This is the thing, I don't consider my '73 Jazz to be an investment....I'm clearly never going to retire on it lol. BUT I have a bass which will never lose money (unless there is a MASSIVE shift in how people perceive vintage Fenders), unlike all of my other basses.
Now, couple that with the fact that it gets taken out and used, plays fantastic, and sounds good (although not as great as I'm planning, but thats down to the Wizard pickups).
I like the fact that a bass that I'm playing has been out at gigs and clubs for the past 37 years!!. I do agree that these things should be out being played. Unless a piece is MINT/Museum Grade (in which case it's probably a dog anyway ), the person clearly bought the bass for 'Mojo'.....so get out and use it!.
Would I buy a £10,000 1964 Jazz simply because it was a 1964 Jazz?? No, not a chance.
Would I buy a £10,000 1964 Jazz because it sounded and played awesome at gigs, looked the part....whilst at the same time appreciating in value?.......(with a big-ass bank loan)....YES.
Remember that it turns into a Hobby too, it kinda comes back to the playing/verses gear discussion. I love playing, I love gigging with other musicians etc etc. At the same time, it's fun learning about the history of these Fender basses, the various time lines, transition periods and what-not. I don't go out drinking, doing drugs, snowboarding......I read about vintage Fenders lol.....sad? perhaps, but fun!
Si