I believe that guitarists are romantics of the highest order. They don’t fall in love with people so much as they fall in love with mahogany, rosewood, maple tops, and that unnameable shimmer that only this guitar produces — until the next one. And its a beautiful thing.
Enter G.A.S. — Guitar Acquisition Syndrome.
It’s not a joke, it’s not a meme, and it’s definitely not just “retail therapy.” It’s biology, psychology, and straight-up romance all rolled into one.
You’ll know it’s hit when:
You’ve spent three nights glued to forums, oscillating between this is the one and maybe that other one will complete me.
You’re confidently carrying completely contradictory opinions in your head about tonewoods and pickup configurations.
You’re eating baked beans straight from the tin because you dropped $4,000 on a guitar you swear was an investment.
You’re negotiating with your accountant like you’re haggling in a Marrakesh bazaar over $250 to set up your music business properly — but you just bought your fourth Telecaster.
Guitarists, we see you. We honour you. You buy instruments the way poets buy notebooks: because each one feels like the keeper of the next masterpiece. And while your accountant may roll their eyes, your devotion is pure.
The Seven Stages of GAS
The Spark: A late-night scroll. A video demo. A whisper of “limited edition.”
The Justification: “This one will finally give me that tone.”
The Chase: Reviews, YouTube rabbit holes, forum deep dives.
The Commitment: Card swiped. Heart racing. Sweaty palms.
The Honeymoon: Everything’s perfect. You are finally complete.
The Drift: Six months in and… maybe the neck feels heavier? Maybe the finish is dull?
The Relapse: There’s a new shop in town. You’ll just look.
Why GAS Happens
Boredom: Your old guitar isn’t inspiring a new song.
The High: Buying feels better than practising.
The Myth: New gear = better playing (spoiler: it doesn’t).
The Quest: Tone is a dragon you’ll never fully slay.
Coping Without Quitting
Practice the art of enough: The guitar you have is enough. Until it isn’t. But start there.
Budget both money and floor space: Your partner won’t thank you for the pedalboard trip hazard in the hallway.
Get creative with old gear: A new tuning or pedal chain can feel like a new guitar.
Talk it out: Forums are cheaper than therapy — and funnier.
Because here’s the truth: Guitar Acquisition Syndrome is not a disease to be cured. It’s a devotion to craft, an honouring of sound, and yes — sometimes a reckless way to torch your savings. But it’s also what keeps the music alive.
So, dear guitarists: buy the guitar. Love the guitar. Then play the hell out of it. And maybe — just maybe — let your accountant set up your business so you can keep buying guitars without eating baked beans forever.
Written by Nichola Burton. Designer for A Little Pitchy. Author of Musoverse. (And a million years ago Co Founder of Pushworth.) I work in partnership with Agents, Artist Managers and Event Producers, who juggle a diverse range of relationships in the Musoverse, to curate, manage and measure data in systems, experience, creative and content to support the entire Musoverse operation. Copyright 2025
