Is Your Cheap Guitar REALLY Better Than a High End Guitar? Real Guitar Talk

[@Botscarblues]

If it makes you want to pick it up again, it’s a good guitar 😎

[@mariogonzales1064]

Couldn’t have said it better.

[@gusblacksmith9]

So simple, yet so so true!

[@Dramirez314]

So well stated!!!

[@neiladams2107]

Completely agree.

[@emptypromises2962]

Yeah, I got me a old Greco Super Sounds and I´m selling my vastly superior partscaster in favor of it, just for the fact that when I pick that Greco up, I simply cannot stop playing it.

[@rhyskaiser107]

need more positivity like this in the guitar community! appreciate you as always jack.

[@texasbootlegger3752]

Nice topic Jack and I agree. I have a large collection of guitars, pedals and valve amps. I'm sure someone would say what a waste of money. Oh well, it's my collection and I like them all. No such thing as a bad guitar if the individual playing it makes them happy.

[@jasondorsey7110]

To those who can do more with less, my hat's off to them. To create my sound requires multiple amps and a massive pedalboard. I wish I didn't have to spend so much on gear, honestly.

[@czechplastik]

It’s refreshing to hear somebody show a little honesty. I see these “My Squier beats any custom shop” comments frequently and it just isn’t true. It can be disproved objectively and easily. You’re absolutely correct though, if you can be happy with a guitar and make music with it, that’s all that matters, no matter how much it cost.

[@davedavid7061]

Been learning for @ 3 years. My experience on KZbin is the high end guitarists don't shame the lower budget enthusiast. In fact every day it's the opposite. The budget people seem too really disdain the "higher" cost guitar enthusiast

[@chadbousley7901]

Couldn't agree more Jack!! While I do love certain brands, the snobbery associated with it and higher end instruments vs lower-end is certainly a shame. One of my favorite examples of the player not the gear is a guy in Nashville named Jack Pearson. The guy usually plays a squier and is one of the best guitarists I've heard/watched and makes a sub 300 dollar guitar sing

[@nellayema2455]

A good guitar is the one that you use to make music that pleases you, regardless of the price or origin of manufacture. Many of the revered old time blues players made astonishing music on what many people would consider as junk guitars. They made it work for them.

[@michaelmadron8654]

Exactly we are all looking for our own sound

[@costasarantidis4499]

Word

[@al271987]

Once you reach a certain quality level, the rest really is all about personal preference. I had a Squier CV Esquire that I did a pickup swap on and changed the wiring arrangement on, but kept using the stock pots and switch since they were of good quality. Upon getting the guitar set up I had the opportunity to play it side by side with a friends American thin line tele that was an artists signature model (it was that guy from Spoon, I don’t know his name). I was genuinely shocked by how similar the two felt to play. Then later I got my first Reverend and was blown away by how much more substantial and high quality that felt over my Squier (and apparently, by the associative property, the American thin line tele). I’ve since picked up a few more Revs and have never been more impressed by the quality of an instrument, and yet Revs are not the highest end instrument you can buy. Revs are built in Korea to fairly exacting specs, then finished and setup in the US. Not sure how Korean working conditions are compared to here, but a new Reverend is about the same price as a used US Fender or maybe a Gibson. These days it’s easy to find truly playable instruments at a very cheap prices point, but to your point, people need to be honest with themselves about why they care so much about comparing what they have with what anyone else has.

[@davidmurphy4844]

I'm 69 in a couple of weeks and started playing guitar in 1970 in Liverpool England. My first guitar was bought for me by my stepfather from Frank Hessy's shop and it was a cheap strat copy made by Eros. Now I own quite a few guitars including American Gibson and Fenders and they're great instruments but for every day gigs I play a Yamaha Pacifica, Farida Telecaster copy or Gordon Smith (Gibson copies). I couldn't honestly say the cheaper ones are inferior but I don't worry if they get knocked about as replacing one won't cost a lot. Always enjoy your videos and there's a lot to consider on this subject.

[@bretspangler8717]

Getting a guitar setup perfect for you is really the trick, I have been playing for about 9 months and have collected 7 guitars so far, most are Epiphones, my favorite is an Epiphone SG Modern figured, I play it all the time, I just did a minor truss rod adjustment yesterday and now it plays at another level, I was fighting a slight buzz if I fretted improperly, now it is not as finicky and just plays so smooth. One feature of the Modern that I want on all my guitars is an out-of-phase option, I get such satisfying tones. If I am not overwhelmed with chores I tend to play 4 plus hours every day and hate every minute I am not playing, I am certainly in the honeymoon phase but because I see progress daily I'm driven to keep practicing and improving my technique.

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

Thanks for the video. First, a truly great player will never degrade another player, especially a newer or less fortunate player for their playing or gear. I have many fabulous guitars, but I am so drawn to my CV Tele.

[@jimmythefish]

Fully agree. For a long time I had just an Epiphone acoustic. When I got a good job after grad school I set out to buy a great acoustic and ended up with a Martin D28. It won't be as good as a Collings or Santa Cruz or a custom guitar built by a good local builder, but I love my guitar because after 15 years it feels like an extension of myself. I played it at my wedding, for my kids, etc. and I would never part with it. On the other hand, I have three electric guitars that are mid-range - utility MIM Jazz bass that's far more bass than my skills will ever match, a MIM FSR tele with '51 Nocaster pickups that sounds and plays perfectly. WIll I swap it for an AVRI at some point? In a heartbeat, when I can justify the expense. I have a Gretsch Electromatic semi-hollow that is objectively a perfectly built guitar. There is nothing wrong with it at all. It was made in a factory in China that probably pays its employees fairly poorly in comparison to what a western unionized factory worker would make. Would I swap it for a Silver Falcon? Yes. Higher end guitars are made with more care an attention by people who are more appreciated for their efforts. Most lower cost guitars these days could be easily used in a professional setting. You could have all the Squiers you could manage for the cost of one Custom Shop guitar. The diminishing returns curve these days is very steep, even inexpensive guitars are ridiculously good. There's guitars as tools, guitars as lust objects, subject of envy, historically important guitars, sentimental guitars, famous guitars etc. and all are made to fill different roles in a collection.

[@JackFossett]

Very well put!

[@costasarantidis4499]

I've never heard a mechanic refer to his tools as a "collection"...30+ years in the business.

[@jimmythefish]

@@costasarantidis4499 we're talking about a guitar collection. That said, google 'tool collection' and you'll be set right.

[@lonesomelenny7606]

You never forget your first car, first guitar or the first girl you kissed. Jeanie Brown, I hope you are well wherever you are.

[@JackFossett]

My oldest daughters and I are watching I Dream of Jeannie together. Great timing.

[@pokeypal1359]

Really enjoyed this episode of Guitar Talk. Wholeheartedly support your endeavour. You don't have to play a long time before colliding with the long held assumptions, biased and one could say "mythologies" surrounding the instrument. Making music can be demanding enough and should find a guitar(at any price point) that unlocks you heart and passion, travel that road together.

