How Many Manufacturers Do We Really Need - Page 5

Mandobart · #61 03-09-2019, 08:39 PM

Some people are confused or even paralyzed by too many choices. Even after choosing you can doubt yourself - "I didn't even try brand Q, maybe it would have been better than brand x?" "Maybe I could have got a better deal on brand R?"

Eliminating choice can make life simpler I guess. I see it as an absolute golden age of luthiery. Never before have so many great instruments been available.

Goodallboy · #62 03-09-2019, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandobart

Some people are confused or even paralyzed by too many choices. Even after choosing you can doubt yourself - "I didn't even try brand Q, maybe it would have been better than brand x?" "Maybe I could have got a better deal on brand R?"

Eliminating choice can make life simpler I guess. I see it as an absolute golden age of luthiery. Never before have so many great instruments been available.

You're right, there are quite a lot of choices to make. You're also right that doubt creeps in and it makes you strive for a "better" score.

That's not a negative, it's the normal guitar path progression, at least for me and others I know. Always being curious about what's next in the tone quest. That, to me, is the joy of the instrument and the magic of the luthier's art.

As you said, those in the midst of that journey are at a place in time where there have never been so many great guitars to choose from. For that, we should all celebrate, and not look back to when there was less, and present that as a better future.

zmf · #63 03-09-2019, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandobart

Never before have so many great instruments been available.

Ignoring all the collectors and flippers for a moment, at some point, after all the deliberation, you just have to settle down and play guitar.

Bridgepin · #64 03-09-2019, 10:48 PM

Variety is the spice of life, it sure tastes good too.

jkilgour2000 · #65 03-10-2019, 02:20 AM

Choice is good ... that being said , we can probably do without the Estaban guitar

Nama Ensou · #66 03-10-2019, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steadfastly

...do we really need the plethora of manufacturers all vying for our business?

Yes, but one of the main reasons being that competition spawns innovation and competitive pricing. Go down to just a few makers and they get lazy and just keep raising the prices.
We definitely need enough manufacturers to keep them busy worrying about what the other guy is going to do, both for pricing and improvements.

Rosewood99 · #67 03-10-2019, 07:00 AM

How about one that can produce ten thousand variations and charge reasonable prices.

ThermiteTermite · #68 03-10-2019, 07:28 AM

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media...ht4c35w0qs.jpg

Atomnimity · #69 03-10-2019, 07:38 AM

Im fine with as many variations of guitars as possible BUT could we please do something about the amount and varieties of Chocolate on the market?

Mr. Paul · #70 03-10-2019, 07:51 AM

The answer to this question is the answer to every question.

42

Steadfastly · #71 03-10-2019, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulzoom

How about one that can produce ten thousand variations and charge reasonable prices.

That is too many variations. Can I please change it to 9,999?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThermiteTermite

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media...ht4c35w0qs.jpg

When did you take a picture of my car?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomnimity

Im fine with as many variations of guitars as possible BUT could we please do something about the amount and varieties of Chocolate on the market?

There are only a few varieties of chocolate.....dark and minimal 70%. Anything less than that is junk.

Paleolith54 · #72 03-10-2019, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Growler

Are you talking about guitar manufacturers or just in general?

BTW, I think history would prove to you that is a temporary phenomenon. Over time if there is enough of the activity you describe, your manufacturer would be able to raise the prices due to a lack of competition. Which means you're making my case for me.

If I reverse the order of a couple of your sentences, you're making others' case for them as well.

1. Over time if there is enough of the activity you describe, your manufacturer would be able to raise the prices due to a lack of competition.

2. BTW, I think history would prove to you that is a temporary phenomenon.

guitar george · #73 03-10-2019, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulzoom

How about one that can produce ten thousand variations and charge reasonable prices.

Has anyone played the 187 variations of the new D-28 yet? Any recommendations?

Steadfastly · #74 03-10-2019, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitar george

Has anyone played the 187 variations of the new D-28 yet? Any recommendations?

I hear you on that one. It is getting confusing. I think Martin is stepping up their marketing department.

rstaight · #75 03-10-2019, 11:23 AM

Not only the manufacturers but DIY kits that are available.

If they fill a need I think the more the better. I like looking the different guitars out there. Some are simply works of art.

Do we have to many artists? To many woodworkers?

As long as profit margins are acceptable companies will remain in business. If profitability isn't there to go away or down size and raise prices.

The competition also improves overall quality. If you spent the equivalent of today's $100 to $200 strictly in terms of cash, you had a piece of junk that didn't hold up long. Today you can buy one for $135 with a 10 year warranty! That's thanks to all of the competition.