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Too much gear?!

Sep 25, 2007
4,580
5,154
Seaford , DE
Guessing from all the discussion here on TB, many of us have accumulated more gear than we will ever use. I'm in the same boat...4 basses, 2 bass amps, pedals, lots of P.A. gear and lights. GAS has caused increased indebtedness. I have also posted a lot of the gear right here on TB with little to no response. I'd love to get down to 1 bass and 1 amp. Anyone else feel that way?
 
I think a few better questions to ask yourself are:

"Once I've paid for this ____ will it cost me any money to have it sitting around and not being used?"

"If I buy a ____ will it be the kind of purchase that I'll only have to make once and then be able to use ____ for that purpose without any other monetary investments?"

"Is this a purchase that makes me money, makes me feel good or both?"
 
I sold almost everything I dont "need" over the last couple of years. I have a few <$100 pedals, some cables and extra stands I rarely use that I could sell if I got off my butt, but right now I am happy and feel good about everything else I own.

10 basses may sound like a lot, and only a couple of them have sentimental value and/or seldom get used (a cheap ABG that only gets used at outdoor acoustic gigs and around the campfire, as an example). I could downsize, but use 8 of them regularly. 4, 5, 6 strings, couple with tapewound strings, a couple are fretless, etc. I enjoy playing all of them, and they make me $$$.

Funny enough, I had a couple of hours of peace and quiet at home today as the older kids were out and my wife and baby had a long nap. I ran scales, modes and practiced other stuff for a good 2 hours and I actually played 7 of my basses.

I only have one bass amp but ordered a practice amp for my office this week. I don't have much when it comes to PA gear beyond a couple of floor monitors and a crappy Yorkville PA that I bought for $75 for practice at my drummer's place.

As long as the gear you own a) makes you happy, b) doesn't just collect dust, c) didn't make you miss a car or rent payment to buy, and optionally d) makes you money, all is good IMO.
 
Everything I own (2 basses, 1 amp, PA stuff and accessories) is all paid for. Its not costing me money to own it, and while I could sell it and make money (on most of it its worth more than I have in it) I'd rather hold on to it.