[@dustinpayne2]

Great video and about time someone said it. KZbin unfortunately has become a place where reviewers fish for clicks and they know overhyping cheap gear does it. But this is why your channel is so good. You say it like it is whatever the review is. Keep up the great work. The Benz is badass btw.

[@masitraproductions977]

Yet here I am with a £130 Harley Benton Tele that is legit much nicer to play than my Fender that cost 9x as much. There are a lot of fantastic budget guitars that can keep up with the best of them and I learnt about HB guitars via youtube. Given I own mostly high end guitars I can look at this objectively. So its not a case of pretending its better than it is. Far from it….

[@sh6041]

You are very articulate Jack and on point. After owning a guitar for some time and bonding with it I find cost becomes insignificant. There is too much chest beating among musicians at times and it is refreshing to have commentary that is positive and not condescending.

[@sporque]

MY SUBARU TELECASTER IS BETTER THAN ANY BMW CUSTOM SHOP TELE!!😅😅😅 You make some fair points in this video . I don't necessarily LIKE the idea of buying Chinese guitars, but I don't know the conditions that the employees are working under, and I agree with your cellphone comment. It is difficult to be 100% ethical in this modern world. In the end it's one's musical ability that counts. I wouldn't care to own a custom shop guitar if I didn't have the custom chops to play it 😊

[@martin-1965]

Hey Jack, had a bit of a rant about the ethics of overseas production way down in the comments where I disagree that they're all working in hell holes. So I just wanted to add separately that I agree with what you're getting at here. Play the guitar in your hands that you love and make music and enjoy it. The world is changing constantly and guitars are made everywhere these days at all price points. Like with the car analogy, as a kid I had a crap egg slicer action Les Paul copy and awful tranny amp (always hated it lol). Nowadays, young players can really get a great set up so much cheaper because, well, massive plants making them all over the world and CNC moving to another level. Buy what you want and can afford for whatever reasons that may be, and long live rock and roll :)

[@steveturner6770]

This was excellent Jack. Really enjoyed this.

[@stuballatt4350]

To echo and support the sentiments here, I offer this short tale: I have an Aria 3/4 acoustic that I keep in my bedroom just so I have something to strum on in that part of the house. Years back I had loaned that guitar to my nephew when he was first learning, and it came back to me after he switched to bass. Same guitar i loaned to my cousin when he was down on his luck and needed something to play; again it came back to me a couple years later. The action is great, it holds tune, it takes a beating, and it’s been a bridge for several family members as I described. It’s not my number one of course, but I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of that thing, nor will I ever need it to be anything “greater” than exactly what it is.

[@dustingmyguitars]

This was a great video. I used to do the qualifying with my first acoustic. Still have it, sounds great, action is a million miles away hah

[@jrrlovecraft6505]

Several years ago I purchased my used 2003 Schecter C-1 Elite for $400 (w/ hard case!) and as soon as I picked it up I could tell it just felt right in my hands. I have other guitars I have paid 2x or 3x that amount that don't feel as good (but I still like them!). The best guitar is the guitar that works best for the player.

[@shutupnplayyerguitar3812]

It's an interesting comparison you make between cars and guitars. Expensive vs. non expensive is all relative to a person's financial situation. Guitars and Cars are tools, and there are useable models available for all financial levels. I drive North American made, used cars only, that I pay cash for. I am proud to have never had a car payment, and have been driving for 35 years. When someone I run into brags about their fine European or Japanese vehicle, I think good for you. I'm glad you're happy with your car. An expensive foreign car is not something that I would spend my hard earned money on, and that's fine. Guitars on the other hand are my passion and relatively inexpensive compared to Cars. Over the years I have purchased Inexpensive foreign models and the most expensive guitars that you can buy. I've loved them all regardless of price, status, or country of origin. They are tools and as long as they do the job I want them to do, they remain in my collection. No need to brag about my gear or put anybody else down regarding their gear, just shut up and play yer guitar.

[@melvinsfan]

I am a fan of the new Fender Player Stratocasters. I had one and loved it. However, I found an American Strat that I instantly bonded with. I bought it and sold the Player Series to offset the cost. But those Player Series guitars are pretty sweet. We are very fortunate to live in a day where lower cost gear is getting to a really awesome level.

[@stevenmisener6301]

I’m finding more often that the Mexican Fenders outshine their American counterparts. The quality is there. What they have over the American made series is the accessibility. I don’t need a second mortgage to own them.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. I have an Epiphone SG that converted me to liking SG Guitars, Love it, So awesome to play, so much fun. But I have been lucky to pick up a couple of Gretsch Guitars on the Used market for very reasonable prices, and they are just amazing. Stunning Construction, Perfect playability and so inspiring to my playing, just love them so much. Cheers

[@mortonwilson795]

Lots of interesting points here. I'll try to be brief. I needed to buy an electric guitar when I was 19 and our acoustic duo was 'trading up' to become and electric band. I worked in a guitar shop in NZ and had Gibsons, Fenders, Rickenbackers going thru. I learned how to set them up etc. but wasn't really able to discern what was 'good or bad' and couldn't afford any of them anyway. All I knew was that I wanted a Les Paul because my heroes all seemed to play them (this was 1974). And a customer who was a pro had one to sell so I used all my savings and bought it (1968 Les Paul Custom) for NZD 800 (approx. USD 550). It's all I played till 1981 when Roland gave me their new GR 300 / GR 303 guitar synth to demo for them, which was part payment. The next guitar(s) I bought were in 1992 after reading about them in Guitar Player. Roger Sadowsky NYC S Style (HSH) & his Electric Nylon (I also played nylon acoustic a lot in the studio at the time on sessions and couldn't really take the classic acoustic out live) and they were USD 3K each - the most expensive guitars I have ever bought. Still own all 4 (+ a few others over the intervening years) but to me they were tools I needed, could afford and liked. I have only recently engaged with KZbin reviews and seeing what's out there and bought an Epiphone Casino (popped in Lollar P90s) and a Gretsch Japanese made Player Series Solid Body (discounted from USD 2.5K to 1.25K - 2018 model but the shop here in HK is high volume turnover so I guess they considered it 'old stock'. Ironically the 'cheapest' (68 Custom) is probably the most 'valuable' now, the Roland Synth Strat is something of a collectors item and the Sadowskys now cost close to 6K with a helluva waiting list! With a few more exotic items Ibanez Electric 12 String / US Sitar Guitar - these were bought for a specific need in the mid 90s, the jobs paid for them. So . . . I consider myself very lucky I got the best I could find at a price I could afford to fulfil a need at the time - tools of the trade which I have grown with over many years and the 2 newer ones really excite me - whole new sounds, which tend to make me want to write differently. I don't know if this makes any sense but that's my story and I'm at a point where the industry out there seems to be able to offer anything you need and the idea of grabbing an Epiphone Les Paul and modding it with Monty's Pick Ups, Gotoh Hardware etc. seems like an interesting way to go, or maybe saving a bit for an Eastman SB59/v ! If spending USD 3K+ for US / Japanese made or up to 6K+++ custom shop prices is workable for your budget then go for it! I certainly don't judge anyone for what they play whether it's 'affordable' or 'one off custom shop' if it sounds good in the right hands. Cheers 😀

[@williamcampbell163]

I have Korean strat w/Bill Lawrence vintage 80's humbucker pickup and crate strat stock with good setup.Both sound great.lts the setup and the hands that make the difference.❤

[@timcastle165]

Thank you Jack!!I totally agree, I mean I watched Gary Clark Jr play a Epiphone Casino on one of Eric Clapton’s Crossroad concerts so that in its self says it all for me!! Awesome video, thank you!!!!

