What cured it for me? 1. Moving to a new continent and prior to doing so, selling gear and taking the essentials only (this was painful at the time...of course) 2. Once I settled in the new destination, realising that I lived in a tiny room and it wasn't even worth unpacking all the gear cuz it simply didn't fit all at once 3. Playing with a practice amp and even unplugged at times. This made me improve my vibrato and touch since there wasn't a bunch of effects between me and the guitar 4. Spending time with gear that I already owned for years, reading the manuals and going through all the features. Why? I rediscovered that my gear was already great but I never noticed because I spent too much time browsing eBay instead of playing 5. Making a few very specific and necessary purchases once the space and financial situation improved: proper amp, first Les Paul, and a few cables that I needed 6. Going deep into the music rabbit hole rather than the gear one. Discovering new bands, new genres and listening closely to what each instrument is doing and when Haven't had G.A.S for the last 4 years :)
thank you so much, for the tips Miguel. in my case I've been playing since i was a kid, studied music... but now i have (80% of the time) almost no will to play... and that 20% of joyful playing goes to playing again songs i forgot i liked from Clapton to Jason Becker). anyway i have more gear than i use, and i wonder if i should sell it all and buy one newer stuff OR keep it all OR sell some and keep some others.
I also did n°3 and 6 on this list. Perhaps that's what cured me. But I think also because I wasn't satisfied with the music I was composing at the time... Too bleak and dark. So I just put down notes of what could be bettered for each track and just left composition aside for a while and started to go out a bit, meet people in bars and have random discussions with strangers... Maybe that's another way to cure the syndrom 😁
Very well said. I am currently spending time to learn how to get the most out of what I have instead of endless research into the things I don't have. I salute you!
@@michaelmiller237 LOL! We can all list our favorite demo artists and say thinks like "...tube screamer aficionados need not apply." :-) That's too perfect! In a couple weeks from now when Reverb launches their dating app, we'll know where they got the idea.
I really appreciate this video. For me the feelings I need to attack are like “I have an amp but it would sound better if I replaced it with amp”. In reality, once you have the basics covered. The biggest variability in your tone is how you play.
I used to have GAS but I realise it was healthy GAS, because now I have my dream pedalboard and haven’t felt the urge to buy a pedal for months. By buying and selling pedals for years I finally found what works best for me and now I don’t see many things changing. Thankfully I’m also super partial to Fender Mustang type guitars so there isn’t a wide range of guitars I want. Also love my Roland Jazz Chorus.
I did the same. Built a great pedalboard and have a enough extra to pretty much cure GAS Prices also do that. Makes me want to sell some stuff. But I won't. If I need something I research it. Just put together a wireless I E M system for my worship band and had to really search out good deals on all the main pieces. So GAS research helped to keep prices down a little. Plus it's fun to know this stuff.
You are totally right on point with this video. Having played for over 50 years I have suffered from g a s all to often. First off when I started out playing there were 2 options: if you were poor like me you were stuck with used Tesco's or a harmony or some piece of crap. Then later on there were tons of decent affordable equipment. As I grew old and made a modest income I bought happiness by purchasing stuff I didn't need but like you stated here the excitement was in shopping and buying and then coming down after actually getting the gear! What every musician needs to do is spend that time, engery, and money on learning, practicing, and growing as a potential artist. Even if your never to become the next superstar it's all in the fingers. No pedal, amp, or guitar will sound good if the person playing it isn't well practiced and in touch with there unique take on making music.
It's the idea of getting something new that's interesting, when you finally get it, you just want something else. I have had real issues with this, so I try to remember why I wanted the things I have instead, and that helps! It's not always easy, but try to relive those feelings you had until you made your purchase.
I feel like this speaks to almost all purchases, not just guitar related. Great points! As a beginner, I research guitar gear just because I'm unfamiliar, but it does make me want all this stuff too. So I just add the item to my Sweetwater wishlist everytime I see something I might want and put it out if my mind. I have no business needing pedals or a bunch of guitars when I'm still learning the basics!
