That is definitely GAS. I don’t think like that. I have bought a lot of gear in the last 18 months but for me it’s more about trying it out and seeing if it will fit into our workflow, more than “hoping” it will do anything. Most of it gets resold, I keep very little. In the last year I’ve sold two Roland Boutique synths (with keyboards), a Minilogue and a Monologue. I’ll probably sell my Waldorf Pulse 2 now that I have the AK, as well as a pair of monitors, one or two USB audio devices and at least one of my three MIDI controllers, maybe two. That means the only thing I’ll have kept is a Waldorf Rocket, because it is way too much fun to be without. Some of the stuff is new, some is used but most of it was being sold at a good price so I usually don’t lose a lot of money if/when I resell things. If I’ve spent $3000, then I’ve probably only lost $500 on resale, which is OK given that I’ve had 6-12 months use out of all of it.
In all of that, though, there was one purchase that was pure, unadulterated gear lust, a Roli Seaboard Rise 25. I’ve hardly used it, I don’t know if it has a place in our set-up now that I’ve bought an AK but there is no way in hell I am getting rid of it. It’s just a wondrous thing to feel and play with.
I think getting some new gear is often a great way to get your creative juices flowing. I’ve been doing this since the 1980s and every time I’ve made a big purchase, it is has spawned a creative streak where I’ve got stuff done. Without it, you get into a rut of working the same way all the time and it can get very stale. New gear changes things up and sparks ideas.