Dave Karr, founder of BuyOrBorrow Music, has been making music (both awesome and terrible) for over 27 years. 

After spending a decade and a half in corporate America, he decided to create a new business, dedicated to empowering and supporting musicians by providing affordable, on-demand access to music instruments and gear. 

Here’s a little Q&A with our founder:

• Why did you choose to start BuyOrBorrow Music?

After spending much of my life, and much of my savings 💵 🤦‍♂️, buying and selling music gear to chase my sound and inspiration, I felt there HAD to be a better way for musicians to get gear. 

That’s when the concept of gear on-demand started growing in my mind. After several years of research and hard work, BuyOrBorrow Music is the realization of that original dream. 

Our vision is a world where every musician has the tools and resources they need to achieve their artistic aspirations. 

• Who are some of your musical influences?

I’m all over the place, but the biggest influences come from late 80s / early 90s rock bands. Alternative bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and Garbage are favs. 

I’m also very much into electronic music and love some of the early electronica bands like Sneaker Pimps, Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and others from the late 90s.

• What’s your favorite piece(s) of gear?

Do I have to choose just one?? Lol. Probably the most important instrument I own is a ’95 candy apple red Fender Strat, my first guitar. 

In terms of pedals, I love my 808 Tube Screamer, my Memory Man, and my original DOD OD250.

For synths and samplers: I love all the old Roland SP units (particularly the 303 & 404). I also have an original MC-303 and I love it, even though many scoff at them.