Various accessories

A friend (different friend) once told me that to get into any hobby would cost $1000. Didn't matter the hobby. That was his flat rate no matter what.

Well, it's been considerably less than that. I'm not under any kind of idea that doing music for a hobby is cheap. It can be VERY, VERY expensive. My thoughts are more wrapped around getting started in the hobby. My biggest issue is that this isn't the first time I've tried to do this. My first attempt was on an acoustic guitar my wife bought me for a birthday present many moons ago. It's in the house and has been gathering dust all this time. Taunting me and reminding her of my failed experiment. I had to go about it this time on the cheap to fly under the radar of watchful eyes and avoid the failed experiment demon again. For years and years, I had attempted to win electric guitars by entering online contests on a regular basis. The only fruits of my efforts being an email folder full of junk mail. So much so that I try to avoid that account at all costs nowadays.

However, my friend took pity on me and helped me with my cause by giving me a guitar. Introductory guitars can be had for around $200-$300 from what I've seen online.

The case itself I got for $40. I bought this one on recommendation. I bought the strap at about the same time for < $20.

Everyone has a PC nowadays. Instead of buying a full fledged amp, I bought a USB cable and an amp emulator. So far, I've been happy with the Guitar FX Box. It's $26 through their online site. The Lightsnake USB cable was $40 at Target. The medium picks I got there were < $10.

My "benefactor" has recommended an amp to me but I'm holding off on it. It was around $150.

So....my initial outlay so far is $136. I've been going with whatever free lessons I can find online and the generosity of pointers from my benefactor. He doesn't live close or else I would probably be at his house on a weekly basis looking for free lessons. I bet he thanks God every night for the distance between us at this point.