How can people afford such expensive stuff?

[Clix Pix]

What AFB says above is definitely a noticeable factor in photography. There are people who can afford and who purchase the latest, most expensive, top-of-the-line cameras and lenses who don't have a clue what to do with it. There are others who use more modest gear who absolutely DO know what to do with it, when and how, and who get remarkable results. It's the way the world works sometimes...

 

[Macky-Mac]

I can tell you you are wrong. Having good or bad gear doesn’t make you a good or bad musician, producer or anything.
Plenty of people with the best gear who are hopeless. Plenty of people who use the gear they have to the best of its ability.
As we say at work. All the gear, no idea!

yes but......what's of importance here isn't comparing a bad musician versus a good musician......it's comparing the same musician's results using bad gear vs good gear

 

[Apple fanboy]

yes but......what's of importance here isn't comparing a bad musician versus a good musician......it's comparing the same musician's results using bad gear vs good gear

Knowing what to do with the gear is equally important. More so. The only reason anyone needs to update gear is as when there is something their current equipment won’t do that they need it to.

 

[Macky-Mac]

...The only reason anyone needs to update gear is as when there is something their current equipment won’t do that they need it to.

which is why comparing any individual's output with "bad" or "good" gear is important......and when one's clients are saying "you should get better gear" then that's an indication that the current gear isn't doing what one needs it to do.

Obviously one has to know what to do with the equipment

 

[rm5]

I can tell you you are wrong. Having good or bad gear doesn’t make you a good or bad musician, producer or anything.
Plenty of people with the best gear who are hopeless. Plenty of people who use the gear they have to the best of its ability.
As we say at work. All the gear, no idea!

I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is that is what I notice. Not in all cases will a good musician have good gear, that's also not what I'm saying... that's just what I've noticed where I live.

 

[Herdfan]

Back when I was playing college baseball, bat technology was just heating up. In 1986 the NCAA responded by imposing a lower weight limit on the bats. So the manufacturers ramped up tech so the heavier bats could perform as well as the lighter ones.

So everyone was trying to buy the best performing bat they could. And from this a saying was born:

"It ain't the bat, it's the cat" meaning if you aren't a good hitter, then an expensive bat isn't going to help you. Conversely, if you were a good hitter, the higher performance bat was certainly going to help you.

 

[saudor]

I once took a photography class in university. I just used an iphone 4 but everyone was using expensive cameras. I got the highest mark in the class.

Not always about the quality of the gear. It's how you use it!

 

[Mousse]

What AFB says above is definitely a noticeable factor in photography. There are people who can afford and who purchase the latest, most expensive, top-of-the-line cameras and lenses who don't have a clue what to do with it. There are others who use more modest gear who absolutely DO know what to do with it, when and how, and who get remarkable results. It's the way the world works sometimes...

There are photographer who go out of their way to shoot with the worst gear that can find. I've seen some wow photos taken with a Holga--universally considered the worst camera ever produced. I'm too orthodox to get any good photos with a Holga.🙃

 

[Vref]

All that matters is how he feels about the way he lives. Lots of people live poor and leave behind a ton of money while other poor people don't. What is more important is good health and and being pleased with one's life, regardless if one is rich or not.

Not sure about that, it’s also much easier to be healthy with a good $$ life style

 

[rm5]

I once took a photography class in university. I just used an iphone 4 but everyone was using expensive cameras. I got the highest mark in the class.

Not always about the quality of the gear. It's how you use it!

Again, a very true point! Anyone can figure out how to make do with whatever they have! I've certainly figured that out!

But like I've pointed out numerous times, my goal is not necessarily to acquire all of this stuff at my age, although I'm getting to the point where that might be necessary, but like I said, I have NO IDEA what I'll be doing in four years. Once I figure that out and actually "make it" in whatever industry I decide to go into (which will most likely be the music/film industry), THEN I'll worry about the gear.

 

[rm5]

which is why comparing any individual's output with "bad" or "good" gear is important......and when one's clients are saying "you should get better gear" then that's an indication that the current gear isn't doing what one needs it to do.

