Guitars That Are WAY Overpriced Now.

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[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Question for you guys. What are some guitars that are a great value?

[@robertjones1364]

Epiphone!

[@3J_Music]

Godin

[@joshvcrawford]

Depends on what you are looking for, but honestly the Mexican made Charvels are amazing for around $1000. I've got a DK24 USA and MIM and the difference is not a $2000 difference. Amazing guitars, especially with a few easy upgrades.

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Just waiting for the brand new Harley Benton ST 80 to come out. Roasted maple neck, rolled edges, ss frets, locking tuners, floyd rose, one pickup, i bet it will not be expensive. They had the prototype at guitar summit 🔥 the new guitars from today are the vintage guitars from tomorrow

[@daveian5042]

After owning different brands, I really think Ibanez offers a lot for the price.

[@Aries_Alpha]

The issue for me these days is the quality of guitars, acoustic and electric around the 500-700 price range are so good it makes it hard for me to justify spending 1000 upwards on a guitar when I only play at home and not professionally.

[@brandonbryson3317]

Agreed. I’ve owned over 100 guitars and I’m only in my early 30s. And I have really come around to imports recently. I was a USA and Japan snob for years before, but they really have lost me with the current prices. It’s not even a matter of if I can or can’t afford them….they just aren’t offering an experience that justifies the cost when some of these imports are on par if not better in some cases for a fraction of the cost. There is less consistency, so it’s important to buy from places with decent return policies. But I’ve been playing some of my Korean guitars more than my USA lately lol

[@wiseguy9202]

Although what your'e saying is true, I do buy keeping resale value in mind. I know my current collection will pay some things off when I retire.

[@brandonbryson3317]

@@wiseguy9202 it’s kind of a wash if you spend a lot on a guitar that will hold value better a vs just not spending much in the first place. 🤷🏻‍♂️ unless you are exclusively collected all the super limited edition Gibson custom shop releases.

[@wiseguy9202]

@@brandonbryson3317 That's exactly what I've been doing over the last 3-4 decades. Collecting various releases and keeping them in pristine condition. More so for when I retire I wanted something tangible to sell back(I also do the same with precious metals). My playing out live days seem to be long over with so, I'm reserved to playing/recording in my music room now.

[@Aries_Alpha]

@@wiseguy9202 That's a good point. I sold a Gibson a few years ago and used the funds to buy 2 other guitars.

[@steven-v2x]

I played a $20k Strat a few years back that wasn't as good a player as my Japanese 80s Strat. Reminds me of an old joke. A guy sells a barrel of fish to another guy for ten bucks. He sells it to another guy for 20. This goes on and on until the fish are rotten and the price is insane. The last guy says, this fishes rotten, and the seller says, these are not for eating, they're for selling.

[@andreasfetzer7559]

What are you talking about, you do not have to buy it.

[@olebrumme6356]

@@andreasfetzer7559 And your attitude is why companies keep raising the prices.

[@WilliamHaisch]

It must have been a barrel of _Gibson_ fish! 😂

[@michaelaiello9525]

Not sure why you got a bit of grief for sharing a joke that reflects a market reality . I always enjoy new, to me, humor when reality bites. Thanks

[@85herooftheday]

I am glad I already own a core USA PRS. I love my singlecut, but the fact they start at almost $5,000 now is absolutely wild.

[@jltrem]

Now? Now?? Where ya been, Baker? I'm in my 7th decade. I remember before the advent of the V word (vintage) when these guitars were "second hand". Guitar snobs and myth makers brought this into being.

[@bldallas]

Funny, I not far behind you - in my 6th decade - and I remember when “used” guitars were about half the price of new guitars.

[@viktortulbya2107]

Vintage guitars are a myth, they were all new when famous records were made, maybe just me

[@jltrem]

@@bldallas Yes, they were. In 1978 I bought a ‘64 Blackface Fender Champ AND a “65 Gibson Melody Maker, both, for $35.00.

[@jltrem]

@@viktortulbya2107Exactly, Hendrix played new Strats.

[@9th_note]

@@jltrem I'm in my 5th decade and my grandfather is what got me playing, remember going down to the local pawn shops and resale stores when I was a subteenager and slightly into my teenage years purchasing Guitars from 1950s 1960s and I believe he never paid more than $800 for any of them and that was on the high end of things. I have probably played $10 million worth of Guitars at today's prices.

[@theblockyrocker9060]

Charvel and Jackson are just insane prices new/used for what they are. 2k for a korean/indonesian/mexican made "super"strat with a non original floyd is INSANE.

[@StephGV2]

Most Charvels are under $1000, and you can find used DS-3s for under $300 right now. A new X series Jackson soloist made in Indonesia is around $500. I have a Chinese mfg Warrior, and the cheap FR stays in tune the same as an original and works no differently. I think people spending $2000 on any guitar are insane, no matter where it's made. Those prices are on the buyers who are conned into thinking those guitars are worth more than under $600, not the manufacturer.

[@stevp372]

Jackson/Charvel have seen some of the biggest price hikes since 2020. I could get a USA made SL1 for just over 1000 pre-2020, now I'd be lucky to find one under 2000. Custom shop stuff is off the scale. Are they great? yeah some of the best metal/shred guitars out there, but they certainly aren't 200% better than a high end prestige Ibanez.