[@continentalaquatics2725]

This is a good topic and depending on the comment, it could become a Philosophy Course. I’m game. All of my guitars are compromises. My ‘91 Gibson Explorer was purchased in ‘93 because my friend who was teaching me guitar had a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I didn’t want to copy him. The Explorer was just about the same price as my friend’s Studio, but it came with Grover Tuners, a more impressive case and more “Wow! Factor” (for 1993). In 2016, I was in the market for an affordable Tele, but I stumbled upon a MIM Strat with a John Mayer neck. The guitar gave me that signature Strat “quack” for $400.00. I felt I had to buy it because it was an incredible value. I’ve had people tell me I was only playing my Gibson Les Paul Studio because I couldn’t afford a Standard. A friend of mine was told he was only playing a Standard because he couldn’t afford a Custom. In both cases, the peanut gallery was correct, but I stopped caring about what others thought (or expressed) a long time ago. That being said, an ES335 is not in the cards for me (financially) in the near future. That’s why I’m happy to have an Epiphone Sheraton II Pro and I’m glad it has its own place in music. It doesn’t strike me as an excuse for a 335. It’s very much it’s own thing (to my ear, at least). I played an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60’s not too long ago and was extremely surprised by how well it delivered. I didn’t buy it because I wasn’t really looking for a new acquisition at the time, but I’ll probably look for a Les Paul Classic or a Les Paul Traditional. Circling back, all of my guitars are relative concessions. If money was no object, I’d have a ‘59 Les Paul Burst, a ‘52 Tele and one of those extremely rare 1958 Explorers. Since I’m not the richest man in Babylon and I don’t make money from music, I’m happy to make compromises as I see fit. The only trouble I’ve had has been finding a good-sounding Tele for little coin. I’m going to invariably have to spend more money to get a Telecaster that has the sound I’m looking for. I may not get it tomorrow, but it’s on my short list. I try not to be that guy who puts people down for playing a guitar that may be associated with a budget-friendly approach. A guitar that speaks to you is a very vital occurrence in the life of a guitar player. How could I fault someone else for making the best choices for themselves. By the way, I drive a Lexus because I value dependability. I WANT a Porsche because I have a sporting side to me, but I figure I’ll save the Porsche for my midlife crisis. 😂

[@costasarantidis4499]

Your Tele issue could be solved with the right pickups, just depends on the sound you're looking for...not all Teles have to sound like Marty Stuart's (but I wish mine did)

[@mattgilbert7347]

You've leveled-up over the past few weeks. You've joined the mighty Eric Haugen as the guitar philosophers of KZbin. We need uploads like this, now more than ever. We need to escape this awful "slow cancelation of the future" infesting the art world and culture, economics, basically everything. We need to slow down and *understand* Perhaps the point of guitar philosophy is NOT to change the world, but to understand it. Turning Marx back into Hegel via his infamous upside down head-move. Bravo. Keep going down this road and many of us will follow. And if you fall and can't carry a tune anymore, i may not be able to carry it for you - but I can carry you! Yes I'm from NZ. I lived near the bloody Elves. Poncy snobs.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Hi Max

[@JackFossett]

I love Eric! PS now I totally picture you living in Rivendell at the last Homely House.

[@mickeymaguirephoto7134]

I went guitar shopping for a new acoustic/electric guitar. Having owned many brands I had an open mind and went into a GC thinking about 000 bodies and dreads. I found an absolutely perfect neck on a Martin D10E and took it home with me. Oh, I played some higher-priced Gibson and Taylor guitars, but that D10E really sang to me. I have played for over five decades. I've played rock n' roll, swing, blues, rock-a-billy, lots of traditional Irish pub tunes, and singer-songwriter originals, but I believe in the right tool for the job. Each guitar is uniquely different. To me, it's the neck that is the most important part. I've setup many guitars and a good setup may not make a bad neck good. So, what feels right to me? What sounds good to me? That will be my choice. I like what you are saying because I've seen very expensive factory instruments that had issues. I have played lots of great hand-built instruments that were amazing. I've played inexpensive guitars with absolutely perfect necks. It is important to realize that a lot of low-end guitars now have great necks due to CNC and pleck machines. Cheaper guitars can be upgraded if the neck is good. The question, then, becomes whether or not you can afford the investment in a mid-priced guitar (acoustic: Taylor 100 or 200 series, Martin Road Series, higher-end Epiphone electric or Ibanez, Mexican made Fender or top-priced Squire), or, do you buy something cheap with plans to swap pickups, tuners, and bridge hardware later?

[@andoros.7017]

I really don't understand the compulsion that some people have in needing to list all of their guitars over and over again in comments sections and forums.

[@stevemiller1168]

hey iam getting squire telecasters and putting in new pickups and new electronics to juice them up a bit what do you think about that and Iam also lookn for a fender amp with about 20watts tube amp for blues rock and some jazz what do you think will work best for me......................thankz.........

[@johnpellegrino3089]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Thank you so much more people should feel like you do. It’s a shame they don’t. It doesn’t matter what type of guitar you have as long as you have one and it makes you happy or someone else John P from New Jersey.

[@sveablu]

I've been playing guitar for more than 50 years, and as a youth tried to get what I thought was the best acoustic guitar I could at the time. Later on I was fortunate to get a custom made high end acoustic, made by a friend especially for me and my number one guitar forever. I also have several electrics, two of which are parts casters that I recently built. I love those two partscasters a lot, each costing around $500 to make. I kind of wish you had talked more about the ethics of buying inexpensive import guitars just because they are so affordable. We live in a throw away world, which is a big problem and applies of course to everything. This topic is more complex than what can be (allowed) to be said on youtube. One is, don't brag about your "stuff". Two is, be careful justifying buying cheap stuff just because you can. I suppose that falls into the category of "be a good person" or "just be a kind person". Be grateful for what you have but don't judge others based on what they have compared your yours. Yada yada. Human nature and all that wisdom.

[@salsplace]

I have a Sheraton, recently I wanted to upgrade to a 335. I went to the store to buy one and played multiple. I did not buy one and walked out of the store feeling better about my Sheraton. I did not think it was worth the upgrade. The Sheraton did everything I need it to do, and if it every got dinged or scratched I would not mind to much.

[@kendipietro6855]

Interesting topic, for sure. From my perspective, choosing an instrument takes on two distinct aspects. Typically, the first thing that catches my eye is the fit and finish. From there, it's how well it plays and what it sounds like when it's played though my favorite amps. And as you mentioned, some leeway has to be allowed for setup. Playing a guitar with 12s and higher action is an entirely different experience than playing that same guitar with 8s and the lowest action possible. From the tech side of it, inexpensive guitars will likely see components fail earlier and many times hardware needs to be upgraded. With that said, having instruments in the lowest price tier upping their build quality is a good thing for consumers everywhere. Where your instrument was manufactured does makes a difference in as far as the quality of life for the people who make them. One might expect Korean built instruments along with those built in Indonesia are manufactured in a modern plant and their employees have a reasonable quality of life. With China, it's all over the spectrum.

