Ted Witcher
Established
I always recommend good equipment to beginners in any field. A pro guitarist can work around the deficiencies in the tool. The beginner struggles to learn how to produce a good tone and thus should not have to deal with overcoming a badly-made tool as well. Most do, but all it does is add years to the time it takes for proficiency (and enjoyment).
When I bought my Leica (as, really, a beginner) I noticed the same thing as when I bought my first really nice guitar (also as a beginner): I could not fault the instrument. As you all well know, Leicas don't do anything for you -- they perform superbly, but only as directed. Just like a well-made guitar. So if it sounded (or, with a photo, looked) bad, it was all me. Consequently, if something sounded or looked good, it was also all me. Learning curve rose sharply and enjoyment factor went up.
Moral? If you take up a hobby, get the best gear you can afford, no matter what your level of ability. I know so many people who never developed because their frustration at the early stages stopped them. I saw remove the quality of the tool as a factor in that equation if you can.
When I bought my Leica (as, really, a beginner) I noticed the same thing as when I bought my first really nice guitar (also as a beginner): I could not fault the instrument. As you all well know, Leicas don't do anything for you -- they perform superbly, but only as directed. Just like a well-made guitar. So if it sounded (or, with a photo, looked) bad, it was all me. Consequently, if something sounded or looked good, it was also all me. Learning curve rose sharply and enjoyment factor went up.
Moral? If you take up a hobby, get the best gear you can afford, no matter what your level of ability. I know so many people who never developed because their frustration at the early stages stopped them. I saw remove the quality of the tool as a factor in that equation if you can.