I found your video without looking for it, and I didn't know that a GAS exists, but it helped me a lot! I had this situation buying synthesizers and everything you said, happened with me, and the less I had, the more music I was producing until I entered in a loop of checking more and more gear. Clearly one of my problems was social media, showing all the time people with more gear, and new gear coming, and that's poison. Not because is bad to buy gear, but because it kills your creativity taking you from that process and making you more anxious looking for more new gear. I was out of social media two years ago, and I was so productive making music, but when I got back to social media to be in touch with more artist and tutorials and things like that, I screwed up all my creative process. Thanks a lot for the video! Definitively it helped me and now I'm gonna focus only on making music with everything I have :)
I have GAS and its not even a joke. You have described my problem perfectly. It really affects me and I realise its a waste of my life and on top of all that im actually perfectly happy with my tone yet I keep coming back to GAS. Its like you where reading my mind when making this video. Every time i get GAS I’m going to watch this video from now on. Thank you for making this video. This is actually a serious problem of mine
I am so happy guys to find this video and find all of you, the people that I can identify myself to and relate to. I have discovered RUclips videos about gears, Rock and Metal trends in General end of 2019. I have never been that excited and I started to improve my understanding of great guitar tones. I have bought a lot. I spent so much money that it's not even decent to share... My guitar heroes switched from Kurt Cobain, Stone Gossard, Kirk Hammett, John Petrucci to Rabea Massaad, Ola Englund, Colin, Andy, Mick and Dan and so many others. I have to be honest, I love the playing of these guys, Man these ambient tones of Rabea, the killer riffs of Ola... Absolutely love them. But... I kept buying gears and kept experimenting and it was great. One day I was holding my daughter hand to help her fall asleep and all I could think about was my new Wampler pedal or JHS pedal that was shipped to me. The best moments of my weeks were not the moment where I sat with my wife and daughter. My best moments were the moments when they were out playing and I could unbox and start tweaking my new gear. Everyday my phone was exploding of notifications from my favorite RUclipsrs about gear and I kept buying, buying, buying. It's awesome but recently I realized something. 15 years ago I had a folder in my DAW called ideas. It had almost 100 songs that I enjoyed playing and improved my guitar skilled. I had 1 guitar and the Line6 Pod 2. Today with all these awesome tones, in almost 2 years I have like 5 songs in the idea folder. It's a pity and I really feel that I have escaped from the everyday difficulties of family to the awesome world of guitar tones. I decided to take a radical decision. I have sold my awesome pedalboard and I kept only 2 guitars and 2 guitar plugins. I have unsubscribed from all guitar gear channels and turned to songwriting and pure music channels. I really have a great feeling about it and I strongly believe that despite all the happiness I had buying gear and watching gear videos, controlling my passion feels a lot better than letting my passion controls me. I will decide on few slots per week where I can play and jam with friends and work strongly for the right balance between RUclips, the guitar and my family. I feel so good to share this here and it means the world to me that I am not alone in this. Keep on Rockin guys and guitar 4ever 😁😊🤘🏻
I started watching videos / reading / researching about gear I already owned.. This got me that research fix while learning more and getting excited again about my own gear!
Well! I was listening to you and I was looking at myself in the mirror. I came to be more concerned with what to buy than with practicing and evolving as a musician. Unfortunately all RUclips channels only focus on gear. More art and Knowledge it's all we need! 🙂
That's what's unfortunate: gear sells the most. No wonder why there are so many gear channels - it's popular! I also have to make occasional gear demo videos in order to get more reach on my channel, and then, hopefully, get people to stick around more for my lessons, music and videos like this one.
@Jose Delacerda Do you realize I have a website where I sell online courses? And that I'm talking about my free courses all the time on the channel? You should check that out :-) my course 'KORDZ Program' is all about fretboard knowledge of chords, which is my specialty.
Absolutely spot on. I needed this. I missed a week playing which isn't like me. Looking for pickups. I want to build up one guitar and keep one for backup and sell off the rest.
Hi I’m using my husband’s account to write this, this is the most beautiful and educational video I have heard. Thank you💙 this is what I have been trying to say for years and you have explained everything in this video and he understands and is taking the advice. And just found out your French which is awesome!! I work in mental health and this video should be worldwide to help more people with this unique situation. And totally sharing. Much love and be safe out there💙
I have a rule where I can only buy pedals if they’re used. It instantly takes all the brand new hot pedals off the table, and means I’m looking for things I actually need based on the stock that’s out there. Wouldn’t work for every music style, but definitely fits for how I want to play.
Well said indeed my friend! Im currently in gear acquisition mode and i am very aware of this issue. I am however buying pedals very carefully and selecting ones that i have been shy to get in my lifetime as a guitarist and bass player. Im going to be checking out your tutorials. thanks!
Thanks for this video. Funny that you should mention Rick Beato's videos. As I'm watching this, RUclips is offering me one of his titled "Confessions of a Gear Head: My Struggle with Gear Acquisition Syndrome". Too funny!
Hi. Grateful for the video. I really did and still have G.A.S. Today I can say that I am much more controlled, critically analyzing the need to have this or that equipment. The worst of G.A.S. it is the distance you get from what is most important, making music. Thanks again. Cheers from Brazil
I was just wondering the other day how many hours during the pandemic I’ve spent watching gear reviews and finding the next “magic” pedal I’m not sure why I need. I have six overdrive pedals now. That’s enough, I think.
I learned about this by accident on a reddit thread about buying too much audio gear. I knew I had a problem, but I didn't really know it was a kind of condition where we can let it get out of control. Thanks for your help!
If I can just add to this, it’s great coming from the perspective of someone who has all the expensive pedals and guitars. Most of us have to sell one pedal/guitar to buy another if it doesn’t float your boat or wasn’t what you expected. GAS isn’t necessarily a problem, it can be part of the process of finding what works.
I get what you're saying. I think it still circles back to Step 1: make a list. If you want expensive pedals but can't afford them, you CAN buy a more affordable pedal for now while you're saving up for something better, but you still have a calculated plan and you're not just swapping gear for no reason. And the most important part of the equation that people rarely mention is: don't prevent yourself from making music while you're waiting for better gear. If someone has GAS, but they're making plenty of music, good for them! But if all you do is think about gear, and making music and practicing is not even a part of your MUSIC hobby anymore, then that's a problem!
I confess I’ve been a victim of gas, and in some degree I still are. I’m slowly recovering and the things I really crave for are less and less. On the positive I have now an amazing, for me, guitar and pedals collection. Proud of it but I paid the price, literally, for it.
