Over To You: “All The Gear, No Idea…”?

I gave a seminar at the BPM Show last weekend where we discussed how no DJing set-up is perfect, and how it’s probably foolish to think the next big, shiny new piece of gear is going to somehow make you a better DJ. Reader Hector Vazquez writes on a similar note:

“Technology helps us with music and DJing but also fools us with the expectation that if we have the ‘latest of the latest’ we will be better DJs, musicians, producers, etc. When I was a kid, I think I was much more creative than now, and I just had a cassette recorder and a radio! So I think it’s important to remember that the gear or equipment is not essential (but beneficial, just as a tool). The key is to practise like in any discipline. What do you think?”

Digital DJ Tips says:

It’s an interesting debate, for sure. An old friend of mine, Dave Haslam (coincidentally giving the seminar right after mine) said “the gear is there simply to help you get the music onto the dancefloor”, and coined the phrase “all the gear, no idea” to describe people who surround themselves with high-tech gear but don’t have a clue about DJing.

the view from the floor seemed to be a balance between the two is necessary. But I want to throw this one open to you, our readers. How important is gear really when it comes to DJing? Do you feel that the best way to get better is to play and play and play, as often as possible, in front of real people, using whatever gear you can damned well find? Or do you think digital kit has changed the game and it’s important to have a hi-tech set-up with all the latest bells and whistles, and master it before setting foot outside of your room?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this perennial debate in the comments below. Feel free to contribute!