[@dalecoffing8655]

I own a Sheraton ii pro. (I know you're not a big fan of coil splits.) I bought it for after watching countless hours of vids on 335 style guitars. (Your demo on the Sheraton was a great help.) In the past few years, I have had the opportunity to play "in the pit". I was looking for a guitar that could cover a bunch of tones and genres. This does a respectable job. It also plays really well. Purchased it used for a little over $300 then spent another 150+professional

[@graemero5532]

Very interesting topic Jack. I agree with what you said, but I believe a USA Gibson Les Paul can easily be made to play and sound as good as the crazy priced Custom Shop/Murphy Lab ones with a few mods & a good set up.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

An IBG Epiphone can too, although in general Gibson uses better quality wood and components.

[@graemero5532]

@@pharmerdavid1432 Yeh, the better quality components are the mods 😁

[@mirkojovanovic3216]

good one.I agree with you.I have 3 expensive guitars and 2 cheap ones.I play them all,and in my opinion there are reasons why cheap guitars are cheap and expensive guitars are expensive.there always will be quality gap between cheap and expensive.

[@rayfranchi1507]

Good points. I like what I play, I play what I like.

[@portsideguitar1981]

All great points Jack. I believe there is a sweet spot for guitars in regards to price. At some point the guitar won’t necessarily be more playable or sound better but then you are paying for different trim levels (to use the car analogy). I will mention as a lefty, with limited options in general from most manufacturers, getting into a nicely buoy instrument in say the Player series category and getting to mod it out with better electronics and the like is a rewarding pursuit in itself.

[@smokinjoetaylor]

right on! my first "good" guitar was a 79 strat i got when i was 14, was too dumb to know i might have found a pre cbs strat used for less than a new 79, but i mowed lawns for 3 summers to get it, played it all through high school and college, wore the frets completely off, got it refretted a few years ago, i am near 60 now, replaced all of the electronics, this guitar makes me happy, sounds and plays great, don't care about poor attitudes about 70's fenders, it is my old friend with so many fond memories!!!

[@mwpv11]

I currently own 324 guitars from so called high end to low end. They all have a feeling and tone that I love and enjoy. The one I play most is my Squire classic vibe special with a Telecaster body, a Jazzmaster neck with a Jazzmaster neckbpickup amd Telecaster bridge pickup. It was a model that Fender sold under the guitars that should have been but never were. This was built this way from the factory so no customizations were done. My main reasons for playing this most are that I love the way it feels and sounds better than all the others. I think it just boils down to personal preference.

[@ripster8766]

I completely agree with the ethics portion of your video, I also think we need to consider how much of the manufacturing is done with automation vs hands on. More expensive guitars have more hands on time invested, a less expensive guitar may have that amount of time put in machine manufacturing. Pros and cons for both. I may choose a machine built guitar vs the last one out the door on a Friday made by people for example haha. Anyway, good video!

[@michaelheinz3954]

Great video, Jack, I really dig your thoughts. In my experience a higher price point gives you a chance to find a good guitar, but it doesn't guarantee it. I've played masterbuilt guitars that were absolut dogs and I own a Squier Classic Vibe Strat, that I absolutely love. At the end of the day every guitar you connect with is a good guitar.

[@JackFossett]

Well said!

[@b.rodclark334]

All my guitars are cheap from $50 to over $400 and after the upgrades I've done, they do the job as good as any non-cheap guitar regardless of the brands they're offsprings of. Eddie Van Halen's my actual role model in building or rebuilding cheap guitars and that came from playing various guitars to truly understand which element he wanted to put in the building process be it hit-or-miss with few learned failures along the way...great video!

[@Santaheckler]

Great topic, well done. In my humble experience, it seems that the guitars also choose you sometimes. Thought you were a Les Paul player but that in the closet Tele keeps whispering in your ear? Yep, you should listen to what it has to say. On the inexpensive vs expensive side. People need to understand that there are many different players. Guitars sometimes have jobs to do. Some of us play in rowdy packed bars, some of us play in beautiful country clubs, some of us travel in planes/busses/vans to play on the outdoor stages, and some of us just play in the safety of our homes. I do all those things. So maybe my Epi 335 makes more sense on the road over my Gibson. But I’m ok with my American Tele at the bars…🤷‍♂️ This applies to amps as well. But others might feel the opposite and that’s cool too. Sometimes I play my Squire CV50 just because it’s awesome…and it makes a statement to other guitarists by lowering their expectations when I play. 😉👍

[@anthonybags2626]

6 kids. My sweet Lord.

[@daydreamhero1374]

I like this kind of topic, really insightful..

[@iamanovercomer3253]

My first 🎸 is an 🇺🇸 fender stratocaster. I was thinking about a different sound, so I went looking for a black Fender Mexican telecaster to modify, so one day I was waiting for the Mex telecaster to get set up for me to play, while I was waiting, I asked the guy if they had a professional 2 telecaster and he came out with a Miami Blue professional 2 telecaster and as soon I seen the color I liked it, as soon as I held it, it was my 🎸, like Cinderella's shoe and Cinderella ( it was perfect in my hands) ‼️ Now the other week I was checking out an Ibanez AZS 2200 prestige.... beautiful guitar, I love it which I was surprised because I have checked out PRS both foreign and 🇺🇸, and PRS wasn't me. Now I checked out a squire 40 anniversary 🎸 and I would not buy one, my hand got stuck to the neck, trying to slide ‼️ As a better guitar, my friend can play a $10 🎸 and make it sound like a $2000 🎸

[@Dilemma1962]

Confession - Many years ago I was shopping for a 335. A local store had a Epi 335 I pulled off the pegs to try out. Ever pick up a guitar and immediately connected with it on some unexplained level? That's what happened here. But I didn't purchase it. I found a Gibson Custom Shop 335 and bought that instead. Was the Gibson better? No. And not only was not better it was just another guitar and an expensive one at that. My stupid 'Expensive = Better' bias cost me a wonderful guitar. Lesson leaned and one I have not made since.

[@GPLP335]

Really enjoyed the topic Jack. Nice video. Thanks!

[@nekkon1989]

This video is extremely relevant, I have arranged to meet up with a guy tomorrow to exchange my 2021 Fender Stratocaster player series with a 2014 American Telecaster Deluxe plus cash. So far people have told me that I do not own a real Stratocaster. From tomorrow onwards people are going to criticise why I spent so much money on guitars. Ultimately, do you. Life is too short to give a s***

[@daveormand4977]

The quality of entry level guitars is the best it’s ever been allowing the option to try different models to see which they like affordably. To me this topic relates to bullying and live and let live. The goal should be to encourage as many people possible to playing and sharing music as this helps develop creativity and growth.❤🤘🏽🎸

[@Dreamdancer11]

Your point is valid and i dont think many people ll disagree with it but you are forgetting one other major component...the modding aspect.Your old car no matter the money you throw at it cant be modded to a lexus or something comparable...but thats not the same with guitars.A cheap guitar is cnc made like a high end one so the guitar(which lets face it, is just the wooden part) is pretty much the same so it makes more sense to many folks to get the same base very cheap and upgrade it versus get the high end version with the "right logo" and pay way more for the whole hupla and advertisment of it.... The real question i think its more relevant is.....do i get lot of guitar for the money i spend on it or not?

