What Justifies Buying A Really Expensive Guitar? Options

[Cosmin Lupu]

Once we get up to a certain price point, the differences in quality of guitar and sound get smaller and smaller.
I would say that guitars in the range up to 1200-1500$ sound VERY good and it is hard to imagine even better sound.
This makes me wonder what would be the reasoning to get 2000+ or more expensive guitars? Are these instruments made better and sound better in relation to the price and how does one justify such purchase?

I for one as you all know, am a big fan of PRS guitars, which are known for their quality and the matching prices But, thinking of their private stock models, I thought that this question would make an interesting thread

Is it just for the sake of spending money? Collecting guitar? Luxury? What do you think?

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[PosterBoy]

Bragging rights or lust

There are some things that only a certain maker does ( Like Tyler guitar's Shmear and Burning Water paint jobs) or things that certain brands have a certain reputation for that demands paying those prices.

The PRS private stock are very exclusive instruments due to very pretty wood and the skills to bookmatch them perfectly and finish them to look like art. Does it make for a better playing instrument, probably not,

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[Sensible Jones]

When we start talking about Custom Shop/Private Stock or One off Custom builds the price then reflects the number of hours taken to build the instrument.
Many top class Luthiers still do everything by hand rather than using CNC Machinery and so the price of a completely hand built instrument is that much more expensive. In the case of PRS Private Stock guitars you pay a premium price as it's built by Paul himself.
When I price up a custom build for someone it's based on:-
1) what construction they specify, as in Bolt on, set neck or neck through,
2)What woods are to be used
3) What hardware Bridge, Pickups etc and finally
4) what kind of finish is wanted.
All builds take roughly the same amount of time to finish, the difference is that the construction may be slightly different and so certain processes are more time consuming.
In all honesty, a lot of small builders (such as myself) won't make enough money from each build to earn a living as we'd have to charge 3 or 4 times what we do to do so!!

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[thefireball]

I'll tell you the guitar I would love to have. A Mayones. But they are sooooo expensive. I think it's outrageous. Probably just the class of it and the fact that it's a signature guitar.

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This post has been edited by thefireball: Jun 1 2014, 02:47 PM

[Hexabuzz]

A few thoughts...

I always wonder about people who spend insane amounts of money on a guitar that they barely even play... I appreciate amazing craftsmanship and woods, but to see it hang on a wall, or worse, live in a case except for an hour a year is tough to accept... I think PRS Private Stock are amazing, but how many are actually regularly played as they were intended?

And...

In the same experiences of wanting a guitar I could PLAY, that's probably the biggest reason I got a Stripped 58 PRS instead of the more expensive SC58... It was all cosmetic... Yes, the SC58 had better inlays, and neck binding, and a nicer top, but for the same materials and electronics, the price difference between the two was significant, and I actually liked the Stripped look better.

Not too bad for the "cheap" one...



I guess it's a lot like buying an expensive car... The overall quality and experience is worth the investment ,but I probably wouldn't get the heated seats and all the other accessories that drive up the price...

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This post has been edited by Hexabuzz: Jun 1 2014, 05:03 PM

[klasaine]

It's different for different people.
Obviously for some it's not a monetary issue. They buy what they like and want. And frankly, a lot of the high-end luthiers depend on this demographic.

For others it's about 'features', exacting workmanship and a certain uniqueness. PRS 'private stock' comes to mind.

*These days I'm into finding tonal uniqueness.
Let me introduce you to Violet (so named for the manufacturer stamp on the pots). A 1964 (Tiesco) Zenon.



Suffice it to say, w/o getting into details, not a lot of money.

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This post has been edited by klasaine: Jun 1 2014, 05:17 PM

[Todd Simpson]

Even a crazy pricey guitar is still just a guitar I've seen new players fall in to the trap of thinking they "have to" get a crazy pricey guitar and full Boogie stack in order to play better and sound good. Of course, this is pure crap. A decent player can play well and sound good on very modest gear.