Obviously one has to know what to do with the equipment

True. In my opinion (and experience), there are the following types of musicians/music producers:

1. The ones that use 20-year-old equipment because that's what they have
2. The ones that use 20-year-old equipment in combination with new equipment, so as to have a more "analog" sound, among other reasons (not to say that 20-year-old equipment is "analog," but you get my point)
3. The ones that use 20-year-old equipment because it's their "good trusty [insert product]."
4. The ones that use only the top-end newest gear, and
5. The ones that use "mid-range" but new gear

Here's the thing about producing vs performing, of which I do both. In my opinion, 90% of the time, in producing, the hardware doesn't matter. If you use a modern OS with a relatively modern controller, etc., you're fine. BUT, in performing, you want to have up-to-date stuff, like from the past 3-4 years since its release, not when you bought it. You want stuff with an up-to-date sound engine and fast USB connectivity in the case of an arranger keyboard. My point being that you want to have stuff that's meant for performing. For example, a stage piano. That's what they're built for. They're rugged, strong, made out of metal most of the time, and durable, whereas a "home keyboard" (like the one I have) is built out of cheap plastic, the speaker grilles are bent (because I take it on the road so much), and sometimes, it feels like the thing's about to fall apart. Not to mention its incredibly outdated sound engine, which comes straight outta a DGX-640, which is probably 15 years old at this point... Anyway, you get my point here. These are just specific examples.

Have I had "clients" (dunno if that's the appropriate word) tell me that my stuff "isn't good?" Sure I have. But I also think that some of those people are "more professional" and so they "need" that more expensive, higher-end stuff. And I think it comes down to how frequently they work. Because say, for example (this one's true), that a guy calls me and asks me to do a video project for his church. They hand me 360p quality video that was recorded with Zoom, and ask me to cut together whatever it is (again, true story). When I'm done with the project, I talk to a guy who's been in the video industry for 20 years, and he says that my computer "isn't powerful enough." Well I tell him that I was cutting together 360p video, and he then realizes what my situation is, and says something like, "Well, [in my case], I need a higher-end computer" (because he's working with 4K). You know what I mean?

I have no idea if this is even answering or addressing your point honestly, but maybe it'll give you some more perspective.

EDIT: Because I get these "jobs" so infrequently (well compared to you guys), I really have no reason, if you think about it, to have high-end stuff.

 

[MacDaddyPanda]

You can buy such things by having a good paying job. Or what most seem to do live way out of their means and rack up debt. lol. I've made that mistake in my 20's. Took my 30's and better paying job to eventually pay off the massive CC debt I accumulated. And now in my mid 40's. My only debt is my car and Mortgage. I have revolving debt on the Apple card from buying said stuff, but I'm just taking advantage of 0% interest. But if I had to pay it off I could. Also lot of people learn how to buy high end stuff used and or barter for that same stuff. Like Audiophile gear is constantly traded bartered.

 

[rm5]

I also think the challenge for me at this point is figuring out how much I'm worth. Because as @Mousse pointed out in an earlier post, people will then think I'll do everything for free in the future, which is NOT true! But I also think that doing almost everything for free at this point has made me feel as if I'm not worth anything—and now I'm stuck to that sensation it seems. For performing, I've been getting what the venue offers, which is great, but at some point, you have to figure out which is more important—the opportunity or the pay. I'd imagine this is the case in most industries, too.

I was just watching a video about how much composers charge, and it seems like for someone who's been in the industry for 10 years (that's my guess), they will charge upwards of $500 per minute of music written. But again, that all has to do with experience, and I think that video was incredibly helpful for me to watch, because now I think I have a better understanding of how much people charge for producing/composing—that I did not have before.

 

[PauloSera]

I'm just confused about how people (anyone) can afford super expensive gear, whatever it might be—computers, audio interfaces, sample libraries, etc. I understand that sometimes, the company they work for gives them the product, but I would imagine this doesn't happen all the time, or does it? How does one acquire something like a fairly specced-out 2019 Mac Pro, or something of the like? Or Pro Tools, too, which is a very expensive DAW if you go for the top-end version.

