"Click here for a complete overview..." -> *_click_* -> "There is, quite literally, too much great stuff to list... Sign up with your email address" :( So there's no way to get a list without signing up for a marketing service?
@@RonSwansonIsMyGod Yes totally agree with this. The pendulum has so shifted to "gear lust" (check out Telekom Electronic Beats channel) at the expense of "creative lust"- breaking new artistic ground with minimal gear is rarely discussed or promoted. Punk, Acid, Techno. Drum & Bass etc etc all came about from creative expression based on cheap available gear. I think Brian Eno is leading the pack again with his in the box software approach these days. Using things like scripting in Logic X and generative software is really interesting. Sorry to be a bit preachy - just an opinion !
It’s called mid life realignment.. it happened when I turned 50 ... declutter my life and kept things simple. Even gave things away. I began to look at life differently.
I had this Ibanez guitar that for a long time was played often. But, it was meant for speed and metal, which I don’t play, so it wasn’t played for years. A friend’s son was becoming quite skilled and one day I decided to give it to him. It was a bit painful. I had a lot of memories in that guitar. But one fine day the kid’s band came to town opening for a really big band and I went with his dad to see him play. First song ... there was my old guitar! That made me so happy! I hope this happens with you too.
I know the feeling! I have built a synth collection during the past 25 years myself. I do use most of them in my music all the time, but some can sit on the shelf unused for years. But there's an even bigger moral dilemma in this for me: I have an active RU-vid channel, where I feature myself performing with my huge synth collection, and I feel that I'm giving people the wrong message. You definitely don't need tons of gear to make great music! As society is going people are just buying more unnecessary stuff, which puts an even greater burden on the planet's resources. In addition, there has lately been a recent surge in the availability of new, cheap synthesizers, making the temptation stronger than ever for electronic musicians to buy instruments they don't necessarily need. Rumors are that you can't even get spare parts to these new cheap synths, meaning that they will likely end up as waste much sooner than the more expensive modern or even vintage synths (that many 3rd part enthusiasts provide new spare parts for). Many also have a problem with their personal economy and consume more than they can afford to. So I congratulate you on your decision! You give a great example to the many musicians that look up to you. Hopefully, it will convince a few that less is indeed more. I could never do it, but I really need to think about the message I'm relaying...
I don't think it arises in mind, but in heart, as I see it. For me at least, the burden of having too much gear came also about a year ago. And it came as sensation that there is something wrong here. I looked around and felt that I am buried under too many synths. My psychiatrist told me that all great decisions come from within and then mind forms some explanation. And so my GAS stopped, I have one more thing to buy and that will be SSL X-Desk to give me limits to all my fixed synths and one channel for my modular (which I limit to four cases, selling all overflow modules). When you will feel that it is time to sell you gear, there will be no other way. As for your impact - don't put it on your shoulders. I think that most people are gassing because of totally different reason. I could write a lot about those reason. Let's just say, that it is not amount of gear that some famous musician has or displays. In short: it comes from expectations and ignorance or lack of experience. Regarding resources and consumerism: it is hard to draw universal line. Collecting gear sure looks like one. But heading into music production also requires more gear than simple singing or acoustic guitar playing. My nonscientific hypothesis is that what is right for us, is to learn how to listen to your heart and then follow it. Love should be ultimate target. ;-]
Hey Kebu, totally agree with you. But I think it is a general problem, buy more than needed, obsolescence chips, and so on. I have just a small studio, but I have always to stop myself to buy new shit I don't need. Btw. I really love your music, keep the spirit😍😍
Kebu if we didn’t have people like you who use vintage synths , then we wouldn’t have the great music that you compose and play live . We can’t let these beautiful vintage synths go too waste , after all they are history . Even if you don’t use them all , they won’t break if you don’t use them much . Keep up your amazing channel . If you could only have a couple of synths what would they be and would you get a new synth or would it be vintage ?
you need less = new Gen i7 Mac + software or 80ies polysynth, 00's monosynth, 90ies rompler, 90 sequencer. New computer versus reusing of older gear that may've ended up as ewaste
Good point. I can think of two things I ought to sell straight away: the Proteus/1 that I settled-for instead of saving a bit more for a U220, and the uninspiring Boutique JP-08 despite its cute little faders (I seem to be the only person who actually likes them).
