Most of the stuff I go through is really minor.
There's 4 reeds in it. I used to go through a lot of cane chanter reeds, but we went to a synthetic one for the band because they're less finicky and now we've all got the same brand. They replaced our chanters all with a matched one, too, just so we sound more similar. They are starting to do matched drone reeds, too, but I haven't bothered to install those yet. So I've got 2 chanters and 3 sets of drone reeds.
The bag and bag cover wear out over time, but how fast depends on use. I could use a new bag cover, but my bag is ok. There's stuff you put into the bag every few months to help keep it from leaking. Gotta oil all the wood at least once a year to prevent cracking from moisture/heat changes. The waxed hemp on all the joints and fittings needs replaced, too, and components of any moisture control you might use. I have 2 different moisture control things, not currently using either of them.
There's a little leather flappy bit at the bottom of the blowstick that keeps the air from coming back up when you squeeze, that wears out. I also have 2 blowsticks because my set came with one, but I didn't know how long I'd need it, so I got an adjustable one, too. We also go through a lot of electrical tape because we use it to adjust the size of the chanter holes to tune, and we put it where our teeth rest on the blowstick. It helps with the unconscious urge to clench your teeth when concentrating on a difficult set.
Earplugs and lip balm are also important. I got a cool sling that folds into a belt pouch to use after parades, just in time for corona, too, so I've never gotten to use it.
That's quite a list. I used to maintain all my own stuff, but I now send things to a luthier on a regular schedule. Even when I'm not home, I have my son take down 4 to 6 guitars each month and pick up the ones from the month before.
He goes through, inspects for and repairs any damage - including cosmetic blemishes on some of them. On others, the cosmetic blemishes are as much a part of the instrument as anything else.
I have played through my fingerboards from playing an instrument too many times. In many, you can see where the wood is worn in certain more commonly played parts of the neck. Things like that...
Interesting. How long does it take you to wear through something like that? I imagine you're playing very frequently, though.
Many, many hours of aggressive playing. Think on the order of years. I play passionately and with aggression.
I haven't worn out a guitar like Trigger (Willie Nelson's guitar), but that's probably because I've not played any one guitar that much.
It's like a drug. There's always more. There's always a wanting for that more.
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