This is a guest post from Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange
If you’re like most touring bands and recording artists who haven’t quite hit it big yet, then you’re probably doing your best to stretch a tight budget. And let’s face it: music gear can be expensive. Between guitars, amps, and microphones, we’re talking thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars to get the sound you want.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to build and maintain a great rig on a budget. Let’s explore a few ideas for making the most out of your band’s gear.
1. Identify your investment pieces
This depends on your individual needs as an artist. If live shows are your bread and butter, then you might want to invest in an incredible speaker system. If you spend a lot of time in the studio, then you’ll want to splurge on a high-quality condenser microphone. The bottom line is that every piece can’t be a splurge. Figure out where (and how) to thrift as you build and modify your ideal rig.
One cash-conscious trick is shopping for used music gear whenever you can. Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange features thousands of used gear listings in every category — from guitars, pedals, pro audio gear, and mics to percussion, keyboards, synths, wind instruments, and more. If a few dings or scratches don’t bother you, then shopping used is a fantastic way to get high-quality music gear at discount prices.
2. Connect with a trained expert
After reading the first point above, you may be thinking, “Sure, but how do I know which pieces of gear deserve more investment?” That’s where a trained expert comes in. When you become a Sweetwater customer, you are assigned a Sweetwater Sales Engineer who will be there to answer all of your music gear questions. Communicate as often as you like via phone, email, or text — whatever you prefer. Help your Sweetwater Sales Engineer understand your goals, and they’ll help you identify the right solutions within your budget.
The best part of working with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer is that once they get to know you as a musician, they can be on the lookout for great deals, price drops, and new models that fit your specific needs and budget. With weekly training sessions and direct access to manufacturers, these folks know music gear better than anyone in the business. They’re a free resource to musicians like you, so take advantage. Some Sweetwater Sales Engineers have worked with the same clients for decades!
3. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt for used gear
Once you know where you can afford to be thrifty, try to enjoy the hunt for used gear. There really are some hidden treasures out there, and if you approach it with the right mindset, then shopping for used music gear can be quite a thrill!
Online marketplaces like Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange will let you bookmark favorite items and save searches so that you get notified when gear meeting your specific criteria appears. It’s a great way to keep an eye out for rare gems or super-popular items — you’ll be the first to know when they’re listed on the marketplace.
4. Keep your sound fresh & let the gear inspire you
How many popular artists have evolved their styles and sounds over the years? The Beatles, David Bowie, Trent Reznor, Radiohead, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift, to name just a few. As you find yourself wanting to explore new sounds and styles, let the gear help to inspire you.
For example, if you typically play acoustic guitar, then take a Les Paul for a spin. Pick up a few new (or used) pedals to take your tone to a new level. Experiment with modular synthesis and electronic drum machines. Once you’re willing to buy (and sell) used, the world of gear exploration becomes a little bit more approachable and a whole lot more fun.
5. Sell your old gear to invest in the next piece
A great way to keep your rig fresh (and to earn money to invest in your next piece of gear) is to sell the instruments you no longer need. Listing used items on Gear Exchange is super easy, and if you choose to take your earnings payout in the form of a Sweetwater Gift Card, then there's no fee to sell (not even a payment processing fee).
Gear Exchange is brought to you by Sweetwater — one of the most trusted names in music retail. This zero-fee, peer-to-peer music gear marketplace is the safest place to get the highest return on your gear, which you can then turn into your next brand-new Sweetwater purchase.
The Takeaway
If you’re an artist (or band) on a budget, then building a great rig requires a bit of strategy. Get in touch with an expert who can help you figure out which gear is worth investing in and which items you may be able to find secondhand. When you need to be thrifty, enjoy the hunt for used treasures. When it’s time for a refresh, don’t be afraid to sell a few old instruments to make way for the new. Let the gear itself become part of your artistic process.
Learn more about buying and selling used music gear on Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange
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