Also I have 14 guitars I've started donating them to this church in Laguna Beach I skipped the selling process and am just giving em away.. (not em all)
WOW What a nice guy. Will that help you get it heaven? Only joking,what do I know I'm playing in a worship band but this new- to- me music doesn't come automatically like rock songs do. Gotta work at it and consistently listen to it. Not always easy!
Isn't it funny how excited I feel now that I watched this! Almost like when I get excited about buying gear... ehuummm.. those riffs from 2012 are starting to smell funny - time to get writing!
Great video! Something to always keep in check. Another good tip I learned is that just because it’s more expensive or well known piece of gear, it doesn’t mean it’s better.
Extremely relevant video! Especially to ambient guitar players. Although my GAS technically stopped when I bought an Empress ZOIA 6 months ago (with which I can imitate every cool weird experimental effect on it to my heart's content and have a lot of fun LEGO-ing them together) sometimes I still find myself watching too many pedal demos... 😆
Some excellent points here, although going off on That Pedal Show, which is one of the best musical entertainment channels on RUclips, was a little off-track. Everything else though was pretty much on point. We've all been there. I've not bought a pedal in a long time, but I still have 40 or so I need to sell. And at least 3 of my Suhrs, as I don't play them (I have 4 that I do play regularly, but I definitely don't need all 9)
One that helped me a lot too was...buying a mid range multiffects before buying more pedals, so you try all the effects to see if you really need an expensive pedal or you can live with cheap one, i was buying Fuzz and Distortion pedals like crazy but havng a lot of effects on a single unit helped me realize what i really needed.
Good video!!! To manage my GAS, I made a deal with myself a week or two ago: I can’t buy a new pedal until I record a musical “sketch” with the last pedal I bought. My problem is that I’m not using the pedals I have. And then I buy another, and I don’t use it either! The idea is to slow my acquisition rate to one pedal every two or three months instead of two or three (or four) pedals every month, and have some fun in the process.... and, you know, actually use them! :-)
Great tip! I would actually make a deal with myself of more than one sketch per new pedal, because if you write something new everyday, that can get worse ;-)
@@AntoineMichaudGuitarLooping :-) Pedals do most certainly deserve more than a single recording! In all seriousness, if I only use a pedal in a single recording, I have spent my money poorly and wasted the time of the people who design and build these great pedals.
Excellent video bro. I got myself delivered from GAS recently when I realized I should focus on MUSIC and using my gear better. My last purchase for a long time will be my KOT, which I had been waiting for a long time. I also recommend getting another passion, but now that I'm into astrophotography I'm spending money on cameras and lenses ;D
Excellent, thank you. The way I solved this was by agreeing with myself that I would only get a new piece of gear if I let go of something I already have. Now I've ended up with the pedalboard I want and need.
One tip I have is if you want to watch videos of gear, try watching videos/demos of gear you already own. You often find that it’s the reviewers demo that got your interested in it and revisiting stuff can really help.
It's very hard when you are full with adds in social media ... You need to be strong. I have this problem but i sold something to buy another thing" that's my statment" last week sold my hx stomp and buy a Cali 76 and a revival drive just have the pedals that i use if i dont use sold it. Great video.
The "Any benefit" mindset we've been sold through aggressive marketing is how we ended up living in this technopoly; pulling the lever of the digital slot machine with great excitement for the chance to obtain the elusive life-changing ______________ that's going to make us a success! Instead we lose money and the most valuable thing we have... TIME The system you've created and taken your decision to live by should be commended! I hope it inspires others to develop a system of their own.
Thanks Bob, I'm currently reading 'Digital Minimalism' right now after your recommendation and that's a great book. I agree that this 'any benefit' mindset is extremely toxic!
Love your comment about un-subbing from pedal channels. I'm not even a guitar player, and yet I'm subscribed to all these pedal channels. Great suggestion! I have 44 pedals currently, and four more on the way. Sigh. I finally set a new rule that I can only keep what fits on my Ikea pedal shelves. If I get something new, something has to go. I've been working on a huge musical, but non-composing project for the past four months. I think I started buying more gear because I'm not getting to write new music. I think I started buying lots of gear because I'm not actually getting to make music. Fortunately, I'm at the end now, so I can get back to writing new music instead of shopping for gear. I love your no. 7 goal too. My publisher will keep me accountable for my monthly album release now, so I can get back to my focus of writing instead of shopping. This is a great video. Thanks so much!!!
Losing your job also helps. It didn't happen because of G.A.S., but it is certainly a wake-up call that I have more pressing issues, and the situation motivated me to stop buying stuff when I am not even making any money, as a matter of principle before it becomes a matter of financial issues. It breaks the habit and hopefully I won't relapse.
I’m from Brazil! This problem exists here too much! And worse people don't have money to buy most boutique pedals and make astronomical debts because here everything that's foreign is worth five times! Congratulations on the video and courage.
Aloha from Hawaii 🏝️ I'm way ahead of this issue. Last year I decided to get a Cool inexpensive Amp with " built-in " effects; got me a Brand New Peavey Vyrpr VIP 2 40 Watt for only $249. I really like this Amp and the power & effects are there, don't need pedals which saves me hundreds of dollars. I only have a Boss Looper & TC Thunderstorm flanger I had BEFORE buying the Peavey and I hardly use them as the amp effects are enough. 🤩🤙🎸
I’ve recently started selling a great deal of my gear. It’s like it’s weighing me down. I got rid of recording equipment, guitars, amps, etc. And I still have a ton. My wife has been trying desperately to get me to play my gear that I own, which I do. But I spend countless hours on the internet looking up new gear. I bought a new guitar today! If I’m trying so hard to get rid of what’s weighing me down, why do I have this obsession to get more??? And now I’m not even happy. I mean, its a cool guitar and all but do I really need it? I was just getting happy with practicing with the gear I own. Thanks for the great video. Very helpful and informative. I think I’m going to watch it again and take notes.
