Do I Need a New Guitar? The Ultimate N+1 Gear Flowchart

I happened upon a brilliant infographic today. The original chart was actually tracking bicycle ownership, but it perfectly captured the psychological phenomenon that happens when you get completely consumed by a passion.

In the cycling and guitar worlds alike, this is known as the N+1 formula. The rule is simple: the optimal number of guitars to own is N + 1, where N represents the exact number of instruments you currently have in your collection.

Now, I’m not really a bicycle guy, but I am definitely a six-string obsessive. Seeing the undeniable structural logic of the chart, I decided to employ a bit of Photoshop trickery to adapt it for us gear hounds. The result? Pure guitar-obsession comedy gold mapped out in a flawless, highly scientific flowchart.

Breaking Down the Gear Logic

Whether you are suffering from acute Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.) or just browsing the classifieds, the logical pathways here are entirely airtight. Got a broken string? Instead of dealing with the absolute chore of restringing, the chart clearly dictates that a replacement instrument is the only reasonable path forward. Already own five or more electrics? Well, if you don't have a dedicated acoustic, a red finish, or a classic staple from Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, or Rickenbacker... your path is already chosen for you.

If you're asking me personally whether I need a new guitar right now? Well, the logic holds up. I've been eyeing off a Gretsch Duo Jet finished in that incredibly elegant Cadillac Green. It’s practically a medical necessity at this point.

Take a look at the chart above and trace your own inevitable path to your next purchase. If it tells you that you need a new guitar (and it will), don't blame me—blame the science.

Once you've finished justifying your next purchase to yourself, feel free to dive into some of my other guitar stories, gear thoughts, and lesson blogs here.

---

Cheers,
Simon