[@notkwcly1368]

I find it crazy how over priced the DK24s are considering it's less wood, no stainless steel frets and has the same parts as many $700 or less guitars yet cost around $1100. The more time goes on with my DK24 the more I feel scammed lol. You really have to pay over 2 grand for a charvel for charvel to start putting the high quality parts you see on other guitars in that lower price range

[@robhaag6102]

I have a early 2000s mij jackson performer that I got for 280$

[@theblockyrocker9060]

@@StephGV2 Their cheap models are THE worst entry level guitars on the market. If you bought a sub $600 guitar pre-2020 you can argue they are great instruments for the money, and I'd agree. Generally, the sub $600 guitars now will actively hinder a newer guitarist for how horrible they play and sound. period.

[@MrSteney]

PRS S2 line. When it launched they were around $1000. Now they're close to $2000. That's a hefty markup for USA pickups.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

They were already $1500-$1800 with overseas pickups. The current S2 Custom 24 with USA pickups is $2349 retail

[@MrSteney]

@@MrPhotonjockey In 2013, when the S2 line launched, the MSRP was $1179-$1399. Dealers had several models for $999-$1200.

[@Tsak112]

I am a massive PRS fan and player, and agree. S2's are too much. Look at the new LP Studios at $1599 all USA made. PRS is losing lots of sales to those I bet

[@scottmoreau5630]

@@MrSteney Yep, if I remember correctly, when I purchased my Vela when they were originally released, it was about $1700 Canadian. Now the S2 Vela is around $2700. It’s a joke. Nice enough guitars but honestly the wood is so soft that the lightest bump results in major dents. That and on the originals, the pots and wiring all went faulty within a year.

[@davidfaustino4476]

Many S2s are well over 2k. Some are 2599.

[@welshsapien1714]

15 Years ago you could get a fender mex tele for like £350/400 in the UK. Now a Player series entry tele is like £650. You can argue inflation but my salary sure hasn't increased at that rate

[@welshsapien1714]

@@TheHill1798 Crazy right? Decent Squier will cost that nowadays. Bass gear is no better, worse even.

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

Well that’s the story worldwide. So few of us who aren’t mofo techbros are getting raises that keep up,with inflation. We workers are poorer now than we’ve been for half a century.

[@welshsapien1714]

@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 when you say we you mean you and me right since I am an underprivilidged worker?

[@welshsapien1714]

​@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 if your gerttng a raise in line with inflation your not getting poorer by default dude

[@freeleestoilet9833]

Inflation is much higher than official figures. It was easily double digits during the psyop years.

[@2good2betrue3]

Agreed!...I'm shocked with the prices at Reverb😮 especially the signature guitars, really glad I've already purchased 16 guitars and GAS is over (hopefully.)🤭 some very notable shockers would be the following,: *Fender Ynwgie scalloped Strat* - bought: ($1,500), Now at Reverb ($2,187 New/ $1,800 used) *Ibanez Vai JEM777* - bought ($2,300), Now at Reverb ($7,400 to $10,570 used) *Gibson Buckethead Les Paul* - bought ($4,100), Now at Reverb ($12,000 used) If you want something cheaper, choose a guitar that does not have an "iconic" Logo (Harley Benton, Squire, Epiphone, Donner, Squire), because I think you're actually paying for the "Logo" and not the guitar itself. Just upgrade and mod it yourself, it will sound and play as good as the very expensive ones with proper set-up and upgrades. The only downside is you can't "boast" or flaunt it to your friends. 😅but who cares?😆 Cheers!✌

[@RevoFoto]

@@2good2betrue3 I agree except for the part about not being able to boast or flaunt it to your friends. I TOTALLY flaunt my Donner strat style, it ROCKS w JB4 trembucker 17.4k (bridge) RWRP fender tex mex 6.2k (middle) and tex mex 6.7 (neck) Graphtech nut, saddles and string tree, Bourns 500k pots, Oak Grigsby 5-way and Puretone jack. Hand wired and soldered w Gavvit wire All for less than 300.00. Plays incredibly well and sounds delicious!

[@angellesambre1]

Absolutely! Aftermarket parts of quality are cheap, and pup changeouts aren't that hard. I upgrade virtually everything I buy eventually...

[@robinspat]

@@2good2betrue3 You know N=G+1 is as immutable as E=MC2

[@robinspat]

@@2good2betrue3 Jet ❤️ fantastic necks

[@Tigermaster1986]

I can boast my mad skills, though. None of my friends care about the logo on my guitar's headstock.

[@whiskybravo4648]

The new prices of Gibson Les Paul’s are ridiculous. I couldn’t afford to repurchase my guitars at today’s prices.

[@JohnnyMegabyteCanada]

other brands have high prices. PRS (PR$ LOL) and even Ibanez

[@joermnyc]

Sadly gone are the days of the Tribute models, or even those Double Cut Specials and Juniors for under $1000.

[@BoneStack117]

I bought a single cut PRS secondhand on reverb for like $600 Canadian, and it's in great shape.

[@whiskybravo4648]

@@joermnyc Those were the days. I wish I bought more guitars back then, especially a Jr. I still have my Tribute and it’s a keeper.

