I bought two S900's three years ago for $2700. I just sold two on Ebay for a total of $2040. When you take out Ebay and Paypal fees, it probably comes to $1950.

So the net cost of those two keyboards for three years was $660. If I do 500 shows a year, that comes out to $0.44 a show.

Not a bad deal!

I know where you are coming from, Larry.

Got over ten years out of my G1000, and sold it for over a grand at the end. Pennies a day... if that!

A good case makes all the difference...

Let's also not forget the tax write off for gear.

All true, but don't you guys get really tired doing 500 jobs a year. I know several who average two jobs every day. Yes, they are mostly hour jobs, and I've done it too, and I understand how gratifying it is to entertain the old folks, but come on, won't you get burnt out sooner or later?
Most NH jobs are in the day time. If you do two every day, when do you go fishing, play golf, smell roses?

I know after a month or so of 5 nights a week, I'm ready for a break, as much as I enjoy playing.
DonM

Hey Don.....
Yea...but you could also have a real job YIKES!!

Been there, done that, not interested!!
DonM

Exactly

when I was going to college I played a piano bar 6 nights a week from 9 till 2 AM. Every night was a challange so it was always interesting.
I had the race track crowd there for a few months of the year and when they had a good day I had a good night. This was back in the 50's when side man scale was 10.00 a night flat, and you could pour your shots in a jug and cash them back to the bar at closing.
but the tips were awesome.
I can remember Eddie Shoemaker giving me a 50.00 bill if he could sing My Wild Irish Rose just one more time. Heck 50.00 in those days would buy you a car
On our dark night (Monday) we would all go out to a joint called Affies and have an all night jam session.
we lived and breathed music in those good old DAZE
bebop

Actually, to be completely on the "up and up", instrument purchases used for business purposes should be depreciated to zero value or a minimal amount, so you can deduct the cost plus interest, if any. Then, when the equipment is sold, you should pay capital gains tax on the difference between the sale price and the depreciated (book) value.

If done correctly, it doesn't make much difference what you sell old, depreciated equipment for.

Collectible guitars are where the values are. I purchased a Gibson L-5 for around $1,000.00
in the early 70's. Just had an offer from a Philharmonic for $17,500.00. I'll donate it, because I'd have to pay capital gains tax on $16,500.00. Over a 50 year period, appreciation on my string instruments is in excess of 23.7% a year.

Man,I wish that were the case with keyboards and other electronic equipment.


IT AIN'T!

Russ

I sold a Gibson L-7 a while back. My uncle had kept it in its case in a closet for more than 40 years.
It had only been played for one week. Still had the original strings on it.
DonM

Also Larry take into condsideration how many thousands you made with these units. Yes great investment!

But Donny, you always seem to assume that the REASON you made all that money IS your current arranger... Truth is, you probably would have made just as much money with your previous arranger (after all, as you keep pointing out, it's the PLAYER, not the tool that makes the difference, eh?).

Once you realize that, the cost of upgrading actually DOES factor in...

You invest in a Tool....you use that tool to work...you make money from your investment. After the initial investment is satisfied the rest is Gravy..simple as that.
If a year after that and thousands of dollars later in jobs you threw out or sold the TOOL you will always be ahead of the game & never lose a dime the initial investment.