Words of wisdom, Spacey.
 
When I think of the things I miss, in most cases, they're not irreplaceable.
 
The Marshall combo I mentioned obviously had nothing unique, if not for the fact that it's the one I could afford back then. I could buy a much better one - and I'd no longer think about the old one. But since I don't have an infinite budget, for now, that's out of the equation. So I miss it, somehow.
 
Same for the little Marshall Valvestate, except that I can afford to replace that one right now. I know what it is that I liked about it, hence I've ordered something similar. Case closed.
 
I've never carried much w/ me in this life. The one thing I've owned for the longest time is my black strat. It had a sentimental value - and it's pretty much the only thing in my life which had sentimental value. But now it's retired. Why do I keep it? I guess that someday I may change my mind about it and decide to fix it and upgrade it. But it's not unique in any way.

Totally agree with you Spacey, things are just things. People and family are not even on the same scale. You are also correct that most products are made better today than at any time in the past. When I say that I miss a guitar, it was only for sentimental reasons and the memories that went with them. Things can be replaced, people can not be.

Mike I'm surely speaking as what's right for me. Just sharing my view and sure not to "compare" with others. We all have our ways.
 
A guitar that has a lot of sentimental value to me is my first electric. Should I have gotten rid of it I'd feel bad and wish I had it.
As it is I got creative many years ago and had nothing going for me other than ambition so
a few weeks ago I decided to try and get it in playing condition- best I can.
Not only to get it playing because really I enjoy having it in the horrible condition it is in because it sure paints many pictures to me lol but
because it is a great opportunity to learn some new things. If I blow it, it will just be another picture of the story.
 
(I decided to wait until I finished the project and post however it works out.)
 
At any rate I can sure understand missing an instrument. Maybe my understanding and justification/reasons may be different but it's something we all can relate to in our own way.
 
I find "why" one misses their guitar or playing gear interesting.  

Of gear sold, I'm only regretting letting go of 2 of my guitars:
 
mint early 80's Ibanez AS200 (now, this is the John Schofield signature model) 

 
And also an Ibanez, the PRO 540p (the "p" is for Power). Just as this on the poster. I think it was an '88 model. 
Butt-ugly, I even had it in the magenta (kind of pink?) colour. Looks red on the poster. It isn't red.... 
 
This had the funkiest single-coil sound I've ever heard, and I'm still trying to convince the buyer to sell it back to me. I even have a eBay search to try to find one.

I'm not all that familiar w/ Ibanez - common misconception I guess, as I usually associate them w/ Steve Vai or bands like Korn or kids playing 7 strings. That AS200 sure looks nice.