Why Complain About Guitar Prices

[DRC68]

Maybe I'm weird, but I always figured if someone likes a guitar for whatever reason, if it makes them happy and they can afford it, they are justified in buying it. What other justification does one need?

It's like cars. My Kia is reliable, efficient, comfortable, looks nice, and is many thousands cheaper and requires less TLC than a BMW 340i. I like driving both, and appreciate them for what they are. I wouldn't ridicule someone for buying the BMW if that's what they like and can afford.

I guess I'm just a simple old fool.

There are so many complaints about, "This brand is too expensive," or, "That brand is better for the price," etc. That may be true for the person giving the opinion, but not necessarily for everyone.

I like SG's. I mean, I really like them, as in I think they are the perfect style of guitar, for me. I have an Epiphone SG Special P90 that simply rocks. Even so, I'm buying a Gibson SG Standard. Why? because I like it, it speaks to me, and it's at a price I'm willing to pay.

The reasons I prefer it over the Epiphone are many. I like the aesthetics. I like the qualities of the nitrocellulose finish. I like the binding and the smoothness of the neck. I like the way it resonates. I like the sound of the 490T/R humbuckers. I like how Gibsons hold their value. I even like the gig-bag-on-steroids that it comes with.

Some people have differing opinions, and that's OK. Thankfully there are many brands and price ranges and styles to choose from. Prices are set according to market value, and if nobody wants to pay the price, it gets lowered. I just don't see the point of complaining about the price of something, or lambasting someone for paying a particular price for a particular instrument. Obviously they wouldn't have done so unless they felt it had at least that much value, to them.

I guess folks sometimes feel forced into choices they wouldn't have otherwise made if money was no object, and need to fiercely defend their choices by denigrating others. You all have shared photos and stories of guitars of all types and prices, and have shown pride in what you have and in the music you make with them, and rightfully so. There are some beautiful instruments in your collections, and some great stories, and I appreciate them all.

 

[Von Trapp]

Just because someone feels some guitars are over priced doesn't necessarily mean they have anything against, or frown upon, the people buying them, or have any opinion on that subject whatsoever. I can however understand that some would laugh at those that try and postulate that the more expensive guitar is proportionally better to the lower priced one.

 

[OldDog]

I don't recall a lot of complaining about what any guitar costs, but I don't catch everything. Grousing over price is pointless since that doesn't change the price. I don't buy above my price point and that works for me.

 

[davesultra]

Because it’s so much fun!!! And yes I pay more than I should seeing as I’ve been a crap player for 30 years. This one came to my place a little over a week ago. [GALLERY=media, 3695]2BC0DE2C-51DC-4391-B98E-1BAE0842D2B2 by davesultra posted Mar 19, 2021 at 7:22 PM[/GALLERY]

 

[DRC68]

Because it’s so much fun!!! And yes I pay more than I should seeing as I’ve been a crap player for 30 years. This one came to my place a little over a week ago. [GALLERY=media, 3695]2BC0DE2C-51DC-4391-B98E-1BAE0842D2B2 by davesultra posted Mar 19, 2021 at 7:22 PM[/GALLERY]

I don't have permission to view, but I bet it's nice!

 

[pancake81]

Because it’s so much fun!!! And yes I pay more than I should seeing as I’ve been a crap player for 30 years. This one came to my place a little over a week ago. [GALLERY=media, 3695]2BC0DE2C-51DC-4391-B98E-1BAE0842D2B2 by davesultra posted Mar 19, 2021 at 7:22 PM[/GALLERY]

Your link is not working for me, but I agree with your comments. If I can afford something without impacting my life or family then that’s good. I am not borrowing money or doing payments, but like you, I am crummy player. But hey, it’s a hobby and I have fun.

I would also add that I am not foolish with my purchases. My most expensive SG sells on the second hand market for $8000-$9,000 - maybe more these days. Which would more than break me even.

I think some of the complaints around the premium guitars is just around value. Are they worth what they are asking? Hard to say, I mean North American made products are expensive when we consider labor, tax’s, unions, etc. and in all honesty, off shore products are excellent these days. If I couldn’t afford a Gibson, I would have no issues with an epiphone. I recently bought a 20 year old Epiphone Sheraton. Not because I couldn’t afford a 335, but because value and craftsmanship were excellent.

Whether you can afford the North American guitars or not, you have to ask yourself what extra your getting. For some it’s badge envy, for others to support economy, for some it’s a no brainer, and others for resale.

Despite the high cost, I will say resale holds; or increases if you hold out long enough. I supported a ma & Pa shop in 2001 when I bought my 61 RI. Even with the higher cost of supporting a local business I couldn’t replace that guitar for near what I paid 20 years ago.

