Should You Buy An Expensive Guitar?

[@theguitaristas]

SCAMMERS ALERT: Thanks for dropping in just a quick note about the scammers... someone is impersonating me on Telegram using my name and icon replying to comments. I don't give out prizes so you've won nothing... if they contact you tell them where to go!!

[@jpalberthoward9]

I've gotten hundreds of those things in the past year. I pay them no mind. I figure that at best they're going to run me in circles and waste my time chasing something that doesn't exist, and at worst, somebody is up to no good. I saw an old ad for Sears Roebuck. It was from 1906. It said "We do not have salesmen. Persons claiming to be our representatives are swindlers" Refreshingly blunt and to the point eh? Nothing new under the sun.

[@joeking433]

Yeah, what's up with that? Are they real people, or bots?

[@theguitaristas]

@@joeking433 thieving twats I think?

[@Metalwrath2]

@@joeking433 most probably bots used by thieving twats

[@AdamManley7]

Ever try an ESP man the E2 lineup is expensive but they’re worth every penny it’s crazy how perfect they are

[@stevengood6434]

Love the P90 sound. I'm glad to see them making a comeback the last few years

[@vayabroder729]

For a long time they were overshadowed by humbucker models. Even in the early ‘90’s they were sort of rare and “obsolete” items.

[@jimsmith4611]

I have so many P90 Guitars and have always loved the sound they produce.. P90's rule

[@Zoso981]

Hi Colin, I've been primarily a Les Paul player for 30 years, a few years ago I owned no less than 4 Gibsons plus an American Tele. I've since sold them off and have been having a lot of fun with the new Epiphones. I currently own 3 of them. I no longer play live and only record occasionally (on friends projects). They're all great guitars, and it's really nice not worrying so much about the occasional nick or scratch. Greetings from the US! ✌️🎸

[@paulcasilio1119]

Gary my Joe Bonamassa Lazarus Epiphone...is just one of my favorites right now. My goodness, there is so much right with it.

[@Zoso981]

@paulcasilio1119 I hear ya, I own the Epiphone '59 Les Paul. I'm not a fan on the finish, but it plays so good. My new Epiphone Adam Jones, however, just may be my favorite guitar of all time.

[@paulcasilio1119]

@@Zoso981 Gary...you have one of the Epiphone Adam Jones'? SO. Good. For. YOU! Uhhh. I'm envy all over. I could have gone after one, but brother, the guitars...you know how it is. I would have to explain a lot to my wife! 😂 My JB Laz competes with my 2019 Gib-Stand (pre-JC), which is pretty impressive. However, the way they spec'd those Epi 59s and JBs...man, it is just not that surprising. 🎸👍

[@Zoso981]

@paulcasilio1119 Yeah, I got lucky on Release Day. Luckily, my wife understands how much of a Tool fan I've been. Funny, I also own a 2019 Gibson. A Les Paul Traditional that I really like.

[@russellzauner]

Try an FGN FL Expert sometime. They can go head to head with Knaggs and Huber at a lot less cash. Mine is stupid amazing and plays more buttery than an LP could even dream to.

[@whittlad]

We play guitars because we love everything about them. Its doesn't matter if they cost £30 or £280,000 the joy and passion they bring to your life is priceless - that's all that matters!!! Keep rocking Colin and as ever I cant wait for next weeks episode.

[@gordonshumway8030]

Sooo can you show the link to the £30 guitar? 😜

[@theguitaristas]

@Gordon Shumway my first guitar cost £14! 😁👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Neill 😎👍

[@gordonshumway8030]

@@theguitaristas yeah!... in 1976? .My first electric was 1968 Tempo ugly banana yellow telecaster copy...Bloody hell my fingers still hurt ...for 30$ Cdn in 1976..😵

[@theguitaristas]

@@gordonshumway8030 oh yes mine was a piece of shit too! 🤣👍

[@srh361]

I've got a Gibson Les Paul Custom and a Gibson R7, both were $5000 apiece and I'm of the belief that I'd rather have a few nice expensive guitars than 25 cheaper guitars.

[@Gaslight.Guitar]

Absolutely agree with this

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

I agree except I also enjoy having a less expensive domestic model that I don't mind so much if it gets dinged. That's why I love my USA Stratocaster. The three LPs I own are so easily injured!

[@johnnewton1830]

It’s whatever you like. Each person will have their own answer and none of them are wrong.

[@ledzeppelinzoso]

Fuck yeah

[@glenclarkchidley3637]

I bought a $87 “Donner” brand Strat copy the day I retired in 2018. During the pandemic I bought 10 other guitars ( since money was burning a hole in my pocket because bars and restaurants were closed). With all the time in the world to learn and practice I learned the Major church modes and can jam with most songs that come on the radio. Here’s the most important lesson I have learned. A guitar will play the exact same notes no matter the price $.

[@steverolfeca]

Law of diminishing returns. 10x the price doesn’t get you 10x the function, but if you choose wisely, it could be twice as good. My custom shop Dingwall bass was $2k when I bought it, it’s holding it’s value (the same spec is $4K now), and it’s kept me from wasting my money on a wall full of cheap crap.

[@joeking433]

@@steverolfeca Yeah, that has been my experience. I bought a "wall full of cheap crap" and now that I have some expensive guitars they just hang there.

