At What Price Do Guitars Stop Getting Better?

[@Madchris8828]

For me 1000 dollars is the point where past that I start to question whether or not I'm getting a whole lot better product

[@alanpettibone]

I agree with that for electrics. However, I would multiply by a factor closer to 3 for acoustics.

[@CenterThePendulum]

@@alanpettibone agree here, the $800-$2500 zone for acoustics is a huge dip in ROI

[@CenterThePendulum]

If you’re willing to play a lot of dogs to find a happy accident perfect inexpensive guitar, it’s often worth it to buy and upgrade the pickups

[@Madchris8828]

@@CenterThePendulum I'm not familiar with the acoustic market, but wouldn't be shocked by that. Probably just nicer looking woods? Dunno

[@Madchris8828]

@@chelososamusic seems pretty cool when I looked it up. Not sure as I haven't played one before

[@JacobVBurg]

I gotta say it again Phil, these podcast clips were a fantastic idea! I still like watching the replays in full sometimes but I can see the care and love that goes into making these shorter clip videos. You put in the extra time to edit visual cues and what not. Please keep making these!

[@sdelling1]

I agree completely! Been buying and building guitars for over 10 years and Phil is right. When it's good, it's good! Price doesn't always matter.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I remember when you could get used Les Pauls for $500.00 to $800.00. I miss those days and I’ve had a bunch of them. The trick was finding a good one.

[@scottmcloughlin4371]

That's why they were so cheap. Because Gibson quality control was so low. Then Gibson switched to even more expensive "Custom Shop" axes for quality control Ibanez gives players for free. Something is wrong with American manufacturers :(

[@MrMattsac232]

I love my les Paul but it has taken a lot of work and additional expense to get it playing as well as its price tag would indicate it should have from the factory.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

@@MrMattsac232 Yep they can be fickle no doubt. May I suggest a PRS or a Suhr. A lot easier to deal with.

[@RJW14]

Even with new Les pauls the trick is trying several to find one that sings to you.

[@nesta8518]

There’s nothing like a Les Paul!

[@MikeLaRock88]

About 30 years ago I'd say 1200-1500 depending on the build quality and brand. But today the best bang for buck seems to hang around 500-800 dollars. Heck, there's $300 guitars out now that sound and feel good enough to gig

[@ridebecauseucan1944]

I just got a new Squier Affinity Tele for 240$ and it’s a really really good guitar. Better than many older Fender Teles that I’ve played in the past. I am just amazed at how good it is compared to guitars 5-10 years ago.

[@skowog]

I'm thinking about getting a tele, do you mind telling me which one you got?

[@xenophonkirby]

Thanks Phil. These clips are extremely valuable. I usually don’t have the time to watch the live stream so these help out a lot. For me the sweet spot is around $900.

[@stug5041]

The Jackson pro series, charvel pro mods, are two of my favourite sweet spot guitar lines. So much bang for the buck

[@mountainmanmusic3846]

Need a video series with the sweet spots of brands!

[@JeffBGroover]

Agreed - he opened the door - he needs to follow through...

[@chuckthetrucker]

An 800 dollar mim strat is nearly the same thing as a 1500 dollar us strat..my new 300 dollar Gretsch streamliner 2210 plays as good as my Gibson lp special..but it's made of an "undesirable" wood. I'll keep my money upfront, you keep your future trade in value

[@enthused7591]

I 100% agree about the Gretsch Junior 2210 guitars. I think they're the best quality, best sounding guitars money can buy for under about $600.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

The cheap Gretsch guitars are killer. So are DAngelicos. Most of the Indonesian built guitars are quite stunning values...

[@ikillbugs]

I got the 2215 Streamliner. Basically the same guitar as the 2210 but with binding and a P-90. The only flaw in this line of guitars in my opinion are the sloppy tuning keys. And even that's not that big a deal... and those are cheap and easy to replace if desired. Solid guitars and well worth the money.

[@joshgeee5111]

I find MIM Fender stuff is of varied quality.. I've had a MIM mustang from new that had frets sticking out like a cheese grater, sterling bass that had a neck twist crazy bad. A CNC machine does not know what country it is in - quality of material + quality control + storage / transportation from factory are important. Finding and understanding what "works" takes a bit of knowing from the player, sadly most retail places don't setup guitars etc on display.

[@xenophonkirby]

I have a MIM strat and bought the American Professional II because I thought it would be miles better. I learnt the hard way: I still prefer the Mexican strat.

[@BangBangNinerGang415]

I have a CV 60’s Strat..I think it sounds amazing.. But I did fork out the money for a good tube amp..That’s the other part of the equation. No matter how much you spend on the guitar..The amp will ultimately be the deciding factor..Just my opinion..Love the channel.

