Investment or Enjoyment??

**tombboy** · 09-07-2006, 08:25 AM

First of all... Hi to all. My first post!!
My dilemma..

I have just acquired a 30th Anniversary 'Ray to go with my '95 Vintage Sunburst IV with the intention of keeping it in pristine condition, (not playing it!!) and eventually passing it down to my son when he is old enough to appreciate it. However, I unpacked it and plugged it in to my rig (Ampeg SVT II Pro and 810 Cab) and was completely blown away. Now.. I'm used to the 'Ray sound and have managed to grab a tone that I was happy with until I flicked the switch on this baby. The beast positively leapt out of the case like a Tazmanian Devil on steroids and I fell in love all over again.
What do I do? Gig it and enjoy it but risk wear & tear and depreciation or keep it squeaky clean and never hear that awsome tone again?
Court is in session:
Over to you guys!!

**tkarter** · 09-07-2006, 08:29 AM

I would gig it. It is bound to mean more to your son to have dad's bass as dad used it.

Welcome to the forum. Have fun here.

imho

tk

**koogie2k** · 09-07-2006, 08:35 AM

Welcome to the Addiction!

Gig it! I will gig my LE Bongo when I get it and my 30th Anniv. Ray....it is meant to be played!

**nashman** · 09-07-2006, 08:38 AM

Welcome to the forum Tombboy! That's a tough one! I'm (impatiently) waiting for my first EBMM - a 2006 LE Stingray. It's such a fine instrument that I'm already thinking of buying a second/used one for use outside my home. It would be a shame not to use it .... it will be calling you until you do any way. Save a few $ between now and when your Son is ready and buy him a brand new one when he's ready!

**bovinehost** · 09-07-2006, 08:56 AM

I believe it was Sterling Ball who said something like:

"What's the point in having a bunch of hot virgins lying around the house?"

**bassmonkeee** · 09-07-2006, 09:06 AM

Heh--if you are buying musical instruments as investments, you've made a huge tactical error. Use your stock portfolio for investments, and play that bass!

**82Daion** · 09-07-2006, 09:09 AM

Gig it.

**tombboy** · 09-07-2006, 09:13 AM

Looks like my lad will have to make do with an action man!!
Rehearsing it on Saturday and gigging it the week after. I think it was Sterling's phrase which pursuaded me!

Now.... where did I put those hot virgins?

**bassmonkeee** · 09-07-2006, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by tombboy

Looks like my lad will have to make do with an action man!!
Rehearsing it on Saturday and gigging it the week after. I think it was Sterling's phrase which pursuaded me!

Now.... where did I put those hot virgins?

You'll fit in just fine around here.

One of us...one of us...gooble gobble gooble gobble...we accept you....

**Moondog** · 09-07-2006, 09:19 AM

Tombboy,

I just bought a 2005 SR4. It's my son's birth year and I plan
on giving it to him when he's old enough to appreaciate it.
(man would I love to have a birth-year bass myself!)

This is how I look at it ..
I MUCH rather have a bass that my dad used and put his
"character" into rather than a bass he never played and
kept under his bed. It would mean much more to me and
be something I could never part with (F-resale). I think
most of us feel the same.

Use it but don't abuse it - he'll appreciate it more IMO

**tkarter** · 09-07-2006, 09:20 AM

Look at it like your son will be getting an heirloom not a collector's item.

Make it famous enough and your son will really have something to enjoy.

tk