, and the last thing I need is being put on the spot and asked to justify my choices.
 
#107
electracoyote said:
Generally speaking, I try to avoid gear and music related conversations with other musicians who are not in my band as much as possible. It too often leads to a pissing match. When the conversation starts going that direction, I either attempt to change the subject or excuse myself and walk away.

I play alot of unconventional instruments and instruments not normally associated with the task at hand, and the last thing I need is being put on the spot and asked to justify my choices.
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It's unfortunate if gear discussions between fellow musicians would go that route. You'd think that people would want to take advantage of an opportunity to talk to a fellow player and find out what has worked well for them (and what hasn't). For the most part, if I do get to talking about gear with other local players, it's always been this more supportive, "share the wealth of knowledge" kind of thing, and I have learned a lot in the process.
 
#108
tombowlus said:
For the most part, if I do get to talking about gear with other local players, it's always been this more supportive, "share the wealth of knowledge" kind of thing, and I have learned a lot in the process.
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That's good to hear.

But if it weren't for the unfortunate attitudes and resulting conversations, we wouldn't have so many "I hate gear snob" threads here on TB. It's too bad so many fellow musicians have to take that route, but that has also been my experience.
 
#109
electracoyote said:
But if it weren't for the unfortunate attitudes and resulting conversations, we wouldn't have so many "I hate gear snob" threads here on TB. It's too bad so many fellow musicians have to take that route, but that has also been my experience.
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Too true... :( :rollno:
 
#110
Good responses so far. The object of my original post and this thread is to not insult or put anyone down, but ask generically how people deal with others who really are all about looks and not sound. Having nice things and when they look nice is always a plus, however I personally at least in my experience and playing care more about tone and sound gear gives me. To each their own.
 
#111
klejst said:
Good responses so far. The object of my original post and this thread is to not insult or put anyone down, but ask generically how people deal with others who really are all about looks and not sound. Having nice things and when they look nice is always a plus, however I personally at least in my experience and playing care more about tone and sound gear gives me. To each their own.
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You can't care about tone and have nice stuff? Or is it that you can't care about tone and have stuff that looks good too?
 
#113
I will admit to two things........ I'm NOT a great player and I am an unabashed Gear Snob. The difference with me is my gear is a generation or two old and sounds unbelievably good. It's not big but it is heavy. I constantly get compliments on my sound..... maybe it's my way of compensating for limited talent. Oh, and the gear is generally quite cheap when compared to new stuff!
 
#114
S6I6X said:
Ok, I agree with everyone but I have to say that just bc someone has nice gear he is an a$$ or a snob. I am only 23 years old but I was born into a music family and I started playing bass at about 5. For most of my birthdays I got a little bit of money which I put towards bass equipment so by now I have a pretty awesome rig I'm not going to lie. But I of course would never look down on something cheaper. I bought a used 80's jazz bass for $140 when I was 8 (which was all of my birthday money) believing my dad that that bass was the best deal at the store and it is still one of my favorite basses today. I have since bought a few Spectors and a Warwick but just last month I helped a friend pick out a bass on a $200 budget and the bass he got plays great. I think I might not be as ******** as some of the fine people you guys are referring too though ;)
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I've known some gear snobs who don't actually own any gear themselves! They can throw high-dollar names around & claim which is "better" than what. Ask them what they actually use & you'll get something to the effect of, "Well, I'm getting a _____". Same kind of people say stuff like, "Ferraris are junk! I'd never own one" (at least got the 2nd part right).
 
#115
Let me be clear about what (at least) I'm talking about: Owning or using expensive gear does not make someone a gear snob. It might make them a gear whore (& there's nothing at all wrong with that!), but not a snob.

A gear snob (to me) is somebody who puts somebody else down because of the quality of their gear. It matters not what gear they may happen to own, if any at all. It's all about the attitude of the person.
 
#117
I haven't read through this whole thing but I think JimmyM pretty much nailed it in the first response....you simply play better. That girl shaking her butt around to your groove doesn't care if your gear is platinum or plastic.
 
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