[@whiskybravo4648]

@@BoneStack117 I managed to buy a satin PRS S2 single cut in walnut brown new before the prices increased. It’s a beauty of a guitar.

[@Boubrowse]

Lets be serious, hardly any of the guitars being sold by big retailers are a t anywhere near a “fair price”

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Time will prove you folks wrong. Not trying to be contrarian here. Just realistic. The prices you see today will look extremely low in 5 years. Trust me. Screencap this if you want. And we'll meet back here in 5 years. It's October 2024 and I'll see you in 2029 or 2030. 😃

[@Pieman62295]

idk I think there are some great midrange options these days. You can get a G&L Tribute Tele, a PRS SE, a Fender Player Strat, a Schecter Omen, Gretsch G5220, all in the $500-$700 range. And they're all pretty terrific guitars imo.

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

@@Joe-mz6dc as time goes on, I believe the guitar will not feature as prominently in music production. This will affect prices.

[@9th_note]

I am finding that Ibanez is a great deal these days used, picked a rg prestige at $600 and a j custom for $975 which is around 25%/30% of The cost of a brand-new Version of one of those. glad there is so many Ibanez haters out there because it means I get lots of great instruments cheap af lol. Great video man

[@kebotrans]

I agree.AZ s I have are so good. I got a white Lari Basilio about 6 months ago. I got it new dealer gave me a solid deal. That guitar is so dang good. Specs are amazing.

[@9th_note]

@@kebotrans yeah those are definitely great Guitars as well, really been considering picking one up... it's basically a Stratocaster but just way better imo. a $800 az competes with a $1500 strat all day... and The prestige Versions just smoke so many other Guitars in that price range..... I am seeing shit loads of MIJ mid 90s/early 2000s RGs in great condition under $750 and those are basically prestige models without the logo... you just can't beat those prices for that kind of quality...

[@kebotrans]

@@9th_note yes sir I have a few prestige AZs no need for a Suhr

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

You single-handedly increased the prices of those charvels lol

[@DasOmen02]

Thinking a 500k sub channel on youtube caused worldwide inflation on a worldwide brand is ever so slightly out of touch lmao

[@billbob4856]

The price increase was a semi-blessing for me. Cars became so expensive I’ve basically put the hobby on hold and put more time into guitar. I’ve got the equipment I want now (that can hold me for years tbh) and it only cost a fraction of what I used to spend on car parts.

[@FloridaManMatty]

Same with old military surplus rifles. 20 years ago, you could buy a Chinese SKS or Russian Mosin Nagant for $50. They’re fetching upwards of $900-$1000 in some markets today. All of this overpricing of literally EVERYTHING is absurd.

[@johnhmaloney]

I was very pleasantly surprised to hear you name check Keith Scott. I started playing in 1985, when Bryan Adams was at his peak, and Keith Scott was a big influence on me. He just has such a great sense of melody and I don't think he gets anywhere near the credit that he deserves.

[@Loader7272]

ya, an outstanding melodic player, and singer!

[@JoeyJoJoJr51]

100% agree

[@freakybeaky1]

Can’t remember the famous guitarist that name checked him recently- just brilliant.

[@MF-Alien]

In 2007 a guitar shop owner convinced my dad to trade his 1968 Gibson Trini Lopez for a USA Breedlove Legacy acoustic (my dad loves acoustics). Now the value of his Breedlove is roughly maybe $3,000 if he’s lucky and on reverb many Trini Lopez are listed for $16,000 plus…

[@MichaelMichniewicz]

So youd rather havea guitar you didnt want that made you 1 thousand per year to pass up a guitar youve always wanted? No guitar player would pick that option, that would be a dollar and cents move that would only make sense if you didnt play guitar. Your dad made the right move.

[@QueenToKingOfSpades]

@@MichaelMichniewiczLol, no. You’re not the arbiter of “what guitarist would do”.

[@steelbender8566]

Trini Lopez for $16,000?😧 wow!...I'll just settle for the 1978 Gibson ES-335, sounds and looks as good for just 1/8 of the Trini Lopez price.

[@MF-Alien]

@@MichaelMichniewicz he’s happy with his trade and that’s what counts

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

I kinda felt disheartened when they started charging one thousand dollars (and more) for Epiphones. That was a bit of a signal to me that I needed to back out of buying guitars for a little while. I know they started producing higher quality products, but it just made me feel like it was time to not buy a guitar for a bit.

[@BB-ft6nd]

I only play Gibson Studios and Fender Performer series guitars. American made to maintain resale value, and the entry levels because the performance difference between the entry American guitars and high-end isn’t much.

[@brandonbryson3317]

I would only buy those used. I agree they hold value used. But new, you’ll several hundred dollars of a hit no matter what.

[@glenngardin3561]

Same here. Gibson Studio and Fender Highway One. Made in USA, but cheap....... well, sort of!

[@Somenite]

Studios are actually a good value despite costing a good amount. For 1600 new atm, you're getting an American made guitar mahogany body with maple top, nitro finish, block inlays along with neck binding. All that stuff cost a lot from a manufacturing standpoint. I've also seen some studios with killer tops that look like they should be on standards. They don't hold their value quite as well as standards or customs but that just means good deals to be had on the used market.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

I have a John Birch Custom SG built in 1972 (Tony Iommi used John Birch).

