It does not happen to everyone, but playing the banjo can sometimes have the unexpected side effect of covetousness. We start out happy just to have a banjo. Over time we are collecting instruments, parts, gadgets and more. A new banjo will make us sound better, play better, be better . . .
Every banjo player I have ever known, including myself. has gone through this to some degree. Some grow out of it and some do not.
If you find yourself thinking that buying something will take place of long hours of practice, remember this bit of stoic philosophy from Marcus Aurelius (and a gaggle of other stoic philosophers):
Very little is needed to make a happy life.
Marcus Aurelius
Very little, indeed! I am at that stage of life where I’m getting rid of “Stuff” in anticipation of moving to a retirement community. I keep asking myself what I really need to keep. The answer keeps coming back, not much! Not long ago when my Aunt passed away with no will and no children, the attorney asked, what do you want? My answer: Nothing. Stuff won’t make my life better at this point. I’ll keep the banjo, though!