[@joehguitar7967]

Love this video! My personal feeling: if it feels and sounds good in my hands and stays in tune, then it's a great guitar! It's kind of like wine: once you get to a certain price point, it really comes down to personal taste.

[@mikepj1025]

It’s a beautiful guitar. I ended up sticking with expensive guitars that I got for GREAT prices. I never rush into a purchase. That’s my happy place. High end guitars for low to moderate prices. Perfect. No single guitar is worth thousands if it’s gonna make things financially harder.

[@ericwarrington6650]

That's everybody's happy place...🤘🎸

[@bassyey]

Sounds like you know what you're doing and responsible. That's good.

[@akwamarsunzal]

Beautiful guitar! I was in the market for a 2nd hand Gibson Studio. Had found one, my mate does a bit of buying and selling, went and spent an afternoon playing the Gibson LP Standard. It was a beaut! Went home to count up the pennies ready to buy the beauty! An advert appeared on Facebook for a Cort Gold Top. Being just down the road I went to have a look. Spent a couple of hours jamming with the seller. Yes, it came home with me! To me, it was WAY better than the Gibson LP. Took it to my mate to check out. He was not surprised I got the Cort of the Gibson!!

[@Icebergslim91]

The justification to me for buying more expensive guitar is that they usually hold their value whilst entry level guitars etc usually don’t. I never buy guitars with the idea I will sell them but it is nice to know in the back on your head that it still has a decent market value.

[@PeteAxeShields]

Very valid point 👍

[@robertbrown1627]

Hate the expression’ entry level’ I think it’s demeaning to those who don’t have thousands of pounds to show off with , money doesn’t make you a better player

[@joeking433]

Yeah, I've actually made money selling Gibsons and Fenders. Lost money on all the cheap Chinese and Indonesian guitars I've had.

[@Icebergslim91]

@@robertbrown1627 fair point, it was poor wording as Entry level can also be expensive products, you can have “entry level” Ferraris technically.

[@justinhaskell5502]

I also want to say that it is a very fun game, finding great "cheap" guitars. They do exist and getting one can lead to some cool stories. Guitars with a story have a whole different kind of value.

[@cederickforsberg5840]

Im in this mindset right now. I bought a real cheap Ibanez GIO entry level guitar that is just great

[@catdaddy57]

Totally agree with you Colin. I'm 65 and just started playing a few years ago.. I bought 2 expensive U S made guitars a few years back thinking that by having them it would make my playing sound better. it didn't, I just sounded like expensive crap and was out a bunch of money. Since then and hopefully being more experienced and disciplined in practicing, I acquired several Epiphone Gibson inspired guitars and am happy as a clam with them. I still have my higher end guitars and love them too

[@kevindean1327]

I congratulate you on supporting the domestic worker which strengthens the economy of a nation. Then you went and sent your money to the PRC, MISTAKE!!!

[@catdaddy57]

@@kevindean1327 I'm not a fan of throwing money at the PRC but if it saves me some dough (of which will more than likely I'll have to pay in taxes that will probably be money laundered to them anyway ) its a good deal... we're talking guitars here, not politics....

[@aliengrey6052]

@@kevindean1327 so glad you said that. Priceless comment.

[@catdaddy57]

@@aliengrey6052 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@marnox1755]

For Colin, US made is still an import brand 🤫

[@ReallyVirtual]

I think the big attraction for the more expensive guitars, is that they somehow make you play them. It's kind of weird. You see the guitar on it's stand and it just seems to pull you toward it to play. You don't really get that with cheap guitars. I think getting an expensive guitar can motivate some people to play it a lot more!

[@davidharding200]

I don’t agree personally. My 52 reissue Fender Tele and my Clapton Strat, both expensive guitars sit in their cases, while I typically reach for my Yamaha Revstar or my Epiphone Casino both a quarter of the price. The cheapest guitar I have which is the Epiphone casino olive drab features by Colin on this channel is such a fun guitar it’s a go to.

[@dunxy]

Everyone's different but i definitely play my most expensive guitar most, a AO 50's Tele.

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

I think it depends. Some people buy one guitar and just play that constantly. Some buy the expensive guitar simply because they can afford to, but they don't really play it. It's more a thing they want to start getting into, and think they should have the best to start with. Some buy as an investment and they are thinking about the future of the guitar and the value it will have later, so they end up not playing it much in fear of reducing that value by damaging it. Sometimes people spend so much time lusting after something and when they get it, the thrill of the chase is gone, and they no longer have a desire to play it. If you are inspired to play guitar, that comes regardless of the price of the guitar. Expensive is in the eye of the beholder. In the early 90's, $1000 for a guitar was expensive for me. Now, $3500 is the expensive guitar. But at this point, there isn't a big difference between a $1000 guitar and a $3500 guitar. My Les Paul isn't $2500 better than my PRS McCarty SE. It's really what guitar inspires me to play and it all depends on what kind of music I'm in the mood to play at that moment. I want to jam on blues, I pick up my Strat. I want to play rock, the LP or McCarty. I want to play metal, the Ibanez, etc.

[@andystagger2906]

I play in several bands… for a living so all my guitars get a workout… I have 5 acoustics and 3 electric guitars that get played more than they should ❤

[@johnnewton1830]

Some of my favorite guitars to play are expensive. Some of my favorite guitars to play are inexpensive.

