When i go to the gig, as i don't own car, -
1. Move with a public transport where someone catches me with car or someone takes me from home to gig with his car (that is if the gear is supported)
2.( If i need to use my own gear) the only way - someone takes me from home to gig with car.
In this situation, i think it's absolutely normal for every musician who loves what he does on stage, cares about his instruments, all the gear and stuff. You don't have to "cry" about it, but seeing some photos and gig videos is normal.
Ok, i understand what You mean. As i am not a specialist on vintage Fenders and only had my friends 70...jb on one gig, I didn't felt that vintage karma, i don't have to add. I think i am ok with my 2003. Jaco refinished and fretted jazz.
I just looked at it, but that is not what i really thought about. I think more a bass that is still played with real or somehow digitalized strings (to not loose a feel of playing it) and digital pickup witch is controlled with a chip witch can create any bass guitar sound You like. Only for different brands left is design, color and the control type of the whole instrument together. Finally - You must learn to play the bass as You do it in these days to play it better and better.....