[@BangBangNinerGang415]

@@loganwhite8375 I agree with all of those things…Some impact your sound more than others…but as far as hardware goes..In my opinion if you take a Squire Bullet(with a proper setup) and plug it into a fender blues junior, it will sound better than a custom shop whatever plugged into a Crate amp from the 80’s..Unless you want to sound like a blender filled with Chuck E Cheese tokens..Then maybe the sound difference would be debatable..Otherwise the sound is more impacted by the lack of quality amplification..

[@chrisshaw2754]

I own guitars from 300 to 3000 and with a proper setup and occasional pickup swap they all play and sound great.

[@tankdarla637]

agreed

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Couldn't agree more... good tuners to stay in tune, good setup so it plays right, good bridge, electronics and pickups so it sounds right. You're 99.5% there and that's close enough for me. Don't forget, evh and his junk picked guitar.....

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

@@loganwhite8375 different guitars come with different quality parts and I didn't mean to insinuate the quality of that guitars parts were good or bad. I just meant that great parts and a great setup can do wonders for a decent guitar.

[@williamsporing1500]

Exactly…except I sold my two Gibson LPs….I never played them. Play the crap out of my two epis though…

[@chrisshaw2754]

@@williamsporing1500 I always stayed away from epiphone electrics for some reason but i recently bought a used epiphone wilshire for a few hundred bucks and i love it. Build quality is on par or better than most Gibsons I’ve owned.

[@richardmartinez3342]

I loved what you said about modding guitars, and having an instrument that is unique. I want to get into that, seriously.

[@kevinlynch5925]

Modding is about the only affordable way for a unique guitar, because of the ways companies mass produce them, I bought a Epiphone Silverburst , it was advertised as "limited edition", that was a lie! lol

[@bakstabbath]

Honestly, I'd rather have the lowest Gibson model over a high end Epiphone. I just bought a Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute P90, in worn white, for $850 out the door and It's fantastic! The frets, nut slots and setup were perfect. Gibson have stepped up their game even on the low end models.

[@joehahn8817]

I recently bought an Epiphone '59 Les Paul Standard for $799 and I really don't see why anyone would need to pay more for a guitar. This thing is phefuckingnominal!!!

[@Mountainrock70]

I got the 1960 Les Paul Tribute Plus and the 50’s Standard Gold top (Epiphones) both are totally killer! I have a Gibson that takes second fiddle to both.

[@joehahn8817]

@@Mountainrock70 I also have a Les Paul Standard Plus Top PRO that's a very nice guitar for $599. It's the last year they made the old clipped headstock which I kinda like. Not to mention it plays and sounds great too!!! I would LOVE to own a Gibson Les Paul Standard but I just don't see how they can be $1500-$2000 better than an Epiphone...

[@Mountainrock70]

@@joehahn8817 I don’t mind the old clipped corner head stock at all! Like them a lot actually. My only Gibson right now is the Les Paul Special in TV yellow with P90’s. It is a great guitar with top line woods. The neck never needs adjustment during weather changes like Epiphones. Gibson takes a bad rap mostly by those who don’t own one.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@loganwhite8375 Oh, so you don’t own one. Im sure they treat employees better than ones working in China. The Gibson factory is dialed!

[@Mountainrock70]

@@loganwhite8375 the Les Paul I got last year is perfect.

[@mattvanmantgem8600]

There's a thing, I call it the "great guitar randomizer"- and I understand how it's difficult to talk about in general- but sometimes, a guitar randomly has something special about it- like I have a mid 1990's Korean made Epiphone SG. It's a bolt on, so, not exactly one of the pro series, but whatever happened to go into making it, it's really resonant. As in you can feel every note, even unplugged. It plays well enough, and the pickups were lifeless, but that resonance made it special, such that it was worth changing the pickups and keeping. Here it is nearly 30 years later, and I still play it. Well, that sort of thing can happen at any price point, with any guitar. So, when you're talking about at what price does it get good, or when is it ceilinged out- I think you have to add the caveat about consistency- like, it's possible to have a 100 dollar or 10,000 dollar guitar that's really great, but it's far more likely that the 10k will be great. That means, if I were to guide someone to a pricepoint and a guitar, I'd say "try everything out, but you can expect your favorite to be about a grand"

[@MiguelMakesMusic]

I know what you mean, I have a cheap strat copy that vibrates like crazy compared to my American Pro strat. I've always wondered what it'd sound like with better electronics.

[@mattvanmantgem8600]

@@MiguelMakesMusic I can't predict your results- but mine have been great - so, I think you should do it.

[@dalepal]

I believe in the law of diminishing returns. I have guitars I bought at varied price points and love them all for different reasons and purposes.

[@jackruysenaars7572]

i’d say anything in the $1000 (new ) price bracket has the potential to be a lifetime instrument , but no matter the price you have to find a good one. i’ve kept a heavily upgraded mexi strat over many many us strats because it played almost as good as always sounded better , but i play my musicman stuff the most because no matter what they tend to play better than just about every other guitar i pick up .

[@Maxshade7]

I love the clips. It’s great to focus on one subject from throughout the podcast

[@nesta8518]

Check out Cort for a guitar (either electric or acoustic) at a medium price range for a high end sound…massive value for money!