[@Knuckleheads1501]

If it plays, sounds , and feels good in the hands then it is good. Doesn’t matter what the price tag is. I would rather invest in a reasonably priced guitar that makes you want to pick it up every time you look at it and a good amp.

[@rider132]

I’ve been a fan of inexpensive guitars for probably the last 5 years especially when playing bar gigs. They get you 85% there and you’re not “fretting” over the occasional nicks or dings or in some of the more rowdy clubs getting broken or stolen 😀. I still enjoy my few older treasures that I’ve owned for years.

[@jpalberthoward9]

I found a 1953 Kay Value Leader for $100. New frets, a set of Grover "Sta-Tite" tuners, (no drilling required) and it's done. So far, I've found pictures of Howlin' Wolf, Robert Nighthawk, Pops Staples and Lonnie Johnson playing them. Big fun for small money!

[@ludvanlazarz]

Great video! Sometimes I just feel like the more expensive guitar is sort of viewed as the "original" and makes people ask less questions. When showing up with a less expensive sort of equivalent there are more questions and referencing to the "original". Sometimes then I feel like owning the original makes everyday Interactions with other musicians and enthusiasts more effective and easier. I know it sounds stupid but its kind of the feeling I get. That epiphone totally did the job and sounded great!

[@douglaslangella7782]

I agree that expensive doesn’t equal talent, you prove that all the time. I have never had good luck with cheap guitars, especially Epiphones. I have gotten to the point where I would rather fewer nice guitars than many cheapies. That Gold Top is a sweetheart btw.

[@OliverAmberg]

I had a phase in which I bought a lot of rather cheap guitars. It was never as satisfying as buying a high-priced guitar. The cheap ones came in cardboard boxes. No slow opening of a (usually great smelling) case, no fine nitro lacquer. It was a short "high". I have now sold a few guitars again and only buy "expensive" guitars (but that may well start at £1000). It can also be cheaper. My 2010 Gibson Melody Maker cost around £400 and is one of my main guitars. So I definitely tend to own less but more valuable guitars. And your Les Paul is fantastic. I would keep it. Thanks for the video Colin. PS: I am not a lawyer, a dentist or a wealthy man either 😉

[@BeantownToBigD]

Yes, quality over quantity plus an appreciation for the extra craftsmanship that went into the builds. At the end of the day, how many guitars can one really play?

[@joehahn8817]

@@BeantownToBigD Do you really think there's an extra $2,000 worth of craftsmanship in a Gibson USA LP over a stock Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" LP??? My position is that a Gibson LP is basically a $1200 guitar with a $1600 headstock if you know what I mean. The closer I got to ordering another Gibson the more I questioned my sanity. I had a friend when I was a teenager that the more you charged him for a bag of reefer, the higher he got off of it!!!

[@bassyey]

@@BeantownToBigD Yeah, we have to consider craftsmanship. That means buying US Schecter and US Fender over gibson lol. I'll even buy Made in Japan instruments first before a gibson

[@Rainyman63]

@@BeantownToBigD I am not sure If there ist any "extra" craftsmanship at the Gibson factory, considering that Cor-Tec in Indonesia builds guitars for several brands with a skilled and well trained team and modern manufactoring technology. But especially at the custom shop it is certainly a very different type of craftsmanship and skill - leading top very individual instruments. I wouldn't hesitate to order a PRS SE by mail, because they all are pretty much the same on a frighteningly high quality level. But I would never buy a Gibson at this price range that I haven't played before. And when you find "the one" it's a guitar for life and worth every cent.

[@BeantownToBigD]

@@bassyey I no longer own Gibson guitars. I have nothing against the brand but it's not my cup of tea.

[@mattwilhelmmusic]

The bottom line is this: you can get a guitar that sounds good and feels good to play for under $500. The name on the headstock has never been more irrelevant than it is today.

[@DanAddison]

Get what you mean and agree (love my Squier). Although you could say that the name on the headstock is more relevant than ever if that name is Fender or Gibson. Those names add a very sizeable percentage increase on the price. Everyone else charges way less for equivalent quality because they haven’t earned such heritage kudos to justify an artificially high price.

[@sirvicemanone]

So true well said!

[@MrYatesj1]

I have 15 MIM Fenders both Strats and Tele (mostly 90's and 2000's) and inspired by Gibson Epi's and man I feel like a rich man. I do have nicer Fender tubes amps to play they through and I think the amps make all the difference.

[@markhenry5325]

Harley Benton Fusion series unbelievable specs for cash!

[@victorformosa228]

@@MrYatesj1 I agree, a good amp can make a budget guitar sound great. I have a Tajima strat with alnico pick ups and a half decent amp and I get some nice tones from it.

[@jackbaker8512]

Such a lucious sound. There is definitely something about them. It may be completely psychosomatic, but I love the Gibson USA versions. The Epiphones are good as well, but not quite as delicious. That being said, if it brings you joy, keep it, if it doesn't, pass it along.

[@chrishough277]

I see it as the 80/20 rule, Epiphone is 80% of the guitar for 20% of the price of Gibsons (sort of..!) However, that extra 20% of guitar sometimes gets you playing solos like you play at 12:13 Really great Colin! Love my cheaper guitars too, but sometimes when it comes together, and that bit of Gibson magic hits you, you realise why people still covet them.