Why not rent it or open a little music school with it where kids can have the benefits of hardware gear?? We will hopefully face a prosper post COVID time. This collection is YOU. I think a lot Young People would appreciate participating in your knowledge. Just my two cents! ✌🏽🎹
There's really not a lot you can teach young students on old collector grade equipment.. Everything worth teaching can be taught on a modern PC that would probably be 1/4 the price of the vintage hardware. Collections aren't people.. I've recently (most likely) lost my entire record collection.. Those records aren't me.. My enjoyment of the music I had is me.
Some of my best techno came from the use of a Juno 106 keyboard, Roland R8 mk2 drum machine, Alesis MMT-8 sequencer and my Tascam 688 8 track cassette recorder. Back in the 90’s Detroit techno was all about minimal. I still feel that way today. It’s not the gear you own, it’s what you do with the gear that matters. When you’re limited, you tend to be more creative. With that impulse, your sound becomes more personal. You’re rig is what defines you. I couldn’t imagine owning or hoarding all that gear. I’d be lost and overwhelmed. Out of all that gear you have, I’d pick the Jupiter 8, I’ve always wanted a Jupiter 8 but could never afford one.
This is something I appreciated about The Prodigy and the tools they used to make their music. From every album they were almost always using commodity synths, samplers or software. There was no esoteric modular eurorack system.
I really recognize your motivation for selling your gear. I'm afraid though that it will end up in the hands of collectors, who will not use it, because the people who would use it a lot cannot afford it. Maybe just start with selling the gear that you've used the least and see how that feels. I agree with others here that you might regret selling some of the great rare gear.
This summer I got almost bankrupt (because of the corona-stockmarket crash) so I had to leave my home country and move to my girlfriend in England, because I couldn't pay the rent anymore. I had to sell all my instruments and gear. All of it. I got depressed and felt so empty. Then one day, my girlfriend came home with a cheap Gear4Music-guitar for me. That was the happiest moment for me of getting an instrument in my entire music life. Selling all your gear feels bad, but also relieving. You can start off again, just like old times. You feel more fresh. And for the first time, you know exactly what you need that's important for your upcoming music-gear. Music-life shall return!
This is so interesting on several levels. I too remember picking up Moogs for $70 when they were out of fashion, I once got a Juno 60 in good condition for $50. But more importantly, I understand philosophically what he means by walking into the studio, feeling overwhelmed with the choices, and feeling bad for not using some of this classic gear more. I look around my studio at some of the great synths and samplers I have collected that I would have used 24 hours a day as a kid and feel bad sometimes they go unused for a while. I used to do a lot more buying and selling, and I still have more than I need, but I will say everything is hooked up, gets used, and has been on at least one record. All of that said, the vintage synth and gear market has to be at an all time high, not a bad time to get out.
I'm excited for this new turn you're taking on! I had to do the same with most of my gear in my old studio. I put tons away and sold even more. It was such a weight lifted off of me. The biggest notice i've had is mental clarity and focus while making music now. But you don't need me to tell you know, you know the world of constraints :)
Interesting indeed. Being a 5U modular guy, I will be most looking forward to how your modular wall is divided up. Phew, that will be work for someone. All the best!
Hi Junkie XL. Nice move, I feel the same now, choice paralysis, I have been studying classical piano for 3 years, doing shows with different gear every time, I had sold all my studio gear in 2008 but then I had an inheritance and the pandemic isolation enticed me to buy gear again, I don’t have as mulch as you of course but it can still be a burden especially when things break down and take up space in my 1 bedroom apartment. The fact that you can sample all this gear before selling it (I always do that) will give you a magnificent super producer killer library ! I am from Montreal Canada. Cheers !
Don't do it Mr. Junkie, you will regret it, big time. I know because I've done it many times myself and ended up re-buying almost all I've sold at a higher price. This crisis is tough on every one. Hold on tight, will be better soon. Don't do it.
