Hmm… that’s a beautiful guitar. And honestly, the price isn’t bad either. Sure, I already have nine guitars. And yeah, I do already own an SG… but mine’s an Epiphone, and this one’s a Gibson. That’s different.
Oh—Klarna pay-in-three? I’d barely even feel it.
It’s practically a sign.
It’s like the universe wants me to buy it.
It’s a running joke in the music world—guitarists always want just one more guitar. To outsiders, it might seem like indulgence or even madness. But ask any player, and they’ll tell you: there’s always a reason. Or at least, a feeling. So what is it about guitars that makes them so addictive? Why do even players with ten instruments feel like something’s missing?
Let’s unpack it.
1. Tone Variety = Expression Variety
Every guitar sounds and feels different. And for a guitarist, that means it changes the way you play.
- A Strat encourages subtle phrasing and clean dynamics.
- A Les Paul delivers weighty, sustained power.
- A Telecaster snaps and twangs in a way that begs for rhythmic nuance.
- A hollowbody invites you into clean jazz voicings or ambient washes.
Even two identical models can feel different in the hands—due to weight, neck profile, finish, or even just vibe. Guitars aren’t just tools—they’re muses. And sometimes, you need a new muse.
2. Each Guitar is a Palette
Just like painters use different brushes for different textures, guitarists use different guitars for different tones.
- That P-90 SG for raw, punky rhythm.
- A Burstbucker Les Paul for creamy, sustaining leads.
- A Stratocaster for sparkling clean tones.
- A baritone for dark, cinematic layers.
Owning multiple guitars doesn’t feel like excess. It feels like owning a range of voices. And in the studio—where tones layer and need to occupy distinct sonic spaces—variety is essential.
3. Guitars Represent Potential
Buying a new guitar often feels like buying a new you.
“This one will inspire me to play more.”
“This is the sound I’ve been looking for.”
“With this, I’ll finally finish that song.”
Even if it’s partly an illusion, it feels real. A new guitar is like a time capsule of hope, creativity, and untapped ideas. And for many, that’s a powerful emotional driver.
4. Guitars Are Comfort Objects
Beyond tone, guitars are physical companions. The shape against your body, the neck in your hand, the subtle vibrations as you play—they’re tactile, grounding, and soothing.
For many neurodivergent players (and plenty of others), guitars offer a regulated sensory ritual. The act of holding and playing becomes a safe, meditative space.
And some guitars? They just feel like home.
5. Sometimes… It’s Just a Rabbit Hole
Let’s be honest. The modern guitar world—YouTube demos, signature models, endless gear forums—creates an infinite treadmill of desire. There’s always a new feature, finish, or tonewood to obsess over. And some guitarists just enjoy the chase.
- Searching for “the one.”
- Filling tonal gaps.
- Rewarding themselves.
- Just… having fun with it.
And that’s okay, too.
Final Thoughts
Wanting another guitar isn’t just about having more gear. It’s about feeling, expression, possibility, and sometimes nostalgia. It’s about bonding with objects that help us articulate emotions too subtle for words.
Yes, sometimes it’s just capitalism wearing a flamed maple top. But more often, it’s about a deep, human desire to discover new corners of ourselves.
So next time a guitarist says they need another guitar? Don’t roll your eyes. They’re chasing something real—even if they can’t quite explain it.
(And yes… they probably will buy another one.)