1 $4,000 street price guitar or 2 $2,000 street price guitars?

[LarryVe]

Try out the $4k guitar, especially if it's from a boutique builder, I think you will be very satisfied. The boutique guitar builders a churning out some fine acoustics, especially if you can buy them used...

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by L20A

Wide open question.
I have a hard time even thinking about a guitar that costs $4,000.00.
I will never pay that much for one.
As nice as something like a Martin D-42 is, I will be happy with my D-35 and what it cost me.

Now if money wasn't so tight I may think differently.
Is a $4,000.00 guitar worth twice as much as a $2,000.00.
To a lot of people it is.
Does it sound $2,000.00?
It the people that have one it probably does.

I'm with you.
In my practical world of performing live, the $4000 guitar just wouldn't be worth the extra money... to me. When it comes to my situation, I want a good guitar but it's the entire package of performing that really matters.
If I were wealthy, maybe it would be different but I would rather have four $1000 guitars (which I kind of do).

[AndrewG]

Then, of course, there's the matter of diminishing returns-especially with the mass producers. What's the difference between a D-28 and a D-45, for example, apart from the extra bling? We know that Martin grades their timber according to aesthetics only and, assuming that the bracing pattern is identical, where is the extra few thousand dollars going: into a few square inches of pre-fabricated Abalam and a couple of hours, maybe, of extra work?

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by AndrewG

Then, of course, there's the matter of diminishing returns-especially with the mass producers. What's the difference between a D-28 and a D-45, for example, apart from the extra bling? We know that Martin grades their timber according to aesthetics only and, assuming that the bracing pattern is identical, where is the extra few thousand dollars going: into a few square inches of pre-fabricated Abalam and a couple of hours, maybe, of extra work?

Or you could buy this new for under $2000 and get a hand-built guitar with the bling , Rosewood and Addy top. Of course the name on the headstock just might not do.

[s2y]

LOL, if the OP wants a nice used dread with Adi top and a figured mahogany Taylor GA, I could hook him up and give him change. Hoping to list those today.

Kidding aside, I would probably say the guitars you want that perfectly match your needs. That might mean one $4k guitar now and another down the road. Of course, nothing wrong with 2 $2k acoustics.

[Captain Jim]

Yes.



Not knowing anything about you, your tastes, or the guitars in question - other than price - I'm just going with: yes; buy guitars.

You should buy what you like and what you can afford. If it is just about the price, you might reconsider why you are buying guitars. I tend to buy a guitar based on what I think it will do for me... add a new tone, sized for travel, carbon fiber for how it is humidity resistant, comfort. If I can afford it, I don't think about buying two lesser expensive guitars instead.

But, that's just me - it's your money.

[Neil K Walk]

Definitely two sub $2k guitars - though I draw the line at Chinese made guitars for political reasons that I will not share. I'd likely go with a used Taylor 254ce to put a gig-ready 12 string in my quiver and keep my eye out for a used and well loved HD-35 from a rich guitar widow because they are rare IME.

[Nyghthawk]

Me personally, I would buy a Martin SWOMGT used for about a grand, a Gibson J-15 used for about a grand, and a used Martin 00DB Jeff Tweedy for about 2 grand.

But to your original question, 2 2K guitars for me. Lots of great 2K used guitars out there!

[George Bailey]

1931 D28A...

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

and keep my eye out for a used and well loved HD-35 from a rich guitar widow because they are rare IME.

Is an HD-35 any different than a D-35?

[Truckjohn]

This is what I would do --->

Originally Posted by TBman

With a $4,000 budget I might research the upper echelons of the guitar world and see what I could get used. Something in excellent condition that sold for $7k new maybe... Something that when you play it you hear the angels sing....

$4k used is Brazilian Rosewood money if you are into that...

[smurph1]

4k? with my car as a trade in, plus that, I'm in a late model Accord. No seriously, I would probably go with a late 60s early 70s Hummingbird. I played one at Elderly a couple years back. WOW!! It was 4k.

[Neil K Walk]

Originally Posted by guitar george

Is an HD-35 any different than a D-35?

Scalloped braces and herringbone purfling.

[$ongWriter]

If I were you I'd send me $3400 for my Collings OM1A with the Anthem pick up installed. and pocket the $600...or buy your wife something nice....just my 2 cents. I've bought too many vintage Martins and need to move a Collings.......just saying!

[fatt-dad]

So, you already have your mandolin?

If not. . .

One $2,000 guitar and one $3,000 mandolin.

f-d