[@zepptar]

Guitars are not only musical instruments but are works of art. The lines, looks and feel, and also the history of certain brands are also what makes them attractive.

[@jeffwyatt7199]

Hi Colin.... the special sounded great but.... the gold top sounded astounding. The sound from it blooms. Unplugged it was better as well. It depends on how much you play it and how much you like it. Or if you just want to keep it to enjoy it when you are in the mood.

[@geordiejohn3703]

Nice one, great guitar but well out of my budget. I’m still thrilled with the Les Paul studio you convinced me to buy last summer, it’s everything I need and still excites me every time I play her and that I’m the proud owner 😊

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one... I think a tribute or studio is all that's needed and the most sensible choice of all! 😁👍

[@geordiejohn3703]

@@theguitaristas Hey 👋🏻, Thanks for the personal reply, and I love the channel, humorous, insightful, reflective, intelligent and your experienced valuable opinion! Thanks for all the work you do for us 👍🏻

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Expensive guitars are like a certificate of achievement. It's like you've given yourself a little pat on the back for having had a good year. I don't own many top drawer instruments, but those I do have are lovely to play and sound great. But then again, so are my cheap Harley Bentons. The high end guitars, though, are more of a representation of life turning out how you hoped. Just my two penneth.

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

Wow, my two favourite guitar people in one place!! 🤟😎

[@paullee5449]

Sanity rules 👍

[@Artilectual]

Couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, first expensive guitar I ever bought I gave to my Dad. What it represented meant more than any tone or sustain.

[@sirvicemanone]

@@Artilectual that is awesome man! I bet he was very happy and proud of his son!

[@TeleTonemonkey]

There’s a psychological aspect, nice gear, feel, marginal gains … don’t care .. mostly it’s about how the instruments inspire and feel!

[@richardcranium8500]

Wow,that guitar pulled them notes out of your soul. I couldn't believet that was you playing that out jam at the end.

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍

[@occyman]

100% agree. After owning several expensive guitars and no longer gigging I have sold them all. Ive gone back to less expensive and own PRS SE Custom, EVH Wolgang Std, Fender Player HSS Strat and a Yamaha Pacifica I can say they are all excellent guitars, sound just as good and I can buy more of them. It’s all in your head.

[@joeking433]

Better to have a couple good American guitars than a dozen mediocre copies.

[@occyman]

@@joeking433 that's just your ignorant and uneducated and misguided USA first opinion and as per your other comment about "just making some Chinese guy rich" well you have just shown publicly how poorly educated you are about the rest of the world and other races of people. You have also shown your complete ignorance of commercial reality and how these guitars are all made under license by the US corporations.

[@joeking433]

@@occyman The Chinese are known for cutting corners. They have been known to dilute the copper in their pickups to save a few pennies, for example. They counterfeit everything on a guitar! They use "stainless steeL" frets but don't tell you it's a very soft stainless steel that is softer than regular nickel frets! You can't trust them! They put a toxic substance in their milk to raise the protein level which killed children! Go look at their buildings, they're made like shit and will fall down a couple years after the sale. They just do shoddy work. I avoid their products like the plague for anything that is important. You. can buy your Chinese and Indonesian crap guitars, I don't care. I support American made guitars.

[@zinkpot2]

“Interest free credit - saving up in reverse” 🤣🤣 so true. That guitar is a thing of beauty. Put that through a tube Marshall with a couple of decent pedals and you have the dream set up

[@guttedEwok01]

I really love your work mate. Been following you for a couple of years now. Dying to hear your take on the PRS SE McCarty 594. Even if you buy a brand spanker I think you’ll turn it over pretty quick if you choose to sell it, won’t lose much money on it. I’m sure I’m not the first to bring that model up

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Dave!

[@allendean9807]

My LP hangs on the wall. When i write, i go to my 2009 Schecter Devil custom- 800.00 US. As instruments of writing music, the Schecter has a neck that just cannot be beat, in my mind. I have to fight the LP a little, and don’t want to fight a guitar to get ideas out. I’ll use it for solos, or maybe a layered rhythm, but it’s never been my go to for songwriting. With that said, i had wanted a Gibson LP since i was a kid, at 14. 41 years later, finally got one. So i do love it for the sentimental value. As a tool, however, it’s not my right hand man, so to speak

[@stevekent]

I stuck around to the very end and had a good chuckle having been there so many times myself! 😂 Good luck with your decision but whatever happens (as you already know)…you’ll probably be doing it all over again at some point in the future 😂

[@peterprice5896]

It’s not a question of money,it’s a question of what makes you happy,and if a guitar makes you want to pick it up and play it fondle it smell it,and look at it….and you can drum up the poke to buy it THEN BUY IT BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU SMILE,after all there isn’t a lot out there these days to make you smile.

[@booshting3520]

If you're a fan of Les Paul's it's the itch that will never be scratched with an Epiphone. That's the path I took. Finally achieved my dream after starting to play in 1984 of buying a Gibson LP Standard Goldtop in 2021. It's a stunning guitar.Ive owned alsorts over the years, but decided to buy myself a few high end guitars. It's a piece of history, it's a dream fulfilled. Is it 10 times as good, of course not.

