How does your partner cope with your GAS?

[kiramdear]

Here's a frequent sub-topic among Rick owners that barely breaks the surface occasionally. I thought maybe it would be fun to drag it up for exploration just for laughs.

Do you share true Rickenharmony with your significant other about your, er, passion, or are you forced to resort to clandestine methods to fulfill your need for more and more instruments?

I'll offer my own experience as a starter: My BF approves of my habit more than our budget will allow, so it's an indulgence with a kind of built-in backstop. We're in harmony and there's not much to argue about anyway Smart man!

[JakeK]

Since I haven't had a partner for the past 18 years, can I say how my parents feel?

[jimk]

The honest truth? All in all, the Missus doesn't get it, I think. Hard to tell, really. She's OK with my GAS as long as I don't go into hock. On the other hand, why do I need yet another guitar, banjo, fiddle, or some weird, esoteric musical instrument, she wonders, I'm sure. We live in a rather small house, and I think she's more concerned with where another instrument is going to be physically stored until needed.

Funny thing is, I'm more interested in her fields of study, (psychology, and nutrition) than she is mine. We have interesting discussions about her subjects, and when it comes to my interests, (folk music, popular music, etc.) discussions don't go into much depth before the subject gets changed. Interesting.
At least she isn't hostile about my interests, passions, and what I'd call IAS (Instrument Acquisition Syndrome).

JimK

[collin]

It's tricky.....I've been dating the same girl for years...and overall she's pretty cool.

Except...she seems to react when a new guitar shows up, giving me a hard time etc...but never takes into account when I sell a guitar for way more than purchased etc... I guess those transactions don't count.

I'm pretty honest with her though. Since we're not married--and not living together, I just throw it out there that "I am how I am....I'll buy what I want (and can afford)....take me or leave me! " If my hobbies are any reason for her to pick the second option....then I guess it shouldn't be anyways!

-C


ps....that said, I have certainly "slowly reveal" guitars if I've bought a few at one time, else she thinks I've spent my life savings on guitars. This includes having them shipped to friend's places etc. What a strange game, eh?

[Tarrbot]

Well, I guess it balances out with that fact that she loves seeing me strum on an instrument. I think it's some visual turn on for her with my fingers plucking strings or something.

Anyway, when presented with the possibility to get my Ric, before I could even say anything to the guy she was like, "Give him your number now so you can have his brother contact you."

She likes the "wall art" aspect of it as well. I'm sure there's a limit but with the kidlet's 2 guitars and bass and my own 3 basses, we haven't hit it yet.

OTOH, I haven't clued her into getting another Ric yet, but that will probably happen after the kidlet gets a Les Paul that she's been wanting.

[ram]

My better half doesn’t quite understand it all but she tolerates me here… She knows I like to eat and have a roof over my head and want the kids to get out of college with as little debt as possible. So she know I wouldn't do any thing really stoooopid! But she does occasionally surprise me – almost as if she was actually listening to me when I rant and bout things Rickenbacker. Matter of fact she’s the one who suggested the 8 string conversion for my 50th birthday present. What more could you ask for?

[whojamfan]

My wife just thinks I'm crazy, but this isn't just limited to my GAS. Anytime any guitar mags arrive at the house, I'm notified that "Mike porn" has arrived. I guess I drool over the gear and stuff, but can you blame me? Overall she deals with it pretty well, and is just another reason why I know I made the right decision when I married her instead of one of my guitars.

[whojamfan]

I just read my post to her and got a look and some rolled eyes

[kiramdear]

Since I haven't had a partner for the past 18 years,

Well, did you have one in a past life?

can I say how my parents feel?

Yes, Jake, your parents qualify as significant others, I guess. Go ahead and share.

[woodyng]

mine's pretty good about it. i had 2 basses when we met 10 years ago,got the number up to 12,now down to 4. there was a good amount of profit for me (which helped),although that was never my motivation for initial purchase-i just like to try out new stuff. economically we are being squeezed at the moment,and i have a a bit of self-inflicted guilt about my favorite possessions (my 2 rick basses),but am not being at all pressured. overall,i'd say he was a keeper..... also,we are weathering a job related long distance separation,me in memphis,he in oregon......it sucks,but we're working towards making a dream happen....whew,that may have been more than i meant to get into,but there it is!

[JakeK]

No, Kira, I've never had a girlfriend...ever. I've liked a few girls, though. One of them tried to get me expelled from school. Three of them are close friends of mine these days.

But on the main topic:

My parents hate my GLS (Guitar Lust Syndrome), because despite the many Rickenbackers (1997, 360/12C63, 360/12CW) and Fenders ('52 Tele, '62 Jazzmaster, '62 Tele Custom, '62 Strat, '62 Jazz Bass), the one Gretsch (6120-1959) and two Gibsons (SG Classic and reissue Les Paul Deluxe), I'm always looking for something. That's true, but I feel my parents don't really care. Before I got the (now broken) two pickup 1997, I was after it constantly. You guys think YOU had it bad? Think about my parents! I'd get into small Townshend-style rages when they kept telling me "no" or to shut up and give it a rest. They support my habit, in a way.

And you want to know how they felt the two pickup 1997 broke? Don't get me started! My mom was upset and my dad gave me a long lecture about what happens when you leave something delicate on a table where it can easily break.

But at the end of the day, when I get what I've longed after, my folks are just as happy as I am. they see the happy grin on my face and hear me hard at work.

[jingle_jangle]

She keeps me on a steady surreptitious diet of BEANO.

[kiramdear]

I just read my post to her and got a look and some rolled eyes

sheesh, lovebirds

mine's pretty good about it. i had 2 basses when we met 10 years ago,got the number up to 12,now down to 4. there was a good amount of profit for me (which helped),although that was never my motivation for initial purchase-i just like to try out new stuff. economically we are being squeezed at the moment,and i have a a bit of self-inflicted guilt about my favorite possessions (my 2 rick basses),but am not being at all pressured. overall,i'd say he was a keeper..... also,we are weathering a job related long distance separation,me in memphis,he in oregon......it sucks,but we're working towards making a dream happen....whew,that may have been more than i meant to get into,but there it is!

Hold on to what's dear to you till things improve. We're all together keeping our dreams alive.

[JakeK]

She keeps me on a steady surreptitious diet of BEANO.

I'd nominate this for "Most Hilarious Thing I've Read in Awhile"

[kiramdear]

She keeps me on a steady surreptitious diet of BEANO.

I knew I could count on you, Paul.