Reply #62: Consider it an investment, Mom. Two musicians here

[Donailin]

Both sons, 14 and soon to be 16 on the 30th. Guitarist and drummer. Seemed liked good hobbies to me four years ago. And not THAT expensive. But that was then. Now? I'm in it for major bucks. Almost all of my extra income goes to their talent. My sons (3rd)guitar was $700(Schecter diamond series with MOP inlay), EMG pickups $200, the half stack marshall cab - used $350, the peavey 5150 with vaccuum tubes used $350, lessons $60 an hour (every OTHER week), strings, picks, cables -- Jesus, average around $25 a month. Acoustic guitars: a yamaha generic and an Ibanez AW $550. His present this Christmas: the MR8 multitrack recording device $250( thankfully!, Im getting off cheap this Christmas). Him making the Montgomery County all honors jazz ensemble-- priceless. His being the only 9th grader jazz guitarist in the high school, priceless. Him playing vivaldi's four seasons autumn with sweeping and picking while I sit at the computer, priceless.

The drummer: Christmas/16th birthday present 2004: DW 6 piece drumset, used in natural wood tone $1600 not including hardware( a huge bargain if you investigate) Symbals: good God, I can't begin to estimate, $1800 over the course of three years? Double bass drum pedal, $250. Lessons, $25 a week. Sticks $25 a month. Him in marching band, symphonic band, and pep band, priceless.


The investment is worth every penny because this world needs more artists,AND they will both be able to utilize their talents towards college scholarships. AND it makes them feel extremely good about themselves -- it keeps them busy in a productive way. They have really good self esteem, which makes me happy for them.

I've never once regretted spending my hard earned money on the musical instruments because they NEVER collect dust. I mean, they use them till they're worn out. And they love you for it, they really do.