Michael Vogel

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the comments thus far. In particular the advice to sit on my decision for a while. Thanks @Jim Roseberry. @Starise, your comment regarding instruments, hardware and software has helped me see that I’m really talking about hardware and software. Not the instruments but the “gear”. This discussion has awakened memories of how my interest in gear even started. Long before there ever was gear in my life, I was studying music and learning how to play a number of musical instruments. Lap steel at 8, and brass/woodwind instruments from age 12 (in high school) onwards. In those earliest of days, “gear” comprised very little of what it took to make music. Music was acoustic, live and played solo, or in orchestral and brass band settings. Gear was music stands and maybe a metronome or conductor’s baton or drum major’s staff and of course uniforms. There were no gadgets. Maybe a stop watch? The lure of “gear” and a bite from the tech bug got me at age 14 when the brass band in which I played at school, was invited to record an EP over 2 days at the ABC’s Sydney studios. Not much later, I was invited to play in a combined youth orchestra, performing at the Sydney Town Hall and recorded live, again, over 2 days. I have such vivid memories of those few days. It was 1968, music was everywhere, and suddenly all these other prospects for making it my life were dropped in my lap. While my fellow musicians were excited by the occasion and playing music, I was also intent on exploring all I could, behind the scenes. How were music recordings made? Like having the secrets behind a magic trick revealed, I started to see how the trick was performed and I wanted to know more. I hadn’t really looked behind that curtain before but its interesting to have made the connection between those events and how my music life played out. A lifelong connection between music and gear was forged in those 2 events. So that’s the history. Now the present. When I think about it, it’s really the trappings, the gear that is the focus of my want to be rid of it all. I don’t think I could get rid of my acoustic guitar. I’ve had it since the late 1970s In fact it’s been with me everywhere I’ve been since, and seen everything I’ve seen. I’m not much for attachment to material things, however, there’s a special connection to that instrument. I think because of the music its helped me express and play. Other instruments are simply music playing tools and they don’t elicit such an emotional response from me. I probably wouldn’t sell them though, as I can still see me making music for myself with them. Namely my electric guitar, full size keyboard and of course amps, fx boards and speakers to run them all through. BUT, I also have a very extensive collection of studio gear and a ton of software that I don’t use. After all these words I guess that was it all along. Gear goes, instruments stay. The complexity in the whole recording process no longer appeals, however the simplicity of picking up my acoustic guitar or sitting at the Piano/keyboard and playing a tune does. Thanks for helping me get some clarity. I wonder of I’ll actually make a decision and follow through?

Notes. Wow you have a Korg DS-8. I have one I’ve not used for nearly a decade. Still wrapped up and stored on a shelf in my shed. I struggled for a long time moving from hardware to the virtual world. I need plugs and cables. My DS8 was supported by a SQD1 and a DDD1. A bit of a KORG fanboy from back in the day.

For the first time in my life, I’m giving serious thought to selling all my music related hardware and software. Like many of us, I’ve bought and sold gear before and had breaks from music for one reason or another. BUT, I’ve never really felt like this. For a long time I’ve been looking at the gear and just seeing the waste in it not being used and I no lone’er have the slightest interest in making music. The interminable updating of software in response to software and web related reminders, has become a pointless chore. I just don’t use any of it. Over the years, I’ve invested 10s of thousands of dollars (ie Australian banana republic micro dollars) in my gear. I know I can’t recoup anywhere near that amount but who of us can’t use a little extra cash. I’m 66 now so don’t really expect a sudden need for music gear and I’ve never really been one to get buyer’s or seller’s remorse regarding a purchase or sale. Anyone else think like that or been in this sort of situation?

I’d like to try bacon instead of toilet paper.

All I want is toilet paper.

Not much surprises or shocks me these days BUT I’m absolutely astounded that you don’t have a Lava Lamp. Incredible and shocking to say the least.

Tommy Emmanuel, rated among the best guitarists by none other than Chet Atkins. If you haven’t heard any of his work you’re missing out on some awesome music.

Make a copy of the file before you start doing any editing.

I didn’t go past SampleTank 3 either. Only IKM product I updated was T-Racks 5 and that’s only been through their buy 1 get a bunch free promos.

No, that’s the guitar. This is the case.

Welcome back Jerry.

Congrats baps. Just after I turned 65 last year, I didn’t think I’d make it to 66 but in a few short weeks.....I’ll be 66. .

Errr! Eeeww! What on earth have I been eating? It’s rhetorical.

Mrs Mudgel and I are sickened. No more peanut butter in our house I’m afraid.

I can’t even remember my last musical endeavour. Only touch my gear for maintenance or other non musical use. However, I have broadened my horizons and reconnected with old hobbies like electronics and getting a few projects completed. It’s still a creative process and exercises my brain. I enjoy it. Since my heart problems last year (wow nearly a year has passed) my emotions have been far too raw to get anywhere near music. The slightest thing can trigger sadness and tears I never knew were inside me. The nature of the creative outlet no longer matters. Just having an outlet matters. To continue learning, expressing my creativity is plenty enough for now.

I wonder what this person thinks the SONGS Forum is for. Apparently it does take all kinds. Less of that kind would be better I think. Sing on LGA.

For more than 20 years I’ve wanted to see Definable regions (by Markers; a feature that already exists) that can be used as a Playlist for on the fly arrangement. Simply reorder the Playlist to try a different arrangement.

In 85 or 86 i had a Kong DDD-1 drum machine and SQD-8 Sequencer. The beginnings a of my own home studio. I had it made. At least i think that was the model numbers. I had a good friend about 10 or 15 years my senior, who owned a Music Store and always had the latest gear. Bill and then later, Alf, who bought that store from him, used to sponsor our 4 piece band with some small bits of gear. New types of products seemed to come out every other day. Couldn’t get enough of the tech but it was hellishly expensive back then. We really struggled to own our own PA gear. The lack of the right gear was often a limiting factor in the size of gigs we could get. I remember we secured a residency in a really flash sports club. We were offered 5 nights per fortnight. In the end we couldn’t accept the offer because we didn’t have big enough gear. And couldn’t afford to buy it. No one was game to step up and borrow money to buy it. This was the days before all the venues had their own equipment - you not only had to play you had to be a small trucking and stage business carting the gear and setting it up. Too poor and not big enough for roadies. Always going round in circles. Those were the days. Woohoo!

Nice vid. Congratulations and all the best for your future together.

Welcome to the forum and the Coffee House in particular. Be consoled by the fact that many if not most of us have been caught out by a gotcha that turned out to be user error. All the best.

Yes. A trademark infringement can occur independent of any monetary consideration. It’s the use not the money which creates the infringement. Same with patents, copyrights and licenses.

..... or the same bucket!

I got very confused reading your post until I realised that GF was not GirlFriend but Gluten Free. For a while I thought you and your wife had a very unusual relationship. Now that I’ve cleared that up it makes much more sense. Phew!

And I was gonna grab me one o’ them there Altered Bapus. But now that they’re not on sale but have scales, I think I’ll pass for now.

Take care Dave. Look forward to reading tales of your exploits on your return.