[@6dbthreshold]

I agree 100%. Excellent video as always.

[@ohpotatoesandmolasses]

There's a sweet spot for everyone. There's a lot of great shops in my area, so I've had the chance to play all sorts of great, high-end guitars -- Collings, Bilt, Huber, Grez, Novo, etc. They're all really great, but my wants and needs have rarely been tickled enough by them to ever think about buying one. My no-frills, rough-around-the-edges Heritage 137 is the perfect blend of good workmanship and affordability. Can beat the crap out of the thing and it just doesn't care and keeps playing and sounding amazing. Is a Collings 290 pretty much the perfect Les Paul Special? Yes. Is it $4,700 more amazing than my Heritage? No. Could it be for someone else? Sure. That's it.

[@stevenhickcox7288]

Good topic! I've tried to be mindful of where my guitars are made. I love Fender but it I don't understand why they have Squier Bullets being made for under $200. I wish there was disclosure and transparency in how they are making guitars so cheap. There seems to be, however, a price range ($500-$2,000) where the value of the guitar is highest.

[@jjerkamillo]

I spent over 2 decades buying and selling mid-range instruments, searching for this "ah ha!" moment internet commenters swear they have with garage sale and pawn shop finds, but every single time I found something I didn't like about these instruments later on, be it a finish, fretboard material, or maintenance issues (I don't care what anyone says, every import instrument I've owned always needed regular neck adjustments or work done to the electronics), and eventually I got rid of everything and invested in a premium American made instrument. It's genuinely the best guitar I've ever played. It's reliable as hell, and every small detail like the rolled edges on the fretboard make it a dream to play. I never want to put it down. After it's initial set-up, it barely needs regular maintenance. It was worth every penny I spent on it. If there are players out there that get this from $120 Thomman clones then godspeed, but I could never find anything budget friendly that I loved inside and out/had 0 complaints about.

[@alangreenway6695]

A lot it depends on what music you’re playing. My PRS custom 22 lefty LMTD is a beautifully crafted guitar, but I do feel it may be so perfect it doesn’t really have a rock and roll vibe to it. It feels like a blues lawyer guitar, but it doesn’t sound or feel right to play Ramones or Talking Heads covers on. Certain nasty guitar tones from cheap guitars sound great for garage band music. Mojo means a lot.

[@kim_o_the_concrete_jungle]

I have the same opinion about guitars as I have about everything else. There is a sweet spot with pricing. If you spend below that, you get compromises and cost cutting. If you pay a lot more, you're not paying for extra quality. You're making an aspirational purchase. You're doing it because you want to say that you own [insert cool brand name here]. I run across people all the time who are insanely invested in defending their aspirational purchases. They usually come out of the woodwork when I say that I have not, do not, and will probably never own a Gibson.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Best video I've seen on this heated subject soo far. Why does it have to be one or the other? To say someone who doesn't agree with your price point is a punk and should be removed from your life asap, is hilarious. I encourage people to try all kinds of different stuff and make they're own decisions. How can you know what works for you, if you go from a Bullet Squire to a Gibson Les Paul Slash model, and nothing in between. The divide should be getting smaller these days, with excellent guitars at all prices. Instead people seem to be driving a wedge between the haves and have nots of any given brand. I'm a $1500 and under guy. I don't personally believe spending more gets you anywhere. But if it makes you feel "better" to spend more, awesome. Knock yourself out. We could still get along, no? Great video man. Peace.

[@gaetanopellegrino4818]

I still Love my Fender Stratocaster US Made and my Gibson LP ...not cheap, but their finish and playability are just AMAZING!!!

[@MichaelMoore-od4jz]

Great video

[@waynehicks1969]

I have an Ibanez AS 153 that I purchased over a Gibson 335. They arre both Maple, Poplar, Maple laminates. The Gibson had ctrla clouded top. It was gorgeous and it was what brought me to the guitar store, but I went home with the Ibanez because I liked the feel and sound better. Objectively comparing quality, the only specs in the 335's favor was the pots and switches , which are very easily upgraded. There was a 3x difference in price. I have read a lot of reviews for that AS153 where players say that they liked it better than a 335, but many will stop short of saying it is better than a 335, even if they like the neck better, end even if they prefer the Ibanez ebony fretboard and perfect frets, even if they prefer the wooden picguard of the 153 to the 335. Objeively the only thing better about the 335 is the pots and pickup switch which can be swapped out for about $100,00 parts and labor. Meaning for about $1,100.00 one could get an Ibanez which was objectively better than a 335 spec for spec. Many will still not say it is a better guitar than a 335, because they have been conditioned to believe that he more expensive Gibson is of course " better" and if they can't see it, then their juddgement must be faulty. Is a Collins " better" than a Gibson? Maybe, depends, it is certainly less expensive.

[@CD-gk9ix]

I’d rather be the guy who rips the roof off with an Epiphone than the guy who can’t play the 1-4-5 on a Gibson Custom Shop

[@audiepatles1512]

I agree if a guitar inspires you to play then it's a great guitar. I myself have been lucky enough in my later years to aquire some expensive guitars and in my early days I have started with cheap guitars and still was still inspired to play only cause I loved it so much. I've seen a video of Stevie Ray Vaughan playing a Squire Stratocaster on stage and he still sounded amazing, showing a cheap guitar can do the trick if that's all you can afford. But Stevie can make anything sound good. In the end if it's a cheap or an expensive guitar but still inspires you to play, then it's a good guitar.

[@howtoplaybjm666]

I've been playing a J Mascis Jazzmaster as my only electric for 7 years now. Went into the shop the other day thinking I was going to 'upgrade' to a Troy Van Leeuwen sig JM. Sat down with it, plugged into a '65 reissue princeton reverb and meh. It's an absolutely beautiful guitar but did I like that $1,600 guitar more than my $500 Squier? Nope. Was it a 'better' guitar? Who the fuck cares hahaha it was a great reminder to me of everything you talked about in this video. Great stuff Jack

[@3cardmonty602]

Jack Pearson had played a Squier Strat as his Go-To piece for years. So, if a Squier is good enough for Jack Pearson, then it’s good enough for me. My favorite guitar is a Squier Classic Vibe Tele that I have modified the heck out of it, but I love the Alnico III pickups in it, so they stay put.

[@emptypromises2962]

I immediately clicked the like button upon hearing that you have six kids. You deserve it!