 

[cerebral gasket]

[GALLERY=media, 3695]2BC0DE2C-51DC-4391-B98E-1BAE0842D2B2 by davesultra posted Mar 19, 2021 at 7:22 PM[/GALLERY]

Media > Your Albums
Click the album name
Click Change Permissions

 

[SGBreadfan]

I agree, no one’s forcing anyone to buy anything...the incessant whining about this stuff on multiple guitar forums is very irritating. Buy what you like and can afford and be happy, and don’t rain on others’ parades.

 

[pancake81]

In addition to my previous comment, 335’s are demanding top dollar for quite some time, and this purchased allows me a chance to get into one reasonably.

When doing my research I stumbled Upon some Greg Koch videos. Great guy, great player, and a good salesman without ramming anything down your throat

 

[Wild Bill212]

I ain't complaining but GIBSON's 2018 price increases seemed a bit over-board. They came back down a bit after the B'ruptcy. I think the guy, 'Curly' is it?, put the Lester's back down to $2500 in 2019...IIRC, the 2018 L P Standard(w/Internal Dip-Stik switches) was $3300....thats nuts. I'm just sorry I did not buy a few of the 2017 SG Standard's @ $1299 ,no tax. they seem like a bargain now.

Prices aside, the way guitars are sold these days, you can get a financing dealio for 48 months.....stings the wallett for the same amount but @ +/- $50/month the price doesn't seem to sting as much.

 

[Bob Womack]

I didn't. I don't.

Bob

 

[njpaulc]

I think it's funny that most complaints are so brand centric. Some folks complain about the cost of an SG standard, and yet , don't seem to have a problem with a slab of wood with a bolt on machined neck, two single coil pickups , a lamp switch and two pots costing as much. To each his own.

 

[KelvinS1965]

I don't think it's specific to any brand; I've seen people complaining about those 'slabs of wood with a bolt on neck' from the custom shop being over priced on a certain site beginning with 'T'. Same on Marshall or Strat forums too. I actually got some sneering on a forum when I posted my 'new amp day' thread after I bought a Fender '64 Custom Deluxe (mainly because it's 50% more than the non-handwired version, but I'd waited 30 years to get myself a 'black face' Fender amp and want to be able to repair it myself). The extra £600-700 didn't break the bank and it still cost way less than a CS Tele or a Les Paul Slash (in the UK anyway).

My SG is probably my most expensive guitar, at least at retail prices, though mine was ex-display so it was cheaper than my (new) Les Paul Junior. I could have bought the Epiphone version of my Junior, but I wanted to really treat myself and it's actually a cheaper substitute for the 50s Les Paul Standard I was considering as I wanted something with a fatter neck as a change from my slim taper SG and my 1990 Epiphone Les Paul.

I'm sure someone, somewhere would sneer at me spending 3 times as much for the Junior, but it didn't stop me paying the bills, we still went on holiday (what are those?!!!) afterwards and my wife got the various house 'projects' done. I might end up selling it, because it doesn't sound much different to my 'cheap' Les Paul 60s Tribute which also has P90s and being honest I can't really justify keeping it, though I do love the fat neck. On the plus side, prices have gone up, so I'll probably get back pretty much what I spent.

 

[DRC68]

To be honest, I've been a crappy player for the better part of 30 years too. But I love music. It is one of few things that brings joy in life, and one that I'm willing to dedicate valuable resources to. A love for music was passed on to me from my father, and I wish to pass it on to my son. So even though I can't play worth a lick, I still enjoy it, and the sound and feel of a finely crafted instrument inspires me to play more often. I also hope for my son to inherit it someday. So to me there is some intrinsic value that justifies the higher price.

There will always be fanboys and haters. I'm not going to justify my choice by bashing someone else's. If I can't afford a Rickenbacker Model 350V63 Liverpool, but Joe can, then I'm happy for Joe. Maybe he'll let me try it someday. I might not like it, but it might fit Joe's playing style perfectly. I'm not going to bash it, call Joe a fool for buying it, or say Rickenbacker sucks because his 350 is out of my price range and I like my SG better.

Honestly, I like them all. My only complaint is that I cannot afford to buy them all, nor a house big enough to contain them!

 

[Neezduts89]

To be honest, I've been a crappy player for the better part of 30 years too. But I love music. It is one of few things that brings joy in life, and one that I'm willing to dedicate valuable resources to. A love for music was passed on to me from my father, and I wish to pass it on to my son. So even though I can't play worth a lick, I still enjoy it, and the sound and feel of a finely crafted instrument inspires me to play more often. I also hope for my son to inherit it someday. So to me there is some intrinsic value that justifies the higher price.

There will always be fanboys and haters. I'm not going to justify my choice by bashing someone else's. If I can't afford a Rickenbacker Model 350V63 Liverpool, but Joe can, then I'm happy for Joe. Maybe he'll let me try it someday. I might not like it, but it might fit Joe's playing style perfectly. I'm not going to bash it, call Joe a fool for buying it, or say Rickenbacker sucks because his 350 is out of my price range and I like my SG better.

