I'm finding that building/repairing stuff helps fill some of the GAS void. I'm working on a Dean EVO, (LP Clone, Czech Made), and it's a really, really nice player. I wish I had one, but at least I got to play this one for a couple weeks. Really digging the Pearly Gates PUPs in it.
Fixing my Pro Jr. was pretty fun, I learned a lot and now have a pretty sweet amp. That was good for a few months of satisfaction. It's been 8 weeks since I decided to build a 5E3 and 12-inch speaker cab. Yesterday I got the cab done. I will need to build another in the spring, this one was a right PITA, but I learned a ton and it works, for now. Now I can move on the the 5E3 bit, I started drilling out the chassis yesterday, this is a PITA too. I can't wait until the fun part (soldering components). I've got some photos ready, I'm thinking I'll maybe do my first blog here.
So, I guess, in my mind, the amp building/guitar repairing stuff is some kind of justification for GAS. I feel like I'm learning a lot and that maybe at some point, I'll be able to fund (some) gear purchases by using my tech skills. Already, I've made $60 and been given a Samick Ray Benson Tele, a Samick Strat, and a Samick Bass in return for my services. It also gets me into musician circles in my hometown, which is pretty cool too.