[@martin-1965]

Yeah, it is an itch you are right. Maybe this year? See how the finances are later in the year (probably dire as usual but never know lol)

[@agipandi4482]

I have to say I made my itch really didappear with an epiphone. I play guitar since 18 years and had a lot guutars in my hands and owned gibson etc but sold them after a while. Last year I had the urge to own a les paul and bought the les paul custom koa by epiphone and its just incredible.

[@jerryhatrick5860]

I paid 75 bux for my 2001 sg400 epi. Neglected. Havnt changed one component ut the bar magnets to alnico 2 and nickle silver base plate Swap. Plays n sounds every bit as good as a gibson. If not better. Slim neck. Perfect frets.

[@gustafrenstrom8549]

Another great video! really loved the playing in this one. this is probably my favourite les paul and if i'm ever in the position to buy a really expensive guitar this will probably be it! i think any guitar is worth the money if you like it enough, it can be worth the money for some but not for others it's all up to you it's a bit like buying an expensive watch, it doesn't actually tell the time any better but you still want one. i think epiphone should make an affordable version of this too for all of us who dream of the gibson but can't afford it.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Gustaf... definitely with you on the need for an epiphone version! 👍

[@MRoo1oo]

Keep it. You sound great playing it, and you seem to be enjoying yourself. Playing it looks effortless...wonderful!

[@alwaysevolving281]

I have one Gibson. Les Paul Special in Olive Drab. I love it. I really want a 50's standard in heritage cherry, but unfortunately, I think that ship has sailed given they're pushing $3k in the US now. Bums me out!

[@onlyguitars]

I have that same special is fantastic. But if you want a better guitar get the Eastman SB59/v. I had 2 USA gibson les paul besides the Special, had an R8, and the Eastman for is as good as the R8. Since you have the special you will still have a gibson, and those specials are amazingly good. Not cheap the Eastman also, but cheaper than the usa gibson standard 50's and just absolutely superv in every way. Check the review of that Estman one here in this channel.

[@allendean9807]

A tribute is a fantastic alternative. They might not have the bells and bindings, but for sound quality, and feel, they are great! The maple neck is also more stable for the long run

[@alwaysevolving281]

@@onlyguitars I’ll check these out!

[@robpodd8665]

Don’t do it Collin ! You’ve gotten rid of a bunch of expensive (Gibson’s)YOU DESERVE TO KEEP THIS ONE !! Out of all your nice Gibson guitars you had,you kept the right one! This is the beauty .Keep this ONE !! Great video as always 🎸 🎸 🎸

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Rob! 😁👍

[@estenray6685]

I’m glad your having second thoughts! You sound great playing it and even through the phone I could hear the difference between it and the Epiphone Les Paul special you were comparing it to! Not that the Epi sounded bad (in fact it sounded pretty damn good) but damn there is something special about your hands relationship to that particular Gibson! You really do sound extra wonderful with that one don’t have any great explanations at hand but whatever it is you two sound exceptional together! I could listen happily for hours. So a big thank you for the few minutes of bliss you did provide me! 😊👍🙌👏💕❤️🤗🙏🎸🤞✌️✋

[@cosmicrevival7105]

I once had 14 guitars and am now down to owning 5 ones I really like. Quality over quantity for me. Was never really satisfied with my cheaper ones. The ones I own now are for a whole life.

[@MrYatesj1]

Cheers to that!

[@a_new_hourbandofficial9121]

I’m like that too….. I don’t like settling and then 6 months later selling it, loosing money, and then buying the one I should’ve gotten in the first place….. Find your favorite tones Listen to videos and sound clips Find the features you want and do not want BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, GET THE ONE YOU WANT! YOUR BEST GUITAR IS THE ONE YOU ENJOY PLAYING

[@cosmicrevival7105]

@@a_new_hourbandofficial9121 I had to learn this the hard way. I do not own any custom shop guitars btw. I'm perfectly happy with my gibson les paul standard 50s and fender american original 60s strats and teles.

[@carlosdeno]

Hi Colin, that’s one beautiful sounding and looking guitar. I always say that if you can afford to do it, whether it’s a guitar, a watch, a bicycle or anything that is special, if it makes you smile it’s nobody’s business but yours and do it! Life’s to short not to enjoy the things you are a passionate about. Great video as always. ✌️

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man! 😁👍

[@markedwards4241]

When I first started playing the difference between a cheap “beginner” guitar and a half decent instrument was huge. Now even the cheapest squire is miles better than what I started on. The quality proposition at the lower end of the market is infinitely better than it was. I bought a G&L ASAT classic tribute last year for £350 and I love it! So we don’t need to spend 3 grand for a decent guitar, but if it makes you feel happy, play more, feel more engaged etc then go for it, ‘cause I understand that feeling.

[@steveo44]

I completely agree. I bought a Gibson Les Paul many years ago. It is lovely and I still have it. Back then cheaper guitars were not what they are now. I've played guitars less than half the price of my Gibson recently which sound and play equally as well. The secret is the set up. On another note.. Good lord that SG is pretty!

