Times are tough, no doubt. We all feel it in some way, whether directly or indirectly. We have to make purchases wisely, buy things that last, require little upkeep and provide long term benefits. Hey, I just described guitars!!
Let’s face it, we all need things to do, things to entertain us, things to take us out of our workaday world and put a smile on our face. We could buy new TV’s but in a couple of years they’ll be needing replaced and upgraded and honestly, the quality of what goes on those TV’s is not all it could be. We could buy video game systems. Sure, those are lots of fun until you play out a game and need another to occupy you at an average of $50 a piece. Those systems, if they last, aren’t worth a whole lot down the road and the support and new games dwindle each year because the new model will be out and ready for you to start all over again. Ever try to sell an old system? That $300 and $50 games are worth pennies down the road.
Don’t get me wrong, I watch TV, I play video games. But I also play guitar, have for over 30 years and plan on it for at least 30 more. A good guitar will last decades with minimal upkeep. Also, remember there is no end to what you can do with a guitar (or other musical instrument). And your choices of features and styles are near limitless. Even in the low budget realm you can find something for every taste.
Recently a rep sent me a letter written by a musician on the importance of music. Often we tend to take the idea of music and downgrade it to a mere hobby or simple pastime. And for many, it is just that. But consider the importance music plays in your life, whether you play or not, how often you turn to music, how often music comes into play. How much better is a movie because of the music score. How much better is your drive to work with some music on? In this letter, the writer tells how he was living in Manhattan the day of Sept. 11. He goes on to mention that the very first public event in New York was a music concert. Music was part of the healing, not a football game, not a video game challenge. Music.
You have to choose wisely when you spend. You have to pick value, longevity, benefits. I sure other industries could state their case more elegantly but I don’t think any could win against the value of creating music. Ask any musician and they’ll tell you the same.
