For me it's somewhere in the middle, my bass(es) are tools to enable me to make music, but at the same time I've got to like them, like playing them, so guess there's some kind of connection, not sentimental for me, unless it's YOB.
Like you I can't help but have gas, searching for that one perfect bass, but as I get older my tastes are nearly always in flux, so even if I find one I really like, it won't stop me from searching and then buying another.
I had got down to one bass, but over the weekend I brought two more, so now my collection will soon be up to three. Depending on how I get on with them, one or both will be moved on, and then the search begins again. Damn you gas. 😕