[@MichaelRDahn]

You mention a spectrum of quality even within the general groupings of “low,” “mid,” and “top” tier guitars. Lately I’ve wanted to find a new instrument, but I find I really don’t know how to differentiate what I’m seeing. I have two Epiphone guitars, and they’re wonderful, but they have their quirks that I think might not be present in something of higher quality. It drives me toward looking for a “higher end” guitar, but how would I really tell the difference? I worry about buying instruments online without playing them first, but as you say, how they’re set up in the shop might not speak to their quality.

[@dnields]

Excellent video and explanation of this. It’s the same as the Mac vs Windows debate. BOTH are fantastic computers… neither is ‘better’ than the other. It’s simply which one works best for your needs. But even within both operating systems, there are computer models that are better than the lower end models. All of them are good, but some are just a little better as you move up the chain. With regard to guitars, I would like to add that, at least in my personal experience, when someone says their budget guitar is as good as or better than a premium level brand… then that person is more often than not, a less experienced player. They simply don’t know what makes the premium guitar well… premium. They are shopping with their wallets and going with the one that simply costs less. There is nothing wrong with that, but just remember this: The cheaper guitar is cheaper for a reason. Simply put: a premium, higher end guitar is better than the budget guitar, it’s just fact. There is a reason why budget guitars are “budget”. However, I find that people take offense to this and automatically assume that you’re calling their budget, lower-end guitar a piece of crap. Not the case at all. Budget level guitar CAN be VERY good and a great deal for the money spent… they just aren’t as good as the more expensive ones. I have 2 Epiphone guitars… but I also own 6 Gibsons. I have a Squire, but also own 2 Fenders. And I have a PRS S2 McCarty 594.. but it is better than the 3 SE models I used to have. The lower end models are GREAT for each company… but the higher end models are just better. At the end of the day, get the BEST guitar that works for YOU.

[@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755]

It's all about the neck. If a guitar has a great neck everything else can be worked out in time. It doesn't matter how expensive or how cheap the instrument is, if the neck isn't right it's worthless.

[@niteriderband4713]

I have an electric guitar that sounds so much better over all the other guitars I have. My 2005 Les Paul Standard I knew was a winner the minute I picked it up and played it. I own a lot of different professional guitars, this is my best sounding and playable guitar.

[@tommilitello198]

“It’s a block of wood with strings,don’t over analyze it “ - EVH.the extent guitarists over analyze the instrument is fn hilarious now that the internet made everyone an expert on everything

[@richardjblackman]

best comment

[@CAGED1702]

Spot on!

[@vyvynylification]

I'm mainly an acoustic guitarist. I have had quite a few high-end guitars but recently stumbled upon an Eastman E1 SPL. It's a 900 euro guitar and it's amazing. When you A/B it you can hear it's not as piano-like but my God: I'm comparing it to guitars costing 3000-8000. I don't mind having to play it in the slightest! It's not better but it is really good for the money and it makes you wonder why you'd spent 2000 more for a slightly nicer guitar.

[@margaretzabinski9977]

Great content as always. Thanks

[@adamofathens]

Something I learned recently is that’s it’s ok to put upgrades on a cheaper guitar if you really like it and know that you’ll keep it. My main everyday guitar is a Sterling Axis ($400). I play it more than the $1800 tele I have. I have put $150 in upgrades on it so far (locking tuners and a bridge pickup), and I plan to do more soon (fret level and polish and a neck pickup and pots/jack/switch). I will probably have $800 dollars in it after that. But I love the guitar. It’s the one I pick up the most, the one I reach for first. And putting money into it is ok. I feel like I’m much better off doing that than trying to search for a guitar that checks all the boxes up front.

[@Gern5838]

I’ve owned and can afford American Fenders, but the best Strat Ive ever played is my Custom Shop designed MIM Classic Player 50’s. You can find them for $700 and they’re amazing.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

You get an up arrow with the Benz meme.... My guitars are cheap, cuz I travel and when you fly the "friendly skies" specifically out of Newark, your stuff gets nicked constantly!

[@markosimonic]

The best guitar is the one which inspires you to play more and makes you happy playing it. Also every brand has its own sweet spot with guitars... with higher prices, the quality goes up, but at some point you will pay a lot of money for just a couple of % better quality (aka tje law of diminishing returns).

[@deanmccaskill5495]

Ahhhhh the ol…. I’ve had 4 Gibson R9s/Fender Strat Custom Shops and none of them came close to my current Epiphone /Squier… There used to be an ad a long time ago “Sure Mac sure…..”

[@grimper35]

i bought a pretty cheap Mexican strat body and neck. Then I bought a loaded pickguard from a high-end boutique pickup maker in England. I also spent a little bit of money on a higher-end bridge and locking tuners. Voila. A cheap solution that sounds wicked awesome ;-) And I had fun putting it all together and managing the project from start to finish. The loaded pickguard cost more than the body and the neck. Put your money into the components that make the biggest difference.

[@johndaugherty4127]

I will say this. I picked up a J&D Les Paul deluxe for $199.00 and it is hot! Very nice guitar. Also have a rock bottom Squier that I absolutely love the neck of, but, which sliced my finger open the last time I played it...

[@craighalvorson77]

Johnson is a great brand and is a major sleeper! The improved quality of Epiphone and Squire has become well known. Ibanez is excellent! They started out with great knockoffs that just about rivaled their Gibson original versions. So shop around and be smart in your purchases of guitars. This video is just what I needed to see and hear. I just this year learned the hard lesson of treasuring high end expensive guitars ending up in disappointment. Long story. I sold every one of them when I fell on hard times. Now I have two Johnson by AXL strat clones. And my Ibanez RG3EXFM1. As I rebuild my personal guitar supply. This time I will be happy to patiently get the ones I want and need. Things often turn out better when we are patient.

[@1-eye-willy]

my ibanez gio is perfectly fine. it stays in tune, it sounds alright. ive had $1000 esp eclipses, and ive had 1970's harmonies, and everything in between, my 7 string gio does the job

[@gregcameron5079]

People in other countries working for far less money than higher paid workers in countries with higher standards of living, may just be the person putting food on the table for their family. So everybody should just appreciate what they have been blessed with.

[@martin-1965]

