Your Guitars and Their Cost

[rogthefrog]

Originally Posted by chicfarmer1

I've been on other collector forums where too much info has led to break-ins.

Poll respondents, kindly include your full address with ZIP code and alarm code. Much obliged.

[LSemmens]

Aww, I responded to the poll using AUD. can I change my response?

The Epi was $399 5 years ago. The Yairi was $650 in 1978, which is about $2500 in today's dollars, so I clicked the "inflationary" $1500 - $3000 button for that one.

[BluesyRob]

My Yamaha​ and Gretsch both cost around $150. I paid $600 for my Guild used, but I think it originally cost around $1600.

[dneal]

At least we can now see where the "sweet spot" is...

[mjudd]

Originally Posted by dneal

At least we can now see where the "sweet spot" is...

Not too surprising, I think. Obviously, cheaper instruments are popular because they are cheaper, and we all had to start somewhere.

In my opinion, there is a huge difference between a $500 to $1000 guitar and a $1500 to $2500 guitar. Play them side-by-side, and generally speaking the more expensive instrument will blow the cheaper one away. (Obviously, your mileage may vary). After the $3000 price point, some of what you pay for may be bling; but there is also a difference between a $3000 factory guitar and a $10,000 custom build. It's just that, for many of us, the difference isn't quite as much. And most of us can't justify paying that kind of money for a hobby.

[Photojeep]

Until January of this year the most expensive I've ever purchased was a little over $500 (My Ibanez and Seagull) once I bought my Gibson, I joined the $1500 club. Since I never thought I'd ever spend that much on a guitar I seriously doubt I will ever spend more.

Best,
PJ

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by mjudd

Not too surprising, I think. Obviously, cheaper instruments are popular because they are cheaper, and we all had to start somewhere.

In my opinion, there is a huge difference between a $500 to $1000 guitar and a $1500 to $2500 guitar. Play them side-by-side, and generally speaking the more expensive instrument will blow the cheaper one away. (Obviously, your mileage may vary). After the $3000 price point, some of what you pay for may be bling; but there is also a difference between a $3000 factory guitar and a $10,000 custom build. It's just that, for many of us, the difference isn't quite as much. And most of us can't justify paying that kind of money for a hobby.

I think the disparity between the $1000 guitar and the $2500 has narrowed considerably, at least in my experience, if it exists at all. The difference between a $1000 guitar and a $1500 guitar is negligible.

[Greg Ballantyne]

Guitars can be compared to wine - pricing falls mostly on a bell curve. Low on the curve a little more money can buy a more significant increase in quality, higher on the curve it takes significantly more money to buy a smaller increase in quality. We find our comfort zone, and sometimes that evolves as well.

[Neil K Walk]

I've never paid more than $1000 for a guitar, either acoustic or electric. Most I've owned were gifts but also had price tags well under $1000, either purchased used or of entry level quality.

[zombywoof]

What I spend on guitars is all over the place. Those in the house ranged between $30 and $3250.

[SJ VanSandt]

Originally Posted by dneal

At least we can now see where the "sweet spot" is...

That's the only reason I voted.

[ALBD]

Most of mine cost as much as I can comfortably spend at the time. Guitars are not something a serious player should skimp on IMO. If I really want it and can afford it I buy it. Sometimes I buy impulsively but I always consider the 20-40% I might end up renting it for if I get bored with it.

As for new guitars, I've found that those hovering right at the $2000 mark give me the quality where I want it -- materials and craftsmanship -- but without the eye-candy inlays, purfling, and other bling that doesn't affect tone.