[quote name='JimBobTTD' timestamp='1345874779' post='1782576']
This old chestnut again...
[/quote]
Yep. Could I also add that - in the grand scheme of things - basses are IMHO exceptionally good value for the enjoyment they produce, whether they cost a few hundred or several thousand. Other instruments can cost vastly more (check out the Upton double bass site that has an advert for a DB that it says is suitable for a progressing student, a bargain at a cool $20k) and other hobbies* are much more expensive. We have had people on the site telling us how much they spend on archery or stock car racing and this makes even a Fodera look like small change! Its all relative init?
* apart from meditation!