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Where does it stop?

I plan on eventually upgrading from a Squier Standard Jazz Bass to either a Squier Vintage Modified Mustang Bass or a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass SS (why bother upgrading to an actual Fender when Squier has proven that their basses are just as good), but I still catch myself browsing for other basses (particularly short scale basses apart from the aforementioned ones). I just think it's fun to do.

As long as you don't let it completely occupy your mind, interfere with your responsibilities in life or keep you from enjoying your current bass, then it's perfectly okay to look at other basses.

I want a Squire Vintage Modified Mustang too. Do you know who has the best prices?
 
The best cure for GAS is bass lessons from a great teacher. It's a better use of your money and should humble you into realizing that gear is not the solution.

Well said! All we really need is one functioning bass, preferably with a decent setup. Anything else is just an indulgence. Practice your lessons and spend some money on music books and recordings.

Of course I have to remind myself of this advice from time to time. ;)
 
When I got my dream bass, that's when the GAS kicked in for real. There's no high in the world like a great piece of new gear. :help:

Never realized this but same here. Didnt' really ever suffer from gas till I got my first Warwick (or real, or "dream" bass). It was an experience I'll never forget. Then I believe we continue to try and recreate that feeling. I sometimes get close, but the first experience will always remain the most magical, even though that bass is long gone and far from the best bass I ever owned.
 
So much great advice. Therapy. I started the thread as a fun light thing and expected some funny replies from a few who agree or disagree, just poking fun at the situation. Relating to porno... Priceless. Along with that, didn't expect such great advice.

Those that suggest I find a teacher, concentrate on theory. Thank you I see your point and will take your advice, been making an effort on the theory recently. As a self-taught player there's so much on the harmony aspects I want to learn, but definitely need the push a good teacher might be able to provide (guessing). Been playing for a long time (20 plus years) not sure what to expect or look for with lessons. Further advice is absolutely welcome. I don't know where to start. Thank you all for the responses.
 
thedovewarlord said:
So much great advice. Therapy. I started the thread as a fun light thing and expected some funny replies from a few who agree or disagree, just poking fun at the situation. Relating to porno... Priceless. Along with that, didn't expect such great advice.

Those that suggest I find a teacher, concentrate on theory. Thank you I see your point and will take your advice, been making an effort on the theory recently. As a self-taught player there's so much on the harmony aspects I want to learn, but definitely need the push a good teacher might be able to provide (guessing). Been playing for a long time (20 plus years) not sure what to expect or look for with lessons. Further advice is absolutely welcome. I don't know where to start. Thank you all for the responses.

There's no substitute for a truly professional teacher who not only is a tremendous player, but also a great communicator.

In the meantime, once you've mastered all this, you can buy a new bass:

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http://www.cyberfretbass.com/theory/index.php
www.studybass.com
 
I told my wife that one day (soon) I am going to get a Wal...either used or new because its my dream bass, and once I do, it will be the last bass I ever buy. I already got two of my "right up there with my dream bass" basses: a Ric and a Steinberger. However, I know it wont be the last bass I ever buy, there are others I would like to have as well. Its all good as long as you arent hurting anyone and can afford it.
 
As others mentioned it is called G.A.S. No matter what bass or gear you have there is always going to be things that catch your eye or interest. Now whether your able to hold back the desire to buy it is another thing.
 
As long as you don't let it completely occupy your mind, interfere with your responsibilities in life or keep you from enjoying your current bass, then it's perfectly okay to look at other basses.

Ah, but it does all that, all the time. And you know it.

(As I sit here looking at my latest acquisition, and thinking about the next one....)
 
Well said! All we really need is one functioning bass, preferably with a decent setup.

No, this is not true. A bass is not a circular saw, or a hammer, or anything remotely resembling a tool. It's a musical instrument. You might be able to afford only one, but that doesn't mean you could fully articulate everything you want to with just one bass.

Tell a painter they just need one brush. Come on. Tell a programmer he's got it all in one language. Go ahead. Try it (I am a programmer, so I already know the answer and it's no friggin' way).

Hell, tell a writer he just needs one pencil. Or one typewriter. Eventually these items wear out and need to be replaced, or become insufficient to the task. And if your thing is MUSIC, you are in the business of shaping SOUNDS. Different basses have different sounds to shape.

So. Not. True.

Oh, I forgot to add my response to the OP: it will end when they put you in the ground. I have 14+ musical instruments after 30-odd years of playing, and I'm not nearly finished.
 
maxgrant said:
No, this is not true. A bass is not a circular saw, or a hammer, or anything remotely resembling a tool. It's a musical instrument. You might be able to afford only one, but that doesn't mean you could fully articulate everything you want to with just one bass.

Tell a painter they just need one brush. Come on. Tell a programmer he's got it all in one language. Go ahead. Try it (I am a programmer, so I already know the answer and it's no friggin' way).

Hell, tell a writer he just needs one pencil. Or one typewriter. Eventually these items wear out and need to be replaced, or become insufficient to the task. And if your thing is MUSIC, you are in the business of shaping SOUNDS. Different basses have different sounds to shape.

So. Not. True.

Well, that's nice and all, but I think it misses the point here. Your comparisons aren't really analogous either.

Somehow, someway, Victor Wooten seems to be able to cover the spectrum with any bass he plays and usually only plays one or two models anyway.

That's not to say that GAS isn't fun, but it can be a never-ending cycle that distracts from becoming a better musician.

Your money, time, and energy are better spent on lessons and learning than GAS, especially now that you have your "dream" bass.
 
I see there's plenty of feelings and justifications for gear lust and also some who feel strongly at getting the most out of one and bearing down on what's most important, playing/learning/growing as a musician

It's an art question as well, minimalist versus ornate. I do really really enjoy trying new stuff and noticed inspiration while playing something new. I am sure some have experienced that as well, just going with a vibe and tone a different instrument. Can't imagine giving that up or dreaming of another bass, guitar, drum set.

But being reminded and centered on getting to lessons and concentrating more on being a better player is well received. So at very least the next time I'm scouring eBay or TB classifieds for a bass when I have a chance to play I might think twice. Since my experience in that department is so thin, I'm going to post on the subject itself.
 
I wish i could stop looking! I bought my dream bass in 2007, fender american std jazz...absolutely beautiful. Have kept it well set up...still not a scratch on her...and still produces a great great tone. But i cant help myself! Hmmm....never really played a p bass....that stingray sure felt good at gc....wow...that is an absolutely stunning will lee sadowsky in the tb classifieds! One thing i do know...trying different strings is cheaper than trying a new bass. Just went to ghs med flats and love em but....hmmmm what about ghs reg flats or labella? I am resolved to keep my fender and one bass is all i really need....
 
I experience it too. But perhaps this phenomenon is predominantly male-centric, and is a perfectly normal modern-day manifestation of ancient biological survival brain wiring to always be on the lookout for "attractive acquisitions" in order to ensure reproductive success. But that's probably CRAZYTALK.
 
I experience it too. But perhaps this phenomenon is predominantly male-centric, and is a perfectly normal modern-day manifestation of ancient biological survival brain wiring to always be on the lookout for "attractive acquisitions" in order to ensure reproductive success. But that's probably CRAZYTALK.

Considering that my ex-wife had 175 pairs of shoes at the time of our divorce, I'm not so sure it is male-centric.

LOL!