Strain Two: The Artist in pursuit of "their" tone

(Perhaps their "Platonic ideal" :) )

This strain of Gear Acquisition Syndrome is characterised by periodic replacement of equipment with something better or more "interesting".

The purchasing process goes something like this:
- Borrow a guitar.
- Buy a medium size combo.
Use them for a while.
- Buy own guitar.
Use it for a while.
- Buy an interesting head and cab.
Use them for a while, and dispose of the old combo.
- Buy a different more interesting guitar.
Use that instead of the old one for a while.
- Buy a different, more interesting head.
Use that and sell the old one
- Make own more interesting cab
This itself is an oversimplification, as there are also effects that come into play, normally progressing by periodic addition and replacement from standard pedals to boutique overdrives and modulations.
Each part is not the most expensive available at the time, and budgetary constraints are considered, but over time the sufferer of this strain of GAS builds up an interesting and unique, but useful signal chain.

Amplification symptoms present as a cab and head, so both can be replaced / upgraded separately. Less versatility in their gear than the engineer, but a more interesting and unique tone.
Example of someone who suffers from this strain : My friend Andrew