[Oldguy64]

I generally buy or trade in the used arena.
I also do not own a “high-end” Instrument.
Since I stay in the “under $1000” realm I make up for “cheap” by being very picky.
And i generally speed a bit of time with a guitar before it comes home with me.
Since I’m not buying top dollar, first considerations are sound and playability.

Yes, I’ve been burned a couple of times.
The Godin listed below has an Epiphone neck because the truss rod in the Godin neck gave up the ghost as soon as i attempted to adjust it.
Now it’s pretty much in-sellable. But is sounds and plays much better than it did.