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

There is no set price, but you SHOULD expect a guitar to be up to standard and not have playability issues once you get above the $1000 imo. However, working in a guitar store I can tell you I've played terrible custom Mayones, PRS, Gibsons etc. The only two manufacturers that never really disappoint have been Ibanez and ESP, but I'm sure there are bad examples of those out there too. It's all down to the individual guitar.

[@Barbarapape]

I agree regarding the $1000 price point, and the quality of Ibanez, ESP and Schecter, if you buy these brands you are more likely to get a better guitar for your money than you will with the big names, that logo on the headstock is just a badge, and not a guarantee of quuality.

[@ethanpederson]

@@Barbarapape I love Schecter

[@carpathus]

Bought a brand new Ibanez RG online 6 months ago, $350 list, got it for $300. Have Fenders, CV and VM Squiers (all great guitars) in the rotation. The RG NEVER goes back in its case, it lives on a stand always close by. Love that guitar.

[@Barbarapape]

@@ethanpederson Schecter have a great range of guitars at all price points, if you can afford the higher models treat yourself, even the entry level ones are great.

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

@@Barbarapape I really want the Schecter Coupe in black ever since Darrell Braun did a video on it. Looks and sounds amazing.

[@Cerberus4982]

Thanks, Phil! I enjoy the clips :)

[@chilidogswithcheese1424]

I prefer the higher end of the bottom line. So I’d rather pay for a Squier Classic Vibe than the cheapest MIM Fender, a MIM Vintera over the bottom barrel MIA, and a 60s reissue Epiphone over a Gibson Junior. I obviously lean toward the reissued stuff but you get the point.

[@joehahn8817]

I passed on three Mexicasters in favor of an Affinity Strat. The neck pocket on the Fenders was awful, the Squier is nice and snug. Some aftermarket pups and it's a keeper.

[@Iheartdgd]

Absolutely

[@pahwraith]

The j mascis squier jazzmaster is amazing. Its the top end squire and its great value for money. Its as good as any mexican jazzmaster but with a better neck. As soon as they’re discontinued. Theyre gonna be 700-800 in the used market overnight.

[@johnriley8314]

I totally agree with the "New" Brand buying concept Phillip. It seems that there are GREAT deals to be had when doing this because as you said, the "New" company is producing quality guitars at near cost just to get into the market and get their name brand going!!! Then,eventually, most start creeping up their prices slowly but surely.....If one does their "Homework" and a little bit of research and a good job of looking around, you CAN get AWESOME deals now a days!!!!

[@ruatonim]

When I worked at a music shop 10 years ago, the sweet spot for most of the Ibanez, LTD, Schecter, etc guitars was 500. That's where the wood started to really sing, the necks were noticeably better and the electronics, parts and wiring stepped up. The biggest improvement was consistency. I could order 12 of the same guitar and for the most part, they were all good. I could order 12 Squier bullets, and it would be all over the place from fine to firewood. I remember one gem of a bullet that was perfect build quality wise. I was gonna buy it, but one of my good friends and customers really wanted it for their kid and I let it go. Being a hot-rodder though, if I go out to buy say an electric guitar, I will go down the row of possibles and knock on the back of the body to see what sound, resonance and pitch I get back. Then I will choose one and just play it unplugged. Again, I will just listen and feel how it talks back to me. If it is lively and open, I will continue. If it is dead and muted, back on the wall it goes. I will then start to really check the neck out. If it needs a quick adjustment, usually a qualified worker has no problem taking up the slack in the trussrod. If all that passes, then I move on to fit and finish. Really the last thing for me is the electronics, because I end up ripping it all out anyway, but I will still see how they react with the guitar. That's how you find the cream of the crop for the dollar range and really send it over the top. Honestly, more of my guitars started from an idea or having a set of pickups laying around than the actual name on the guitar itself. To address the original question a little more, it always seemed to follow the double rule. 200 was noticeable over 100, 500 over 200, 1000 over 500 and so on. Just gotta find that gem to start with. Don't skimp on the electronics, parts and wiring. I have completely saved and changed a guitar just with quality wiring, pots, caps, etc. Or changing values of parts to open up and or brighten the sound. I have seen people just pickup swap and wonder why their sound is still crap. Because all the rest of the guts are garbage, like re-treads on a Porsche. I also shield the crap outta everything I can. In the end, it's always fun to find a good guitar, and make it better than your snobby rich friends and their 10 top PRS Custom. (True story)

[@strings53notlob50]

For anyone that will listen. I pretty much felt that if you go under $500 you’re not getting anything that good. I got the Epiphone SG for $379. That guitar rocks! It barks primal! I love it! I find myself picking it up more than my thousand dollar Gibson Les Paul studio! I have a Jeff Beck Stratocaster which is awesome but I don’t really compare it because it’s a different sound and feel to the SG. I’m not Phil but I RECOMMEND THE CLASSIC WORN EPIPHONE SG FOR $379. You cannot beat it for that price. I got the inverness green (Who doesn’t like a green guitar, I’m a little like Trogly in that fashion) one but I think I’m gonna pick up the cherry also.

