"I got this guitar really cheap, see? It's only got 4 strings!"
I get asked every now and then, I think it's rude frankly.
I get asked every now and then, I think it's rude frankly.
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When people ask how much your gear cost...
- Thread starter organworthyplayer337
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It's pretty obtainable info. I'm surprised by people's lack of knowledge with the availability of the internet. I'm not opposed to telling people or being asked. I'm more than happy to share the cost when I know I've basically stolen it off of craigslist. My friend and I share this info freely with each other when it comes to gear.
My favorite response would be "Interest free for 24 months with equal payments with your Sweetwater card".
My favorite response would be "Interest free for 24 months with equal payments with your Sweetwater card".
It depends on the circumstances and the person asking. The answer could be ''a lot'' or ''too much''. If it's someone who knows gear and we're having a frank discussion and I know the person isn't just prying then I will divulge the actual figure. I was recently in Cuba and was talking to a bass player. He asked what bass I played. Knowing that some of my basses cost more than what the average Cuban will make over the course of 15 years (which is a sobering thought) I chose to mention the least well-known of the bunch, just because I didn't want to be insensitive.
It just depends on who's asking, if it's truly out of interest fine. If it's because people want to judge you than screw off. I guess the question should be phrased, "Do you mind me asking how much you paid for that as I wouldn't mind getting one myself". Or something along those lines.
I don't recall ever being asked; but if I were, I suppose my answer would be something like this:
"Look. I'm sixty-six years old and have been playing since I was fifteen. Over that time I have accumulated so much stuff that I don't recall how much ANY of it costs!"
"Look. I'm sixty-six years old and have been playing since I was fifteen. Over that time I have accumulated so much stuff that I don't recall how much ANY of it costs!"
If somebody was genuinely interested in my bad arse bass as in they would like one for themselves, I'd gladly explain that I paid like 1600 used for it. Unless that person was my then wife ... in that case it only cost half as much. Frankly, I don't understand people needing to be so confidential about their finances. If you are offended for some reason when someone asks about your income, are you not so proud about how you aquired it? What's the big D?
Ha! I sold all of my guns and moved to Arizona, then I bought more basses. True story.
Generally, I don't find it rude at all.. but anyone that's asked me has been a musician and into gear. Why does it feel weird or awkward or rude to you guys? If I'm talking to a musician and I see a piece of gear that looks really cool or sounds awesome, I'll ask as much info about it as possible, including how much it costs. So, I actually find it flattering.
I do think it's quite rude to ask strangers how much something cost them. Though I'm happy to share prices with friends who are also collectors.
If I was genuinely interested in the price of an item, I'll mention "I used to work at a music store and we didn't sell those. What's the current retail price/ used price on those?".
I wouldn't ask them directly how much they paid, but if they got a bargain they usually boast about it. I shared a bargain story with a very well off guy thru work, and he shared a similar story about a guitar he bought his son.
I've never had anyone ask except perhaps a friend who was interested in buying something similar.
If it was a stranger or someone at a show I'd just give them my best Dr. Evil:
I'd tell them it costs less than a shark with freakin' laser beam. ....unless its a new Alembic.
I've been asked twice. Both times I shrugged my shoulders and said, " I don't remember but it wasn't much." Then I quickly change the subject.
Peer to peer, and part of a general 'geeking out over gear' discussion - no problem.
But wait til you play a dodgy venue or festival, with shifty guys hanging around load-in/load-out.
My parents generation strongly believed it rude to talk about religion, politics and money in general discussion. It facilitates people feeling on the same level and you won't embarrass them/ get embarrassed by keeping to 'safe' topics. It's a carry-over from upper class and upper-middle class etiquette.
I always found the rehearsal room and the indoor shooting range kinda similar experiences in that you go in there with a bunch of dudes,
take turns showing off your toys, make a ton o' noise and depart feeling invigorated.
It is uncomfortable, isn't it? I'm not embarrassed by how much or how little I spend on a bass, but outside of certain circles, it's an awkward topic. As others have mentioned, it depends on who's asking. If it's another player, not a problem because I know why the question is being asked and how the answer will be taken. If it's someone I don't know, I'll try to sidestep it unless they've spent some time building a rapport before asking. (And the moment they go off about how much I spend or start making a big deal about it, the conversation comes to an abrupt end along with any further communication.)I've been asked and it's real uncomfortable.
Reply... " Good question ! Pete was in a really good mood after the show, told me Pino could not hold a candle to my ass. He was really appreciative of me filling in for him as he could not make it. He said he was glad he could get the rig I wanted at such short notice... Told me I may as well keep it as he handed me the check.."
