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There is Life After GAS

Dr. Cheese

Dr. Cheese

Supporting Member
Mar 3, 2004
57,348
120,764
Metro St. Louis
#1
About two weeks ago, I was seriously GASing over an ATK805. I simply sat tight because I realized household responsibilities would not let me part with an extra $750 or $800 so for a bass. I was even tempted to swap my Spector because the dealer would have taken it even up, but I decided not to because that bass was a gift.

Guess what? The GAS cooled off.:smug::smug: Since the October 31, 2011, I have bought one bass, a killer Squier VM Jazz V for $150. My secret in fighting GAS is the reality that I am not quite as flush as I was a few years ago, and I have faced the fact that I sound like a hack who knows a few Marcus Miller licks no matter what I buy!:hiding:
 
#7
And for a lesson from psychology, do in internet search of "hedonic adaptation" or "hedonic treadmill". People adapt to an extraordinary range of circumstances-and in quick fashion. One implication is that getting another bass (amp, pedal, etc.) isn't likely to make a major change in your level of satisfaction even in a relatively short timeframe. It helps to remember this when your start to get those "gotta get another bass" urges.
 
#9
spvmhc said:
And for a lesson from psychology, do in internet search of "hedonic adaptation" or "hedonic treadmill". People adapt to an extraordinary range of circumstances-and in quick fashion. One implication is that getting another bass (amp, pedal, etc.) isn't likely to make a major change in your level of satisfaction even in a relatively short timeframe. It helps to remember this when your start to get those "gotta get another bass" urges.
Click to expand...

The hedonic treadmill is definitely something I have felt intuitively for a long time. I think it may work in reverse because I downgraded the amount of money I spend on gear about ten years ago, and buying new budget gear gave me boost the way buying new boutique gear used to give me a rush.
 
#11
walldaja said:
why would you want to be cured?
Click to expand...

+1!! I am pretty content with my rig as of right now. But I know I still want more. A nice tube amp head as a matter a fact. Another bass would be sweet too. But I can't win em all. My GAS attacks have been massive as of late and left me cryin broke. But again, I'm content where I am. But I know that if I had an extra grand layin around, it'd be spent on one of the two things I just mentioned. I'll never be cured from GAS, nor do I want to be, but the affliction isn't always so deep and can be avoided most times. I look at it this way, I could buy all the gear I want and lose my home and woman, or I can be happy with I have until I can "afford" what I'm achin for.
 
#15
I believe we are at the same point. I did get a P5 this year for the new band but spent less than $800. 10 years ago I would have spent $2k plus without blinking. I still have a few small $ items to get but nothing major will be bought unless I sell something first. And I am downsizing from 3 to 2 rigs.

Really I still need to work at being a better player and at my age it isn't as easy as it used to be. And neither is learning the the country songs, some are truly humbling ...
 
#17
I like to let the GAS settle a few times before buying something. Particularly if it's for a bass over the £800 mark. But them I'm a tight a$$ :rollno:

But the best feeling is, finding a bass that I really "want" then forgetting about it for a few weeks, then going back and realizing I still really want that bass. Or even better mid gig going "If I had that bass now it would kick this riff's ass!"

Stops me buying on a whim.

Edit: This is posted one day before I plan on picking up a Euro 4LX Classic... currently folding hehe.
 

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