2026 Gear Abstinence Thread

[Stub Mandrel]

I think if he had said "you can't buy me that, I will fail the Basschat Gear Abstinence Challenge" and she bought it anyway, it would be ok.

 

Of course, this would make him a liar and she would leave him, after smashing the bass over his head.

[tauzero]

6 minutes ago, SimonK said:

Oooh... so if I walk into a bass store and buy something without thinking it through in advance it doesn't count as a purchase? I think I'm beginning to like this game.... but may need some sort of letter of authority from the mods to show my wife...

 

No, because it is you who committed the act.

[ezbass]

In previous years, unsolicited gifts were a pass.

[Obrienp]

Where would I stand if I bought plywood to complete a self-build speaker cabinet? All the other components required were purchased last year: driver, handles, Speakon sockets , corner protectors, feet, rats’ fur, etc. I fell ill and was unable to complete the job last year but I’m determined to get it done in 2026.

[neepheid]

16 minutes ago, ezbass said:

In previous years, unsolicited gifts were a pass.

 

They still are, but it's the "unsolicited" part is we're debating here.

Edited 21 hours ago by neepheid

[neepheid]

4 minutes ago, Obrienp said:

Where would I stand if I bought plywood to complete a self-build speaker cabinet? All the other components required were purchased last year: driver, handles, Speakon sockets , corner protectors, feet, rats’ fur, etc. I fell ill and was unable to complete the job last year but I’m determined to get it done in 2026.

 

I honestly don't care if you buy some sheets of plywood.  I bought some screws recently because I had to come up with an inventive way to mount a pickup (bought last year) - I didn't even mention it here - they're screws!  It's clear you bought all the "gear" parts of the project last year, as did I.  I've got no issue with this.

[msb]

14 minutes ago, ezbass said:

In previous years, unsolicited gifts were a pass.

Just last year I was given a Chinese Lucite bass from an old friend in California. I was given a pass on the gift , and then failed after finally finding a Batwing Harmony. Had to buy that , had been looking for one for ages. 
Now he did indicate previous ownership of the bass , and that did inspire the gf to purchase it. But I would not consider that undue pressure. 

Edited 21 hours ago by msb

[Richard R]

29 minutes ago, SimonK said:

 

Oooh... so if I walk into a bass store and buy something without thinking it through in advance it doesn't count as a purchase? I think I'm beginning to like this game.... but may need some sort of letter of authority from the mods to show my wife...

 

In that case it's a clear fail unless you can get a letter of authority from @Machines girlfriend.

 

[Richard R]

8 minutes ago, neepheid said:

Speakon sockets , corner protectors, feet, rats’ fur,

 

Rats' fur??

 

[msb]

The fuzzy material they once loved to cover cabinets with. 

[Richard R]

Terrible stuff. It's on the wedge monitors and youth PA speakers at church. Never heard it called that before though.

[msb]

3 minutes ago, Richard R said:

Terrible stuff. It's on the wedge monitors and youth PA speakers at church. Never heard it called that before though.

Cats loved to shred the stuff. 

[Geek99]

53 minutes ago, SimonK said:

 

Oooh... so if I walk into a bass store and buy something without thinking it through in advance it doesn't count as a purchase? I think I'm beginning to like this game.... but may need some sort of letter of authority from the mods to show my wife...

Agree

next it’ll be “well I didn’t mean to buy when I went in, and someone else actually paid though I did give them the money…”

[neepheid]

Right then @Machines, I've compiled the results, and it's a majority 8-2 ruling for...

 

NOT GUILTY

 

In my closing notes I will say that you had a close brush with failure and you would be well advised to steer clear of guitar shops going forward, but the court will not go as far as issuing a restraining order.  Be good.  Case closed.

[ezbass]

2 hours ago, neepheid said:

you would be well advised to steer clear of guitar shops, accompanied by loved ones, going forward

Small adjustment ^

 

If you go on your own, you only have yourself to blame.

Edited 18 hours ago by ezbass

[tauzero]

17 minutes ago, ezbass said:

Small adjustment. If you go on your own, you only have yourself to blame.

 

And no taking your wife, either, in case she tries to outdo your girlfriend.

[Obrienp]

57 minutes ago, Richard R said:

Terrible stuff. It's on the wedge monitors and youth PA speakers at church. Never heard it called that before though.

Yeah, officially known as carpet I think but that’s pretty insulting to proper carpet makers. I like it because you can stick things to it with Velcro (like wedges to tilt the cab towards your ears) and it is relatively easy to apply.

[brickers]

Just noticed this thread (and thoroughly enjoying the rumination and adjudication going on). I want to sign up but have already bought a keyboard stand this year so I can learn to use the keyboard I bought years ago. Am I out of tier 2? Currently GASing for a digital piano, an analogue synth and a strat (and building my own bass/obtaining a j to complete the set, etc, etc), so I could really do with the support/embarrassment should I fail

[neepheid]

19 minutes ago, brickers said:

Just noticed this thread (and thoroughly enjoying the rumination and adjudication going on). I want to sign up but have already bought a keyboard stand this year so I can learn to use the keyboard I bought years ago. Am I out of tier 2? Currently GASing for a digital piano, an analogue synth and a strat (and building my own bass/obtaining a j to complete the set, etc, etc), so I could really do with the support/embarrassment should I fail

 

The acquisition of a keyboard stand would fall under tier 2, but you'd still be clear in tier 1 (which is the main event tbf).  Happy to sign you up on that basis - be good!

[brickers]

Just now, neepheid said:

 

The acquisition of a keyboard stand would fall under tier 2, but you'd still be clear in tier 1 (which is the main event tbf).  Happy to sign you up on that basis - be good!

new digital piano, synth and guitar incoming!

[neepheid]

Just now, brickers said:

new digital piano, synth and guitar incoming!

 

Massive T2 fail on an epic scale!  At least all that new non-bass gear might distract you from failing T1...

[brickers]

In reality I will still keep this in mind as I really need to focus on musical skills and not musical gear! Thanks for having me