Very valid point and one I wanted to make as well. The idea that Gibson and Fender pay great wages to their staff in the USA - hmmm, is that really the case? Maybe to their top luthiers, but I've seen videos of guys spraying Gibson bodies on a production line in the USA with zero protective gear, no masks. Excuse me but what the hell? And why did Fender open up the factory in Mexico? Cheaper wages because of cheaper living costs. In Indonesia and China, the living costs are also cheaper. I work with a factory in China - totally different products - and we have visited the factory and seen the working conditions. They have health and safety standards that are better than some in my own country (UK) that I have seen. I'm not saying there aren't shitty employers but lets also not pretend this is something that happens only in "other" countries. Also, the craftsmanship in other countries - these people have been working with wood and making instruments for generations. Sure, not electric guitars but lets not demean them as sub-human slaves or something similar. All the massive guitar brands are NOT moving operations overseas purely because the labour is cheap, there are other reasons such as supplies of raw materials and incentives from overseas governments - tax breaks etc - to move their business there. A company like Cort is making guitars for pretty much everyone and can offer massive economies of scale as a result - although it would never be admitted, I'm pretty sure Epiphone and Squiers are passing through the same factories next to each other but we as the end user are kept in the dark. Now, are those guitars any good? Well a combination of CNC production (identical in USA, Mexico, China, Indonesia and everywhere - you have the models in the computer and the raw materials - machine goes bzzzzzzzzzzz). Then what about the electronics? Well they all come from that part of the world anyway so its just a matter of price point by the brand whether its a great pickup and wiring loom or an average or poor one). How about the hand finishing work? Well sure, you're not getting Custom Shop Gibson, PRS or Fender level of love and care, but there's enough talent that has been trained by the best from the big companies, that we get amazing quality like the Epiphones, Squier CV series, PRS SE or Yamaha Revstar RSE20s as good examples at the lower price end. I really think we're - well I'm in the UK so really the USA - facing a Detroit situation on a much smaller scale. It starts with denial - ah they'll never make them as good as us. Followed by, well people will always buy American. Then the final stage is, hell everyone's buying Hyundais, Toyotas and Nissans. With my rant over - which was mainly at the assumption that people in other far off countries are all whipped constantly as they make guitars 24 hours a day in slave factories - I do accept that those countries are not exactly beacons of democracy, freedom and workers rights. But we have to balance our world view and experiences and consider that the rise of guitar factories in these countries has provided better employment conditions and prospects for the workers. That they take pride in their work and do a good job at the very least. Basically, that they are not much different from you or I who may work in a job we hate and is poorly paid but, hey the rent has to be paid and the kids fed. For me, yeah I'll always desire a great Gibson, PRS or Fender and also a Martin or a Taylor acoustic. But I won't NOT buy guitars made overseas for some tenuous ethical reason about how the guitars are made. All guitars - like all things in capitalism - are made for profit so someone along the line (and it's usually the workers) are getting the worst end of the deal, no matter where they are made. Right I'm off to oppress someone...hmmm, looks like it will have to be the cat. Nope, he oppresses me the swine. Ah well... just have to oppress myself again. PS: Apart from the ethical thing, Jack is 99% right and it's stupid to pretend that Gibsons and Fenders, for example, are ALL crappier than Epiphones and Squiers. Utter nonsense and inverted snobbery. Cheap guitars are fine. I have plenty kicking around, but expensive guitars can be something else far beyond them in every way. Let's just all play them and have fun making music 😎

[@mortonwilson795]

@@martin-1965 Hi there, I was debating whether to jump in on this ethics question and then saw your post and you have saved me an hour or so of coming up with pretty much the same points - so thanks for that! I have lived in HK and during the 90's and 2000's also had studios in Singapore & Shanghai and I've done a lot of recording and production in Beijing, Guangzhou, Kathmandu, Mumbai with local musicians and travelled and worked a lot in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and what have you. Cost of living in all these places varies a lot so I don't think you can equate wages in US, UK, better off European countries etc with a lot of Asian countries - just doesn't work that way. As far as manufacturing goes, I haven't visited any of the plants but from the various video 'factory tours' I have seen and some of what I have read that is not generated by the companies in question I think 'labour standards' or whatever are high - Epiphone & Eastman in China, PRS in Indonesia . . . a lot of the factories in Japan, Korea (arguably higher cost of living) and China, Indonesia and now India all seem to be well equipped and I am sure the team are delighted to be earning a good wage, particularly as many of the brands have US parents and have to maintain standards for overseas workers. I think you also make a very valid point - craftsmen in these countries have been making musical instruments for thousands of years before Columbus stumbled on 'the New World'. I own a few wooden handmade 'ethnic' instruments from India, China & Indonesia and they are beautiful. It's not a perfect world and, granted, the bigger brands are not shipping production off to Asia because they like the weather and the local food BUT, overall, I'm certainly happy to support local industry and contribute to the economy in a number of the countries I have been privileged to visit over the course of 40 years. Of course there is the other question where I have seen a number of people on YT Guitar channels simply refuse to buy a guitar made in this or that country because of the politics they see there - okay, fair enough, that is a personal decision and should be respected, but given the state of the world these days let he whose government is blameless cast the first stone, I guess?

[@martin-1965]

​@@mortonwilson795 Nice one Morton and thanks for the extra info and experience in these countries. I've only been to non-guitar factories in China and Japan, but have seen videos of guitar production lines in Indonesia as well as others. In a world dominated by multi-national companies, the balance of price/quality is always going to be the key to whether one factory or another gets the job. In my business we're in the process of moving from one factory to another as they are killing the other factory with their quotes and, despite a longstanding relationship, we know we can get the same quality at less than half the price we are currently paying. Now... is someone losing out to make that price so low? Without a doubt but I'm not the boss so its not my call, but even if it was - with the economy and current state of the world together with pressure from clients who want cheaper goods all the time - if we are going to survive as a company and make a living, it's a no brainer to swap factories. Do I feel bad about it? Yeah I do. Do I wish we could manufacture our products in the UK - 100% but there are zero factories offering the production we need (our manufacturing base is a joke) and even if they existed their prices would have to be so high as to make it impossible to sell our products - which are not niche low volume items - at a price anyone in the UK or Europe would be willing to pay. The only way I can see the USA guitar industry surviving at any scale will be down to a sense of patriotism amongst customers. Also, both Fender and Gibson have started to sell direct to the customer and look like they want to cut out the music stores on the high street from the equation completely. From a business perspective this makes perfect if ruthless sense - why pay a middle man a percentage? So they clearly couldn't care less about American jobs and of course, the very nature of capitalism and business as we know it today is, every year you have to increase profits, shareholders expect bigger dividends and as a result manufacturing and production get sent overseas more and more to feed the endless greed of the machine. As Kurt Vonnegutt wrote "So it goes..." and that's just the way of the world at present. Is it wise in the long term? Well the current war in Ukraine and worries over China/Taiwan are already sending tremors through the markets and causing shortages, especially in electronic goods. Then again, capitalism has never been about the long term. The idea the market will control itself is all well and good in a perfectly balanced world economy but that has never, and is unlikely to ever be a reality. So we buy our products - in this case guitars - and choose to either spend a premium for those built in traditional locations - basically the USA - or we go for the overseas options which are getting closer every day to the standards and quality of the originals. In the end, I can see the big brands producing expensive high end guitars for the market that has the money and desire to buy them, while the vast majority buy from - probably identical brands or related brands - which are built overseas. In essence, homegrown USA guitars become more and more a boutique item with higher prices and lower volumes sold. The only way to stop this, is to erect trade barriers and tariffs which, so far, have never ended well. As I said before - great time for beginners but not a good time for the OG guitar makers. Enough of this political and business waffle - I'm off to actually play my guitars. Peace out everyone 😎

[@mikedr1549]

I would be interested in what we define as a "good guitar." Beyond staying in tune and nice sounding pickups (which you can get on most affordable guitars) what really makes a guitar good? Or what makes one guitar "better" than another? What makes a Collings better than my American Pro II Strat?