Personally, I feel like I've been criticized by some professionals for not having the most high-end stuff that they have. And to that, I always tell them that I make it work with whatever I have, which is true. And then I see videos, read articles, etc., and see everyone have all the high-end stuff, and then I feel kinda bad for not having it. I know this is very stupid, but as I'm getting more experienced in various fields, especially music production and film composing, I'm slightly worried about this. I used to be able to use the “I’m too young and so I can’t afford it” excuse, but I think that’s sort of “drying out” at this point, now that I’m gonna turn 18 tomorrow and people will treat me as such, not as a 14-year-old inexperienced producer, you know what I mean?

Thoughts?

Make more money.

 

[rm5]

Make more money.

I wish it was that simple, but unfortunately, it's not.

 

[PauloSera]

I wish it was that simple, but unfortunately, it's not.

It's still the answer.

 

[satcomer]

I wish it was that simple, but unfortunately, it's not.

Your going to College think of the staving college kid, you'll learn about that your Junior and Senior year!

 

[rm5]

I asked my piano teacher at our lesson today how he's able to get so many gigs, and he said: "The easiest way is to become so good that you get called for ever opportunity there is." He happens to be one of those people by the way. He added, "Not only that, but you have to be the best in every style/genre imaginable." I mean this guy plays with funk bands, jazz bands, rock bands, you name it and has over 40 years of performing experience, so he's the real deal, that's for sure (we are so lucky to have him in town). I thought this was an interesting point, and true to some extent... I mean, it definitely took him at least 20 years to get to that point. So of course this is not the "immediate solution," but probably the only solution after awhile.

 

[mittencuh]

Networking is a huge part of upward mobility at whatever job or gig you're in. I went in 7 years from the bottom of the pole at my job and now I'm two steps from the very top; the one individual higher than that is a political appointee, and then the person higher than that is elected. Unfortunately, in my industry on the governmental side I'm on, the money is not super amazing, and many people move to private businesses or lobbying, which I'm not interested in, but that's my biases coming into play. The previous administration completely decimated morale at agencies like mine and we lost many good people. Which probably made it a little easier to move up.

 

[bluespark]

I'm just confused about how people (anyone) can afford super expensive gear, whatever it might be—computers, audio interfaces, sample libraries, etc. I understand that sometimes, the company they work for gives them the product, but I would imagine this doesn't happen all the time, or does it? How does one acquire something like a fairly specced-out 2019 Mac Pro, or something of the like? Or Pro Tools, too, which is a very expensive DAW if you go for the top-end version.

Personally, I feel like I've been criticized by some professionals for not having the most high-end stuff that they have. And to that, I always tell them that I make it work with whatever I have, which is true. And then I see videos, read articles, etc., and see everyone have all the high-end stuff, and then I feel kinda bad for not having it. I know this is very stupid, but as I'm getting more experienced in various fields, especially music production and film composing, I'm slightly worried about this. I used to be able to use the “I’m too young and so I can’t afford it” excuse, but I think that’s sort of “drying out” at this point, now that I’m gonna turn 18 tomorrow and people will treat me as such, not as a 14-year-old inexperienced producer, you know what I mean?

Thoughts?

Many people live beyond their means, for example, charging high-end items they can't afford on credit cards. This is typically a mistake, unless the item is genuinely needed to propel someone to a different financial category (which rarely is the case).

Some people pick and choose, for example, going high-end with a computer but holding onto an older phone. I know some very wealthy people who swear by this strategy even though they could afford all high-end stuff if they wanted.

Beyond all that, you're young. I was objectively poor at your age but now, in my 50's, am not. It's easy when you read a message board to assume those talking about high-end equipment are in a similar situation to yours, but this could be very far from the truth. My advice would be to keep making smart choices (which it sounds like you're doing) and just enjoy the fact that you aren't confusing your needs with your wants.

 

[Kung]

Many people live beyond their means, for example, charging high-end items they can't afford on credit cards. This is typically a mistake, unless the item is genuinely needed to propel someone to a different financial category (which rarely is the case).

Some people pick and choose, for example, going high-end with a computer but holding onto an older phone. I know some very wealthy people who swear by this strategy even though they could afford all high-end stuff if they wanted.

Beyond all that, you're young. I was objectively poor at your age but now, in my 50's, am not. It's easy when you read a message board to assume those talking about high-end equipment are in a similar situation to yours, but this could be very far from the truth. My advice would be to keep making smart choices (which it sounds like you're doing) and just enjoy the fact that you aren't confusing your needs with your wants.