[@bimscutney1242]

I have an Epiphone SG Pro $400 and an Epiphone 2020 Firebird $600. Both are great guitars. Sound and look fantastic. I owned an Epiphone Thunderbird bass $400 and it was great as well.

[@miketuttle9319]

Good move breaking out the livestream into individual segments - hope it works out and is worth it, I've clicked on a few of them.

[@rosshorne4769]

Aha top right corner I think I see the squier and silver sky future video guitars?

[@markrajfura4443]

What I love is how we come up with a question and Phil states the question the correct way. What is the sweet spot for each maker. That is pretty much the correct question.

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

I think it depends on your gig. If you play at home and that's all then get whatever you want. Play out on the weekends? It does start to make a difference. Play out more then that I wouldn't hesitate spending around 2500 to 3000. I have an Ernie Ball JP 16 that is always ready. I have a Sterling model for a backup. I can definitely feel and hear the difference.

[@MegaRockinRolla]

A lot of the pricing comes down to the name on the headstock. I know as a gigging musician myself and among my other musician friends, we payed the extra money to have that Fender logo on our headstocks instead of a Squier logo so our bands don’t look “cheap”

[@shayh.3556]

Exactly 😂

[@derrickambrosino9967]

Phil your clip editing is getting very good.

[@piranhakeet]

Good points here, especially the observation re. resale value. The age-old balance between players and collectors--it's a key distinction.

[@1RobHunter1]

One of my favorites is just a modified Fender Squier - better tuners, better nut, brass block blocked, and better pickups. Even an Epiphone Les Paul LT, Slash AFD, or Special Vintage Edition are nice if you set them up and mod them.

[@flatstheflounder9874]

You have $400 imports out there today that literally Smoke $2,000 American made guitars Welcome to Technology Advancement its everywhere now

[@frankie-stein7649]

Agreed

[@daleturner3507]

This is a great discussion. And I agree completely on the price thing a perfect example is Squier an Affinity can be sketchy but a vintage modified at $400 is usually a sweet guitar.

[@shauncarter924]

My cheapo Squier II from the 90s is my favorite guitar that I own. My collection is far from expensive, but I have others that were way more expensive. But I’ve always preferred that one. It’s my go-to.

[@ralfcaetano]

I own a Hallmark, a Fender, an Epiphone and a high grade Squier. My favorite of the bunch to this day is still the Squier.

[@ralfcaetano]

@Lats Niebling mind you it's still a top of the line Squier (a first gen vintage modified) so it still feels way different from an affinity. That said, Fender type guitars have always felt better to me than a Gibson. My squier has its own thing going on, I wouldn't use it as a main guitar for example. But what it does it does really well and manages to find its way into every project I find myself in. It's also my first mid grade guitar so I guess it also holds some sentimental value.

[@byst33]

For me the only questions that really matter are: can I afford it/is it a good price for what I'm getting? And: will it inspire me to be a better player?

[@tofagakilifi9535]

Kia ora from New Zealand. Well I put myself in hock (charged it) for 18 months. Crazy great price I thought, it's a privilege. Longer sustain, clear and even over entire fretboard. Also at 50 yrs old and 9 kids raised in the 80's its rekindled a flame in this old lump of coal. Noho ora mai.

[@byst33]

@@loganwhite8375 where did I say new gear? Why do you have the compulsive need to gatekeep on the internet?

[@Ken-yg4um]

Great point 3:00 on new companies Firefly comes to mind.

[@roosterj2599]

My Schecter Sun Valley Shredder cost less than $700 and kicks ass over my Jackson, Kramers, etc. Why pay more when there's plenty of Schecters under $1000.

[@TheZotman5]

I got my Sun Valley Shredder for 350. It's a great guitar, not for the price, just a great guitar.

[@roosterj2599]

@@TheZotman5 You know what I'm talking about then. The combination of woods, electronics and the neck and fretboard shape combined with the heavy mahogany body. Just can't top it. I'm gonna pick up the Tele version. I like the white one. I want am ebony board.

[@NelsonBlakeII]

I just picked up the Nick Johnson HSS from Schecter. Could not be happier with it. The dude at the store said he suspects that Schecter is low balling until they get more competitive in the strat space now that they’re established for metal guitars. He chased me off of a 2k strat and sent me to the rival guitar store when I told him I was leaning towards the NJ.

[@roosterj2599]

@@NelsonBlakeII I've been crushing on the 3 single coil model JS. I love Fender, but after my experiences with my Player Series Strat I won't touch another one. The high end Squire Strats are a much better value as well as the Schecter Strats.

