GEAR ACQUISITION SYNDROME — or G.A.S. for short — is a term that describes the seemingly uncontrollable impulse to buy — you guessed it — gear.
It’s that insatiable rush that invades every cell in your being, convincing you that you need to buy that guitar. That you need to buy that pedal, or if you’ve got the real estate to back it up, the half stacks, full stacks and all the amplifiers and combos you can get your hands on.
But why? How did this start? And what triggers it? Is it a bad thing? Is it a good thing? And is it even a “thing” at all?
We did some research to clear the air and dispel the myths surrounding this fascinating phenomenon plaguing seasoned guitarists and unsuspecting newbies alike.
AND THEN THERE WAS G.A.S.
ORIGINALLY CALLED GUITAR acquisition syndrome, its origins trace back to Steely Dan guitarist Walter Becker, who introduced the term in a 1996 Guitar Player magazine article titled “G.A.S.,” humorously urging guitarists to become aware of its existence, and the case-queen compound or fuzz-pedal fort one will inevitably find themselves surrounded by (or buried under, depending on the severity) if not addressed.
“Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. You undoubtedly know someone who has it. Reading this rag, you probably have it yourself. Or will have it someday soon or would like to have it. You may think it’s cool. But it’s not cool. Not anymore. How many Strats do you need to be happy? How many Strat copies, each extensively modified to be able to produce the variations in tone that once would have required maybe four different guitars? How many knobs and switches does that Strat need?” Becker wrote.
As other non-guitar-playing musicians experiencing the same impulses caught wind of guitar acquisition syndrome, and as guitarists realized that the extent of their urge went acquisition syndrome, opening the joyous floodgates to all things guitar- and musical-instrument related — whether that be basses, interfaces, pedals, amps, etc.
