While building a healthcare career, I’ve fantasized about becoming the owner of a small shop selling a commonly sought-after good, such as books or musical instruments, in the name of environmental and economic sustainability. One such good that I would derive pleasure from selling to others is the acoustic guitar, given my personal experience seeking one for myself.
As a fan of the acoustic guitar sound, I recently gifted myself a nylon string guitar. What’s different about this present is that I am looking to give thanks to others by making this gift to myself a gift for many by entertaining music listeners and thinking about its sustainable benefit to the environment and, thereby, a sustainable benefit for others.
I’ll begin by noting the guitar is, in a sense, an item being shared with me. By that, I mean that this self-bestowed present is pre-owned. That’s right. It’s used. And I’m okay with this musical instrument debuting with a different owner. It’s a welcome pleasure to know that its previous proprietor began the guitar’s journey of making it a gift for one to a gift for plus one and nature when it was sold back to a known music retailer for resale. And for this reason, I have immense gratitude for that person.
What are the advantages and disadvantages, if any, of purchasing a preowned instrument? Does one outweigh the other? I know some, for instance, would cringe at the thought of procuring someone else’s former property. So, it’s safe to say that a used item would be an unlikely gift consideration for some people, especially on a special occasion. There may be an exception, however, when it comes to items considered rare, antique, or, in some form, unique. A perfect case in point is the items worn by celebrities. Particular individuals would be proud to own the sweat-infused clothing of a famous person. (More strength to those folks.)
For me, it wasn’t only about the opportunity of purchasing an instrument that would have cost more than double its used price tag if it was new. While the instrument music website Reverb lists this practice as the number one reason for purchasing used music gear, for me, it was also about owning something uniquely special. What was uniquely special was the opportunity to own an acoustic nylon six-string, categorized as a classical guitar, that I (and many other guitarists) view as, besides being broken-in, a remarkably well-made instrument from a small, reputable guitar maker in Bulgaria.
Reverb notes that, in addition to cost savings, owning pre-owned gear contributes to environmental sustainability by keeping existing instruments in use rather than having musicians rely solely on new ones. This practice makes sense from a sustainability standpoint, as most musical instruments, especially finely built ones, will continue to serve their purpose as long as they receive the tender, loving maintenance they deserve. It’s worth noting that several of today’s finely built acoustics are affordably priced brand new, making them bargain options when purchased used.
When I opened the delivery box containing my self-bestowed gift and held what I saw as a well-maintained, perfectly functional product, the sustainable advantage of owning something used was immediately evident to me. Incidentally, this would become my third such purchase of an acoustic guitar. For me, this purchase offered a welcome alternative to buying a new instrument.
It’s Worth Considering a Good Guitar Maker
If you buy used, it pays the buy from a manufacturer known for making good products. That was my intention when I purchased the nylon string acoustic guitar. The guitar maker is Kremona, a relatively small manufacturer in the small Bulgarian village of Kazanlak, known for its quality, handcrafted string instruments, including ukuleles and instruments in the violin family. Their instruments range from mid-budget products typically sought by beginning and intermediate players to high-end gear usually played by career musicians. Fine craftsmanship is the common denominator among their products at all price points.
It wasn’t long after receiving the guitar that I wrote a product review to share with others my favorable reaction to an instrument that I did not expect to become enamored with. And I’m not one inclined to write product reviews. However, when a product takes me by surprise, there are rare instances when I’m willing to take the time to sit at my laptop to let others know what a good buy a product is.
My Listening Audience
While playing an instrument brings a uniquely personal pleasure, it is equally rewarding to share this pleasure with others. My audience usually consists of family and friends, with gatherings usually no larger than ten people. I am considering an open-mic venue as my next venture to share my delight in the six-string acoustic sound. And I welcome the advice and support from a delightful person whose experience as a classical singer and pianist will offer valuable insights into entertaining a larger crowd on a public stage.
The Takeaway
I am pleased to already be making a gift for one to a gift for plus one with those close to me. That alone has fulfilled the contentment that I had hoped to experience from playing for others and has given me the gratitude that comes from being a part of a shared experience. And the added perk of making this experience environmentally beneficial makes it all the more rewarding. However, I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m trying to steer you toward only used gear. If it does, it’s not my intention.
My fantasy of selling used acoustic guitars would be a good enough reason (perhaps a selfish one) to encourage you to buy used. Nonetheless, I am not looking to discredit anyone interested in purchasing a new instrument. There’s nothing wrong with buying new. Doing so has benefits, including a manufacturer’s limited warranty and the excitement of possessing something new, with you as its debut performer. My first acoustic, an Alvarez RD10 dreadnought purchased more than twenty-four years ago at the now-defunct Junkie Daddy Music, is a perfect case in point.
Yet many individuals pursuing an interest in music may begin with an instrument that another person initially owned. For many, the person who gave them their first musical instrument may be a family member, such as a sibling, parent, or other relative. Such generous individuals usually demonstrated their fondness for creating magical sounds, hoping to eventually pass on their treasured music maker to a loved one. Other individuals may find a bargain price on an instrument posted on a public market page of a social media platform or a used gear website. Yet others, such as myself, may be lucky enough to find an amazingly priced second-hand instrument on a well-known music retailer’s website.
For anyone reading this piece, I hope it inspires you to make a gift meant for one into a shared experience for many.
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