Thoughts on guitar buying

[Pointy]

Where i live (Greece), the most common gear-related question from aspiring guitar beginners is "i've got XXX euros, what guitar should i buy?"

It is my impression that people in other countries, or at least in the rest of Europe and the US that i know of, are more likely to ask "i want a guitar like this or that, what can i get with XXX money?"

It sounds like a subtle difference, but to me it reflects a very different cultural approach. The biggest factor responsible for that attitude is probably that we tend to not be financially independent in our late teens (or indeed quite a bit later than that), the most typical guitar-buying age here, but also because the notion of creating/performing/playing music is vastly overshadowed by the notion of comsuming music in popular culture.

Just a couple of thoughts out there.

[Cygnus X1]

First question I would ask is "what kind of music do you want to play"?

But agreed, good point.

[Rsmacker]

The biggest factor responsible for that attitude is probably that we tend to not be financially independent in our late teens (or indeed quite a bit later than that)

Hmmm, the whole Greek economy isn't financially independent, end of story. Never mind though eh? The rest of the EU will bale you out for a few billion Euros, just don't forget to say thank you to those nice Krauts when they invade your beaches this Summer.

[lerxstcat]

Considering the Greeks are the original arse smackers, I'd think you'd have a sense of historical perspective and show a bit more respect for those who inspired your own habits!

[Pointy]

@Rsmacker Point taken of course, but this - especially the part you quoted - really has nothing to do with the current crisis and a lot to do with society structure and values.

[DonP]

Well Pointy, it sounds like in Greece they aren't as concerned about what type of music they play as long as it has guitar in it.

Here in the US, (I think) most people try to buy guitars to fit the type of music they want to play. I like and play metal, so any guitar I would be interested in is usually one found being played by metal bands.

There are other people who play country, blues, pop, punk, etc. and (I think) for the most part they buy guitars to suit their style of music.

Maybe it's different in Greece?

[Rsmacker]

Considering the Greeks are the original arse smackers, I'd think you'd have a sense of historical perspective and show a bit more respect for those who inspired your own habits!

No, they are the original arse shaggers, and I don't... ah, wait a second, I do. Oh yes indeedy, I most certainly do. Incidentally, anyone seen Wilksy Baby lately? He's been exceptionally docile of late.

[Pointy]

Well, if asked people will tell you what kind of music they want to play, but i think more people here aren't aware that there are different kinds of guitars other than "cheap" and "expensive". I think many people (non-musicians) here see music as a luxury hobby, their kids grown in that environment (as did i) and as a result musical instruments are treated like any other consumer good. Until you manage to actually get into music, that is . From first-hand and of course internet experience, i believe this is far less prevalent in other countries.

[Endrik]

I don't know man, some Greeks take Bouzouki pretty seriously

[Nightbat]

Hmmm, the whole Greek economy isn't financially independent, end of story. Never mind though eh? The rest of the EU will bale you out for a few billion Euros, just don't forget to say thank you to those nice Krauts when they invade your beaches this Summer.

To add: By tradition in greece children get a house (girls), or a patch of land (boys) from their parents
Over here, we'd be glad if our parents buy us a moped

[Endrik]

Pointy, look at the brighter side, you could be an Anglo aka whiner living in an suburbia. So your thoughts would be not about acquiring or playing a guitar but spending your days on eBay and whining about the prices in message boards.

[Pointy]

To add: By tradition in greece children get a house (girls), or a patch of land (boys) from their parents
Over here, we'd be glad if our parents buy us a moped

True (for the families who can afford it anyway), but the tradeoff is that the same "children" actually live with their parents until they are thirty. How's that for your guitar playing, never mind everything else!!

PS: In case this turns into a Greece vs The Civilised World thing: just watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Remove a few of the jokes and you have a very accurate documentary, i am serious. You won't usually find all the traits depicted in a single family - but then again you might. That, and the fact that we don't yell OPA! all the time at every occasion

[lerxstcat]

True (for the families who can afford it anyway), but the tradeoff is that the same "children" actually live with their parents until they are thirty. How's that for your guitar playing, never mind everything else!!

PS: In case this turns into a Greece vs The Civilised World thing: just watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Remove a few of the jokes and you have a very accurate documentary, i am serious. You won't usually find all the traits depicted in a single family - but then again you might. That, and the fact that we don't yell OPA! all the time at every occasion

My cousins in New York do the same thing - but then we are of mixed Greek-Irish-Italian background too! Luckily everybody in the family is musically inclined and is allowed to pursue the kind of music they like so family gatherings usually include jam sessions!

[Endrik]

but the tradeoff is that the same "children" actually live with their parents until they are thirty.

same or even longer in Japan

[Pointy]

Interesting - well in Japan every other kid can shred like a mofo, according to youtube anyway

Out of curiosity, do people consider this natural/normal or just a necessity? Or just tradition?