AS a guitarist with guitaritis I understand the feeling of guilt. I got some great guitars I maybe played once... It's like with clothes, 80 percent of the time you wear 20 percent of your wardrobe. But when I see an instrument I like, and I fall in love I GOT to have it, even though I do not NEED it. I own a Gretsch I bought 13 years ago, such a beautiful instrument, but I just played it a few times. When I see that guitar in my studio every day I feel guilty. But they are all like my kids, I just cant part with them... So, I swallow the guilt, and take the loss... Greetings from the homeland, Tom!
Woow first you've built the ultimate collection, and now you're selling it... I can't imagine a more "full circle" feeling then this. Wat een baas ben jij zeg Tom!
Did the same thing when I relocated. Decided to sell all my hardware - lot's of cool stuff I had collected over the years - synths, drum machines etc. Was hard at first, but after you sell the first piece it gets easy.
My first thought it was because many people are cleaning house and leaving California to work remotely in a cheaper state. I know a couple composers doing that now as we speak. Hope to pick up something on the 9th :)
Man I feel that. Sold all my Yamaha Reface months ago because I'm not using it enough, glad the new owner actually a full time musician and make a better use of it than sitting under my desk all the time.
@Tom I know exactly how that feels. Why? Because i got rid of my small studio 3 times. Gave away instruments to people who were in need. Yes also i walked into the room and could not give the instruments the time i felt they needed. We were staring at eachother so to say, and only i could make a choice. Over the past 3 years i got new gear. All second hand, and i prommised myself only to touch them when i emotionally feel i need to connect with the world through music. Music is emotional connection. Wonderful in its energie and truly a state of honesty.
I collected RCA ribbon microphones for many years and had them sonically restored where needed. I used them for recording and they brought me great joy, but after a while I Started using more condenser microphones In my recordings. The ribbon microphones just stayed in their cases and aside from a few favorites. They eventually were just never used so one day I just sold them all to good homes. I didn’t look back, and continued on recording. Thank you for your video
My first own synthesizer was a Roland D20, which stood next to a Jupiter-8, which cost less than half of the money. For piano-pads i connected the D20 via Midi with a JX8P and so morphing was born. 🤘😀
Excellent choice! Less things screaming at you every day means less stress and more mental freedom. Did the same thing last December - still don't regret it a bit.
You just made me cry on the inside sir. You spoke with such care of a father giving out his daughter in marriage, however this one means that you will never get to see these awesome gears again. Thanks again sir. I live in Nigeria, so I don't think it will cheaper for me to request a buy. I hope, like you said, those gears find new good homes
It's a good call! I went through a divorce a few years back and I had to sell so much gear. At the time, it really hurt, but now that it is gone, I don't miss any of it.
As a photographer it's a good idea to occasionally to put down the digital and take an old film camera out for a spin. The 'disadvantage' of having a limited number of shots, the lack of an instant review and the (eventual) high cost of processing makes you concentrate on the composition and keeps you from just firing away knowing that you will get at least one good shot. Use what you have wisely. The limitations WILL enhance your creativity. Having said that we're all gear junkies though. Despite having a DX7S I still had to grab myself a Volca FM!
4:51 Are you absolutely sure that you feel bad because of this ? Nowaday everyone feels bad ! Think twice, you have a relationship with each one of your instrument, be sure you won't regret any of them
I mean, realistically you have to part will all your things at some point. Better to do it while you're still alive, decide who deserves it, and appreciate that it's getting put to good use. I feel really good when I pass on something I've had for a while & see that another person is grateful to give it new home, rather than have it end up in the junk.
This topic kind of reminds me of how so many people will buy 'a' or even multiple classic cars to restore and it sits in their yard for 25 years and they die never having done anything with it. It would be better to either jump in and do it or sell the things, but I think they keep them as a dream more than anything. Honestly it's kinda sad. For me, my life motto is "only own what I use" everything else I get rid of, it makes for an efficient life and I don't have to upkeep or store a bunch of crap I don't use.
I'm imagining one of two announcements in the coming months: a) A spanking new setup including the likes of the Moog One, Quantum, Prophet 10, ... or b) an exclusive deal with Behringer with a studio kitted out exclusively with their gear...