[@Madmax-rz5hz]

The Johnny Marr Jaguar is another example of a signature model with decent improvements

[@scottclark7592]

add the J mascis to that list

[@mortonwilson795]

Agree - next on my list (well after an Eastman SB59/v) because JM worked with Fender to reinvent the Jaguar - pickups, wiring, control options . . . it's a 'personalised boutique' model for people who want that sound, those specific options, as opposed to just sticking a signature and a paint job on a standard guitar from the line and jacking the price up. Nice one, Johnny!

[@briandriver301]

Totally agree. These days you can get a quality product made on a CNC machine and imported. If you're not a collector, get a Squire, or an Epiphone. There some great ones out there.

[@AQMusic10]

Seeing that Les Paul KM and the crackle guitars takes me back to when you inspired me to pick up a guitar again after 20 years of not playing. I will always say that Robert is one of my top three influences to why I play guitar today. I always say that Ace Frehley introduced me to the guitar, Eddie Van Halen made me want to play guitar in the 80s, and Robert Baker reignited my passion for loving the guitar again. 🤘🏽🎸

[@BobVermaes]

For me, I can sound just as bad on a expensive guitar as I can on a inexpensive guitar. I recently bought a 2006 Squire Master Series Tete. Set neck, 24 3/4 scale pair of humbuckers. It's basically a Lescaster.

[@diegocorral7468]

I want a Les Paul jr., double cut, one p90 but the price is always insane.

[@BOBANDVEG]

Harley Benton

[@sd3falco]

I'm a bass player and have been craving an SG Bass for quite a while now. I just can't justify spending $2000.

[@gwoodtones]

I think you are completely right... since the internet the world changed a lot and prices for some vintage stuff has gone crazy. And there is a lot of fluctuations. It became more of a business thing as ot should be an artistic thing with guitars.

[@jelleepit]

My ESP Horizon custom was £999 when I found it back in '92. I got it for £600 because there was a chip in the headstock. They are now going for $5000 or £3800. But it is pure quality. A gem of an axe.

[@robbnutter4665]

It holds true no matter the market - People will charge what people will pay. If people stopped paying, prices would come down. I have an Epiphone LP Studio. Same guitar with Gibson branding was a thousand bucks more expensive. Did it play a thousand bucks better? No.

[@Kenneth-p1b]

Some old Epiphones really valuable

[@GuitarNoize111]

My pawn shop.$40 Fullerton Strat, which I installed Seymour Duncan JB/ Jazz pickups is all I need.

[@kellyreed8714]

Used Ibanez JEM777 Steve Vai Signature 1980’s. Couldn’t afford one back then, and really can’t afford one now.😅

[@markzurowski3627]

I bought by 1989 Jem 7PBK second hand for $700 back in 1991 when I was 16. I still have it and am shocked at what they get listed for now.

[@steelbender8566]

Yeah, JEM777 are one my ultimate dream guitars. It's the best 80's "super strat", The neck is better than all the newer JEM versions, but the price is really heavy. $10,000+ on Reverb, thanks to inflation and scalpers, owning one will remain a dream forever.😂

[@sfbenterprises7379]

I was working at a local music store in 2018-19 and my boss and I were talking about how the prices of 80's guitars were skyrocketing and the reason for it. We concluded that it was because the people who were young in the 80's drooling over them in guitar catalogs were now 40-50 years old and in their prime earning years, wanting to buy what they couldn't afford then. That was the only reason that made sense to us, because for the longest time you could get them cheap as dirt because nobody wanted pointy headstocks.

[@badGamr]

I have a 77 LPC - all original. Paid $300 for it in 1980. I am good with that value.

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

Somewhere around 20 years ago, I remember when 60s Gibsons and Fenders were considered "mortgage guitars."

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

I remember when guitar mags sneered at a '74 Strat being called a 'collector's item'.

[@AdamHunt-g4y]

I’m 100% with you concerning’70’s Fenders and Gibsons. Even during the’70’s they were considered terrible so that opened the door for small builders like Zemaitis, BC Rich, Hamer, Dean, Travis Bean, aluminum neck Kramers, PRS, Taylor etc., to kick the door in. There are some gems for sure but you have to sort through a lot of trash to find a good one. I’ve owned quite a few vintage guitars but by large they spent more time in a case than I did playing them because I was too afraid of damaging them. I felt the same way about my nice US made Hamer and Core Model PRS. Great guitars but I was too afraid I’d damage them. Now days I spend my days playing some partscasters. I can get very good guitar at a competitive price that I’m not afraid of nicking or damaging and I feel okay with modifying without fretting about its collectors value.

[@888jimm]

I have ended up in the same place ...when i get a wild hair ...i just make one :) that said I bought a Yamaha revstar rss20 (HB Standard) and it is the only guitar i have owned that for one I jst play and two have no desire to change anything ....strats I am always fiddling with ..Telly no :)

[@johndavies4317]

Rob, I loved to have a 63 strat, or a Gibson Les Paul. I went the Epiphone way, and even they are creeping up in price. But as you know, as working Family man, putting a roof over our family's heads and food on the table, always come first. all the best to you and your family and stay well. john, Cornwall UK..

[@scottclark7592]

Good on you! I did buy gibsons and fenders- as epi want much of a thing then- but they got sold for christmas and other needs-family first!

