- Disclaimer: The views and opinion expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect others perspective or point of view. All primary and secondary sources are properly cited.
Fascinating Phenomenon
If you are a musician who’s been playing guitar or bass very long already and seemingly have that insatiable impulse, or unable to resist that temptation to buy more and more guitars.
Or if you are a non-guitar-playing musician who happens to have that uncontrollable urge to purchase gear, or all other things related to musical instruments then you might have this thing called G.A.S.1
G.A.S. or Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, or also known as Gear Acquisition Syndrome is described by Roadie Turner as “a chronic and progressive condition that hits many guitarists if they play for long enough.”2
“May the force be with you”
Lately dubbing thyself officially as being one “Gasser” (Guitar World’s made up word for those who have G.A.S.),3 we can somehow describe it in a way that’s similar to the “Force” in Jedi, for it is powerful.
It‘s like that mysterious energy field that can strike any unwary musician any time, for it is such a powerful force that can sometimes give you that uncontrollable impulse to buy that gear upon getting acquainted with it.
Jedi often say the phrase “May the force be with you” when they part ways with others to express ones wish that the Force work in the favor of the addressee.4
G.A.S. like the Force, which has two aspects, unwittingly embracing this fascinating phenomenon and being oblivious to the desires and impulses it gives rise to, may sometimes lead one to the path to the dark side of it.
Riding like the Wind
As one self-proclaimed Gasser now, we had our days. And like what Yoda said “Do or do not. There is no try.” Sometimes in the height of it, motivations can sometimes be like “Buy or acquire. We gotta buy.”5
As there are two ways of channeling the Force, seemingly tapping unconsciously into the power of G.A.S.’ compulsive features, we did have our fair share of the battle.
Doing self-assessment and self-awareness, we lately had the experience that got us thinking that we were on that path to the light side and thinking it shall pass already.
Told ourself and two other friends that we are tired of buying, that we were tired of purchasing already, but boy were we wrong. By achieving this self-realization and telling ourself, bzzzzt! I’ll still never hear the end of it.
The stark reality about G.A.S. is that just like the actual and natural state of matter, gas or air has mass and takes up space but we cannot see it or grab it. And getting a grip on G.A.S. is sometimes difficult, and finding a cure maybe harder, but there are always ways to mitigate it.
If you think you have G.A.S., or think that you probably have it, or maybe think that someday you’ll most likely be on the path of becoming a gasser. Then by all means read on, you are in the right place.
Pre-flight checklist:
Before continuing, whether you be a guitar player, or a bass player, a keyboardist, or a drummer, let me ask by sharing a few things and questions we gathered from the net.
1. Do you have a pedalboard or still planning on getting one?
2. Do you only have one automatic guitar tuner but got more than one effects pedal?
3. Do you have a number of different sets of different string gauges for your different guitars?
4. Do you know how many guitars, or basses, or pedals you have?
5. Do you have a problem with your instruments’ storage and lack of space?
6. Do you have a standard set of instruments for a band like: guitar, bass, drums, keyboard or vocals but don’t have any studio, or only play one instrument type or two?
7. Do you think you got a good bargain for buying that coveted high-end instrument at a very cheap or low price, and thought it was really a steal?
8. Do you have that tendency to purchase more music gear, or “’impulsively trade in a perfectly good piece of equipment for a seemingly more desirable piece of equipment,’ even if you need to add cash?”
9. Are you planning to buy another one but still don’t have the financial means, but are already having thoughts about purchasing, and haven’t informed your spouse about it yet?
10. Do you think that one isn’t enough, or simply feel that you don’t own enough?
If you have answered yes to any of the above questions then we’re just guessing, you might be showing some mild signs and symptoms of G.A.S. Well, we do, so let’s gas up before we ride.
Riding out the Storm
But before we really do, we’d like to say that we certainly had our share of G.A.S. and its perks. And to cut to the chase, we can say, we’ve already toned down and taken on this methodical approach.
Toning down to an optimistic and positive outlook, and leaning towards a more purpose-focused pursuit, with a purpose-driven mindset, and a quest of collecting instruments for its playability and quality (and so we thought). 🙂
Couple of words of warning first, this is a LONG READ, but if you think you got G.A.S., then this may be worth your time, for I am sharing this Gaseous Journey about how it surreptitiously creeped up and got us.