[@JackFossett]

For objective build standards, the things I would consider broadly come down to materials used and attention to detail in the build. But it's a deep, dark rabbit hole to go down. Again, even if one guitar is by any objective measure better than another guitar, it doesn't mean the other guitar is bad. By that rationale, there would be one perfect guitar, probably some $20k PRS, and everything else would be junk.

[@mikedr1549]

@@JackFossett To your point then - I don't know that materials used (up to a point of course ) make one instrument objectively better than another. In the end if an instrument plays great and sounds great and meets the basics (stays in tune, intonates properly, etc) then it's a good guitar. If one guitar has a beautiful ornate wood body and another one doesn't that doesn't (in my mind) make it better. For a collector sure, but strictly speaking as an instrument I don't think so. I bought a Fender Custom Shop Strat that cost twice what my American Pro II did but in my mind it's not a better guitar. Sure the fretwork may be 5% better but it's not something you really notice by picking it up and playing it. In fact that was my lesson learned that paying more money (once you get past a certain dollar amount) doesn't really get you *that* much, if at all, of a better instrument.

[@JackFossett]

This is why it’s a dark rabbit hole. I would definitely agree that the difference in quality is often not at all reflected in the difference in price. Maybe most of the time even. But it’s also cumulative, it wouldn’t come down to just the wood or what not. All in all, it’s never smart to get a guitar because it’s more expensive or higher end, it’s smartest to get the one you connect with. Some of the top 5% difference also requires much more advanced building skills which in turn hikes the price like crazy, again even if that 5% quality difference doesn’t translate to whatever ridiculous difference in price it is. All goes back to the point, essentially, of who cares, play what you love and don’t get caught up in a Keeping up with the Jones’s mentality.

[@mikedr1549]

​@@JackFossett Yep. It's taken me thousands of dollars invested (not that I regret any of it - I love all my guitars!!) to really come to grips with the idea that only thing that matters is if I enjoy playing it. Cheers!

[@triax7006]

@@JackFossett So how would you say if an improved design of the original with better specs like SS frets, roasted maple necks, better body design for ergonomics (that can never be a problem as Teles are not ergonomic & are a big design flaw due to a rushed design for mass production from Leo Fender) on an cheaper guitar? The car analogy works also if people like to say old cars were built better (they were not but they could possibly be worked on easier). An Aston Martin may be perceived as a better car than a Subaru however with regard to reliability the Subaru will always best an Aston Martin which is made in small number & have major design & consistency problems.

[@lucistired]

any of these cheap vs expensive guitar comparisons people make tend to omit the detail that the player will play better on an instrument they're more familiar with. I have a beat up, heavy, kind mediocre fender vintera 60 tele with some mods I've made to it that I love and I think I sound pretty damn good on. The reason? I bought it when I was 17 and have been playing it ever since. Years of practice with that particular guitar probably makes me represent that guitar better than it actually is

[@normanjohnson712]

Very true Jack I have a Epiphone Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard that I very much like and enjoy. Is it better than a Gibson Custom R9 Les Paul Murphy Lab.....no! and that is ok with me. I wanted the Gibson LP sound but could not afford the real thing and it was the closest sounding LP I could afford. It would be nice for a real R9 but that will not make me play any better than I do with the Epiphone. I want to be the player that moves or touches a person by what and how I played something not what I am playing.

[@lazvt8469]

My $450 (paid $315, mint) Squier CV50 with Fralin Blues Spec is a very special guitar for me ...play it most often....the USA/Japanese Strat/Teles are always complaining about their lack of playing time.

[@neiladams2107]

I own a number some rather expensive guitars, looking at my Gibson, quite a few mid-level guitars, and budget guitars, IYV. The best playing guitars I own are a Electromatic Gretsch Jet, Hagstrom Super Swede, and a PRS Custom 22. Two of those are made in China with only one in the USA. I would also say my $2000 Gibson. The basic message is don't let where the guitar is made or the price tag determine if it is a good instrument or not.

[@TheCravenIsReal]

Poke my eyes out and stick an ice pick in one ear and I will pick out(and love) a high-end acoustic guitar any day. However, my partscasters, made with cheap bodies (but with custom necks- necks and upgraded electronics) kick but on the custom shop, signature teles I have - though I love those too. But yeah, give me a good amp and a nice neck/set up and I can make that baby the joy of my hands

[@Wheelchairup]

A guitar in my hands makes me happy, no matter what it is! Sure some of mine are nicer or more expensive than other…but they all make me happy!

[@vriendelijkegroet]

'Better' tone is difficult to define for guitars. But I have so many 'boutique' pedals, nowadays just simple BOSS ones. Oh skills impress not gear.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Dead on, on all of it. What fits you may not fit all. I always base a guitar on a list of order of importance. #1. A good set up. A expensive poorly setup guitar is just as horrible to play as cheap badly set up guitar. #2. The pickups should suit your needs. Cheap or expensive pickups have no bearing. Hearing is subjective. As long as it makes you happy to hear it's good for you. But not necessarily others. #3 the style of guitar. If your not feeling it, you won't play it. #4 The craftsmanship. A work of art is hard to ignore. Like beautiful fine furniture. This can also be an Achilles Heel. People tend not to not wanna play a fine work of art but rather observe it instead. To me, a good-looking, well set up mid-level guitar with decent features always wins out. But that's subjective to me. I have seen cheap guitars perform well above price point, and expensive guitars fail miserably on all aspects. Any guitar can be a dud. However, many are hidden jems. When we open our eyes, we quickly realize that we are missing out on the fruits of the guitar world. Enjoy them all. Expect disappointment sometimes, and experience the excitement of finding the right one for you. Amazing video! Thank you...

[@jasonlevy8438]

I think the key appeal of lower cost but decent quality guitars is accessibility. You alluded to this. Not everyone can afford a USA Strat or LP but the quality of the cheaper alternatives has risen to to point that new players or those who can't/won't pay the premium can still get good sounding instruments to experience the joy of playing without the pain of a high price tag. My first guitar was a Univox Hi-Flier, and while I was happy to have an electric, it sounded awful (although I was certainly part of the problem). Luckily I stuck with it and eventually got better gear but these days new musicians can get gear that will give them room to grow so they can focus on learning and enjoyment vs. an early case of G.A.S.

[@aitken1965]

Let's be honest, if I could afford all top-of-the-line gear, then that's what I would buy. If I were a better player, and I earned my living at playing, then too, I might want to invest in high-end gear. Ultimately, my Gretsch Electromatic G5420T-59, plays pretty close to my Gretsch G6122TG Player series. (But not quite) Both instruments please me no end. 😊

[@dobbymcquier5610]

my personal viewpoint is that i like cheaper guitars and more expensive amps, my epiphones dont sound as good as a gibson, but they also dont sound bad through my princeton, deluxe or 10" tweed champ. And i love my epis because i m not affraid to screw a bigsby into them - my black sheraton has a 3th humbucker, my sunburst 335 is now blonde nitro. I have a squier tele that just changed colours for the 5th time now. All of my 10+ Guitars are modded to my taste cuz i just love to tinker around with them and make them better for me. I only own one stock guitar and thats a stanford cr 30 (like a gibson 330) for around 1k - i bought it 2 years ago thinking i will but a bigsby on it but never did