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable. I'm working on another video that I want to release next month on the root causes of GAS, so I hope it will help understand the problem even better and how to get out of this cycle! Stay tuned
Having a Kemper I have all amps and effects I could ever dream having. And yet I only use 3 different sounds in it. No GAS for amps, pedals, cabs, etc etc. It's a big relief.
Thanks for the sincerity, I think that if I have the syndrome, and although it is not in its entirety, if your approach helps me a lot, your videos have helped me a lot in my exploration of sound
Great video. Thank you! I'm wrestling with GAS and am in the process of getting rid of tons of unneeded gear. The suggestion of unsubscribing to gear RUclips channels is a great one. I have noticed, though, that I also have to mark gear review videos that pop up in my feed as "Not Interested". RUclips's algorithms have learned my past browsing habits, so I am working on teaching RUclips to suggest musical content content and to not suggest gear-related content. 😂
I have absolutely every pedal... Except the hologram... And the chase bliss blooper, warped vinyl, and thermae but I promise that is absolute it... But in the meantime.. I'll be enjoying what I have . That's the end of my list.. 😁
I had to go through a lot of pedals /guitars and synths to find the ones I love. I would not appreciate the pedalboard and instruments I have now without giving in to GAS earlier on. Right now I KNOW what I like and don't like.
I lusted after pedals (not having any) but watched too many demos so could never decide what was right for me. BIAS FX 2 mobile fixed my Pedal G.A.S 😁 It also helped me to pin point what I would buy if I do go analogue. Time and money saved! My studio G.A.S... It's a work in progress. 😂
I'm already suscribed to you, Beato and Neely and I have a hard time lowering my G.A.S. :D And I Love TPS :D I mean was there ever a video as interesting as TPS featuring Ed O'Brien, for exemple ? And I love electronic circuits, I build and modify pedals and amps. So it's hard not to update constantly
Man...i just willingly clicked on an intervention.
Admitting we have the problem is the hardest part.
Honestly same
Bwahaha
you speak for everyone
Same here! :’O
The fact that you have so much free space on your pedalboard and not filling it up is a true sign that you cured of the syndrome. Well done
What cured it for me?
1. Moving to a new continent and prior to doing so, selling gear and taking the essentials only (this was painful at the time...of course)
2. Once I settled in the new destination, realising that I lived in a tiny room and it wasn't even worth unpacking all the gear cuz it simply didn't fit all at once
3. Playing with a practice amp and even unplugged at times. This made me improve my vibrato and touch since there wasn't a bunch of effects between me and the guitar
4. Spending time with gear that I already owned for years, reading the manuals and going through all the features. Why? I rediscovered that my gear was already great but I never noticed because I spent too much time browsing eBay instead of playing
5. Making a few very specific and necessary purchases once the space and financial situation improved: proper amp, first Les Paul, and a few cables that I needed
6. Going deep into the music rabbit hole rather than the gear one. Discovering new bands, new genres and listening closely to what each instrument is doing and when
Haven't had G.A.S for the last 4 years :)
thank you so much, for the tips Miguel.
in my case I've been playing since i was a kid, studied music... but now i have (80% of the time) almost no will to play... and that 20% of joyful playing goes to playing again songs i forgot i liked from Clapton to Jason Becker).
anyway i have more gear than i use, and i wonder if i should sell it all and buy one newer stuff OR keep it all OR sell some and keep some others.
Congrats ! Yeah practical aspects tend to lead to a minimalistic approach. Gear just takes too muh space.
I also did n°3 and 6 on this list. Perhaps that's what cured me. But I think also because I wasn't satisfied with the music I was composing at the time... Too bleak and dark. So I just put down notes of what could be bettered for each track and just left composition aside for a while and started to go out a bit, meet people in bars and have random discussions with strangers...
Maybe that's another way to cure the syndrom 😁
Very well said. I am currently spending time to learn how to get the most out of what I have instead of endless research into the things I don't have. I salute you!
DvdddcDNC’s c
This video is dead on. Every single point is true - both the symptoms and the rehab. Antoine you are wise beyond your years.
I got so much happier when I deleted the reverb app. I stopped thinking about what I don't have all the time and started actually playing my guitar
There was a point when I was opening my Reverb app every hour or two to check new pedal listings, even while I was at work.
@@thejontao maybe we need a dating app where you match based on pedalboards lol
@@michaelmiller237 LOL! We can all list our favorite demo artists and say thinks like "...tube screamer aficionados need not apply." :-) That's too perfect! In a couple weeks from now when Reverb launches their dating app, we'll know where they got the idea.
Ah, yes. The rabbit hole constantly beckons. Listen to your heart instead.
I really appreciate this video. For me the feelings I need to attack are like “I have an amp but it would sound better if I replaced it with amp”. In reality, once you have the basics covered. The biggest variability in your tone is how you play.