[@howardyoung4185]

Col thats spot on reasoning- the ideas we have in our heads (save us from ourselves etc). If you save one person from unessecary financial burden then job well done - I do suspect it will be more than 1 and hope so too. Ive recently developed a wanting for one of these R4s and my weakness is that I am conditioned by the Gibson brand, legend and countless historical heroic ambassadors. I cant afford it so that puts it safely to bed for me .But one thing they do have going for them is that nearly 70 odd years later these things still work, so i think theres an argument in proven longevity which cant help but appeal in this disposable age of ours. I have an Irish friend though who tells me theres something in the wanting, his meaning is that its worth considering keeping on wanting because that emotion of wanting has some value, and control of it even more so . Bit like meeting your heroes -be careful they might disappoint. Anyway im rambling-Keep up the awesome work Col -Love your channel and perspective (oh and your Clash bites BTW)

[@TheWelhaven]

Owned an R6, R8, Collings 290 and Maybach Lester (R7-ish). In the end I sold them, I was buying and/or trading guitars at the time, and their worth was always in the back of my head. Now I’m very happy with the gear I have (Maybach Albatroz Jr., Gibson Sg std 2017 and a 1995 white Gibson Flying V + a few modded Fender MiMs).

[@Nyquest]

Great channel this, proper balanced view from a bloke who knows what he's talking about.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers that's appreciated! 😁🙏 who's this other bloke you're talking about?? 🤣😜

[@davehossack7191]

Continue to love your work Colin...these are not easy questions for us GAS sufferers, and you explain our dilemma quite well, custom shops guitars are nice but not essential. Build quality is a big deal though (thanks to you I bought an Eastman SB59 - love it, quality build at a much better price). I have found the quality not always present with lower end guitars, but have also seen Gibsons and Fenders with terrible build quality. Look forward to your next vid.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Dave! 😁👍

[@davidgunther1282]

I think of an instrument as a tool. A furniture maker probably started out with Chinese tools bought at the Home Depot, then eventually graduated to German made tools as he honed his craft. I’m a pilot, when I made Captain I bought myself a nice (expensive) watch. Someone who is into music, same deal, eventually you’d want to “move up” and improve the tools in your toolbox. I see it as a natural progression to have an “expensive” guitar as your playing progresses.

[@hankreus7196]

IMHO, in guitar world, if you’re a player, and have looked over the various instrument options, found one you truly favor on inherent aspects, THEN you deserve to get the best you can find. It doesn’t make you a better player. It will make what you do do (do do?) better through resonate tonalities as well as enhancing your attitude in a beneficial way. And if you’re anything like me, attitude can sometimes be an issue ❤

[@donnyhall2535]

Colin, I think you have changed the minds on thousands of your followers. There isn't much difference from an expensive guitar to an inexpensive one. I've tried for years to do the same, but apparently to them I'm crazy. I've had custom shops and the made in Mexico/Indonesia/China/Japan models. Honestly, I prefer my more affordable guitars over my customs. Not for the price, but they are just so damn good. BTW, that R4 is magic. Great film mate. Keep it coming. Cheers 🍻

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Donny!

[@martin-1965]

Got to admit, if I was going to get a Gibson Les Paul, I'd be a sucker for that R4. Currently have a an old secondhand Vintage V100 Gold Top copy with Wilkinson P90s that looks and feels the part and is one of my favourites in my collection. I just doubt I'll ever be able to justify laying down £4k or more for the "real deal" now I'm too old for gigging. It does sound great though in the video jam tracks though... and if I had one already, I'd find it hard to let it go unless I was desperate for money.

[@donnyhall2535]

@@martin-1965 ain't nothing wrong with that. I've heard really good things about Wilkinson guitars. I use the hardware slot and recommend it to my customers who don't have that Gibson money to spend. Quality is just as good and a fraction the price.

[@donnyhall2535]

@@theguitaristas hey Colin, I think you would really like the Epiphone "Jared James Nichols" Les Paul custom. I got one around Christmas and it is incredible.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

"There isn't much difference from an expensive guitar to an inexpensive one." As a guitar player for over 50 years I have to just call this out. This is not true. It's simply not true. Generally speaking the more expensive guitars are higher quality and they're built better by more experienced guitar builders. It's as simple as that.

[@RS-np8cu]

The acoustic unplugged sound is one of better custom shop guitars I have ever heard. Keep it.

[@jaypeterson7637]

The end jamming was Great...I think 'inspired' comes to mind. Great guitars do that regardless of price. Colin...it's a KEEPER! 🎶🎵🎶🎵👍💕

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jay! 😎👍

[@jaypeterson7637]

@@theguitaristas Thanks Colin. Cheers to you too!😊👍🎵🎶🎵

[@RodC14]

IMO, more important to make sure you spend your money on a ‘decent’ amp to enhance the tones of your affordable or expensive guitars.

[@sirvicemanone]

Greetings from California USA. Your channel and especially today this video struck me as brilliant and important. So many KZbin channels give the 8mpression that 5he only good instruments or electronics are the highest end vintage or custom shop giving many people the idea that anything less is rubbish. This is hardly the case as many high end expensive instruments are really not worth the money or perhaps the same brands more affordable lines can be nicer made or just have that special mojo that makes you want to pick it up and play. I'm thinking of wrapping my Les pauls strings next time I change them for a different flavor ! Thank you for sharing your love of guitars and your knowledge with us✌️.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, thanks for the kind words and support it's appreciated! 😎👍

[@tomflynn2912]

I bought a Harley Benton Gold Top. It's got the stock P90s replaced with much better ones and has the tuners replaced. It is awesome! I paid $350 for it and I play it all the time! I Love it!

