The Gruhn Guitars are finally available and I have one on the way.

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by Dave in Edmonds

From what I've seen and heard, it sounds like you're paying about $2000 for buying George's name. Just based on the looks, almost $3000 for one of those is lunacy.

A buncha you keep saying that like if tacoma was building Chiefs today they’d only be $600-700. A chief was my first real guitar…I think it was like $750 new in 2002 or so. Tacoma went out of business for a lot of reasons, but that was probably too cheap even then. even if you think the gruhn’s name is a big part of the cost, no one’s making guitars in the USA anywhere near the price of 20+ years ago. My first Martin was a 000-15 and it was $799 new….they are $1700 right now.

I get it if you don’t like them or think it’s a dumb gimmick by George and those who buy one are suckers, but your math is silly.

[Gunny]

Your point is well taken. Inflation would likely have a 2023 Chief at $2k. I'd like to hear and play the Versitar to see how it compares to all the Chiefs I have owned.

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by Gunny

Your point is well taken. Inflation would likely have a 2023 Chief at $2k. I'd like to hear and play the Versitar to see how it compares to all the Chiefs I have owned.

Where is the “great Midwest”? You could play mine if you’re nearby or ever pass through :-)

[Gunny]

Northern IL. 20 minutes from the IL/WI border.

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

You smart aleck!


whm

Hey, don't shoot the messenger!!!

[Dave in Olympia]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

A buncha you keep saying that like if tacoma was building Chiefs today they’d only be $600-700. A chief was my first real guitar…I think it was like $750 new in 2002 or so. Tacoma went out of business for a lot of reasons, but that was probably too cheap even then. even if you think the gruhn’s name is a big part of the cost, no one’s making guitars in the USA anywhere near the price of 20+ years ago. My first Martin was a 000-15 and it was $799 new….they are $1700 right now.

I get it if you don’t like them or think it’s a dumb gimmick by George and those who buy one are suckers, but your math is silly.

I'm making no comparisons to anything, other than it looks cheap and rather crude, like it was made in somebody's garage. It lacks any semblance of elegance or class. The logo on the headstock is cartoonish. A $3000 guitar with a cheap gig bag? Personally, I wouldn't take one if it was given to me. It looks like a toy guitar one would find at Walmart. George's name is the only thing it has going for it.

[jimmy bookout]

^^^
Strong letter to follow, I assume?

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by Dave in Edmonds

I'm making no comparisons to anything, other than it looks cheap and rather crude, like it was made in somebody's garage. It lacks any semblance of elegance or class. The logo on the headstock is cartoonish. A $3000 guitar with a cheap gig bag? Personally, I wouldn't take one if it was given to me. It looks like a toy guitar one would find at Walmart. George's name is the only thing it has going for it.

To each his own, of course. Same kinda comments were made about Iris guitars’ headstock when they came out and a lot of people who rank aesthetics above other things won’t even bother. Iris caught and continues to ride a nice wave because their sound and playability are incredible, so they’ve won over even some people who originally hated the headstock. Time will tell if these will have a similar experience.

[Wade Hampton]

Truthfully, I’ll be surprised if these are a success in the marketplace. The original Tacoma Chiefs used to elicit just visceral negative reactions on this and other guitar forums, for no other reason than their looks. I’m not certain that there’s major culture-wide change of mind or a groundswell of interest in something offbeat like this.

Guess we’ll find out.


Wade Hampton Miller

[hubcapsc]

I hope to get the chance to play one. Maybe it will even tempt me to go
to Nashville... The locust one with a holly bridge and I'm not sure what kind
of light colored fretboard really caught my eye...

It is hard to find suitable wood for fretboards and bridges locally. I think
most luthiers would avoid holly because it will probably end up looking
"dirty" rather than "patinated"... Gallagher uses heart persimmon on their
"local wood" guitar...

I like the simple look of them...

-Mike

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Truthfully, I’ll be surprised if these are a success in the marketplace. The original Tacoma Chiefs used to elicit just visceral negative reactions on this and other guitar forums, for no other reason than their looks. I’m not certain that there’s major culture-wide change of mind or a groundswell of interest in something offbeat like this.

Guess we’ll find out.


Wade Hampton Miller

I agree Wade. A person has to be satisfied with the entire package and looks is certainly a big one. The asymmetry of the bridge and headstock on Tacomas are certainly not for everyone. There were comments back in the day where folks said they didn't care how good they sounded. George went with a logo that alone is going to put off some folks and the name "Versitar" seems odd as well. I'd also be surprised if his copies sound better and even that much different than a Chief. The Tacoma Chiefs are very light with minimal bracing. I may never have the chance to compare.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Truthfully, I’ll be surprised if these are a success in the marketplace. The original Tacoma Chiefs used to elicit just visceral negative reactions on this and other guitar forums, for no other reason than their looks. I’m not certain that there’s major culture-wide change of mind or a groundswell of interest in something offbeat like this.

Guess we’ll find out.


Wade Hampton Miller

I think players nowadays may be a bit more open to different approaches.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

I think players nowadays may be a bit more open to different approaches.

You’re more optimistic than I am, Frank. Not when it comes to spending well over two thousand dollars.


whm

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

You’re more optimistic than I am, Frank. Not when it comes to spending well over two thousand dollars.


whm

Two thousand dollars is the new $500.

[Wade Hampton]

Maybe so. Like I said, we’ll see whether Gruhn’s new venture succeeds in the marketplace.


whm