I know what you mean, diechris. I'd love to have a USA, but would be scared to death to gig it. Thankfully, euros are great basses in their own right. Same for legends and performers
I sometimes feel the same way about certain exquisite and expensive things but heck, it's a hell of an instrument and its meant to be played, especially on stage!
When I got my Forte I was scared shitless anything would happen to it. I even bought a Euro 5 on a whim just so I could use it more than the Forte then I was like..."This is ********, it's MEANT to be used, that's it's purpose!". About a month back I got a small ding, at first I reacted "HOLY F*#&!!!!!!!!!" And then, "F it, it's a thing (albeit an expensive one) and its meant to be used".
I love using it, I love playing it all the time and believe me, I play it a LOT. Why "settle" on a sound or style??
When I get my NS2 in a few months, I am sure I'll be back to treating it with white satin gloves, but it also is going to be used and enjoyed, just be careful with it, if something happens, so it happens! I know there's a guy here in Vancouver that does amazing restorations, if need be and if I feel I want to, at some point, I can get those dings fixed!!! Almost nothing is irreversible.
ENJOY our instruments to the fullest I say!!!
