I was thinking in the differences of how we approach music, and they are from very different sides of the coin. Maybe not even the same coin, or currency. I have always played in original bands and tried to develop my own voice. I found humbucker guitars worked for me, and tried several amps until I got my JTM45 back in 1989. Up to that point, I had a couple of SGs, a Les Paul, and a Firebird. The first SG and the Firebird I sought out. Another SG and Lester found me. I got pointed in their direction, they were nice, and I had cash around to buy them. With the exception of maybe three guitars, I was always shown something and was asked "Hey, are you interested? This would be a good match for you." If it sounded good, was cool, I liked it, and I had the money, then yes I probably bought it. It was just another wrench in the toolbox as far as I was concerned. I think that since I wasn't concerned or obsessed with a particular sound or windmill, I was able to enjoy their peculiarities. Even now, I know what all my stuff does. I've had most of it for years. I'll play different guitars and amps at practice, just to get them some exercise. Then, when we play a gig, I may have something completely different, and it only takes me a minute to dial it in.
It could be that since I had being a machinist to fall back on, I never worried about "Making It." I wasn't obsessed with making sure I was going to make X amount of dollars this week at various gigs. And, if the BS is too much, I can walk away and start something new. That made it fun to grab stuff I didn't really need, but thought it would be cool.
Honestly, I could never be in a cover band, or work sessions. The thought of covering the guitar sounds of eight or twelve completely unrelated bands, and play music I hate to make money does nothing for me. I tried it for a while. For the fun stuff like Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, Bevis Frond, Big Head Todd, and other acid/jam stuff, I could get away with being me as long as I kept all the hooks in place. Then, if we played Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, or other commercial stuff, we would get berated for not playing it just like the record. I just tell them, "you get up there and play 50 songs with no cheat sheets."
It also reminds me of something my old guitar teacher said to me. "Talent isn't playing what you like. Anyone can do that. True talent is playing of of charts or playing music you hate, and doing it better than others. That's talent." I always remembered that when band mates would introduce new songs. I would always try them. Even if everyone else thought they were crap. I would always stick up for the person introducing a new song, and insist we give it a chance. Once everyone puts their stamp on it, it may not sound or feel that same anyway.
How you can do daily it amazes me. My wife's uncle was in a wedding band for 30 years. It was his only job, and they were one of the most sought after acts for weddings. They could and did play anything that was requested when hired. As much as I try new stuff all the time, I could never be in a GB coverband. Kudos.
Just so you know, I'm not a cheap hoarder. Wildlife and Rainforest charities see a lot of money from me and my wife. We give it when we can. In a couple of years, the pedals might start making their way out the door. Maybe some other stuff too, but for now I'll enjoy them. They owe me nothing.
