What instrument/gear to get- to gain inspiration?!

[Erlend_G]

Hello guys;

I've been saving up some money now, while I'm "stuck in a rut", and feel like getting a new instrument/some cool gear could help me out.

-I got around 500USD; I play electric/acoustic guitars, electric bass, some keys and percussion. I live alone, in an apartment; with (unfortunately) limited chances of finding jam/band mates etc.


I already got several good electric and acoustic guitars & amps;- but no bass guitar, no keys- and no good recording unit.

Sorry for this post being a bit "messy and stupid",

but if you had 500USD, and wanted something to help one to play, compose and get a happier musicians life. What would you do?

thanks,
-Erlend ♪

[Securb]

I would think a good recording unit would be the way to go. You can get a Presonus starter kit for $149 well below your budget. You would even have money left over for a Harley Benton bass if you would like

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/presonus-audiobox-itwo-studio?pfm=arecs+J13663000000000+CVV+MFWPDPT+2

[Erlend_G]

Thanks for the reply Securb.

My uncle really wanted me to invest in a Tascam hardware recording unit, - the same that he bought for his home studio. We've had long discussions back-and-forth on what is the best solution; reording on PC/USB interface, or on a hardware unit. He's lucky to have both a PC and his Tascam for recording; but I "only" got an old Boss Micro BR.

I once owned a Zoom R8, which was very very nice- apart from that the faders/build quality felt like a chinese childrens toy.

-Though, without inspiration, there is nothing to record. :/.

Something makes me think, that a new instrument could help me back into playing more. I don't have a fretted bass; and I've fallen in love with the cheap Hofner violin basses- 240`? euros, + taxes and all, from Thomann. . I play bass guitar in church/worship music; so , it wouldn't be the worst investment to do.

I dream about having a similar studio/situation as I had in my late teens- Then my apartment/livingroom was stuffed with gear and equipment. Not just mine, but the entire band's. I could with ease record and produce about "anything" that came to mind- but I also remember it was so stupid-; that when I had everything I needed to make the music; the inspiration was gone.

...

Sorry for all the rambling. I would have gotten a Behringer/Steinberg USB interface in a hurry, if it hadn't been for ; that my experiences with recording on PC are turning me off. I wish I could "buy a band" and be happy , ... but, he he.

What I "really should have done"; was to leave this barren land of North Norway, and seek success in ...eh... the netherlands? . But, a bit late now. I gotta make the best of what I got, and what is possible.

[GuitarStv]

The most important gear for getting out of being stuck in a rut to me is a good instructional book to work through, playing out more with friends, or learning a new song. Gear is a nice to have, but as long as you've got a guitar you like that plays well then your time is better spent working on actual music rather than shopping.

[uOpt]

Sounds like a fretted bass might be the ticket here.

[DCikes88]

Hi Erlend.
$500 won't get you a "pro-studio" setup ofcourse, but it will get you a very decent USB audio interface, a mic or two, maybe a fun pedal, and a very good bass-guitar, fretted or otherwise.
I don't know how's the local scene so far up north, but combining thomann and some good used gear maybe, spending $500 should be a sweet worry.

For example, I've spent about half that (~$300) on a new MOTU M2 interface, a used Cort SP-PB P-bass copy, a Tusq nut, some strings and misc cables.

Happy spending, and report back with your spoils!

[solspirit]

Take your instruments to your uncles house. Being without them will inspire the hell out of you and give you a renewed appreciation of them.

[Erlend_G]

Take your instruments to your uncles house. Being without them will inspire the hell out of you and give you a renewed appreciation of them.

good idea!! ... actually;

.. i remember the one time; I was booked with a/my band, to play a gig. After the show, the situation got messed up, and I was left wandering around Tromsų city alone, with our guitarists' guitar in my hands. Being full of dope and alcohol; I found no other solution, than to leave the guitar in a..eh... spot, where I guess the guitarist would find it...

so I took the bus home, high as F***; and then spent several weeks sitting in my couch, regretting that I didn't bring his guitar home. Cause I really, really wanted to play. :/ .

..

It's real possible that I'll do just what you suggested!! Sitting here and watching guitars that doesn't get played, sounds most like an unsucessful marriage..

. I might get a cheap little accordion though! =). They are fun, and shouldn't be too hard to learn to play.

-E

[alex1fly]

If you don't have a modeler, get something Line 6. You can get a newer unit for $500ish or even an old kidney bean POD for under $100. I find tons of inspiration by scrolling presets in a modeler.

[Mincer]

I usually get some softsynths, and start making weird sounds. Then I try to mimic them on guitar.

[Demanic]

Been thinking about taking up the bagpipes.

https://youtu.be/HXm8JdC4k4c

Sent from my SM-A115A using Tapatalk

[solspirit]

good idea!! ... actually;

.. i remember the one time; I was booked with a/my band, to play a gig. After the show, the situation got messed up, and I was left wandering around Tromsų city alone, with our guitarists' guitar in my hands. Being full of dope and alcohol; I found no other solution, than to leave the guitar in a..eh... spot, where I guess the guitarist would find it...

so I took the bus home, high as F***; and then spent several weeks sitting in my couch, regretting that I didn't bring his guitar home. Cause I really, really wanted to play. :/ .

..

It's real possible that I'll do just what you suggested!! Sitting here and watching guitars that doesn't get played, sounds most like an unsucessful marriage..

. I might get a cheap little accordion though! =). They are fun, and shouldn't be too hard to learn to play.

-E

Accordions are awesome. Keys are cool too.

[Demanic]

Then there's this https://youtu.be/cLu9GmV2vF0

Sent from my SM-A115A using Tapatalk

[nexion218]

Or learn some new technique, chord or song. Something that you wouldn't normally play. I'll take 100 for the advice, you get to keep 400. Win-win.

[Erlend_G]

I've come to a deal with my old band members, from our project Spotbang Quartet/Trio- to begin playing together,
-and maybe produce an album! Since the other guys are often busy with work and personal life (and I'm a bohemian), we have agreed on trying to play together one weekend/month .

I guess there is no replacement for playing with other people/friends,- atleast for me. What I personally like most about music- the second you put down your guitar, it's silence. Nothing is harmed, nothing is done. :/ .... I'd be more than happy to live a life, 24/7 with a band/musical setting. But now, I'm 32; and bordering on asking WTF I'm doing here on Tellur.



I just browsed some... "previously unknown" norwegian webshops; and well- there is alot of nice stuff to be had; for 500USD.

First off, I'm going to get a birthday present for our rhythm-guitarist/driver ; who's 33 in a few weeks. I want to get him a proper 10-band EQ; since- I found thats the stuff that makes "any" amp/guitar setup sound better

-E