As I get older pass 60, I feel a sense of urgency to make good music by embracing simplicity. I find myself feeling anxious when I look at the instruments I own and don't play. So I totally get what you are saying. With experience and knowledge comes a greater access to creativity and artistry which don't necessitate a lot of gear and things but more of time, space and peace of mind. The most beautiful sounds are easy to find and harvest when we stop chasing it. Good luck with your new space and spend time well in it... Life is a flicker!
Found my instrument. Got rid of the electronics. I play for me, not an audience. My instrument is a jaw harp. FINALLY I can play MY music, not trying to play someone else's. I am 72 years old.
I fully understand your decision. At the end of the day, it's all about the music made with the machines that matters - not the machines themselves. Too much gear really starts hindering the music making and inspiration after a certain point. Looking forward to seeing which pieces you decide to keep. Have a good sale!
hahahah! Look who's talking, @SynthMania! Wait, you're not going to follow suit, are you? I knew the world was going to hell when Moby sold his collection a few years ago...
@@distantcomets Ha! :D Nop, not going to sell the classic ones any time soon, but I did do that in the past... in 2008 I reached 160 between keyboards and racks, and sold a lot of them through the years. Today I'm probably at 30-50. I found it's better to focus on quality instead of quantity, but yeah, G.A.S. is cyclical for sure.
SynthMania we know you DO play it all relentlessly Paolo :) .... and thanks to the passion of junkies like you two, we enjoy hearing them all and you’re helping others to find the one ... or two that become personal. TNX!
Hey, hope you are doing alright! Just let us know if you feel the need to sell any of the gear in your beautiful "70's corner". We will be there for you 😉
Uh oh, my collection issues no longer enjoy a comparative rationalization 😬! Good on you, Tom! May you enjoy the freedom it brings! Best wishes, Daniel 🙏🏼
Tom what are the chances you will end up with twice as much virtual synths and plugs than you have hardware gear? At that point is it just the dilemma of it being physical space-taking equipment that requires maintenance vs software that has no capacitors to replace? If your plugin sits in your drive unused for months, does the virtual state remove the feelings of responsibility to it? Like A.I. friends vs Breathing friends? Can't wait to see your new setup!
i want to do the exact thing and decided to sell all my gears -- only to have fact check that i don't have any valuable gears... you Tom is my music hero and will make phenomenal musics no matter what gears you own.. salute to you..
This is exactly what I have done for the last couple of years (on a much much smaller scale of course). Get rid of the stuff that's become a burden - that slows you down - and keep the gear that excites you, makes you more agile!
I signed up I'm a broke musician. Not a collector probably cant afford anything but telling my bandmates maybe we can pool together and get a couple pedals or a synth machine if theres an affordable one. But I'm with yall they deserve to be in museums or collectors hands but man i wish i could see actual bands creating with all these goodies. I just hope the junkie himself signs all the gear so people will know it was his. What an amazing creator and artist. Guys like me at least would have a cool story explaining the gear and where we got it and how.
I missed an ARP Pro Soloist, an Odyssey in 1989-90 and also an SH-101 around 1987ish. About 100 quid each. Did get a Pro-One in 1987 for £160, a Prophet-5 for £840 and VS for £700. All the Sequential stuff broke!!! Worth more broken than when they were bought. Wish I still had the Prophet-5 but the rest, never mind. Got some new stuff and it's good.
Awesome video thank you for this. I have a lot of gear myself and I feel the same way at times. I also started to thin the herd it’s hard but I get to appreciate the gear I keep. Stay safe Godspeed
That's the reason why I love the One Synth Challenge (google it!). MAN, I am glad to see that this feeling of too much gear can even get to people like JunkieXL. Only I am overwhelmed with much less already :)
Must be hard time let go of all this great gear, but I get it. Creativity is king, and getting creative with limited gear is such a great feeling. I hope your pieces find great homes. Good luck.
I sold everything I ever had, except a handful of guitars. I have an iPad now, attached to a MIDI piano and a guitar pedalboard. I can literally make music wherever I can get my iPad out. Touch instruments and automation have changed my world, and I wouldn't go back.