[@jperryfan]

I have a 1979 Gibson The Paul. Walnut body, Ebony Fretboard. T Top Pickups. Paid $350 with a hard shell case. Bought it new. It was my first guitar. Still sounds great!

[@jimmyparris9892]

In 79, $350 was a lot of money. It still wasn't $2300 worth of money today, regardless of what the "inflation experts" try to tell us, but it was still a lot to pay for a guitar. One of the main differences, compared to today, is most people didn't have a collection of guitars. They had one guitar and they planned on keeping it. Now, I'm sitting here looking at 6 guitars hanging on the wall in my living room, and there are more in a spare bedroom. Yet here I am watching a video about the ridiculous price of guitars today. Why should I care? I don't need another guitar for the rest of my life. It's a different world we live in and most of us are just a bit insane, and a whole lot spoiled. I can't decide which one I want so I'll just buy them all.

[@stancartmankenny]

interesting that there's a prs in the thumbnail but no prs in the video

[@52Tele]

Keith Scott now that’s a name you don’t hear enough in the guitar community.

[@soofitnsexy]

who

[@Timtime67]

The vintage market is based on two things really nostalgia enthusiasts and traders.

[@steveoconnor7069]

I would think hanging on to vintage guitars too long could be sketchy because the market could change.

[@tomaslopez2940]

And boomers

[@jasonjohnson4170]

I have a solid black model 1 that I purchased in 1985. It originally had the crappy khaler style tremolo with the locking nut on the head stock made out of lead. After locking it down the first couple of times, grooves were created, allowing the strings to slip back and forth through the locking nut. Lol 😂 The bridge did not lock at all. You simply fed the strings through the hole and the string balls would rest on the backside. 😂 Needless to say I ended up putting a floyd rose on that guitar. Tuning stability is now very awesome, and I love the neck on that Charvel. It plays like butter now. The factory pickup, that was in it was extremely hot... i ended up replacing that with a screaming demon. It's perfect now.

[@jasonjohnson4170]

The last guitar I purchased was the san Dimas six pack of sound purple burst Charvel. Got that one in 2015 i believe.. Love it... except that for the floyd rose sub standard pot metal trem. Does not return to same position every time now. Annoying but still workable

[@curtvona4891]

That LP sounds wicked!

[@MatthijsKoningstein]

I've got two signature strats: SRV and Clapton. The SRV strat was my dream strat. So I bought it brand new. The Clapton strat I go second hand at a reasonable price (under $1250). But I agree: prices have gone through the roof. I haven't browsed through Reverb for a while now as I'm not willing to pay the prices they ask. Hopefully it'll improve in the future. Especially for young kids looking to pick up the guitar.

[@jshearer94]

Thanks for the video. Not what I expected. Pleasantly surprised. 🙂

[@bkmeahan]

Bought my first real racing bicycle back in the early 90's. An Eddy Merckx Corsa MLX for almost $4000. There were many other bikes that were just as good for 1/4th the price, but I had the money and that's what I was set on. Same goes for guitars. You can get so many great guitars for such a low price now that it's hard to justify spending premium money for a headstock or the vibe of a vintage guitar. But if you've got the money and that's what you're set on, go for it.

[@lzrosenbaum64]

Just got a brand new 335 at Gibson Garage…. Expensive but not overpriced. Great vid! ✌🏻

[@joehealey6209]

Question for you Robert, what do you think is a good value for someone making the move to an intermediate level guitar as far as new options go.

[@RJ_HTx]

Fender Sambora Strat ! I’ve been keeping an eye for one to come up at a reasonable price.

[@lsu1992]

I bought my personal Grail, an '87 MIJ Charvel Model 5 (neck-thru, Not 5A or 5HH) for $500 in 2004. All original: oversized Jackson J80s, mid boost, JT6 Trem with orginal stainless trem bar and Chainsaw case. Neck was flawless, headstock tip PERFECT. I finally had the frets leveled in 2023 after playing it myself for 20 yrs, and it is a perfect shredder. On a whim, I checked to see what it would go for today, and I found 1 and a half Model 5s for sale. The first (black, like mine) was missing the trem bar, pickup covers and rear plate. Headstock looked like it was played 9 innings with, and description said, " frets 24-12 have deep string grooves, which doesn't matter because the neck is back-bowed AND twisted. Truss cover gone and problem with truss nut- $1950 no case." The other Model 5 was Black Cherry (gorgeous) but just a shell. Not a metal washer to be found, only wood... Yours for $600. Insanity. Mine is available. $22K.

[@andymarsal]

Man killer tones & playing!

[@tonyjones1560]

Agree completely. My budgetary ceiling is approximately $700, not counting the case. My last buy was a used Epiphone ES-339 that was around $400 with the case, and can remember when a brand new Gibson Les Paul was around $900 (early 1980s). I guess I’m just not into guitars as “tribute pieces” for a particular player, collectibles or investments. Nothing wrong with that, for those who have the disposable income and the interest though.