I typically prefer buying cheap, used guitars. My main guitars were old and used when I bought them and now they are even older and more beat up But they still play better than the 3,000 guitars in the GuitarCenter "Premium" room. In the end, it really comes down to how a guitar plays IMHO. If I find one that plays well, I don't mind that it's old and beat up

I"ve purchased several NEW guitars over the past year (as folks have probably seen in chat) and I"ve gotten rid of all of them. Once the shine wore off, none were as good as my old Ibanez axes

Once we get up to a certain price point, the differences in quality of guitar and sound get smaller and smaller.
I would say that guitars in the range up to 1200-1500$ sound VERY good and it is hard to imagine even better sound.
This makes me wonder what would be the reasoning to get 2000+ or more expensive guitars? Are these instruments made better and sound better in relation to the price and how does one justify such purchase?

I for one as you all know, am a big fan of PRS guitars, which are known for their quality and the matching prices But, thinking of their private stock models, I thought that this question would make an interesting thread

Is it just for the sake of spending money? Collecting guitar? Luxury? What do you think?

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[Mertay]

After playing the same (and only electric) for near 20 years, I can understand why one would buy a very expensive guitar

Actually it doesn't have to be the only guitar, Vai has tons but until its neck joint cracked he used the guitar named "evo" for many years on stage and studio which after the crack will only be used in studio. Classical musicians also use 3 maybe 4 instruments their entire life...

There are good reasons to have multiple guitars but aging with one has something psychologically special, hard to describe I guess it would be like arguing if marriage or being single has the most advantages

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[SeeJay]

Once we get up to a certain price point, the differences in quality of guitar and sound get smaller and smaller.
I would say that guitars in the range up to 1200-1500$ sound VERY good and it is hard to imagine even better sound.
This makes me wonder what would be the reasoning to get 2000+ or more expensive guitars? Are these instruments made better and sound better in relation to the price and how does one justify such purchase?

Totally agree with you. Where is that tipping point of value happen? There has been a large boutique guitar craze. Companies like duesenberg and Fano all have models that hang around the $2,000 + mark. I often drool over them, but as much as I like to buy, sell, trade, I just can't get behind the monitory value of it.

Now PERSONAL value I get. If you've always wanted that XXXX model guitar that will be the one and only, I say go for it. Those pieces that you connect with only come around so often.

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[klasaine]

Now PERSONAL value I get. If you've always wanted that XXXX model guitar that will be the one and only, I say go for it. Those pieces that you connect with only come around so often.

I really want a 175, 335 and a D-28. Preferably mid 70s or earlier for all three of those. I know that I will (more than likely) have to pay some real money to get them. Whatever, they're on the l - o - n - g list.

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This post has been edited by klasaine: Jun 2 2014, 04:02 AM

[Cosmin Lupu]

This is simply beautiful, man!

I too have the same problem in understanding folks who pay insane amounts of money to get an instrument they barely play on But that's just me... I own two PRS SE which are GREAT instruments for the money spent on them.

I will very soon get an USA Model - a pretty expensive one indeed - not a Private Stock - but definitely a top end model

I'll let you know what sort of differences I am feeling and if it's really worth the investment, from a pragmatic perspective

A few thoughts...

I always wonder about people who spend insane amounts of money on a guitar that they barely even play... I appreciate amazing craftsmanship and woods, but to see it hang on a wall, or worse, live in a case except for an hour a year is tough to accept... I think PRS Private Stock are amazing, but how many are actually regularly played as they were intended?

And...

In the same experiences of wanting a guitar I could PLAY, that's probably the biggest reason I got a Stripped 58 PRS instead of the more expensive SC58... It was all cosmetic... Yes, the SC58 had better inlays, and neck binding, and a nicer top, but for the same materials and electronics, the price difference between the two was significant, and I actually liked the Stripped look better.

Not too bad for the "cheap" one...



I guess it's a lot like buying an expensive car... The overall quality and experience is worth the investment ,but I probably wouldn't get the heated seats and all the other accessories that drive up the price...

