Kiwi Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 [quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1484559685' post='3216242'] I'm now renouncing GAS. it's a destructive force that never satisfies, just fuels itself. A dangerous addiction. [/quote] Good luck! For most people, it's a journey of discovery for the gear that makes the sound that's in their head. For a small minority it can be about owning stuff to prevent others from having it. If you haven't found your sound, you may relapse. In the meantime make a nuisance of yourself in music shops trying gear out and when the time is right make a plan to spend once and spend right. Investigate every detail of the gear you think might fit the bill for that sound but don't commit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 [quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1484559685' post='3216242']. . . . realised that while better and other gear exists, I probably have what I need for my uses. [/quote] Many years ago I was chatting with a band leader about the problems we were having with the singer/guitarist. He said, "There's always someone better out there. You've just got to know when to stop looking and be happy with what you've got." Past a certain point no one can tell any differences in your sound. Buying gear beyond that point is just faffing about. I reached that point when I bought my Precision and my Marshall stack over 40 years ago. I have owned 11 basses in 50 years and 4 of those I've bought in the last 4 years. I really should listen to my own advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 (edited) [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1484740847' post='3217929'] Past a certain point no one can tell any differences in your sound. Buying gear beyond that point is just faffing about. I reached that point when I bought my Precision and my Marshall stack over 40 years ago. [/quote] This is so true. My point arrived quite a while ago with a 76 Precision, a USA Ampeg SVT CL and 8 X 10. That remains the best sound I've ever had. But it's just too impractical a rig for 'normal' use. I'm trying to stay with what I've got, but there's always that little voice in your head which says, 'If you just get this [i]next [/i]bit of gear you'll be sorted and you won't need anything else...' And round and round we go. Currently I'm fighting the urge to buy an Ampeg PF50-T... Edited January 18, 2017 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No lust in Jazz Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 One strategy is to stay away from the internet and Basschat for sale forums.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 [quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1484749014' post='3218059'] One strategy is to stay away from the internet and Basschat for sale forums.. [/quote] One reason why I haven't been on here quite so much over the last few months... very difficult to resist 'just looking', though... which of course all too often results in 'just buying'... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484570304' post='3216350'] 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. [/quote] The holy grail!!! What is your magic recipe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1484772174' post='3218375'] The holy grail!! What is your magic recipe? [/quote] Realising that a good P bass is all I need and finding the right amp/cab combination. Still not 100% sure about the amp, but I have a strict one-in-one-out policy, which helps. But at least I'm not currently suffering from bass GAS. Edited January 19, 2017 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='uk_lefty' timestamp='1484559685' post='3216242'] 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. [/quote] Denial Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484570304' post='3216350'] 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. [/quote] More denial Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1484582828' post='3216485'] Theoretically I agree, but sometimes it's nice to own nice things isn't it? As long as you're not putting your family on the street due to your uncontrollable spending on basses, what's the harm? [/quote] Acceptance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1484594796' post='3216678'] 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. [/quote] Yet more denial Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='Number6' timestamp='1484656452' post='3217189'] 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 :/ [/quote] Knob on! This is what I do. No reward without an achievement to precede it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1484822547' post='3218709'] Denial [/quote] Oh God, you're right. I want a second BF Two10 and an Ampeg VB4. I need help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484748567' post='3218048'] This is so true. My point arrived quite a while ago with a 76 Precision, a USA Ampeg SVT CL and 8 X 10. That remains the best sound I've ever had. But it's just too impractical a rig for 'normal' use. I'm trying to stay with what I've got, but there's always that little voice in your head which says, 'If you just get this [i]next [/i]bit of gear you'll be sorted and you won't need anything else...' And round and round we go. Currently I'm fighting the urge to buy an Ampeg PF50-T... [/quote] Told you so... Denial Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484823137' post='3218719'] Oh God, you're right. I want a second BF Two10 and an Ampeg VB4. I need help. [/quote] Aw, bless. Now that you're back posting, would you like to try aversion therapy for GAS? I could arrange for a small team of trolls to leap out and mug you every time you cross the bridge into GASeous territory. Joking aside, it's good to have you back mate. Rock on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [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] That's something I've wondered about a few times: How many basses get moved on because they don't have "that