[@NoNameNo.5]

Sick vid, can you do one on ANYTHING underpriced Rob!? lol we’re hurtin

[@barnaclestval]

You're absolutely right & I blame KZbin. In regards to 70s' L.P in particular Trogly takes a fair shame of the blame. I started playing again in 2016 & used guitar prices were pretty reasonable. I was looking at a 78 L.P Custom & the price was 2K & he was taking offers. 6yrs later & the Trogly effect has that guitar at Custom Shop prices! I grew up in 70s' & early 80s' 70s' GIbson L.P's were considered junk because of the pancake bodies & other attributes. Of course you could find a gem but overall they were had used for not a lot of money. KZbin destroyed the vintage market as well. All the bands in the college rock/alternative scene before making money were playing mostly vintage Fenders. Why because that's all they could afford. Pawnshops were littered with them.

[@jimmyparris9892]

Now, pawn shops want new prices for that stuff, and more and more pawn shops won't negotiate.

[@angellesambre1]

I can afford damn near anything I want... that being said, I hone in on cheap guitars after looking at the features and usually as many reviews by trusted UTubers as to what QC issues I might encounter. I own two soldering irons and have no fear. I have been replacing pickups since the 80s. And if it turns out to be a lemon? I didn't invest much. For what you get the Harley Bentons are fantastic. My Explorer copy with their brand active plays like butter, although the Bagwells are hollow sounding. So were my EMG 81/85 I had before. The Mockingbird copy plays like the $109 B-stock it is, but not terrible. I rolled the dice on the Iommi rip-off Firefly SG, and it far exceeded my expectations right out the box. SS frets? Bone nut? Yes please! Although not locking on this model the tuners are smooth and adequate. Would I like a Shijie? Keipro? Tajima? Solar ( real, not S series although I appreciate what Ola is doing there). Vola? FGN? A Wolfgang? ( I wish they made a fixed bridge model!) Sure, and maybe some day. I'm currently eyeballing SBS from Guitar Fetish, a Tele-type from Firefly, and lemon-drop LP HB copy. I'm in the middle of buying a condo, and with 15 guitars laying around, selling a few is priority before buying more...

[@revzone3544]

In 1980 I walked into a local music store and bought a brand new 1980 les paul standard off the wall with hard case, strap plus candy .. it cost $499.95 which was a lot of money back then, but if you paid cash $400.00 out the door..

[@genofick5760]

Yes, have fun playing whatever guitar you want to. Great advice.

[@jasonjohnson4170]

I have a model four also. I purchased it in 1988. It is the same fire crackle that you are playing in this video. However the neck is rosewood. I paid six hundred dollars for the model one and eight hundred dollars for the model four.

[@golfrick007]

Back in 84 I got a 70's Les Paul Custom for $550. I wish I had never traded it away.

[@mikekline-fc8ox]

from what i noticed is buy what plays well for you look at how its set up, its a plus to already have good pick ups and electronics as it can cost a lot to change,and how well does it stay in tune:)

[@tblx2675]

Love that KM of yours Robert. Great video too. 🤘🏼

[@bldallas]

When I think of the prices I sold several guitars for, back in the early 90s, it seriously bums me out. Not just “expensive” guitars, too. Back in those days a mint condition USED guitar was selling for as little as half the price of a new one. I sold a great sounding / playing Martin D15 solid mahogany guitar for $500! And it took me a while to find no s buyer at that price. Damn it.

[@JamesStreetStation]

Back in 1984 I bought a brand new Kramer Pacer Imperial for around $600. That's the guitar I judge all others by today, and none of them even come close. That was the best playing guitar I've ever owned, before or since.

[@ThrashMetalAJM]

I’m really huge in vintage fender guitar. And it’s a 88-89 fender hm Strat. I own 8 of them from the 80s. My most expensive was 1300 was my cheapest one was 525 lol

[@jimmyparris9892]

Now you take that back. Them's fightin' words. 88-89 is no-where close to "vintage".

[@robinspat]

@@ThrashMetalAJM ‘80’s is vintage? Pre CBS fender is vintage ‘80’s is yesterday 😅

[@samsoliva]

Gibson Les Paul MELODY MAKER are over $1000 in Australia. It's more expensive than it needs to be.

[@freakybeaky1]

Getting nicely built Gordon Smith GS-1 and 2s for not much more… they were always pricey but are maybe better than the Gibsons at used prices. Been looking for one or another double cutaway with P90.

[@johnmauceri9692]

I agree, and as always, great playing!

[@TheHangarHobbit]

If you want something vintage look for 80s Washburn guitars, they can often be had sub $500 and many are MiJ and play great. I have sold and traded many basses over the years but I have hung onto my 84 Washburn Force bass as it feels so damn good unlike all the Strat and Les Paul clones Washburn was doing their own thing and with the deeper neck cutaway you can easily reach the highest frets. I have to say the guys at Washburn are super nice too, for years I didn't know what year it was so I contacted them and even though the rep said they lost their serial number list in a fire in 1991 he was kind enough to dig through what they had and was able to find out going off the pics I sent him it was an 84, even sent me a promo flyer from 84 with the bass pictured.

[@DrScrambles]

I love my model 2 charvel. It's INSANE how expensive they've gotten. The crackle was one of the ones I always wanted. I worked at GC years ago right after prices doubled. I used to check our used inventory manager everyday to try to find the 80s charvels, and you couldnt find them for under $900. One more guitar to throw on the list, any bronze series BC Rich lol

[@Tsak112]

I'd say its fair to say the Les Paul KM went up in price since your channel grew. People love to see your videos and playing associating the KM with you had increased the demand and therefore the value. Kinda cool for you if you think about it!

