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GAS coping strategy


uk_lefty
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I recently commented on a topic listing out previous amps I've owned. I also commented on another talking about letting gear go and realised that while better and other gear exists, I probably have what I need for my uses. My band are now doing more gigs where we need to provide PA and we don't currently have bass bins so this morning I bought a cab. I also lusted after some basses and cabs and amps on eBay, gumtree and in the ads here.
So this morning I deleted the eBay and gumtree aps off my phone. I need to stop spending on gear and concentrate on my professional exams coming up and the time spent lusting after and researching gear could be spent thinking about either my exams or my playing for upcoming gigs, like memorizing parts of songs. I also need to refurb my house so that's where my cash should be going.
I'm now renouncing GAS. it's a destructive force that never satisfies, just fuels itself. A dangerous addiction.

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[quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1484559685' post='3216242']
...I need to stop spending on gear and concentrate on... ...my playing for upcoming gigs...
[/quote]

Came to exactly the same conclusion only quite recently. The idea of acquiring gear is to improve your sound, it's a constant process of upgrading and refinement, right? Only it's not, because your playing suffers as a result. The best way to improve your sound is to improve your playing.

After a certain level (and it's a surprisingly basic level) better gear makes not an awful lot of difference. After decades of playing, decades of GAS and many thousands of pounds spent, I'm finally down to one bass, one amp and one cab. I do everything I need to do with those - and the time I previously spent trawling the internet for (gear) porn is now spent playing instead.

Having said that, I still appreciate pics of nice gear - I just don't feel the urge to press the BUY button. And I'm not having a go at the GAS community - the heart wants what it wants - and if your bank balance can stand it, it's OK with me. :)

Edited by discreet
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Amazing how long it's taken me... And it's always amps I cycle through despite me thinking I don't really care about amps! I was a decent level hockey player once upon a time and I used to buy all the best gear, but then started to use pretty scrappy gear just because I could, and now won't even buy mid range gear - partly because of price but also because I know there is a diminishing return after a relatively low price point.

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[quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1484570559' post='3216356']
...there is a diminishing return after a relatively low price point.
[/quote]

Quite. Look at the number of flashy high-end cars available for people who can't drive, expensive leather-bound, gold-tooled books for people who can't read and fabulous hi-tech big-budget kitchens for people who can't cook...

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[quote name='Graham' timestamp='1484571809' post='3216374']
One of the best things you can do is change your strings, amazing the difference a new set of strings makes
[/quote]

Generally that is very true, but my 4-year-old La Bella flats have been on 3 basses and are just beginning to sound good... ;)

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[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484570304' post='3216350']
The idea of acquiring gear is to improve your sound, it's a constant process of upgrading and refinement, right? Only it's not, because your playing suffers as a result. The best way to improve your sound is to improve your playing.


[/quote]

Who are you, and what have you done with the real Discreet?

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Nothing wrong with nice things when you can afford them... and sometimes when you can't... ;)

It's just that GAS can lead to a mountain of time being spent on browsing, selecting and acquiring gear... and then possibly moving it on. Leaving less time for actual playing.

But if playing isn't a priority, or you simply just like gear, then it doesn't matter much.

Yes... I'm aware I should really be playing bass instead of posting here... :rolleyes:

Edited by discreet
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[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1484575880' post='3216425']
Who are you, and what have you done with the real Discreet?
[/quote]

Hehe. It's me, Jack. I may just have spread myself a bit too thin on the playing front.

A sentence with the words 'myself' and 'thin' in it. Ha, ha!

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I think I may finally be over in my search for tone nirvana. I`ve already found that the Fender Precision is the bass for me, and realised that the Sansamp is the preamp for me. Amp-wise I`d been nearly there but not quite and then realisation hit - the way it seems to at times - that every time I`ve used an Ashdown as a provided rig I`ve loved the "slam" that they give, as well as the tone. Additionally this seems to be irrespective of whatever cabs they`re hooked up to. Think the combination of Ashdown/Sansamp works really well, and contrary to belief, nowt woolly at all, no sheep in my sound.

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[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1484593273' post='3216661']
You can't buy anything unless you get rid of something.
[/quote]

It helps if you can't afford anything without selling something first. For one thing it makes you a bit more careful about what you're buying and selling. In theory, anyway. I'm sure we've all been caught out - going by the amount of sellers' remorse on this forum.

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1484594133' post='3216672']
...who dies with the most boxes wins.
[/quote]

Saw a similar sentiment on a sticker in the back window of a Roller. The registration number was R1 VAL. :rolleyes:

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1484594796' post='3216678']
I've already found that the Fender Precision is the bass for me.
[/quote]

I've already found that, too - it only took forty years.

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I have started setting myself goals and tests to be achieved before GAS can be unlocked.....so it may be go through Lydian Scales up and down the neck, particular Chords all over the fretboard. I try to make to goals difficult so that if i do unlock the GAS at least i've learned something and anything new in the Armoury has been earned ;)

P.S. i'm a lazy practicer / learner so unlocking the GAS is a slow process :/

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I have a new found gas, after playing for around 17 years but being for the most part uninterested in gear, i have started to become facinated with stuff that i can no longer afford. This has had the unexpected side effect of making me research gear much more and bringing a new found understanding (and excitement) over the gear i already own.

It doesn't make up for not owning that dingwall i want, but its something.

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