We’re also hoping, if it hasn’t hit you yet, you all too will get a little glimpse of what it’s like, when one’s plagued by it, get caught up in it, when it sets off, when it catches up to you, when GAS strikes, that is, when GAS attacks!
GAS up!
2010
2010 marked the year when we returned from Far Far Away Land selling our last MIJ bass guitar shortly before travelling.
When we arrived back from the trip and finally got settled, we no longer had any bass left, and immediately, the quest to find a replacement began.
And just like gas, which expands when heated, here we were again trying to find our next quarry by picking out several bass guitar models from all the available brands out there.
And one of those that struck us, was a particular model from the famed instrument maker Yamaha. That was way back then, it was one of those (and nowadays still) hard-to-find guitars in the market (here).
Since there was none selling, this model totally slipped our mind, for in the years that came after, for almost a decade, we were able to acquire others that were readily available.
However, it was not until February 15, 2019 when we first came across a local Ad, and checked out this used “Motion” bass up for sale that literally kicked our quest for this specific Yamaha model into motion.
Setting Parameters
Enthralled and captivated, with the onset of them GAS symptoms boiling now, this particular axe was selling for P8k, with a last and fair price of P7k, and it got us interested.
With GAS, with this affliction, an inner battle always ensues whenever triggers are set off. And in order to manage something like this properly, one should develop a system, whenever it expands.
Yes, just like gas itself with factors like temperature, pressure and volume affecting it. One of the major factors influencing GAS and gassers out there is the “budget.”
One should strike a balance, focus more on important priorities, and assess whether it’s really GAS? Hoarding? Or Collecting? Is it for tone or creativity? Or driven by ones true passion for music?
With other obligations and liabilities, one should be able to learn to manage ones funds and implement measures, to strictly adhere to ones budget and not let it get in the way of other responsibilities.
Hesitating to buy, when asked for a counteroffer, of offering the least amount possible, mum’s the word. And we just had to politely pass up this big chance. Finding relief then was futile, for we only had P2k that time.
One thing about GAS and its affliction also is that one should learn how to address it appropriately, one should be able to manage it well so as not to leave one in shambles.
We all need someone on our side sometimes but with GAS, and in this case, regarding budget, to guard ones family against financial ruins. One gasser should do it all on their own (as a rule, never bug ones spouse about it 😶). But where there’s a will, find a way.
Model Variations
2019
Since the markings on the bass’ body we checked out on Feb 2019 were a bit faded already, we were only able to make out the letters “T-I-O-N,” and the word Yamaha. We later found out that that bass was one of Yamaha’s Motion Series model variation, a Motion LB-2 (Long scale).
Its unique head stock shape got us interested but we passed up because we preferred a medium scale more, and didn’t have the budget anyway. But it really got us thinking about maybe getting a Motion in the future.
2020
April 6, 2020 – We were able to check a Black Motion MB-40 bass at 808 Japan Surplus that was posted online since January 19, 2020, it was selling for P19.8k – we didn’t buy it, we just felt that it was just a bit pricey (no budget).
April 8, 2020 – Searching online, we saw another MB-40 bass selling for P12.5k at San Antonio, Biñan, Laguna at JamRock Music Store. A little far – just pass up then (no budget).
April 9, 2020 – Found this Red Motion MB-IIR selling for P14k with a B.C. Rich Amp included, so we contacted the Seller who gave us pics but we pass up again, it’s still far (no budget).
April 21, 2020 – Another Motion found, a white MB-III Special in Biñan and Parañaque, selling for P16k and P18k, really far though (no budget).
December 11, 2020 – Black Motion MB-III again at JamRock Music Store, no price posted, and still very, very far away (no budget).
No luck this year, all selling seems very far away (no budget).
2021
January 31, 2021 – Found this Red MB-IIR at 808 Japan Surplus selling for P20k with hard case and strap, very nice, a medium scale but with a hefty price tag – just let go by (it’s P20k).
June 25, 2021 – An Orange quilted MB-40 at Bukidnon for P7.5k, contacted seller but still a little far – forgo (no budget).
November 1, 2021 – An MB-III from Cebu City for P12k. Took long before the Ad disappeared – Pandemic time and hard to ship – let pass (no budget).
Still, with no luck and no budget for this year, maybe we’ll get lucky next year.