[@southernpanda33]

When a “Player’s Grade” 70’s Les Paul is more than a new Les Paul, it’s time to buy an Epiphone.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

With new Epiphone prices getting crazy too, soon there'll be no guarantee that's in budget either

[@Mudder1310]

Check out Eastman.

[@rodedawg77]

​@@Mudder1310 Or PRS Tremonti

[@jvin248]

Skip the fragile headstock and just get the Epiphone anyway. Epiphone are fun and sound great. I have all three, Gibson intact, Gibson repaired headstock, and Epiphone. The Epiphones get way more play time.

[@bldallas]

And though the price of Epiphone has also sky rocketed, they (like Squire), are making some amazing guitars.

[@garymesser9065]

I have two guitars that are hot rodded, ( super strat ) and a semi hollow,, the other two are fairly stock, three out of four has a Roland GK3 but, it’s all about the individual guitar, and how the player relates to it!

[@kenster3554]

I bought a 1969 ES 335 for $375 in 1981; a new American strat in 1983 for $700, and a 1989 L4CES in 1994 for $1,800. They will have to pry them from my cold dead fingers. I simply couldn’t afford to replace them today. The prices are beyond insane!

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

I got a used Epiphone LP Special with P90s for $150. There are two tiny notches on the top two frets under the high e string, which would bug me if I did more high bends, but overall I'm quite happy with it.

[@joermnyc]

I'm starting to see older SQUIER models on Reverb for crazy prices! I actually picked up a Harley Benton from their new USA Reverb shop, the "CST-24" with soapbars (guess what that's supposed to be... but then realize the big brand doesn't make Soapbar pickups anymore.) It's good after a setup, full sized pots and a decent switch. I'm probably going to change out the pickups for something mini-humbucker-ish and maybe slap locking tuners on too. The bridge is actually really nice, the Wilkinson take on a G&L bridge.

[@Trbochv69]

I remember when the model series Charvels came out. All the purists of the time snubbed at them. But they were cheap and easy to get. Fast forward to now, I sold a Ferrari Read Model 2 for 1k that was pristine. Now I did pull the crap Jackson trem and the pickup out and replaced with w FR and a SD Distortion, but it threw in the pulled parts in with it. And at the price I put it up for, it lasted like an hour on Reverb. Its all about if you have someone willing to pay.

[@Quagm1re]

I snagged two great guitars last week on reverb for what I consider very reasonable prices. Being patient, and not allowing your emotions control your spending will go a long way in helping you get what you're looking for.

[@gregputman]

Something else that has shot up in value are the late 70's/early 80's Japanese made guitars. Especially the ones made in the Fujigen, Terada and Matsumoku factories.

[@Kenneth-p1b]

I found the 335 Gibson (shorter scale, 24 3/4") too cramped for my fingers..when l played a Tele, it was fine for length, but the nut width 1 5/8" a little narrow..they had an optional 1 3/4" in the catalogue, but not here in Australia..but l preferred the Tele, and sold off the 335..so one of these days, l will graduate to a "soft V" neck, ideally with a flatter radius, wider nut end..also, l notice that the Tele keeps its tone when just off max, playing rhythm, keeping max for solos, while the Gibson tone went dead, off max, tone-wise..l later read that the caps were wrong..but l will stick with the Tele..so much great info and interviews here on YT.

[@clamdigr]

The prices are nuts. Back in '19 I decided to look around for a flying V and after a bit of research I decided to keep my eye out for an Epiphone Richie Faulkner sig because of the specs. An Indonesian built guitar that retailed for $999.99 new, I found a nearly perfect used '18 model year with all of the candy for $750 shipped from Guitar Center in another state. It's a great guitar for that money, or even a bit over the retail price, but $2500+ like the one on Reverb currently? Mmmmm.

[@gcr28]

Jackson American Virtuoso is a great guitar. Its not budget level but for new American made with high quality hardware its a good deal in todays market. Its just under 2k.

[@alanling1885]

Bought the mystic blue one at a discounted price. Nice guitar and made in the USA.

[@gcr28]

@@alanling1885 Yep, I have the satin black one. I absolutely love that guitar, it's my favorite.

[@guitarwalljams]

Dude great video and great content! Cheers

[@Paulo-ze1tl]

Early 80's JV Strats prices are absolutely out of control. Particularly the first 2 or 3 years of production. They came in three different tiers, 115, 85 and 65, that referred to the price of them in thousands of yen at time when there were being produced. I own an ST62-85, which is the middle tier, that had nitro finish, of an 1962 "reissue". I absolutely love that guitar and think that particular example is better than a lot of CS I've played, but I played a lot of JVs that were amazing, but not comparable to CS. With that said, I've seen people asking for a 65 tier (poly finish) and some with basswood bodies (nothing wrong with that wood for body) similar or more than a used Custom Shop. Or asking for an 85 tier that's been beat up and the finish visibly and poorly retouched for more than the MSRP of an AVii. I think pricing in the ballpark of used AV, AO, AVRI etc. seems reasonable, particularly for the 115 and the 85 tier. However, pricing them at CS is absolutely ludicrous. Saw a guy with a whole collection of 65s listing them at the lower end of the price range of new CS.

