KVR Audio

origami · Post by **origami** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:18 am

I was just curious about a thing.

One of my dreams regarding music would be maybe buy a Virus, probably that Virus TI that's about to be released.

However, I always end up thinking that it's not worth spending so much money on something when...

a) I'm a 100% amateur musician
b) I'll probably always be
c) I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity of playing live
d) I make music just for the sake of it, just for pleasure

so i just wanted to know...I know many of you play live, or are in a band which release cds one way or another...

but among those who are in the same situation like me...do you actually buy gear like this or ever plan to do so?

thx, i'm just interested in your sincere opinion.

Hellbilly · Post by **Hellbilly** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:29 am

origami wrote:a) I'm a 100% amateur musician
b) I'll probably always be
c) I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity of playing live
d) I make music just for the sake of it, just for pleasure

If you concentrate on d), you will end up accomplishing c), b) and slowly turn a) the other way around.

Believe in yourself, it's a very powerful tool.

cyanogen · Post by **cyanogen** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:31 am

I bought a Virus C a few years ago, and I'm not even close to making money from music. If the TI seems too pricey, wait a while and they'll probably show up on ebay.

origami · Post by **origami** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:33 am

well thanks.

no, it's not that I don't concentrate. I can't stop making music actually. it's just that I'm very happy making my songs in my room, I don't feel the need to enter the stressing world of sending songs to places and wait for answers.

besides I KNOW I won't play live simply because, well, I'm just one man and not a great keyboard player actually, so not probable.

anyway, curiosity to know about my initial question.

thx

Benedict · Post by **Benedict** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:38 am

Ah now there's the conundrum (excuse me I just always wanted to say that)

Hmmm. If you got the $$ and would enjoy the toy then get the toy. Don't sell yourself short. Have fun.

If you haven't the $$ get VSTs as lots of them are pretty super (and even free). My whole current rig only cost me 39 Euro (after spending big $$ on hardware over the years) and I'm v. happy.

MrM · Post by **MrM** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:41 am

If only yor hobby; don't spend too much; have a nice computer, get lots of free VST fx and instruments.

And most importantly ; have FUN !

If you have fun, you are doing OK.

Remember, most hobbys just cost some money, that is all in the game.

origami · Post by **origami** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:42 am

yes of course I have tons of free synths, many of them are very good and I use regularly, and I also own a couple of commercial synths (Wusikstation and Reaktor Session). I'm more than happy with my studio as it is.

it's just that sometimes I think...a hardware synth would be great...and among them, the Virus would be great...that sort of thing.

willum · Post by **willum** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:55 am

Damn. If you have the money, why would you need to justify getting what you want? So what if you're not a "pro". That doesn't matter. Life is too short. If that gear will bring you inspiration you won't find anyone on these boards asking for your credentials.

I'll cop to total amateur status, but I thoroughly enjoy my setup, from my American-made Fender, to my Juno-106, enough plugins to pay my mortgage for a year, and the luscious powered monitors it all oozes out of. It's my escape from the world, and I love the thought of the POSSIBILITY of doing something. I might make something good someday! Or I might just piss away Saturday afternoon cutting weirdass loops.

Do it! Do it!

Hellbilly · Post by **Hellbilly** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:56 am

That's the spirit right there willum!

origami · Post by **origami** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:59 am

haha I love your vehemence guys

I'll end up buying a Virus one day...

Stupid American Pig · Post by **Stupid American Pig** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:05 am

Exactly, Be happy, do what you like, just dont hurt others.

origami · Post by **origami** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:08 am

be happy...

I already am

do what you like...

I do, i do

don't hurt others...

well maybe my music hurt other's ears but that's not that serious, isn't it?

Sascha Franck · Post by **Sascha Franck** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:12 am

Let me ask this: Would you only buy a more or less expensive car in case you were a professional driver of some sorts?

I mean, I wouldn't because I find cars (especially expensive ones) to be one of mankinds biggest plagues ever - but that's beyond the point, the analogy IMO fits rather well.

Warmonger · Post by **Warmonger** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:16 am

Photography is a more expensive hobby than computer music, and I've seen people spend thousands a year on camera bodies, lenses, and other accessories. A lot of these people are also amateurs. I say go for it. I'm completely a hobbyist (and a poor one, and in college), but that's not going to stop me from getting those HR824's I've been drooling over for months now.

Benny Bear · Post by **Benny Bear** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:17 am

Happy amateur is great. In the past I have written and recorded music for videos, computers games and been in a band. All of which were pains in the backside. People constantly telling you, the musician, your job, "Can't we have another tune like you did last time!", "That sounds familiar" (well you did ask for a twelve bar blues type song) "We're replacing you with the bosses nephew, he can't play but he is the bosses nephew". No thanks. Best out of it.

However I much prefer having a regular (quite well payed) day job and having music as my hobby. I have tons of gear none of which will ever make me any money. I enjoy using it. The justification for me is that it is relaxation and stops me from doing extra day work. All hobbies cost money - if that is your thing (and it is mine) then go for it. I make music for me (and possibly my only fan, my wife - Mrs. Bear)

a curiosity about spending money on gear when one's amateur.