....don't spend their days gassing/shopping for new basses, pedals, amps, etc.etc. etc...but instead, use what bass they have and spend their time studying and learning music, theory, related musical academia to improve their musical knowledge/foundation in regard to playing a bass?
I have what I want gear wise.. nothing catches my eye atm. But getting good and not being a scrub, that's all day, every day. Doing the work.
I don't have GAS, and I don't shop for basses or any gear. I do use the bass I have. Yeah... no, I don't do any of this either!
Like mellowinman, if I'm postin' here I'm probably at work (helps break up the monotony). I'm happy with what I have, but I do keep an eye on CL for specific gear that I'm thinking about (6 string fretless, electric standup, cabs, pedals).
I don't sacrifice practice time to chase gear, but I do chase gear and practice, I don't think they are mutually exclusive and as long as your gear chasing isn't cutting into practice time, it's a no blood no foul situation. Cutting my gear chasing wouldn't make a lick of difference to my practice schedule, they are discreet activities.
Got the foundation already. Did that years ago. So I think I’ve earned a little playtime. That said, my tastes are what are politely referred to as “eclectic tastes.” So I don’t buy everything that comes out. Most of what I like already came out ages ago and is now in short supply. And usually more than I want to doend. So that provides a natural check on my desire to get something. Right now I’m down to just one more contemplated purchase in the foreseeable future. Life is good.
There are always a few things I want, mostly to make weekend gigging a bit easier, but they aren’t very gasssy. I’m pretty happy with my gear and basses, haven’t bought either for a while and don’t really intend to. I don’t practice as much as I would like, mostly due to carpal tunnel, which means I have limited time I can play a day. When I do I make the most of it. I hang hear to learn and enjoy the speak. Even the snarky and dumb stuff makes me laugh at times