2022
February 18, 2022 – MB-III in Matina, Davao City at P7.5k, Ad stayed on for a few months, Ad re-posted many times, but yes, again, quite far – brushed aside (yes, still the same, no budget).
August 13, 2022 – A Red MB-II at Carcar, Cebu for P8k – Very negotiable, but we had no dough then and still Pandemic – miss out on (if only we have the “B”).
November 8, 2022 – Another Red MB-IIR in Butuan for P6.5k, same serial number. Say, think this was the one selling last April 9, 2020 and more than two years ago – still quite far (B still).
Yellow, Red and Blue
They say GAS becomes a problem when you don’t have money, but if one is really determined, even if it takes time, one should learn to build up ones savings, or start an investment strategy, and find a way.
December 2022 – Year is ending and we’re still unlucky in the hunt. Then an idea struck us, how about trying to get the cheapest brand new bass sold in the market. And so we did, and found it coming in the color Yellow, we got Lucky!
And to represent our popular holiday theme, how about getting a Red one, and to complete them primary colors, how about getting a Blue one too, and to throw in some neutrality and balance, a Grey.
2023
April 21, 2023 – Thought of buying that Motion once again this year and searched online, we found three Motions but all were very far indeed.
June 27, 2023 – Got ourself this time an electric guitar with a near matching orange colored guitar amplifier.
June 30, 2023 – Was thinking of getting a Floyd rose guitar for our guitarist to use, but then we found this Ad in Cebu, a Red Motion MB-II selling for P7.5k, message sent to seller, we had no budget then but made arrangements and tried to find a way.
We kindly requested the seller to have it reserved, and be buying it by July 2, 2023. Was planning on messaging seller early morning of July 1 but was able to do so only in the afternoon, got budget already.
Unfortunately, seller said someone else came that morning and bought it – we got so close to really owning one, almost had it, and now that we had a budget, sadly, we still ended up missing again.
July 2, 2023 – Since we missed that Motion bass, we just have to settle for an electric guitar for now.
July 8, 2023 – Another guitar of interest popped up. We’ve been looking out for the bass of this one, but we haven’t seen it being sold here since, might as well get this.
July 14, 2023 – Blue MB-40 in Cebu for P16k, just pass up, preferred the MB-II or MB-III Motion more. Maybe I’ll just get another brand and model now, one that’s easy on the budget and closer.
Discontinued model
July 25, 2023 – With a little budget at hand, one has to make do with what one have, and finding this low priced opportunity, really seemed so inviting, but someone beat us to it.
So we just had to settle for something else, an alternative, and we decided to go for this Ibanez BKN GSR100Z (offered in 2005-2007), a discontinued model, and a collector’s item today, so wethinks.
July 27, 2023 – Saw a friend’s post, a white MB-III that was up for trade for any guitar + pedal in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Interesting, but it’s a bit far. But why not give it another try this time.
So we messaged the seller, Mr. Kinx Fajardo and inquired about the details. But we weren’t really that eager at first because of the distance, we preferred one that’ll be closer, and if possible, preferred COD.
July 28, 2023 – Browsing online, an Ad just got posted and my, oh, my – What a beauty! We’ve just gotta get us one of these. Being able to find ways and means, we made a quick trip and got it.
We just had to message Mr. Fajardo on July 31, 2023 about us not pushing through with the bass and informed him that if it will still be available, or if by chance we can make a trip to Davao, maybe we’ll buy it.
But thoughts about the bass kept reminding us, we got so close to purchasing that Red Motion MB-II in Cebu a month ago, and since this bass is hard to come by, and we don’t want to miss this opportunity again.
We messaged Mr. Fajardo again on August 6, but since we didn’t get any response from him we just carried on.
August 18, 2023 – Found another one that got our interest so we made the necessary arrangements and got it.
Firm belief
September 1, 2023 – Thoughts of that 80’s Motion MB-III Bass which is by the way, can be considered Vintage today, were on again, it still lingered in our mind, so we inquired again and learned that it was still available.
Asking if a COD transaction can be considered, Mr. Fajardo said yes, as long as we send the payment for the shipping fee ahead so he can pay for the freight charges and have it shipped to us.
So we talked about the arrangement, possible courier, about how much the amount of the freight cost will possibly be, with us as the buyer shouldering it, if the bass has a gig bag or hard case, or how it will be packed.
