I'm very thankful for an insightful wife. I have offered to "downgrade" my gear to produce some fast cash and she has said "no". Just like a freelance photographer needs a great/high-end camera to stay competitive in the market, my wife sees that I play and sound better with high-end gear. The bandleaders I work with hire me in part because of the tone of my instruments. It's my calling card. Some specifically insist I bring my Roscoe fretless (and have gotten upset when I didn't bring it
).
I feel the pain of my bass brethren that are having to sell gear to keep up with inflation...
That would be sad indeed to sell a beloved bass to pay for a tank of gas.