[@mechc9937cognition]

There is not a chibson you can't fix, not a knockoff you can't fiddle with, or a cheap neck and body you can't refinish. There are too many tutorials and cheap tools and skills you can pickup not to justify getting something dirt cheap and making it special, and making it better. Gibson and fender and these big businesses rely on people being lazy and bleeding people's wallets on copies and copies of the same guitar "handmade" on a cnc "OH but this one's special!" No it's not, it just has a different finish, go do it yourself, watch some KZbin videos and develop some skills, they might earn you some money.

[@Kenneth-p1b]

Another thing l found..acoustics..one night l played in a tent, and was amazed to find the sound l had been searching for..next night, a large hall, lots of hard surfaces..yuk, dreadful sound..later, a big room, mezzanine, atrium..tube amp..that Tele chimed, and the sound guy came over after the show, loved that chimey sound..so l think some thought about venue acoustics worthwhile

[@watcherzero000]

Yeah that is a Charvel Predator and they were made between 89 -91(some say 86 to 91) can't lock that down at this point. And they had reverse headstock.

[@tkauff713]

I have 7 or so guitars with brizilian rose wood necks. A 95 mik sss squire all played in I don't know if the pickups are original but they sound good. My jm jazzmaster is the last year before the Indian rosewood era. Some one had moded it before me awaped the gold pickguard for black pearloid. The knobs are radio knobs. And the swich is a upgrade. My rarest instrument is a 95 epiphone lespaul 100 all stock signed by peater framton I don't play it I have a rg 450, 335 and l5 copy that can fill that void. I have 27 total. I think number 28 will probly be a dove copy.

[@jfrankcarr]

I also have a player grade '63 Strat, that I bought way back in 1987, my first electric. However, over the years, I developed a taste for more modern neck profiles and features, so it doesn't get much playing time these days. Even so, I don't plan on selling it.

[@seanp777]

Curious to what you think about Ibanez JEMs? That’s a signature guitar that has sold really well and is still around. It has some special features monkey grip, Lion claw trem recess and the neck shape which is the main reason I love my JEM. They are very much like the RG line but what sets them apart for me is the JEM neck. Curious on your thoughts. Love the content 🤘🏼

[@THEItchybruddah]

Didn’t plan it but I have three PRS SE instruments. (2 DGT’s and a semi hollow). Also gambled on the recent Bonamassa epiphone. I too have made it decade 6. Basically the fantastic “budget instruments” make carrying something into a bar less terrifying than carrying something now worth more than your car. These day’s $1k is a cheap guitar.

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

i like Martins , the standard series are priced ok , there was an increase a couple of years back , the entry level ones under 1k arnt as good as taylors imo , great show robert !

[@WillMoon]

I'm really glad that I own my 2006 Custom 24. I worked my butt off at my first summer job to buy it from the local Sam Ash, it was $2200 at the time brand new. Now? Yeah that's like a $4500 guitar.

[@NickWebbSax]

The biggest place I've noticed is those new Gibson LP Studios. I bought mine in 2016 for £800 ish . The new ones are £1600. Doubled in price! (And my new £700 Epi LPC has an arguably nicer neck...)

[@erickmartin5667]

The last Charvel Model 1 I bought was $499+tax at GuiTarget. I bought an '88 Charvel 3DR in '89 or '90 for $150 with the case

[@oonamorrioghanblackthorne]

As a lefty I’ve tried to find guitars that are in the 1k to 1.5k but in most cases they are junk that might last a year or two before becoming unplayable (Cheap woods, components). Even Fender and PRS have SE (Student Edition) that when compared to the right handed SEs that are the same price the lefties are horrible. It’s as if they take the wood and components that are selected last to make them. So I buy higher cost working musician guitars and the number of companies that make those are limited.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

SLX Jackson Soloist -$600.00 Kramer Baretta Vintage -$699.00 Single tilted Seymour Duncan, Floyd 1000, maple body and neck. Absolute killer, if you're into 80s hair guitar, which I'm. 😁

[@tweakrr99]

Love the krackle charvel

[@Lord_Raptor]

Ha! As soon as I saw the video, my first thoughts were Gibson and a Model 1.

[@rpm4999]

I have noticed the price of used guitars starting to fall in general

[@blairhatton3066]

I got a ‘72 LP deluxe (converted to standard specs with humbuckers) for £1500 in 2006. For context a brand new one would’ve cost around £1400 at that time. Easy choice to make

[@mjb1308]

Im a 54 yr old lefty, play at home, not that great, but I find playing, along with the promise of improvement, good for my ageing brain. I also have GAS. Therefore, all my extra cash goes to buying. Being a Lefty, it's way more of a challenge. I finally got my dream Fiesta Red Strat, with cream inlays and a nice Dark rosewood fretboard. The Fender AV2 61. It's unreal and I cherish it. I don't care what it was worth (the store let me pay it off over 1 year), how much it's worth now, or what any you tuber says about that model, it's mine and it's amazing.

[@timesurfingalien]

Budget brands are putting out some amazing product. I don't have any "top shelf" guitars to compare too, but I really don't see how spending 1k plus is going to make much of a difference.