I used to GAS all the time and buy magazines, drool over gear and make lists of my ideal setup etc, and I really enjoyed discussing such things with my friends. Once me and my guitar player went to Tin Pan Alley and spoke about nothing else all day. It was textbook.
Since finding 'the one' I GAS after no bass, no amplifier seriously (because of a back problem) and can seriously say anything I do like the look of is merely a passing fancy, a glance of curiosity, rather than anything more serious. I am so happy with my bass now that I have tried and tested it in a variety of situations over a long period of time that when I even imagine putting another instrument through that I ask myself what is the point?!
I find going to music shops now a pretty mundane but sometimes necessary part of being a bassist but no longer crave for things in the shop (though there are often lots of lovely basses - I am not being elitist at all) and I very rarely buy the magazines. In a way it is a bit sad because I used to love the 'thrill of the chase' but my wallet is happier and in the long run, so am I.....
Cheers
ped