Honest question about guitar prices

[DBW]

My $1,000 American Performer Strat stays in tune much better than my daughter's $159 Squier Mini Strat. The fretboard also feels better. My best-playing guitars (Duo-Jet and H-535) cost around $2,500 and $2,700 new. The appointments are much higher quality than my $600 to $1,000 electrics. I think the playability and quality (tuners, etc) may max out at that price point though. I'm not sure as I've never played an electric more expensive than $2,700.

[Teleplucker]

Originally Posted by mikealpine

I’d like to be able to afford a Collings 290 with ThroBak pickups. That’s about as much as I can see spending on an electric guitar.

I picked up a Collings I35 this year, I got a good deal on a used one but it was still a little more than $4k. It is worth every penny. Just my opinion but it was also my money, YMMV.

[Don W]

I used to dream about the Fender Jaguar in the window of the music store back in 1962...it was new and cost $300...which was totally not doable back then...300 was like 3000...not just because I was a kid...300 was a ton of money. My wife bought me an American Standard USA Strat in 1996 for 600 new and it was totally doable. So ...I don't know what I am trying to say but this is my experience.

[Mandobart]

Originally Posted by Don W

I used to dream about the Fender Jaguar in the window of the music store back in 1962...it was new and cost $300...which was totally not doable back then...300 was like 3000...not just because I was a kid...300 was a ton of money. My wife bought me an American Standard USA Strat in 1996 for 600 new and it was totally doable. So ...I don't know what I am trying to say but this is my experience.

I think I get your meaning. My interpretation is that although the slope of rising guitar prices has recently bent up, the overall much greater variety and availability of good quality guitars has made them more affordable now than they were 30, 40, 50 or more years ago.

And most of us are in a better position financially than we were 30, 40, 50 or more years ago. And we spend a lot on other things (smart phones, multiple mega screen TV's in our homes, tablets, laptops, etc.) that didn't even exist 30, 40, 50 or more years ago.

I still agree with the OP that just over the past couple years there has been a jump in guitar prices beyond normal inflation.

[bmikiten]

Originally Posted by EZYPIKINS

If I ever won the lotto. I might pay that big money. But only then.

I have always wanted a Koa Flying V. I doubt I'd ever play it. Maybe some studio time. I just think they look cool.

I don't think I ever spent more than $2000 on an electric. That's about the top of the mark for me.

Acoustics are another story. I have played some Acoustics that are priced out of reach for me. And can see, hear, and feel the difference in tone and quality.

My advice is. If you can't afford them. Don't play them.

Still trying to figure a way to get that $6500 Collings.

It's funny how we all assign value to guitars versus cars, houses, etc. i've been playing and collecting for 30 years and have regular discussions about budgets with other players. The best part is that those with a budget of (example) $2000 have very often not changed it in 20 years.

Brian

[Gordon Currie]

Originally Posted by bmikiten

The best part is that those with a budget of (example) $2000 have very often not changed it in 20 years.

Inflation??? What inflation?