[@NelsonBlakeII]

@@roosterj2599 That was what shocked me about the Fender player series, and even some much more expensive Fenders, particularly HSS models. The bridge pickup was pure Fender, but the rest of the guitar wasn't very impressive. The Schecter's roasted maple neck, plus thinner profile are much more my preference. Plus it doesn't have that silly 2nd tone knob, the trem doesn't hit the pickup switch, and the input jack isn't on the front of the body. The Schecter is a perfect combination of a pure strat and super strat, for me.

[@jzee95]

I have a cort acoustic guitar that is all solid mahogany (even back and sides), it's built extremely well, and sounds wonderful. All that for just $400. I don't really know what else I would ever want in a guitar.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

You're blessed, my friend. Stay there. Never, ever play a Guild M-25...or a Martin 000-15M. It'll ruin your life like it's ruined mine.

[@tdunster2011]

Cort make great acoustic guitars.

[@powbobs]

Don’t play a standard series Martin. Your perspective will change.

[@hansgettheflammenwerfer69420]

re: the point on custom mods. This is the exact same reason people like me in the PC modding community enjoy custom watercooling and case mods. Its fun to work on to create something that is fundamentally YOURS.

[@Exavolt]

About that comment around 4:00 I totally get that. I have an ESP USA custom along with way too many LTD deluxes/black metal series guitars, but the two guitars I spend the most time on are my ESP LTD VB400 and my Ibanez RGIXL7 that I had an evertune installed on. Objectively speaking, my ESP USA is better in every single way but those two guitars are just amazing.

[@simonc1uk]

Wise words - great videos. Thanks

[@josephmelnyk9988]

Nearly 20 years ago at a decent local guitar shop they sold this brand of guitars copies of Les Pauls etc, I bought an SG copy and a Les Paul, they sounded really good and stuck with me up until 2018 when my ex made me sell them.

[@jesscornelius2481]

There is a point where a guitar becomes more of a piece of art and history rather than just an instrument and that’s where the higher end/vintage stuff exists

[@michaelsavides8856]

Exactly, about price versus value to the individual. I buy used guitars exclusively. They have so much more mojo than a lot of the newer guitars. Just scored a Yamaha sc300t. Mint condition for 200 bucks. The guitar is sick as hell! The only caveat is it didn't come with the bar. Could anyone tell me what bar would fit into that tremolo system? Thanks in advance.

[@graywatkin8510]

Rolled the dice on ebay and got a squire affinity Strat 06 crafted in China...Best 80 quid I've ever spent. The sound from my Marshall amp is awesome. Very very lucky.

[@MrNamePerson]

Interesting and, in a way, encouraging. Thanks.

[@booshting3520]

Over the last 3 years I bought a £2199 Jackson and a £2099 Les Paul Goldtop, both needed fret leveling to get a great action. This irritates me as I had cheaper import versions of both that didn't need any work.

[@musicauthority7828]

Sometimes a person can run across a vintage guitar, where pricing at the time the guitar was made, doesn't reflect current value.

[@timrussell1559]

Picked up a like new 2019 epi Les paul prophecy plus custom with e.m.g pickups for 300 bucks recently. It sat unsold on craigslist for several weeks because as soon as people saw the name epiphone they scrolled right past it not realizing it was a very hi quality guitar that cost 800 to 900 bucks new. I was so glad that the seller had "EPIPHONE" posted in big bold letters across the top of his listing!

[@frozendivots1564]

The only high end guitar that I have played or bought that meets the high dollar cost is the PRS McCarty 594 Core. I’ve had one for a few years and I still am blown away by it.

[@MrMattsac232]

I have a SC 594 core and I concur on this. Amazing guitars. I am still trying to convince myself I don’t need a regular 594 to complete the pair. The S2 thinline is also interesting.

[@frozendivots1564]

@@MrMattsac232 they are so well made. Flawless design, stays in tune better than my best Tele, pulls off almost every tone, ergonomics are perfect. The higher price tag is worth it, and the looks mean the least to me.

[@crazystuff6011]

At this price level there are other contenders in my opinion. It’s then down to personal feelings. I have tried many times to buy a prs - they look fantastic and have great reviews. But I don’t connect with them at all. And it’s very obvious, i am excited, i pick one and within 2 mins of playing I’m no longer interested. I have a custom shop strat and a music man that I love. But I can’t live without my Suhr. Lots of my friends find the Suhr tasteless. So my conclusion is if you can afford this level of quality there are a number of brands that deliver and it’s absolutely down to personal taste.

[@frozendivots1564]

@@crazystuff6011 I thought the same way. Started playing in 1978 and never even played a PRS until the one I bought a few years ago. They never appealed to me at all, until I played one and saw the precise details that made the 594 so good. I have strats, teles, Les Paul etc and I get their character etc but I would say the PRS is just a different animal. Its character is precision which does have a ‘turn off’ appeal to a degree.