[@pttrent123]

Play what inspires you and you like the sound of. The neck on a guitar is really important to me. That Gibson sounds great, looks great. If you like the Gibson more, keep it. If you like the other options as much, I would sell it. It's a journey. Your playing is great, ty. I love the Eastman SB59 you helped me to consider and bought without ever playing one :)

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Peter, yes likewise I love my SB59v... it was cheap enough to not have to question it's viability and when you play it you know straight way it's a keeper anyway.

[@beanapalooza6614]

That guitar makes you more cooler, and the chicks dig it!!! I love how the green tint comes thru the gold!! I have a lemon drop Harley Benton sc-450. It was 165. Usd I think I put $300 set of lollars in it. Locking tuners straplocks... a 50 dollar strap..... 🤯 but I LOVE THAT THING!! Its a Ephiphone killer.

[@theguitaristas]

😁👍

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

Awe man, you’ve got a seriously cool collection.. its funny, les pauls aren’t my thing, BUT, that one with P90s.. wow… also, that TV yellow, id LOVE to own the Gibson version but 3.5k is never gonna happen and that Epiphone is stunning for the price!…

[@theneigh]

I agree with your final thoughts. I buy Epi and squiers on the used market. thereby saving a ton of cash and able to buy a decent guitar. Your channel throws in the odd Gibson, but I watch because of the wonderful affordable guitars you display on the channel. Cheers!

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@Shysleeves]

I own a Fender Final Fantasy XIV strat and something about it was so worth it to me. It is a forever guitar and I would not take back the $4000 I spent to get it, nor will I ever sell it. The story in that game is super important to me and I absolutely adore my strat because of it. I have also played a custom shop that was used and $2000 more (originally) and it felt pretty much as nice as my strat. (I liked mine more than that custom shop) I'm glad it has that "magic" that inspires me to play more and play better when I am playing it.

[@keepitpeel]

Hung around to the end and I think you should keep that guitar. I’m a strat man (sorry!) but hearing that LP. WOW, i need to try one. Though looking at the bank balance, would be an Epi. Don’t sell it Colin, you two look and sound made for each other.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man!

[@DutchStar001]

Loved the '2nd thought' part of the video :). If you don't need the money at the moment, and you obviously love playing it, keep it for a while longer !

[@chrishepburn1503]

What I've found with playing expensive and cheap guitars is that it's not so much a sound difference but a feel difference. The expensive ones always feel alot more comfortable to play. The neck feels alot nicer and you don't have fret ends stabbing you lol Great video as always.

[@TheClassicQ]

It's hard to walk through the process of joy. I'm glad i'm not the only one that has these moments of ..... "Shale I Stay or Shale I Go!"

[@fongy200]

Oh eh, the wife just seen the introduction and now she's questioning my motives. Should have held out on watching. Eh up Col 🤘

[@joehahn8817]

You could always hide in the bathroom and watch it on your phone...😉😁

[@fongy200]

@@joehahn8817 I should have 😄

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍

[@MichaelHattem]

Last year I bought the new Gibson LP Standard Goldtop P90 as my first really expensive guitar and it is just wonderful and worth it though like you I am not a rich dentist or lawyer.

[@catmandoodoo7903]

Bloody love this channel. Entertaining and makes you think.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers thanks for supporting!! 😁🙏

[@mknewlan67]

I understand what you’re saying about high end and low end guitars. Nowadays they are so much closer together than they’ve ever been. However this particular guitar. When you look at the camera after you’ve strummed a cord your face has just lit up. A lot more than on the other guitars. If you sell this one you will regret and miss it. There’s something about seeing your connection to it that just resonates. In the end you need to do what makes you happy at that time. Fantastic playing by the way.

[@TheStepheno]

Thanks again Colin for a great fair comparison. Like me Colin I’ve always wanted a top end guitar I’m 65 now . Just life’s exspences of having a mortgage and family had there priorities. I have epiphone custom shop Lee Malia. Had it for 6yrs now ,love it it’s my go to. P 94 in neck pos, man that blues tone as I get older is so sweet to the ears hahaa. Love your show man your the best.🇨🇦❤️

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Stephen, thanks for kind words! 😁👍

[@MrCarlos1335]

I UNDERSTAND, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN A LES PAUL WAS WAY OUT OF REACH,I NOW OWN ONE ,AND IT FEELS GREAT TO HAVE ,NO REGRETS. GOOD JOB, WELL DONE

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one Carlos! 😎👍

[@jerryrn62]

I so much value and appreciate your opinion on these guitar matters. Snaps me into reality. By the way, you're an awesome player too! Thank you for the post!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jerry! 😊🙏

[@blakestepp7940]

