Not impressed

Really good posts and quite funny also. In my opinion, I feel that anyone that believes they are on the merry-go-round is there because they chose to be on it. Yes, it may take some time and effort to find that just right system and sound, but, once you do, you are done unless you find a piece of equipment that makes you say wow to your music again. I don't consider that to be a merry-go-round, just musical evolution. And, it is totally your choice to do it. I look at this as enjoyable fun. I know what I can and can't afford and never let someone talk me in to a purchase I really don't want, need or can't afford. I routinely (every three months or so) visit my favorite store in San Diego for several reasons. 1. my good friend (also music lover) lives in San Diego and this is fun, 2. I like the people at that store, just to listen and talk about the industry and music, 3, San Diego is nice. But, I am very satisfied with my system and sound. it took many years to get to that level of sound satisfaction. I'm sure there exist equipment that would impress me, but the price would be rediculous (to me) and the slight increase in resolution, dynamics, etc. really aren't cost effective. I have heard many times the Audio Research REF 250 amps and all I can say is wow!. Really nice. If I can get a pair, I will, but it will be when I can afford them and when I decide to do so on my schedule. if ever. merry-go-round? no! hobby, fun and enjoyable, wonderful music? absolutely. As people keep telling me, life is short. Live, learn, help others, enjoy your friend and family and smile.

enjoy

i meant merry go rund in the true sense, they are enjoyable while you ride them but at the end of the day it stops and you will want to get on it again. as a metsphor tho tbh,, it does not lead anywhere by basic design. off the mgr to me means i had enuff fun riding it and wanting to get back on but am now happy in the beer gardens on the side.

As a working musician since 1967 (former Hawaii Union Local 677 member...great place to rehearse my stupid bands when I was 16) I'm surprised I have never heard the "give him a gig" joke, and can say my 3,472,168 gigs have most all been happiness inducing fun fests. I therefore declare it invalid, but will allow one of the 12,562 banjo player jokes in its stead. Next witness please.

Hey Wolf, if you missed that one, I would have to question just how much working you've been doing; no offense intended. I suspect your idea of "working musician" is different than mine. Truth is that for working musicians (those who make their living playing music exclusively and nothing else; and have done so for many years) not every gig is a "fun fest". There are a lot of great projects, some not so great, and some that are a drag. The joke (and it is a common one) is emblematic of what is, unfortunately, a common and negative attitude on the part of many working musicians that unless they are part of a project that they deem creatively worthy at the highest level, even an opportunity to simply exercise their craft is cause for negativity. On the other hand, many who are always scuffling to find a gig, any gig, are tickled pink when one comes along. Here's one of my favorites:

http://s276.photobucket.com/user/tinasponsler/media/farside_banjo2.jpg.html

Frogman...question away...some gigs are, of course, better than others, but over the decades I've done commercial recording dates, backed strippers, and played in sold out arenas...now I mix live sound for world class jazz artists and record and play my own stuff wherever. I, and most other working musicians I've known (including currently), consider anybody whining about getting a shot at playing music anywhere, or for anything, a person who should quit, get a real estate license or maybe sell cars, and give the spot to somebody else who is an actual professional musician. In the real world of paid musicians it's always been this: If you take the gig you do your best and act like a pro or your career will be very short, or very solo.