undefined | Better HN

0 pointsqueenkjuul2d ago0 comments

I always wanted to start a musical instrument library. I loved working in a music store, helping people pick out the right instruments for what they're trying to accomplish, but always constrained by their budget. We had a per-semester rental program for school band students, where we'd take a deposit and rental fees but we'd handle the maintenance and families could save a ton versus buying. Something similar where like, you want to loan out a particular amp or pedal or synth or cymbal or something to go record a record for a week, the library would be there to help you access gear you couldn't normally afford, and I'd be there to keep everything working and help you find the right tool for the job.

Maybe someday.

0 pointsqueenkjuul2d ago0 comments

Maybe someday.

0 comments

4 comments · 1 top-level

bzzzt1d ago· 3 in thread

I think musical instruments, especially digital ones like synthesizers or effects but also guitars and other acoustic instruments, have become a lot more affordable the last decade without severely impacting quality. You don't really need the expensive stuff anymore when you can record a quality recording with a second hand iPad and a below $100 microphone.

Rental of expensive stuff will always be expensive too due to insurance, maintenance and fraud. It's not really helping to make stuff more accessible, more a convenience for the pro's that need stuff for a gig.

queenkjuulOP1d ago

There's still a lot of crap cheap guitars out there, and some truly dreadful cheap amps

a9620h ago

Yes. But about 200+ currency units especially in used gear can get you something genuinely usable, if you know what to look for. But knowing and variety is a problem in itself.

Not so lucky if you want e.g. a sax bigger than an alto, a bassoon, oboe, french horn... Some instruments just don't seem to have dirt cheap versions.

(No, I don't have a problem. I can stop any time!)

bzzzt23h ago

There will always be crap sold to people who want a cheap gift or decorative item. But once you shop just a bit above the bottom price there are a surprising amount of decent instruments to be found.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse