Im getting rid of a lot of stuff in my life and have narrowed down my set up by quite a lot, which feels really good to me. In doing so I have listed several pieces of gear that are not getting so much use nowadays. Among this pile of gear is an old Hiwatt tape delay that was my main piece of kit for a while. I got a considerable offer on it, but now that it’s boxed up I am having a very hard time going though with it. I don’t think I would be able to ever find another of these, and while it doesn’t get used a ton right now , this was always a dream piece for me and I’m feeling pretty gutted at the idea of sending it off. Tape delays require lots of maintenance, and this one especially has such little info online about parts and service. I worry it will one day be a paperweight and I won’t be able to keep it running reliably. I don’t need the money right now, but I’m not a wealthy person and it would be nice to have or one day turn into a more capable piece of gear.
This little thing is incredibly charming though and very special to me. I’m sure you all have had similar hard decisions come up around what to keep and what to sell, and I guess I’m just looking for some advice and insight before I seal this deal.
This may be a weird topic, but I’m an interested in the relationships we developed with cherished gear, rare gear, ect and what moving on from something truly special is like for everyone in this context. Is it worth it?
I don’t. This was a hard lesson learned long ago when I sold an ARP 2600. Years later I ended up replacing it - at a much higher cost. This is a mistake that I will not make again, despite having some very valuable items that are seldom used.
On the other hand…
If you don’t know how to keep it up and running, it might be better to move it on to someone who knows how to service it. I find it far more heart-wrenching to watch a great piece of gear wither and die. It might be less painful to know it is in the hands of someone who will keep it maintained.
The other thing to consider… if you need the money or space, let it go. It’s only a thing and you can make music with other things.
You’re doing the right thing and your anxiety is both normal and understandable. But, having possessions that you don’t use has a mental cost on you, on us all. The responsibility of ownership, either upkeep or knowing we’ve eventually got to address moving it on, is there and real. The removal of this background/subconscious stress benefits you and the odd ‘I miss x item’ feeling is a minor price to pay.
Honestly, I wish I would do more of this myself, and I do aim to. I want to minimise.
I spent 3 months per year in Canada and the US between 2016-2019 living out of a suitcase with minimal possessions (one guitar, one laptop and the suitcase), and it was such an eye opener. Living with minimal stuff felt liberating. Coming back to the UK each time, where all my possessions are, I noticed the stress and cost of it.
This is the only time this sort of regret has come up for me, so maybe I should listen to that. I’m a novice when it comes to tape machine repair, but I do have some reel to reels I’ve done quite a bit of work on with the service manuals. I got rid of one piece of sentimental gear, but one that was easily replaceable. It’s a lot harde when that isn’t the case!
Seems like it might be a good time to learn how to maintain the unit. This is precisely why I began learning more about electronics. I have a lot of old gear and I feel that if I am going to have it, I need to be able to fix it or get it to someone who can. This can be rewarding in its own right.
Also, I have spent the last ten years wishing I’d never sold my original Maestro Echoplex, and being disappointed in my attempts to replace it, so I know exactly how you feel.
I recently sold a telecaster that was “custom-built” for me. First real electric guitar, used frequently in my band a decade ago, and barely played in the last 5 years. It was a relief to sell it - now it can live another life and I can move on with mine. I didn’t realize how much holding on to that material possession coincided with holding on to an old dream. Now I have more physical space and space to follow new dreams.
Whatever you decide, be gentle to yourself
I went through with it. There is too much false scarcity in this world and it is too easy to try and hold all the dreams at once. This will free up space in my life and help move me to the next chapter, plus give me funds to pick something else up later down the line that will have just a big if an impact on my life as this one did. Thanks all for the thoughtful responses and for going with me into this small exploration of material and identity. I wish you all the best in whatever processes you are experiencing, no matter how big or small.
There are a few things I’ve sold I wish I hadn’t (OTO Biscuit, a very good condition Electribe R-1 MKII, an Electribe SX, Electrix Filter Factory).
But really its just fleeting regret. If I can’t get it done with what I have + my DAW then I should probably just throw in the towel because I’ve got more than enough to have fun/make some decent dance tunes.
I’ve sold three Volca Kicks and for some reason I always want it back. Especially when I chance upon other people performing with it. It’s so pretty and small and perfect…
I may have felt differently if I’d ever sold something much more rare, like your tape delay : ) But honestly, I think you’ll be fine once its dropped off at the post.
Nikon Fm2n and the 50mm 1.12. Nikins fastest 50mm lens. I shot thousands of photos with this film combo and won awards and made magazines and newspapers. It was bonded to me. I sold it because i quit film. But this was a huge mistake as i had nothing to replace them. And digital led to me quitting photography. Just to make a few pounds. Pathetic.
Had a biscuit- sold it … moved on with things.
Had an Avalon - sold it … moved on with things ( bout a few other clones with cash to spare )
Monomachine , machinedrum , Juno 196 … same ( though I bought the boutique 106)
I think you should keep it, as it means a lot to you. There’s no need to feel guilty about owning something you don’t use much. You love this item, and I’m confident you worked hard for it. Unless you have no other choice, keep it.
I went through the same thing with my EML-400/401. I had to retire early, needed money to get me through until SS started, and it was not vital musically no matter how cool it was. But, I sold it and it is okay. Hopefully it is in a good place and getting use. For a lot of the reasons you listed I have avoided buying a Rhodes Chroma. It was my favorite synth ever, by a long shot, and mine burned in a fire. But I live in a rural area getting the thing serviced would be an expensive nightmare. So, I make music with what I’ve got. With a collection of Elektron devices and an MC-707 I don’t need a vintage time bomb that could go down any time. I’ve got what I need. The Chroma is a “want” and there is a big difference between want and need.
Check out the Mitakon 35mm f/0.95. I’ve got one in Canon EF-M Mount, which brings its effective length up to about 50mm. Feels like it is competitive with the Noctilux & 58mm Nikkor Noct. If you still have Nikkor glass, mechanical adapters for EF-M are cheap and work well.