I used to have GAS but I realise it was healthy GAS, because now I have my dream pedalboard and haven’t felt the urge to buy a pedal for months. By buying and selling pedals for years I finally found what works best for me and now I don’t see many things changing. Thankfully I’m also super partial to Fender Mustang type guitars so there isn’t a wide range of guitars I want. Also love my Roland Jazz Chorus.
This is what I've been doing, getting there now!
I did the same. Built a great pedalboard and have a enough extra to pretty much cure GAS Prices also do that. Makes me want to sell some stuff. But I won't. If I need something I research it. Just put together a wireless I E M system for my worship band and had to really search out good deals on all the main pieces. So GAS research helped to keep prices down a little. Plus it's fun to know this stuff.
just take some gas X
“Creating a need” because you saw something...such a good observation! You were happy till you saw what you don’t have.
You are totally right on point with this video. Having played for over 50 years I have suffered from g a s all to often. First off when I started out playing there were 2 options: if you were poor like me you were stuck with used Tesco's or a harmony or some piece of crap. Then later on there were tons of decent affordable equipment. As I grew old and made a modest income I bought happiness by purchasing stuff I didn't need but like you stated here the excitement was in shopping and buying and then coming down after actually getting the gear! What every musician needs to do is spend that time, engery, and money on learning, practicing, and growing as a potential artist. Even if your never to become the next superstar it's all in the fingers. No pedal, amp, or guitar will sound good if the person playing it isn't well practiced and in touch with there unique take on making music.
It's the idea of getting something new that's interesting, when you finally get it, you just want something else. I have had real issues with this, so I try to remember why I wanted the things I have instead, and that helps! It's not always easy, but try to relive those feelings you had until you made your purchase.
Great perspective!
Antoine, you helped to remind me how attached I am to not just music gear, but things in general. Thank you bro good vibes here
I feel like this speaks to almost all purchases, not just guitar related. Great points! As a beginner, I research guitar gear just because I'm unfamiliar, but it does make me want all this stuff too. So I just add the item to my Sweetwater wishlist everytime I see something I might want and put it out if my mind. I have no business needing pedals or a bunch of guitars when I'm still learning the basics!
This is definitely one of the best videos in youtube. It lowers unnecessary anxiety that we can create sometimes. Thank you
I found your video without looking for it, and I didn't know that a GAS exists, but it helped me a lot! I had this situation buying synthesizers and everything you said, happened with me, and the less I had, the more music I was producing until I entered in a loop of checking more and more gear. Clearly one of my problems was social media, showing all the time people with more gear, and new gear coming, and that's poison. Not because is bad to buy gear, but because it kills your creativity taking you from that process and making you more anxious looking for more new gear. I was out of social media two years ago, and I was so productive making music, but when I got back to social media to be in touch with more artist and tutorials and things like that, I screwed up all my creative process. Thanks a lot for the video! Definitively it helped me and now I'm gonna focus only on making music with everything I have :)
STEP 8 - Bookmark this video, every time when the GAS comes, watch this video again
This comment must be fixed at the top. Perfect!!! And Antoine, thanks for the vídeo!
I was thinking the same thing.
It’s like you’ve peered into my skull and know everything, and told me word for word, all the first points. 💯 % true. Thank you.
I have GAS and its not even a joke. You have described my problem perfectly. It really affects me and I realise its a waste of my life and on top of all that im actually perfectly happy with my tone yet I keep coming back to GAS. Its like you where reading my mind when making this video. Every time i get GAS I’m going to watch this video from now on. Thank you for making this video. This is actually a serious problem of mine
Thank you, we all needed that
This really hit home for me man... I feel seen and exposed.
I am so happy guys to find this video and find all of you, the people that I can identify myself to and relate to.
I have discovered RUclips videos about gears, Rock and Metal trends in General end of 2019. I have never been that excited and I started to improve my understanding of great guitar tones. I have bought a lot. I spent so much money that it's not even decent to share... My guitar heroes switched from Kurt Cobain, Stone Gossard, Kirk Hammett, John Petrucci to Rabea Massaad, Ola Englund, Colin, Andy, Mick and Dan and so many others.
I have to be honest, I love the playing of these guys, Man these ambient tones of Rabea, the killer riffs of Ola... Absolutely love them. But...
I kept buying gears and kept experimenting and it was great.
One day I was holding my daughter hand to help her fall asleep and all I could think about was my new Wampler pedal or JHS pedal that was shipped to me.
The best moments of my weeks were not the moment where I sat with my wife and daughter. My best moments were the moments when they were out playing and I could unbox and start tweaking my new gear.
Everyday my phone was exploding of notifications from my favorite RUclipsrs about gear and I kept buying, buying, buying. It's awesome but recently I realized something.
15 years ago I had a folder in my DAW called ideas. It had almost 100 songs that I enjoyed playing and improved my guitar skilled. I had 1 guitar and the Line6 Pod 2.
Today with all these awesome tones, in almost 2 years I have like 5 songs in the idea folder.
It's a pity and I really feel that I have escaped from the everyday difficulties of family to the awesome world of guitar tones.
I decided to take a radical decision. I have sold my awesome pedalboard and I kept only 2 guitars and 2 guitar plugins.
I have unsubscribed from all guitar gear channels and turned to songwriting and pure music channels.
I really have a great feeling about it and I strongly believe that despite all the happiness I had buying gear and watching gear videos, controlling my passion feels a lot better than letting my passion controls me.
