I’ve been dipping my toes into the pedal and desktop synth world more recently. It’s been a lot of fun researching and finding some candidates for the desktop stand I recently designed and built.
On the stand I currently have a Strymon NightSky, UAFX Del-Verb, a Korg Volca FM2 and Keys. I also have an Adrenalinn II pedal that I used way back when I played in a band called Lout. I was never really a pedal guy.
That’s a fun little playground to work with and create some new sounds and tunes.
So why did I find myself looking at a new desktop synth yesterday? That just seems dumb and a little premature. I haven’t nearly explored many of the possibilities that these 4 great pieces of equipment can offer. Embarrassingly I’ve only probably spent a total of 4 – 5 hours working with them.
So why does this happen? I can’t speak for you but the best I can figure for myself is:
- I would like to have more time to explore and create.
- I have other music and non-music things that need my attention.
- When I do get to my time for writing music I try to get as much “finished” as possible so time playful exploration doesn’t happen freely.
- This lack of time to explore mixed with a desire to write more makes me want to “buy” some creativity i.e. the time I’m not getting to be playful
- I buy the gear, get excited, use it a bit, excitement wanes and … I’m looking at another reverb pedal
The Takeaway: There is a proverb in the Bible that says “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23). Using some creative license I feel this is applicable to the retail therapy situation.
Spending the time with the gear you have, putting in the time to create and be playful with it (toil) will yield a far more satisfying reward (profit). Buying more and more gear as a substitute will literally empty out your wallet/purse/European carry-all and won’t give you the deep satisfaction that you’re really craving.
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