Even a crazy pricey guitar is still just a guitar I've seen new players fall in to the trap of thinking they "have to" get a crazy pricey guitar and full Boogie stack in order to play better and sound good. Of course, this is pure crap. A decent player can play well and sound good on very modest gear.

I typically prefer buying cheap, used guitars. My main guitars were old and used when I bought them and now they are even older and more beat up But they still play better than the 3,000 guitars in the GuitarCenter "Premium" room. In the end, it really comes down to how a guitar plays IMHO. If I find one that plays well, I don't mind that it's old and beat up

I"ve purchased several NEW guitars over the past year (as folks have probably seen in chat) and I"ve gotten rid of all of them. Once the shine wore off, none were as good as my old Ibanez axes

To a certain extent, yes, but trust me I've been on enough stages to see the difference between a solid rig and a cheap rig with everything included. The player's skill weighs a lot, but from a point on, the tools weigh as well - you don't need the top of the line, but you need solid reliable tools to sound right onstage.

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[Ben Higgins]

I guess it can be applied to the idea of spending a lot of money an anything.

How do we justify spending lots of money on something ? I guess it's down to what we value ?

Some people would love to flash the cash on musical instruments, some people spend outrageous sums on holidays, some people burn money just upgrading their house, some people spend it on clothes.... insert hobby / interest here.

I think a lot of the time we have to pay more to get more.. sometimes we do pay more just because of exclusivity, but sometimes it's just because we really love something.

When it gets to the point where the price tag is rising but the quality / features are not rising accordingly, then that's the time to question your motives.

Would you buy a guitar that had historical value ? Used by Clapton, Hendrix etc ? If so, what would you get out of it ? What would you do with it ? Being a collector is a different mindset I guess but I don't really 'get it.'

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This post has been edited by Ben Higgins: Jun 2 2014, 09:22 AM

[Todd Simpson]

Spot on per usual!! I'm not suggesting buying "crap" gear.

I"m just a fan of buying decent, reliable gear that's not crazy pricey

This is simply beautiful, man!

I too have the same problem in understanding folks who pay insane amounts of money to get an instrument they barely play on But that's just me... I own two PRS SE which are GREAT instruments for the money spent on them.

I will very soon get an USA Model - a pretty expensive one indeed - not a Private Stock - but definitely a top end model

I'll let you know what sort of differences I am feeling and if it's really worth the investment, from a pragmatic perspective






To a certain extent, yes, but trust me I've been on enough stages to see the difference between a solid rig and a cheap rig with everything included. The player's skill weighs a lot, but from a point on, the tools weigh as well - you don't need the top of the line, but you need solid reliable tools to sound right onstage.

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[Monica Gheorghev...]

Once we get up to a certain price point, the differences in quality of guitar and sound get smaller and smaller.
I would say that guitars in the range up to 1200-1500$ sound VERY good and it is hard to imagine even better sound.
This makes me wonder what would be the reasoning to get 2000+ or more expensive guitars? Are these instruments made better and sound better in relation to the price and how does one justify such purchase?

I for one as you all know, am a big fan of PRS guitars, which are known for their quality and the matching prices But, thinking of their private stock models, I thought that this question would make an interesting thread

Is it just for the sake of spending money? Collecting guitar? Luxury? What do you think?

To be honest from my front of view a decent guitar it's around 2.000.
I like quality things so I prefer to not buy 5 cheap guitars just to say that I have a lot guitars. I prefer a single guitar but a good one. You have right and the guitars around 1200-1500$ sound good but.......I will told you my honest opinion.

My guitar was 1.000EUR, was a normal price and I'm still satisfied about my guitar. But I start to find tiny things that make me to wish a more expensive guitar. As an example....the sustain. Over 17 fret the sustain it's not during so long. For a longer sustain in that position I must be very, very agresive in my playing. Another thing that I really don't like it's the quality of the control buttons. I mean the material it's a cheap one. All my friends think that this is not a problem. But try to play every day without pick just using control volume. Then this unimportant thing will became a problem.
At every 4-5 months I must tighten the volum button because it get a weird and annoying movement (left-right).
I guess an important factor it's what kind of music you play. If your playing can be affected about these tiny details, then you must considered how much money you want to invest in a guitar.