I will decide on few slots per week where I can play and jam with friends and work strongly for the right balance between RUclips, the guitar and my family.
I feel so good to share this here and it means the world to me that I am not alone in this.
Keep on Rockin guys and guitar 4ever 😁😊🤘🏻
Thanks for sharing your story. This felt very real, honest and self-aware! Wish you a lot of creativity :-)
@@AntoineMichaudGuitarLooping and thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak and share 😊 I really appreciate that you didn't judge me. Cheers 😎
This made my day! Absolutely perfect advice. Thank You so much Antoine!
I started watching videos / reading / researching about gear I already owned.. This got me that research fix while learning more and getting excited again about my own gear!
Excellent advice!
Great wise advice Antoine. G.A.S. "Got Another Subscriber" !
Well! I was listening to you and I was looking at myself in the mirror. I came to be more concerned with what to buy than with practicing and evolving as a musician. Unfortunately all RUclips channels only focus on gear. More art and Knowledge it's all we need! 🙂
That's what's unfortunate: gear sells the most. No wonder why there are so many gear channels - it's popular! I also have to make occasional gear demo videos in order to get more reach on my channel, and then, hopefully, get people to stick around more for my lessons, music and videos like this one.
@@AntoineMichaudGuitarLooping I wish you gave music lessons! Taught theory and fretboard knowledge. I’d buy that!
@Jose Delacerda Do you realize I have a website where I sell online courses? And that I'm talking about my free courses all the time on the channel? You should check that out :-) my course 'KORDZ Program' is all about fretboard knowledge of chords, which is my specialty.
This is very helpful! I always say that there's no known cure for G.A.S., you just deal with the symptoms when you have a flare - up.
This video has brought on some intense anxiety. I think I’ll have to buy a pedal to feel better jk! Thank you for this much needed video
Haha!
Absolutely spot on. I needed this. I missed a week playing which isn't like me. Looking for pickups. I want to build up one guitar and keep one for backup and sell off the rest.
Hi I’m using my husband’s account to write this, this is the most beautiful and educational video I have heard. Thank you💙 this is what I have been trying to say for years and you have explained everything in this video and he understands and is taking the advice. And just found out your French which is awesome!! I work in mental health and this video should be worldwide to help more people with this unique situation. And totally sharing. Much love and be safe out there💙
The suggested diagnostic criteria are spot on, and great treatment plan. I will especially heed step 7. Thanks!
I have a rule where I can only buy pedals if they’re used. It instantly takes all the brand new hot pedals off the table, and means I’m looking for things I actually need based on the stock that’s out there. Wouldn’t work for every music style, but definitely fits for how I want to play.
Well said indeed my friend! Im currently in gear acquisition mode and i am very aware of this issue. I am however buying pedals very carefully and selecting ones that i have been shy to get in my lifetime as a guitarist and bass player. Im going to be checking out your tutorials. thanks!
Thanks for this video. Funny that you should mention Rick Beato's videos. As I'm watching this, RUclips is offering me one of his titled "Confessions of a Gear Head: My Struggle with Gear Acquisition Syndrome". Too funny!
Hi.
Grateful for the video.
I really did and still have G.A.S. Today I can say that I am much more controlled, critically analyzing the need to have this or that equipment.
The worst of G.A.S. it is the distance you get from what is most important, making music.
Thanks again.
Cheers from Brazil
I was just wondering the other day how many hours during the pandemic I’ve spent watching gear reviews and finding the next “magic” pedal I’m not sure why I need. I have six overdrive pedals now. That’s enough, I think.
Man, did I need this right now! Thank you
I learned about this by accident on a reddit thread about buying too much audio gear. I knew I had a problem, but I didn't really know it was a kind of condition where we can let it get out of control. Thanks for your help!
You are spot on with this video mate. And we are always wanting more lol
If I can just add to this, it’s great coming from the perspective of someone who has all the expensive pedals and guitars. Most of us have to sell one pedal/guitar to buy another if it doesn’t float your boat or wasn’t what you expected. GAS isn’t necessarily a problem, it can be part of the process of finding what works.
I get what you're saying. I think it still circles back to Step 1: make a list. If you want expensive pedals but can't afford them, you CAN buy a more affordable pedal for now while you're saving up for something better, but you still have a calculated plan and you're not just swapping gear for no reason. And the most important part of the equation that people rarely mention is: don't prevent yourself from making music while you're waiting for better gear. If someone has GAS, but they're making plenty of music, good for them! But if all you do is think about gear, and making music and practicing is not even a part of your MUSIC hobby anymore, then that's a problem!
I was just allowing myself to slip into this affliction. I think I'll get it under control before it takes hold any more! Good advice.
I confess I’ve been a victim of gas, and in some degree I still are. I’m slowly recovering and the things I really crave for are less and less. On the positive I have now an amazing, for me, guitar and pedals collection. Proud of it but I paid the price, literally, for it.
Currently in GAS recovery. This helps. Thanks :)
That was brutal- and absolutely true!
Thank you
Now I want Strymon pedals. Thanks.
Also I have 14 guitars I've started donating them to this church in Laguna Beach I skipped the selling process and am just giving em away.. (not em all)
Right on!
On a mission from God.