[@crazystuff6011]

@@frozendivots1564 I have played many of them. Don’t get me wrong, I want to like them! They are so beautiful and have so many good reviews. But as soon as I start playing them I realise I am not enjoying myself. Opposite with Suhr - any Suhr I have picked up so far I found perfect to my hands and ears. I’ll keep trying PRS but, honestly, this is the only brand I try and give up within 2-5 mins, every time…

[@zedcarr6128]

I have 10 guitars and one of them is a Gibson J200 that cost me £2500 when I bought it, but the guitar that I play the most in my collection is a Hohner MC-06 that cost me £5 from a second hand shop. It's my comfy, sweaty pair of slippers guitar.

[@bigfatengineer]

Precisely $1,437.26.

[@erikl6988]

The nicest guitar I own is a used Reverend. Got it for $500 in mint condition with an equally mint case.

[@eddieisfiction442]

feels like a steal there

[@OGREgaming420]

I'm on my fifth modded guitar. Refinish, body shaping, American electronics, fun pickup combos, custom colors. I'm spending as much money as a mid range guitar. The end result hasn't been perfect by any means, but it's my vision not just in aesthetics but audibly as well. Harley Benton's have great bones btw.

[@ruthlesscutthroat4030]

you're right about the new brands being the best deal bit... my example is an early made Japanese acoustic guitar from the company called soundhouse. I believe the model zenn 100 ce something or other. this model is presently listed as spruce veneer for about 600 bucks. But i have one of the first guitars made for that brand, its solid everything, rosewood, spruce, beautiful inlay work. I picked it up used for 250.

[@lesterksi4521]

Great discussion subject

[@eusma75]

I have in my studio a number of brands across all price ranges including a Harley Benton, LTD, Schecter, USA strat, USA tele, Musicman, Kiesel up to a PRS Core and I can honestly say my Korean Schecter Solo ii custom is the best playing guitar I own, followed by my 500 dollar Jazzmaster Blacktop made in Mexico. Not to say the other guitars are not good, they are all great but these two stand out and are certainly on the lower price range.

[@flatstheflounder9874]

It can be any price

[@pablo9364]

@Jack true you can buy absolute dirt cheap junk if you look for it . $50 new. I know what he means tho

[@infoscholar5221]

I own several twenty, thirty year old, Fenders and Dannies. I also own a recently purchased slew of Glarrys and Grotes. Off brand isn't the stigma it once was. These guys are making some truly gig-worthy axes.

[@Mytwocentsisallicanafford]

After decades of playing budget guitars I finally decided to TREAT myself to a few higher end guitars and yes the fit finish and electronics are better quality I still gravitate to the budget guitars the most

[@Russell_Optics]

I have both and like them all. I have a Music Man Cutlass & a PRS CE24 hollowbody both in the $2400 range, but on the other end I got a $400 Harley Benton Pro series Tele that has locking tuners, S/S frets, and superb neck carve that plays and sounds great. I was amazed at the quality and performance of the Harley Benton at 1/6th the money. I bought the Harley Benton as a "project" guitar, but it doesn't need any upgrades at all !

[@jimmyjoe1871]

I have a custom shop LP I paid 5k for. I also have a $800 Baja tele. I love both of them equally. Shop for deals and find instruments that speak to you.

[@Merrillizer]

Great vid. Just got my second Charvel DK24 HSS 2PT, this time in the white and gold, and it's everything I would need. Around $1,000/1,200 is proper. The neck on these particular guitars got me, add the sound and I didn't quit playing this time. I feel inspired and want to play more. To have fun and be totally satisfied is seemingly more difficult every day or so, lol....so it's nice every once in a while to live a dream. Thanks, holmes!! 🔥🔥🔥💨💨💨🍺🍺🍺🤟🤟🤟💯💯💯

[@daveduffy2823]

The right one is one that has what you want and you won’t need to change anything.

[@retrotd]

I have a bit of experience here. I have a 2017 Gibson Faded T LP I got used for $550. They were a low end answer to Gibson ownership, costing $800 new. People sell them used now for retail price, all because GIbson doesn't make them anymore. When the bridge volume started failing above 8, I started to look at replacing the electricals. Got SD P-Rails w/ triple shot, new CTS pots (P/P but regret this now), lowered the strings as far they could go without buzzing, open or fretted. Love it. So easy for hammer-ons, double taps, etc. Getting better at the opening riff to Thunderstruck using only the fretting hand. About a month ago, I bought a Gibson Classic in Smokehouse burst finish. Two thousand dollars. I'm going to leave this as is. It's nearly impossible for me to double tap on this, but it's nearly impossible for me to practice slide work on my Faded T because the strings are so low. I have no intention of selling my Faded T. It's a great guitar, lighter than the Classic, easier to fret and sounds great with the P-Rails, but I love owning a higher end Gibson.

[@09philj]

There's also the thing about what kind of guitar they're making at a given price point. Stratocasters and Telecasters remain essentially the same design wise regardless of what "main" product line you buy one from, and only have minor differences in, particularly the neck profile and electronics. Jazzmasters, Mustangs, and Jaguars, on the other hand, are often radically different depending on the product line, so you may need to spend a lot more money to find the guitar that's a better version of the exact layout you want, or be unable to find a better one at all. That's on top of all those guitars in minor product lines that only exist in said product lines.

