There must be something wrong

[VWbug]

Not just GAS, but I am trying real hard to keep a lid on AS in general--"Acquisition Syndrome" with regards to "stuff" of all sorts.

I've mentioned this on here so many times I imagine people are sick of it, but a flood claimed about 98% of everything my family owned a little over 4 years ago.

It's amazing (and alarming) how quickly "stuff" re-accumulates. I have a family of four, so there will always be a ton of "stuff."

But losing things to that flood--and I lost every book, movie, comic book, CD and piece of music gear (except for one guitar I happened to have with me) that I owned. It made me realize it IS just "stuff." The things we lost that hurt the most are family photos, drawings my kids did, love letters between me and my wife...

Before I buy almost anything these days, I seriously consider how much I want/need it (nearly everything, of course, is a "want" and not a "need.") Will I still listen to this album or watch this DVD years from now? How often will I refer to this book?

I still like my stuff and have a small, tight collection of books on subjects of interest to me, I have re-built (on a far smaller scale) some of my film collection, I have plenty of music to listen to, and I have plenty of instruments to play (one acoustic guitar, one electric, and two basses.)

The only "thing" I feel like I could use is a real bass amp. Little practice amp for the guitar is fine, but I hope to get back to jamming/playing with other people and (hopefully) even gigging again. That won't be possible with my 35 watt practice bass amp.

Unless something completely comes apart and is irreparable, or something gets stolen, catches fire, etc. I doubt I'll ever buy another instrument, as much as I do long for certain basses (ahem...if anyone wants to donate a Ric 4001 or 4003, or maybe an Ovation Magnum I to me, hint hint...)

Minimalism isn't for everyone, and I certainly don't look down or roll my eyes at people who own 50 basses. That's cool for them and I am sincerely happy for them. Basses are cool! I dig seeing people's big collections and NBDs.

But for me, I do believe that in a sense your possessions possess you.

For me personally, back when I DID own a dozen guitars, multiple basses, all manner of pedals and amp gear, etc. I sort of felt like a slave to it all. Worrying about proper storage, regular maintenance, keeping things in playing rotation, keeping things strung and playable, the space it all took up, etc., etc.

For me it became more of a chore than a pleasure just owning that much.

Yup, I think a lot of life's pursuits are like that. I appreciate you sharing the hard gotten wisdom.

 

[spiritbass]

For me personally, back when I DID own a dozen guitars, multiple basses, all manner of pedals and amp gear, etc. I sort of felt like a slave to it all. Worrying about proper storage, regular maintenance, keeping things in playing rotation, keeping things strung and playable, the space it all took up, etc., etc.

For me it became more of a chore than a pleasure just owning that much.

This. The most basses I owned at one time was six, and that was too much. Bass strings aren't free and I like to re-string every six weeks or so. There are also neck, action, and intonation to keep up with. I'm down to three basses, two good rigs, a headphone amp, and no GAS...

 

[iriegnome]

Well that may have been the shortest non gas period of time... Hot after a new to me 5'er.. a little out of my price range, but I will see if I can get a deal

 

[Muddslide]

This. The most basses I owned at one time was six, and that was too much. Bass strings aren't free and I like to re-string every six weeks or so. There are also neck, action, and intonation to keep up with. I'm down to three basses, two good rigs, a headphone amp, and no GAS...

Yeah, I've got two basses, though one is really just a beater. I like to practice on it because I really have to wrestle with it. When I switch to the "better" bass, it's like playing a softened stick of butter by comparison.

I have a third bass in pieces I hope to resurrect soon, but I may not keep all three.

Down to one (fuzz) pedal as well. May not bother with anything else in the effects department.

I DO lack an amp rig. Right now all I got is a cruddy old 35 Watt practice amp. I am seriously wanting to start jamming with people again and hopefully gigging again, so I need to get the ampage handled somehow. Otherwise, pretty GAS free.

 

[the harp unstrung]

This past Spring, after a fine young man, deep in the heart of TX, shipped my 'new' 1970 Univox EB1, I had a quiet moment. I asked myself what other 'things' would I want to have in my life. I've long daydreamed about having a recording studio in our basement...my / our collection of percussion instruments will never end...a looper pedal? All of those things faded into the distance as I held that guitar. Our grand daughter was so excited about having a new guitar in our lives! She asked me if it could be 'hers'. I told her "My Love, it will be yours, to take home and keep forever...but not for a long, long while." She looked at me as if I had grown a rainbow-colored horn out of my forehead.
.

Life is good... That was a helluva day...
I'm out of GAS...

 

[Neon Blues]

I am also gas free. Pending delivery of the final piece of the puzzle.

I have re-arranged all my gear and purchased an amazing ESP PJ, Ashdown CTM 15 Drophead, Ashdown Drophead 200H and just pondering the right cabinet for the 200H.

Couldn't dream of a better tone.

 

[Turnaround]

I am currently NOT suffering from GAS... What is wrong with me?? I have had GAS for the last 22 years almost without fail without a break.. Searching, hunting, buying, selling, keeping, playing, having holding basses.. Bass after Bass.. I was getting to a point I was thinking I really had a problem. Then about 4 weeks ago, it all stopped. I don't feel like searching for basses, amps, gear, equipment----nothing....
I think something is wrong? This is worrying me.

You are 50 now. All grown up and have sorted out what is important. If you are unsure yet, wait until your first heart attack. Not that I recommend this course.

 

[ThePresident777]

What music gear did you buy last? Give to me. GAS will return.