Why Musicians Collect Diverse String Instruments: A Composer's Insight
The Real Reason Professionals Own Multiple Instruments
Every non-musician who enters my space asks the same question: "Why do you need so many guitars?" After 15 years of collecting, I can confirm it's not about vanity. As a professional composer, each instrument solves specific creative problems that standard guitars can't address. My collection represents solutions, not trophies - even the dumpster-found Rickenbacker copy has recorded tracks. Through analyzing this composer's journey, three truths emerge: unique instruments inspire distinctive compositions, budget modifications often outperform expensive stock gear, and sonic diversity requires physical diversity.
How Specialized Instruments Solve Creative Problems
Ronroco demonstrates niche tonal value: My custom Bolivian ronroco (€1,800) exemplifies why professionals invest in unusual instruments. Despite its playing difficulty, its doubled strings produce spiritual textures impossible on standard guitars. When played downward, the middle string emphasizes lower octaves; upward strokes highlight higher harmonics. This isn't just "different" - it's compositionally transformative. As Gustavo Santaolalla proved in film scores, such instruments become signature sounds.
Baritone acoustic reveals environmental realities: My Alvarez baritone's journey from unplayable in Chicago winters to revived in humid climates underscores critical factors musicians overlook. Thick strings (0.070-.016 gauge) demand specific humidity levels. The $1,000+ investment nearly failed until relocation and luthier adjustments solved:
- Fret buzz from neck relief changes
- Intonation shifts from bridge movement
- Action height fluctuations
Fretless instruments demand retraining: The Egyptian oud and modified Washburn 6-string prove that removing frets creates expressive potential at significant cost. Microtonal playing requires abandoning Western scales - a challenge Mark Messing (PhD jazz performance) warned me about. Yet their singing harmonics and pitch bends offer:
- Continuous glissando between notes
- Unique harmonic resonance
- Eastern maqam scale capabilities
Practical Instrument Selection Framework
Budget-conscious acquisition strategy: Contrary to "trust fund" assumptions, my collection grew through decades of strategic hunting. I prioritize functionality over prestige, applying three principles:
Haggle then modify: Find "good enough" instruments cheaply (Mexican shop finds, $100 Mitchell), then invest in luthier upgrades like bone nuts or fretwork
Unique-or-out rule: Sell or give away generic instruments, retaining only distinctive ones like the 8-string Mexican mystery instrument
Tuning specialization: Maintain dedicated guitars for alternative tunings like my open-G Blue Ridge acoustic that spawned an entire album
Humidity management checklist:
- Use hygrometers in storage areas
- Install soundhole humidifiers for acoustics
- Avoid rapid climate transitions
- Prioritize solid cases over gig bags
Maintenance Realities and Creative Payoffs
Tour-proven modification philosophy: My primary Schecter guitar's evolution proves smart upgrades beat expensive stock instruments. After adding Bartolini pickups and MIDI capabilities, its "spooky good" action survived 15 years of global touring. The $200 DeArmond bass demonstrates similar value - its lightweight body and slap tone became irreplaceable despite owning "better" basses.
Three non-obvious collection truths:
- Expensive ≠ better: My $800 Olympia classical outperforms cheaper models sufficiently for non-concert use
- Imperfections inspire: The sitar's detuning challenges forced simplified playing that yielded new compositions
- Space demands strategy: After three moves in four years, I now prioritize wall hangers and modular cases
Essential tools for diverse collections:
| Tool | Purpose | Recommendation Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Peterson Strobe Tuner | Precision tuning for non-standard instruments | Handles microtonal adjustments and altered tensions |
| Kyser Capo Quick-Change | Rapid retuning for Nashville setups | Manages octave-string tension without slippage |
| D'Addario Humidipak | Automatic humidity control | Maintains 45-50% RH without daily monitoring |
Start Building Your Purpose-Driven Collection
The functional truth behind multiple instruments reveals itself when composing: that ronroco's atmospheric drone elevates film scoring; the baritone's low-end richness anchors folk arrangements; the fretless bass's harmonics suggest jazz solos. Each instrument earns its keep by solving problems six-strings can't.
Your first three steps:
- Identify one sonic gap in your current work
- Research affordable instruments addressing it (ethnic shops > retailers)
- Budget for professional setup after purchase
"When trying alternative tunings, which instrument limitation frustrates you most? Share your experience below - I'll suggest solutions based on mine."