[@IShredESP]

I think that guitars stop really getting better after the $1000 mark. After that you’re paying for an artist model or just being made in America. High end guitars usually just have exotic woods besides that they aren’t any “better”

[@jakel7213]

This doesn't carry over very well to extended range guitars. Very few sub $1,000 8 strings are going to perform at a 'high level'. You can find a few gems from Agile and the like, but generally you're going to have to spend a bit more to make sure you're buying something that actually had the extra tension and lower frequencies in mind when built. Or you will be chasing the low strings more than you'll be playing it.

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

Man Now I want a Danelectro just a tad more

[@troycollins6069]

Philip I've just made a big score on a 1996 Gibson All American 2 from guitar center,$700 with the original case,it was modified,TV Jones pickups, and the tone... Troy from Alantic City

[@jayrajiva1228]

Totally agree with the video. Every brand has their sweet spot. Generally speaking, over $1200 is where I tap out in terms of price to quality. There is a noticeable difference between most $1000 guitars and most $300 guitars in build quality, appointments (pickups, locking tuners, etc.), and so on. Not to say you can't find a $500 gem (or a thousand-dollar lemon), but if you spend a grand on a guitar you'll generally get a better-made guitar. Above $1200, you're really just paying for luxury features.

[@jinder8900]

I have a $1500 Jazzmaster and a $300 Kramer that I bought years ago. Sometimes that Kramer sounds just as good, imo. I will say, I definitely *feel* the price difference when I go from the Kramer to the Jazzmaster. Also, some of the best feeling guitars I've played were $500-$900. Weird how price doesn't matter to your hands sometimes.

[@TheArmedHermit]

I absolutely agree with Phil on this. I’ve got inexpensive guitars that I love & expensive guitars that I love. My main 2 right now are a Baja Tele I paid $600 used for & an American Originals Jazzmaster with custom pickups & Mastery hardware that I’m in about $2.5k for. Both sound great & are exactly what I want them to be. Also have a Danelectro that I paid $200 for that’s my main electric 12 string. For me it’s all about what you want out of the guitar; they’re tools. Some tools are inexpensive, some aren’t.

[@chuckwolfboyer7830]

TALK ABOUT THE S A 2200 YAMAHA

[@davidkhammer]

Great way of looking at this. The brands sweet spots.

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

I like this take.

[@therollband1290]

Gibsons Les Paul Custom, whatever that costs, that’s the best and it doesn’t get better. Inflation has increased a lot over the years. In the 80’s I had high school friends in garage bands with Les Paul Customs. They were considered expensive for a kid in a garage band because they were over $1000. Hah! I can’t imagine a kid with a LP Custom shop now unless they have super rich parents. It was pretty normal to buy used Gibsons back then for like $500. Of course back then student guitars sucked so you had to get a real Gibson or Fender. Nowadays student guitars are actually really good

[@willbarnz6960]

What seems to be the sweet spot right now on Jackson basses?

[@pmoney3688]

Love the fact that you don’t necessarily love a guitar because of how much you paid for it! Sometimes you just vibe with a certain guitar, period. A few years back, I played a Squire affinity butterscotch blonde telecaster, I loved that thing! Should’ve bought it for the sterling price of $129.99. Since then, I’ve not played one that I loved as much as that one.

[@LakeLeePrism]

Bought an Epiphone DR-100 wine red for 99 dollars. Had to file down the 14th fret just a bit. Plays and sounds amazing. Sound, feel, and inspiration drives the overall quality regardless of price. I enjoy my high end guitars as well, but let me tell you certain songs call me back to my DR-100.

[@elihue_redneckreview]

I bought a Schecter for $50! It was trashed,(scuffed up, broken tuner, knobs missing) but it was well balanced and the neck feels fantastic. I was in the process of modding a brand new one and just put the tuners and pups from the new one into the trashed one and added push pull pots for more versatility and painted it. The $50 Guitar looks, plays, and sounds great! Phil has repeatedly shown us that price isn't indicative of quality, but rather attention to details!

[@tdunster2011]

Brands mean a lot to most people. I'm more concerned with craftsmen/luthiers. My best guitar was made by Shigeki Aoshima at Schecter Custom Shop in Sun Valley USA. I was fortunate enough to get one when they were affordable. Every other guitar I've played since has been disappointing or just too expensive to consider purchasing.

[@eddiejr540]

I have a ‘94 japanese squier strat...I bought it for $300 from music-go-round...it’s one of the nicest playing and sounding guitars I own !!!!!

[@1969MARKETING]

I would be interested in what the cheapest guitar is with all premium/upgraded parts? Obviously it wouldn't be a big name brand but would be interesting to see a comparison.