sound", that would be exactly right if you changed to a certain brand of strings you've never tried? OK it might not be strings, it might be pups or a tweak of the EQ, but the principle is the same. I've come to the conclusion that most of my GAS comes out of seeking a shortcut to being a better player. It simply doesn't work. Practice is the key, not Ebay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solo4652 Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 The "aha" moment for me was when I swapped basses with somebody recently. He played my cheap back-up bass and I played his expensive gig bass. He's a better player than me, and sounded damned good on my cheapie. On his expensive bass, I sounded like I always do. The reality struck - "If you want to sound better, you need to practise more". Of course, there are reasons other than "sounding better" for changing your kit. If GAS gives you pleasure and you can afford the time and money involved, then rock on and enjoy it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 [quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1484823630' post='3218730'] I could arrange for a small team of trolls to leap out and mug you every time you cross the bridge into GASeous territory. [/quote] Could be tricky given the current mrs discreet's flatulence problem, but thanks for the thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpondonBassed Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 Hahahahahahah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyd Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 I get GAS as much as anyone, but I've managed to transfer it to buying music books. So that way, I still get to buy something under the illusion that it's going to make me a better player but for a fraction of the cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 I am really struggling with Rick GAS at the mo.....luckily i'm skint but i have contemplated getting rid of a couple of basses to offset..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davyabram Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Just stay off eBay when you're slightly pissed - that's how I ended up driving a Transit from Surrey to Skegness to pick up a double bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damonjames Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 GAS is evil. It never goes away for long. I think I am fortunate that I have a bass that I love (but I've been here before), and so I sold everything to get a second as a backup. I can see myself gassing after different variant (stingray 5 in HH, 30th anniversary, classic and fretless), but this would be a difficult justification given the price of the instruments. Amp GAS has never been far away. When I bought my Gallien Krueger rb1001, I REALLY wanted the fusion 550 but just couldn't afford it at the time. The irony is I should have just put it on the credit card and got it and killed the evil mistress dead. As a result, I have always felt like Something was missing from my sound, and always wanted the fusion 550, just never been able to do a Deal on one. I think as a result of this, I have spent the last month gassing after an Aguilar db751 rig, but the reality is I am going to struggle to justify spending the better part of 2 grand to get a rig without selling my GK rig first, as I am gigging so can't be without an amp. Trying to just come the realisation that my setup doesn't sound bad at all, in fact it sounds great. There are undoubtedly amp/cab setups out there that will sound better, but the investment required to jump up is nearly double what I already have, and in a pub environment, will anyone including me REALLY notice the difference?? Probably not. Then again, trying new gear out is fun!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkey Steve Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1484748567' post='3218048'] This is so true. My point arrived quite a while ago with a 76 Precision, a USA Ampeg SVT CL and 8 X 10. That remains the best sound I've ever had. But it's just too impractical a rig for 'normal' use. I'm trying to stay with what I've got, but there's always that little voice in your head which says, 'If you just get this [i]next [/i]bit of gear you'll be sorted and you won't need anything else...' And round and round we go. Currently I'm fighting the urge to buy an Ampeg PF50-T... [/quote] Mate - I am so with you on the Ampeg PF50T! I've got a SVT - 2 Pro which is gorgeous, if a little hernia inducing...but that PF50T looks so cute and surely has to be bought...must say no...must say no...when am I getting my bonus? A rhythm guitarist from an old band of mine wasn't the greatest but had the (mis)fortune to own his own business where he got paid in cash (which may or may have all made it's way through the books) so was always flush for disposable income. He had the worst case of chronic GAS I've ever seen, and it became a running joke that he'd produce a new amp at rehearsal one week, declaring that it was the best amp on the planet, that it was exactly the sound he was after and he'd never need another one...and the a month later he'd find some niggle and would go back to p/x it at Andertons for a new love that was exactly the sound he was after, he'd never need another one. Rinse & repeat. And an ever accumulating pile of guitars and effects in his back room. And usually prompted by him seeing a much better guitarist than him (not tricky to find - he was decidedly average at best) on YouTube and thinking that all he needed to emulate them was an identical set up rather than, say, a whole load of practice and a lot more talent. Edited January 20, 2017 by Monkey Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisanthony1211 Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 I find that the best way to manage GAS is to keep buying new gear, its strange how once I've bought something I no longer want it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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