WOW What a nice guy. Will that help you get it heaven? Only joking,what do I know I'm playing in a worship band but this new- to- me music doesn't come automatically like rock songs do. Gotta work at it and consistently listen to it. Not always easy!
that’s sick
Isn't it funny how excited I feel now that I watched this! Almost like when I get excited about buying gear... ehuummm.. those riffs from 2012 are starting to smell funny - time to get writing!
or just loving the beauty in what your hearing, and how that sound makes you feel
Great video! Something to always keep in check. Another good tip I learned is that just because it’s more expensive or well known piece of gear, it doesn’t mean it’s better.
People all have different needs, so a 'universal better pedal' does not exist. Great point!
Wow you talked me out of that second hand guitar I was convinced I needed to buy this weekend
Great video! I always wanted to play Andy Othling’s Ambient song #22 but I needed a multi channel looper. That’s why I bought the Boomerang! 😎
Extremely relevant video! Especially to ambient guitar players. Although my GAS technically stopped when I bought an Empress ZOIA 6 months ago (with which I can imitate every cool weird experimental effect on it to my heart's content and have a lot of fun LEGO-ing them together) sometimes I still find myself watching too many pedal demos... 😆
Some excellent points here, although going off on That Pedal Show, which is one of the best musical entertainment channels on RUclips, was a little off-track. Everything else though was pretty much on point. We've all been there. I've not bought a pedal in a long time, but I still have 40 or so I need to sell. And at least 3 of my Suhrs, as I don't play them (I have 4 that I do play regularly, but I definitely don't need all 9)
Prince used the same pedals for at least 30 YEARS , mostly Boss.
Prince was actually a good guitarist. I suck!
@@sashafury2422 like that mattered at all. The guy has a legacy, a world renowned artist with a huge musical archive. Tones lol
@@sashafury2422 Listen to the song Dreamer, great tone🎸🤟👍
When there’s nothing left to buy...you’re cured!
Trying effects has been fun. Selling the ones I don't want has been difficult. The struggle is real.
You changed my life for the better,thanks
super good advice. it's an addiction like so many others, and that no one seems to talk about. thanks!
One that helped me a lot too was...buying a mid range multiffects before buying more pedals, so you try all the effects to see if you really need an expensive pedal or you can live with cheap one, i was buying Fuzz and Distortion pedals like crazy but havng a lot of effects on a single unit helped me realize what i really needed.
Good video!!!
To manage my GAS, I made a deal with myself a week or two ago: I can’t buy a new pedal until I record a musical “sketch” with the last pedal I bought.
My problem is that I’m not using the pedals I have. And then I buy another, and I don’t use it either!
The idea is to slow my acquisition rate to one pedal every two or three months instead of two or three (or four) pedals every month, and have some fun in the process.... and, you know, actually use them! :-)
Great tip! I would actually make a deal with myself of more than one sketch per new pedal, because if you write something new everyday, that can get worse ;-)
@@AntoineMichaudGuitarLooping :-) Pedals do most certainly deserve more than a single recording! In all seriousness, if I only use a pedal in a single recording, I have spent my money poorly and wasted the time of the people who design and build these great pedals.
Excellent video bro. I got myself delivered from GAS recently when I realized I should focus on MUSIC and using my gear better. My last purchase for a long time will be my KOT, which I had been waiting for a long time. I also recommend getting another passion, but now that I'm into astrophotography I'm spending money on cameras and lenses ;D
Excellent, thank you. The way I solved this was by agreeing with myself that I would only get a new piece of gear if I let go of something I already have. Now I've ended up with the pedalboard I want and need.
Great method, Lorenzo!
I needed/need this haha.
The ironic thing is that the video also made me miss my Boomerang that I sold just like a month ago 😂
Whyyyy😅😅😅
Don't worry, it'll come back....
@@adamlitchfield3371 haha.
One tip I have is if you want to watch videos of gear, try watching videos/demos of gear you already own. You often find that it’s the reviewers demo that got your interested in it and revisiting stuff can really help.
Excellent advice!
Just bought an Ottobit Jr. after going on a spree the past two months and this was the first video on my feed when I opened YT. Thanks. 😂
😂
This video can save my life! Thanks for it, guy!
Je me suis reconnu à chaque étape ! Merci Antoine pour la prise de conscience et pour ces super bons conseils. il n’y a plus qu’à mettre en pratique !
I need to rewatch this video. Over and over
I just rewatched it. Still very helpful.
Great video... so thru....thanks Charles....
It's very hard when you are full with adds in social media ... You need to be strong. I have this problem but i sold something to buy another thing" that's my statment" last week sold my hx stomp and buy a Cali 76 and a revival drive just have the pedals that i use if i dont use sold it. Great video.
I also listen to you before going to buy a pedal. As you are always spot on. Well I think so anyway.
The "Any benefit" mindset we've been sold through aggressive marketing is how we ended up living in this technopoly; pulling the lever of the digital slot machine with great excitement for the chance to obtain the elusive life-changing ______________ that's going to make us a success! Instead we lose money and the most valuable thing we have... TIME
The system you've created and taken your decision to live by should be commended! I hope it inspires others to develop a system of their own.
Thanks Bob, I'm currently reading 'Digital Minimalism' right now after your recommendation and that's a great book. I agree that this 'any benefit' mindset is extremely toxic!
@@AntoineMichaudGuitarLooping Great to hear you picked it up. The author Cal Newport has another great book called Deep Work. Enjoy!
Great video! I’m gonna have to watch this multiple times to remind myself!