Honestly, I like them all. My only complaint is that I cannot afford to buy them all, nor a house big enough to contain them!

I enjoy the hobby of collecting old band T shirts and have done it for about a decade now. I’ve owned (and still own) quite a few t shirts that fetch a decent amount of money when sold online. I’ve been criticized for this hobby numerous times over the years, but I’ve never been bothered by it. I pay all my bills, I can provide for myself and am able to live happily although I am modest. I enjoy what I enjoy for a reason, and have never been one to argue about prices. If you are passionate about something and you can afford it, go for it. People may call me crazy and treat my hobbies as a joke sometimes just based off of the amount of money I’ll spend on an old T shirt, but it doesn’t phase me at all.

 

[paul-e-mann]

Hey whatever your budget and desires can handle!

 

[Tiboy]

Complaining is an art form and a past time. Consider complaining about your boss. No matter how high up the ladder one climbs, one complains about the boss. It’s expected. It’s meaningless and changes nothing. But we have always done it and likely always will. If no one is willing to buy a product at a price point, the price will come down. If people buy at that price point and complain, the price remains at that price point.

I have very expensive guitar related gear and bicycles because I can afford them. There was a time I have very inexpensive guitar gear and bicycles because that’s all I could afford. Common denominator, the inexpensive brought me as much joy as the expensive.

 

[SteveFord59]

If we didn't complain about guitar prices we'd have to think up something else to complain about.
That being said I think some of the prices are ridiculous so I just take a pass.

 

[Repo251]

I need a 61 sg with a slim taper neck. If they made the customs in LH I’d be saving for one, but I gotta have the 61 ASAP, I don’t care about the price cos it’s a Gibson guitar and that matters to me.

 

[David Elliott]

Maybe I'm weird, but I always figured if someone likes a guitar for whatever reason, if it makes them happy and they can afford it, they are justified in buying it. What other justification does one need?

It's like cars. My Kia is reliable, efficient, comfortable, looks nice, and is many thousands cheaper and requires less TLC than a BMW 340i. I like driving both, and appreciate them for what they are. I wouldn't ridicule someone for buying the BMW if that's what they like and can afford.

I guess I'm just a simple old fool.

There are so many complaints about, "This brand is too expensive," or, "That brand is better for the price," etc. That may be true for the person giving the opinion, but not necessarily for everyone.

I like SG's. I mean, I really like them, as in I think they are the perfect style of guitar, for me. I have an Epiphone SG Special P90 that simply rocks. Even so, I'm buying a Gibson SG Standard. Why? because I like it, it speaks to me, and it's at a price I'm willing to pay.

The reasons I prefer it over the Epiphone are many. I like the aesthetics. I like the qualities of the nitrocellulose finish. I like the binding and the smoothness of the neck. I like the way it resonates. I like the sound of the 490T/R humbuckers. I like how Gibsons hold their value. I even like the gig-bag-on-steroids that it comes with.

Some people have differing opinions, and that's OK. Thankfully there are many brands and price ranges and styles to choose from. Prices are set according to market value, and if nobody wants to pay the price, it gets lowered. I just don't see the point of complaining about the price of something, or lambasting someone for paying a particular price for a particular instrument. Obviously they wouldn't have done so unless they felt it had at least that much value, to them.

I guess folks sometimes feel forced into choices they wouldn't have otherwise made if money was no object, and need to fiercely defend their choices by denigrating others. You all have shared photos and stories of guitars of all types and prices, and have shown pride in what you have and in the music you make with them, and rightfully so. There are some beautiful instruments in your collections, and some great stories, and I appreciate them all.

I'm not willing to pay Gibson's prices with what Epi is putting out, especially when they use Gibson USA pups. I own the newest Epi Iommi SG Custom. It's flawless, and the Gibson USA Iommi pickups are to the best of my knowledge virtually unattainable any other way. Same with Iommi's cross inlays, unless you want to buy a Monkey replica $20,000. With modern guitar manufacturing and tolerances of CNC machines, guitars in the $700-1200 range are where it's at for me. I CAN afford Gibson, I'd just rather own 5 awesome and completely different guitars than one with not much if any increase in tangible value. Sure, nitro finishes are cool. If you can afford and want it and it makes you happy then ho for it. No shame.
I also own a Epi Brent Hinds Flying V Custom and I'd put either of my Epi's up against a comparable mid priced Gibson any day. I actually got shamed by someone who doesn't even play ("used to when [he] was a kid") for owning Epiphone which "makes junk". 20 years ago maybe, but now all the budget friendly guitars are made by a few top notch factories that take specs from Epi. PRS, LTD, etc. and turn out consistently great prodect. Cor-Tek (aka Cort) for example made one of my PRS SE Custom 24's and it's phenomenal. I got the action as low as any guitar I've ever played and it's judt butter.
Buy what you want, be happy, haters gonna hate.