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[Hexabuzz]

Also...

Compared to when I first started playing (early 80's), the quality and value available today is so much better than what I ever could have dreamed of at the time, and I think that it's so important that a beginner not have to "fight" the quality of their instrument, and concentrate on being a musician... As they progress and evolve, they can grow into a better instrument, even if it's just nicer woods, or a better finish...

I have to agree that the PRS SE instruments are fantastic, and I'd also like to add, if you're more of a Fender player, that the G&L "Tribute" line is amazing, and even though they are built in asia, and might be regarded as a "lesser" version, the pickups are the same as used on the USA models!

I have an ASAT Special Deluxe Tribute that I only paid $400 for and is probably one of my favorite guitars, no matter the price!

We are in a time where there are great, high quality guitars being built, and just about anyone can afford an instrument that will serve them well... And... If you're willing to buy something used (which I love doing) you can get some amazing deals!

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[Cosmin Lupu]

I for one, as in the rest of my dealings with life, I am the same in respect to gear:

- I only buy things that I need, never for the sake of owning something
- I will spend good money on something of great quality because I understand the idea of long term investment (Why go cheap, when you can get something that lasts and serves you right and that's it?)

That's my philosophy in respect to spending money on things Also, if I can work my way around spending money, but providing something equally valuable in return for something I need, I will not hurry to spend money on something cheap just to have it THEN.

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[Hexabuzz]

I for one, as in the rest of my dealings with life, I am the same in respect to gear:

- I only buy things that I need, never for the sake of owning something
- I will spend good money on something of great quality because I understand the idea of long term investment (Why go cheap, when you can get something that lasts and serves you right and that's it?)

That's my philosophy in respect to spending money on things Also, if I can work my way around spending money, but providing something equally valuable in return for something I need, I will not hurry to spend money on something cheap just to have it THEN.

+1

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[PosterBoy]

I have two expensive guitars, my playing doesn't deserve them but they do keep my guitar lust in check and remind me any failings in my playing is down to me and not the instrument.

So often we blame the tools rather than the worker, I can't do that!

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[Huargo]

To be honest from my front of view a decent guitar it's around 2.000.
I like quality things so I prefer to not buy 5 cheap guitars just to say that I have a lot guitars. I prefer a single guitar but a good one. You have right and the guitars around 1200-1500$ sound good but.......I will told you my honest opinion.

My guitar was 1.000EUR, was a normal price and I'm still satisfied about my guitar. But I start to find tiny things that make me to wish a more expensive guitar. As an example....the sustain. Over 17 fret the sustain it's not during so long. For a longer sustain in that position I must be very, very agresive in my playing. Another thing that I really don't like it's the quality of the control buttons. I mean the material it's a cheap one. All my friends think that this is not a problem. But try to play every day without pick just using control volume. Then this unimportant thing will became a problem.
At every 4-5 months I must tighten the volum button because it get a weird and annoying movement (left-right).
I guess an important factor it's what kind of music you play. If your playing can be affected about these tiny details, then you must considered how much money you want to invest in a guitar.

Totally agree with Monica. I have a 1000€ guitar ,very good in my opinion ,but there`s litttle issues like Monica said that makes me think in buy a more expensive guitar. And to be honest i like expensives guitars ,not vintage or collectionable pieces , reallly working machines....
But no money in this momment jejeje i have to wait to get one.....

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This post has been edited by huargo: Jun 3 2014, 02:34 PM

[Cosmin Lupu]

Well Someone just arrived in the Lupu family And along with it, an amazing TRULY AMAZING event for my career: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...showtopic=52293



The PRS Tremonti Charcoal Black USA Model

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This post has been edited by Cosmin Lupu: Jun 3 2014, 05:55 PM