[@trintdaddylandis]

i dont think id ever pay more than 2k for a guitar unless i got a killer deal & i planned on flipping it. i have $500 guitars that are as good or better than $1500. ive played $5-10k guitars & they just aren't worth the extra money AT ALL. IMO ;)

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

My Les Paul Studio (Gibson chambered), Road Worn Tele and Mexican Stratocaster (Fenders) exceed my skill level and I aspire to get everything I can out of them🤘🏼

[@artillery666]

Definitely dig the clips more when you add photos and such, but i see how that didn't really apply to this clip

[@tps1020]

I am a notorious value shopper for guitars. I like Japan made teles (though they are rising) and S2 PRS guitars a lot. I've owned around 40 guitars and never bought a new one. I currently own 3. My 3rd guitar is a USA Strat I bought for $650 4 years ago.

[@zaxmaxlax]

10 years ago the MIM strats and teles were 500 bucks(euros) with ceramic pickups, the american special(vintage tremolo) was like 750 and the american standard 1k with the 2 point tremolo, the MIM strats from today are 2 point tremolos with alnico pickups, which is equivalent to the MIA from back them costing less. In a way we got better bang for buck but on the other hand if we want a cheap strat with a fender logo we're screwed. The mexican strats from back then were the perfect platform for upgrades

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

On a Donner guitar the body is thicker than the Squire guitar. Have you done an upgrade on a Donner, it seems that would make it easier to put quarters size pots , better switch & pickups on a Donner, what’s you thoughts on that.

[@AxelAlexK]

I stuck with my $200 2011 squire affinity tele for years. Recently got my 2nd guitar, a $450 AIO Wolf and it blew me away how much better of a guitar it is. I shouldn't have stuck with the squire for so long. The playability, sustain, feel and quality of the parts is soooooooo much better.

[@J0nny61]

Phil, I love your videos, thanks. My experience is slightly different to you. I've been playing since 1973 and have had many guitars. My two favourites were my Classic Vibe Telecaster and my Vintage JMH V6 reissue with the reverse headstock. When I turned 60 this year I bought myself a USA FSR Fender Stratocaster Performer. What a massive difference it is to my other guitars. I don't think it sounds twice as good as my old favourites, but it is truly the best guitar I've ever played. I will never sell it and it will become an heirloom for my children and grand children. I doubt it will lose much value and I doubt it will increase in value.

[@jamesincharlotte]

I have more gear than I need and one of my best guitars is a 50’s squire classic vibe I modded. Hummbucker in the bridge and blocked the trem.

[@NelsonBlakeII]

I feel like PRS doesn’t have a “bad” range. I don’t like Fenders below 900 bucks(with exceptions). Schecter has really gotten amazing after the 750 mark. I haven’t seen an Ibanez I like below 2k. Jackson and Washburn start around 1k.

[@ridebecauseucan1944]

I have a PRS 245 SE and it is awesome. Quality is definitely in line with high end Gibsons for sure. Easy to play and even with stock pickups sounds great. I’m not a professional but I’m sure anyone playing for a living could use it and not have any problem getting the sound they want.

[@SixString_J5]

Below 1200$ the fender mim deluxe series is leagues ahead of the rest followed by Squeir classic vibe and MiM Player series are about even. The deluxe series MiM is better than the entry level MiA fenders every day of the week and it's kind of embarrassing.

[@NelsonBlakeII]

@@SixString_J5 Yeah, some of those entry MiMs feel really cheap while the Squiers start to feel like good guitars, especially the 60s vibe for me. I got lucky with a cheap Chinese made Squier for my SSS but the Schecter Nick Johnston feels better than Fenders in the 2k range. I'm legit not looking for another Strat now. Very happy with this.

[@kevliao]

Yes, it's company dependent, but I think the tipping point is about $1500 to 2K for most major brands, as that's where you'll get stainless steel and solid PUs as well as other quality components.

[@bradleyard4195]

I have a $150 modified Ibanez and a $250 Harley Benton CST-24T. Both are really, really good guitars that I really enjoy playing. I also have a $1000 1968 Harmony Bobkat and an $800 1981 Gibson Sonex. Both are really, really good guitars that I really enjoy playing. The point is, for me at least, price doesn't mean much. As long as it plays good and sounds good, it is good. In fact, these days, the Harley Benton has become my go-to. It's the most versatile of the bunch, stays in tune great, plays like a guitar way above its price, and sounds excellent.

[@evil1st]

Its definitely up to personal taste. I'm a huge Fender guy, and I would spend $3,000 on a custom shop if it caught my eye, but I wouldn't spend more than $1,000 on an Ibanez or an ESP. Its all about what you want and what your opinions are on what kind of a guitar you think is the best, but sometimes a cheapo Squier or Epiphone can grow on you. They especially will get your attention if you like the way it feels and sounds. I played a friends American strat, and honestly it felt ok. It didn't have the *zing* I was listening for, but I remembered this Squier J Mascis signature Jazzmaster I played at Guitar Center, and that thing had blown me away. At half the cost, the Squier, at least in my opinion, played and sounded better than the American stat. It also has a sick gold pick-guard.