I just bought your Mutable Instruments Edges as my first eurorack module! I'm really excited to play with it and make it a well loved piece of my own studio!
@@zdave6083 Of course most musicians can't afford it. I hope that musicians that can afford them are the ones buying them. Someone like the guy who is selling them.
@@zdave6083 Our ancestors probably said the same thing about the feudal system. Capitalism is far from perfect, like all systems we've created. There are always alternatives that present themselves given enough time. I'm willing to bet Capitalism won't survive as long as some of the systems of the past, it relies too much on disposable income.
It must be very difficult to get rid of such amazing synths after taking care for years, but you definitely are right. The focus must be in the music with all gear behind, and not in front. Many times it's so easy to get lost with all gear without making music, but music must be always the first!
I understand you perfectly. In 2020 I have sold: Moog grandmother, Elektron Digitakt, Roland TR-09, Roland JU-06 and something else, precisely because I felt that I was not taking advantage of it and I was very sorry. Now I work with my old Roland XP-30, an SP-404A, the iPad and the computer with Reason. I don't need more. I know it is not comparable to your situation or your study, but I understand the feeling you are talking about.
I totally understand, mate. It's like those Stradivarius violins owned by museums and collectors that stay behind glass. When it's just sitting there, it's an object of art. When it's played, it's a musical instrument. And it wants to be a musical instrument.
This is the way. I have watched several folks (including myself) start to downsize the synth collections over the past year. Well done Tom. I applaud you on this direction and all the best to you and your musical direction and brand new studio. Can't wait to see it and let's get you on my podcast soon my friend.
Wow, I have less than .1% of his gear and I feel like I have too much! I stopped buying plugins because I was feeling overwhelmed by them. I understand the motivation behind this and good job Tom. Keep on doing wjhat you're doing :)
It's great to own nice stuff. But there comes a point where the stuff starts to own YOU. You have to maintain things, especially vintage gear... and that takes time, energy, and money... like you said, you would feel you had to use the gear or you would feel guilty. That's a sign the gear is owning you. It can happen with cars, houses, boats, guitars... anything. It gets in the way of enjoying life and being creative.
i dont have as much gear (only 20 synths) but i can relate ..at my age i need to stop the collecting all the gear and cables. I need to release these synths to a new loving home ...eventually
That’s beautiful, man! You’re spreading the love. (Record samples of your favorite stuff that you won’t be keeping - and you’ll always have some version of it on hand).
Totally get this, when the gear is getting in the way of creativity and causing anxiety its time for it to go. Also, I think your timing is good. There is an obsessive interest in the stuff globally at the moment with huge $$ being paid so a good time to cash out.
Good luck Tom! I have been through this myself, sometimes you need to purge gear to free your mind and creativity. It masks sense, I think it will be great for you and a whole bunch of people who will find a great new instrument!
Yeah I'm moving away from sequencing on hardware as I'm trying to get rid of all of my workstation keyboards and Akai MPC. However I'm still going to continue to use a mixture of hardware synths by replacing the keyboards with rack mount synths installed in my Argosy Console desk. Basically just consolidating down but using a Hybrid mix.
Hi I did the same in the 90s . I had a little money and was able to buy in the used ads the synthetic I had dreamed over as a young musician. We had a small studio and could experiment in our own time . Happy days. I sold most in the 2000s. Some I wish I still had.. My first fave was a yamaha cs30. Had a cs80 too!
I did same thing a few years ago. I got a ton of controllers and use vst instruments only now. except for guitars and bass. But I will tell you, I go through craigslist twice a week and get the ich to buy things. But in the last minutes I remember not to fall off the wagon, and stay strong to staying in the box. May I suggest giving the stuff away to schools, friends. I gave a lot away to upcoming musicians that i thought would really apprcieate it. I imagine you dont need the money, and will make for a big tax write off.
You know what Tom? If that's how you feel you have to do, then do it. I know how much you love and perhaps attached you are to your toys. But if you don't use instrument it'll die. So don't let them die and pass em along to those who will. You'll feel better in the end as well.