Love your comment about un-subbing from pedal channels. I'm not even a guitar player, and yet I'm subscribed to all these pedal channels. Great suggestion! I have 44 pedals currently, and four more on the way. Sigh. I finally set a new rule that I can only keep what fits on my Ikea pedal shelves. If I get something new, something has to go. I've been working on a huge musical, but non-composing project for the past four months. I think I started buying more gear because I'm not getting to write new music. I think I started buying lots of gear because I'm not actually getting to make music. Fortunately, I'm at the end now, so I can get back to writing new music instead of shopping for gear. I love your no. 7 goal too. My publisher will keep me accountable for my monthly album release now, so I can get back to my focus of writing instead of shopping. This is a great video. Thanks so much!!!
It’s hard to play guitar when I’m trying to work so I’ll stick with the gear videos. 🙂
Losing your job also helps. It didn't happen because of G.A.S., but it is certainly a wake-up call that I have more pressing issues, and the situation motivated me to stop buying stuff when I am not even making any money, as a matter of principle before it becomes a matter of financial issues. It breaks the habit and hopefully I won't relapse.
Merci man. Je savait que javez un probleme. Ton video me confirmer
I’m from Brazil! This problem exists here too much! And worse people don't have money to buy most boutique pedals and make astronomical debts because here everything that's foreign is worth five times! Congratulations on the video and courage.
Learn to make your own pedals
It is almost as if I have just awoken from some terrible nightmare...
Aloha from Hawaii 🏝️
I'm way ahead of this issue. Last year I decided to get a Cool inexpensive Amp with " built-in " effects; got me a Brand New Peavey Vyrpr VIP 2 40 Watt for only $249. I really like this Amp and the power & effects are there, don't need pedals which saves me hundreds of dollars.
I only have a Boss Looper & TC Thunderstorm flanger I had BEFORE buying the Peavey and I hardly use them as the amp effects are enough.
🤩🤙🎸
The idea of getting a new piece… man, that one’s the worst! Thanks for the tips, compadre!
I’ve recently started selling a great deal of my gear. It’s like it’s weighing me down. I got rid of recording equipment, guitars, amps, etc. And I still have a ton. My wife has been trying desperately to get me to play my gear that I own, which I do. But I spend countless hours on the internet looking up new gear. I bought a new guitar today! If I’m trying so hard to get rid of what’s weighing me down, why do I have this obsession to get more??? And now I’m not even happy. I mean, its a cool guitar and all but do I really need it? I was just getting happy with practicing with the gear I own. Thanks for the great video. Very helpful and informative. I think I’m going to watch it again and take notes.
Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable. I'm working on another video that I want to release next month on the root causes of GAS, so I hope it will help understand the problem even better and how to get out of this cycle! Stay tuned
My GAS (guitar wise) stopped when I picked up a Gibson 335. I've learned a lot on it and can't put it down.
Having a Kemper I have all amps and effects I could ever dream having.
And yet I only use 3 different sounds in it.
No GAS for amps, pedals, cabs, etc etc. It's a big relief.
Thanks for the sincerity, I think that if I have the syndrome, and although it is not in its entirety, if your approach helps me a lot, your videos have helped me a lot in my exploration of sound
Really great advice. Like seriously spot on good ideas.
100% agree! Thank you for putting words on this shit.
Great video. Thank you! I'm wrestling with GAS and am in the process of getting rid of tons of unneeded gear. The suggestion of unsubscribing to gear RUclips channels is a great one. I have noticed, though, that I also have to mark gear review videos that pop up in my feed as "Not Interested". RUclips's algorithms have learned my past browsing habits, so I am working on teaching RUclips to suggest musical content content and to not suggest gear-related content. 😂
This is probably the healthiest RUclips video I’ve ever watched.
I have absolutely every pedal... Except the hologram... And the chase bliss blooper, warped vinyl, and thermae but I promise that is absolute it... But in the meantime.. I'll be enjoying what I have . That's the end of my list.. 😁
6:48 I got introduced to Darkglass Alpha Omega by Rick Beato and got obsession on the brand ever since
Hit the nail on the head. Great video.
I had to go through a lot of pedals /guitars and synths to find the ones I love.
I would not appreciate the pedalboard and instruments I have now without giving in to GAS earlier on.
Right now I KNOW what I like and don't like.
I'm literally watching a gear demo on the other tab...This has GOT TO STOP!!!
lmao
thank you for this. I really needed to hear it. Very true all of it.
Thank you for this. I really needed to hear it. I’m ready to admit I have a problem.
I lusted after pedals (not having any) but watched too many demos so could never decide what was right for me. BIAS FX 2 mobile fixed my Pedal G.A.S 😁 It also helped me to pin point what I would buy if I do go analogue. Time and money saved!
My studio G.A.S... It's a work in progress. 😂
Forgot to thank you for the video! 🙏🏽
Thanks, I really appreciate it!
Excellent. Very helpful.
Released a video on this a few weeks back! Great points and couldn’t agree more
I will check it out!
So pleased that I found this video.
I'm already suscribed to you, Beato and Neely and I have a hard time lowering my G.A.S. :D And I Love TPS :D I mean was there ever a video as interesting as TPS featuring Ed O'Brien, for exemple ? And I love electronic circuits, I build and modify pedals and amps. So it's hard not to update constantly
Great video! But now I want to get some of the stuff you've showed there for the last 15 minutes in your board 🤣