However, the day after, he said that COD might be a little of a hassle. And with us considering the distance and not wanting to impose, we just decided to withdraw from the proposed agreement.
The Motion B-III was our first pick, and we had another bass in line that was just near, with that in mind, we just decided to settle for our second choice.
But by the following day, September 3, a Sunday, Mr. Fajardo messaged us, and we had to tell him that the bass was our first pick, and we also told him about us not wanting to miss this opportunity again.
So we talked again, about the shipping and delivery fee, the preferred courier, the possible exact amount of the freight cost including the crating, about the method of payment, being COD, which he finally agreed on.
Wanted to talk to him some more, so we agreed to have a Video call on Messenger, in which, he showed me the bass, was able to quickly detach the neck, and showed me how he accessed and adjusted the truss rod, showing the neck was all good.
We meticulously talked about the bass and other stuff, and in the course of our discussion, it made us feel like we were on the same page.
In light of our conversation, during that Video call which lasted for 41 minutes, we had the feeling like there was that connection that was established there and then.
Mr. Fajardo and us, personally didn’t know each other, we were not friends on Facebook yet, what we both knew was that we only shared one mutual friend as reference, Mr. Joseph “Tabak” Quidet.
Treasure
Mr. Kinx Fajardo, who hails from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, which is around 360 kilometers from us, also happens to be a musician, a multi-instrumentalist, who plays with a Rock band called “REKT.”
He owns and manages the “Trailer Park Recordings and Guitar Repair,” which opened in 2019, and is one of Tagum City’s two Guitar Luthiers. He repairs guitars and also does custom works, and helps local artists record their songs, albums, or projects.
September 4, 2023 – Since our agreed courier was closed the previous day, which was a Sunday, we messaged him and asked if he already had the details about the exact amount for crating and shipping.
He said that he will have the information by afternoon for he was still busy. He only gave an estimate, and as a sign of good gesture, he even volunteered to shoulder any excess amount of the shipping cost once it is calculated, if it exceeds the estimate.
So we waited. And we had to go to work later that day. And after getting off work in the evening, and checking our messages then.
We were really caught off guard, for upon reading his messages, we then learned that he had already shipped the bass through the courier, and sent us the details.
And when we chatted that night, he said that he will just leave it all up to us when to pay, to make payment any time when we can already.
And even though we still haven’t met in person and know each other well, he told me that, he just felt that he could trust me, so he just shipped it right away even though I haven’t sent any payment, or paid for the freight and crating cost.
Talking about immediately putting your trust in someone you don’t know or haven’t met yet. This really came as a big surprise to us.
“Trusting someone is a process and it doesn’t happen instantaneously, trust is something that is typically built over time through consistent, honest and reliable behavior.”
With that, as a way of also showing good faith, I had to return the favor and settled in the morning the following day.
With our quarry arriving two days later, we were just so happy to finally own and have this vintage bass that we only dreamed of owning someday, after 13 long years.
Instances like this are rarities, and although we consider this Vintage Motion bass as an absolute treasure for us.
With a speedy closing of the sale, with that connection we instantly established which led to the formation of a strong bond of mutual trust between us right away.
With the level of friendship between strangers immediately leaping to a deeper level by building trust quickly.
We can say that this will not only be the start of a beautiful friendship between two individuals who share the same passion and interests, but it is one worth cherishing.
Yes, and that is what we consider as the real “treasure!”
Thank you for reading!
References
1. https://www (dot) guitarworld (dot) com/ features/gear-acquisition-syndrome
2. https://www (dot) roadiemusic (dot) com/ blog/gear-acquisition-syndrome/#:~:text=GAS%2C%20also%20known%20as%20Gear,more%20and%20more%20music%20gear.
3. https://www (dot) guitarworld (dot) com/ features/gear-acquisition-syndrome
4. https://starwars (dot) fandom (dot) com/ wiki/May_the_Force_be_with_you#:~:text=%22May%20the%20Force%20be%20with,face%20of%20an%20impending%20challenge.
5. https://advice (dot) theshineapp (dot) com/ articles/8-powerful-quotes-from-yoda-the-og-wellness-guru/
6. https://www (dot) justdrums (dot) com/ jds-blog/g-s-gear-acquisition-syndrome/
TUKAR 