Excellent post. I'm 47, and don't get me wrong - I made some dumb choices when I was 20 years younger, but one thing I had drilled into my head was that you DO NOT live beyond your means. Making the occasional expensive purchase is one thing...but living paycheck to paycheck, constantly running up a credit card, having no money in your account (or accounts) is another.

My point is that while I never exactly lived frugally as hell, I lived 'smart' for long enough that I'm @ a point in my life where I can drop $300 on an Apple Watch here and there, or purchase a vehicle and easily pay it off in 18-24 months (if not quicker). Living within one's means and making smart money choices is probably the best advice I've seen.

 

[bobthebuilderissus]

“I’m too young and so I can’t afford it” excuse, but I think that’s sort of “drying out” at this point, now that I’m gonna turn 18 tomorrow and people will treat me as such, not as a 14-year-old inexperienced producer, you know what I mean?

Thoughts?

umh-
(maybe you calling 14 year olds inexperienced or whatever may have triggered me lol so this may sound slightly passive aggressive?)
first of all, you're 18, thats young, so that excuse would still work for you, and just because you turn 18 doesn't automatically make that excuse unuseable bc i can guarantee people will look at you as a DUmB kId untill your in your mid-20's or so
but the i can't afford it excuse will work until you actually have the cash to afford that item
you don't need a 16 screen imac with 1000TB of storage, as i run a cell phone repair business off of a 32gb iphone SE and a 2014 dell chromebook 11 (mk that's completely different from your profession but my point still stands!) what im trying to say is hold on to your devices and equipment, and learn how to repair it so it will last a looooootttt longer than it would have
you should find a brand(s) that is reliable, and that is a affordable, but still is good quality, and works for what you need it to do (may i recommend sweetwater?)
and your should diversify your interests, doing a hobby that makes a little cash on esty or something like that helps ALOT
also please don't fall into apples distortion chambers of hype, because then you will be able to keep your macs a lot longer and not decide you instantly need the new mac because it comes in a new shade of midnight or whatever.
also don't go into debt, that's just not a fun path.
also, looking up to those who are older and know alot, is great, and i do that to, but don't do that too much lol
but of course, im a 14 year old, so i just know nothing

 

[TSE]

I was flat broke working various physical labor jobs, absolutely depressed and would participate in borderling suicidal activities at times because I was so lost, and spending any extra income I had drinking and partying until I was 24. Then I met the girl of my dreams who set an example, FINALLY got my design career going because she helped guide me, I moved out of the Midwest, and now I'm in Lower Manhattan married to her making $150k a year and helping her get through nursing school.

There's a lot of details inbetween missing - her and I split for two years until I could prove that I was independent enough to succeed on my own, my first design job was ANYTHING but glamorous and the boss was outright abusive but it provided me a foot in the door to other places, when COVID hit and the design industry shut down I worked as a USPS Mailman for a year working 70+ Hours a week, etc.

If others are right in saying you are only 18 right now, I used to think the same thing. Now I have somewhat of a setup that I could only dream of getting when I was in high school, but the journey and all the trials and tribulations and learning of my mistakes has made me deeply appreciate what I have. And I STILL save greatly. I am in a humble $1800/mo apartment here because I signed the deal during covid and it is rent controlled. I now make enough money to maybe upgrade but why would I? I know lifestyle creep is a bottomless pit and I'm happy with where I'm at.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I couldn’t afford nice expensive things when I was 18 either but have worked hard to get a good job and so has my wife. We have children which are the most expensive things you can have but fortunately as you progress through your career the money comes. Have patience and focus on now living within your means. I can afford nice things now and have what I want but don’t go blowing money on every high end gadget as I simply don’t need it.

I encounter a lot of people in life who drive nice cars, wear designer gear and can’t afford any of it. We sadly live in a ‘have to have’ era unfortunately.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Excluding credit there are a few ways:

Saving up for things.

Having enough disposable income

A matter of prioritising what you spend your money. Sone choose nights/day out, restaurants etc, some might choose tech

Using work bonuses/overtime money etc