Great Film Colin!!! Like many Musicians, I have had many Guitars, Basses, Keyboards, Amps and Processers., You make Great Points in what You said about the "excitement factor" relative to one guitar versus checking out many, not only for Your series, but for the fun and discovery of it!! You, I, and many others are SG Lovers, and Love Telecasters, but both of Us have a couple Les Pauls stashed for fun, depth of tone, and change up once in a while. You have Demo's on three Nice Goldtops which offer quite a bit, and other company's offer Les Paul designs with P90's. So, Go For What You Want and What Excites You!!! I Dearly Love Your Shows and always look forward to them!!Love Your different Guitar Reviews and in depth look into them as everyone else does!!! ROCK ON MATE!!! Great Show!!!! Have a Great Week!!!! Cheers!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Blake! 😁👍

[@baneverything5580]

I play acoustic guitar and love cheap ones. I really enjoyed playing a 700 dollar Taylor once though but my nephew refused to trade for my Ibanez he seemed interested in. I use a Dean koa acoustic electric that was under 300 and an Ashthorpe acoustic electric that cost under 80. I like these a lot. Plenty good enough for me to sing along to at jams and small solo shows. The Dean is gorgeous and has massive tone I like. The Ashthorpe has a bright sound and is a great practice guitar to save me Dean frets and backup when a string breaks at midnight. New tuners and the Ashthorpe would be a joy plugged in and it plays so well besides that. Goes out of tune due to tuner slippage when I use medium picks or play songs like Change It by SRV because I pound the strings.

[@sidweazel2883]

You’re totally right Colin, super expensive are not worth it. I have a couple of similarly expensive guitars that don’t make me sound better and I’m nervous I might dink them so they have become pension investments. My go to are £500 strat and £500 tele and a brace of second hand Eastman 335 look a likes. I’m really comfortable with all of these and occasionally swap pickups around to get new tones. My best advice is get something affordable and decent, then spend on amps and a decent modellers or pedals.

[@joecamus9214]

Hello Colin. This excellent video really hits home with me as a guitar addict . I certainly enjoy all my guitars , whether they were inexpensive or not, but having the custom shop and vintage Gibsons fills the void and makes me appreciate all the others and holds of the G.A.S. until something comes along that reignites the desire. Enjoy life and best wishes!

[@sonjohnjeff]

Clicked on video cause I own the same custom shop but with the gold on the back .. completely agree on the wrap around , my favorite Gibson setup as well !

[@Ray-Angel]

I sold 5 guitars recently. A Les Paul Studio, A Mexican Start, an American Performer Strat, a CV 50s Tele and an Alvarez Acoustic. What can I say? I needed the money. I thought I'd miss the Am Perf but it's the LP I find myself thinking of most often. Fingers crossed I'll get back to work soon and buy them back.

[@tmaziar4116]

An interesting and thought provoking video. I think that buying the less expensive guitars on the market allows us to decide what we really like in a guitar (without going broke). Neck shape, pickups, bridge type, whammy bar, etc. One way to look at it is that GAS of this nature leads us to invest in a finer more expensive instrument that combines the features we like most. That’s what lead me to my recent purchase of a custom shop ‘64 SG with the maestro vibrola. For now, it’s a keeper!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!… what colour did you go for?

[@tmaziar4116]

Cherry red

[@stevegroves]

I bought the Epi LP Special pretty much off the back of one of your vids, just loved that P90 sound, and to be honest its probably one of my favourite sounding and playable guitars! Just crazy good for bucks. Also just bought the Epi Firebird, wanted the Gibson but they are never in stock and TBH its £1200 cheaper and am blown away by it. If you constantly pick it up and it makes you smile who cares whats on the headstock! great vid as always mate cheers! :)

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Steve... good choices can't really go wrong with those two can you! 😁👍

[@nednobody3253]

That Outro was Sweet, Nice guitar maybe enjoy it for a while longer then make a decision, Sometimes things really tune in after being played for a bit. Been enjoying some of your shows for awhile now. Just wanted to say Thanks for sharing.

[@richardcranium8500]

Awsome! That' R4 is my favrorite guitar. I got the original p90 gold top and it's great but I want that one. My mouth is watering. Congrats on owning that bad boy!

[@marcdellavalle254]

Thing sounds beautiful that’s the difference I’ve noticed from high end to middle of the road …. That thing rings like a bell 🔔 👍

[@charlesflint9048]

I paid £1500 for a Gibson SG Standard last year as I had always wanted one, and Sarah, my partner says it makes me sound better than ever. However, I play my Hagstrom D2F with CreamT Afterburner pickups fitted, and my Mexican Telecaster much more often. These together cost me less than the Gibson. The Gibson feels the most refined to play and I always sort of feel like ‘saving it for best’ as I am rather patchy in my playing, so I go for the guitars I feel comfortable with when I want to play. I love all my guitars; even when I am not playing them, just looking at and admiring them is a real pleasure.

[@bessiebraveheart]

Hello, i'm 77, and the most I've spent on a guitar was £5,500. A Scott Walker Phantom. Hand crafted, super build quality, Jason Lollar pickups. I like different.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one John, I have gone quite that far.. yet! 😜

[@BigSifu67]

Watching you work through this on camera was very therapeutic for me...☺

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Don, I'm not sure I solved the problem for myself but it was definitely some kind of therapy!

[@ltgray2780]

Still here. One of them guitars that has to warm up to you. Whole lotta love put into them.

[@jebusgod]

I love a wrap around tail piece too, I do however recommend you look into buying a mojoaxe tailpiece, makes the intonation much better around the b & g strings.

[@errolandrew]

Funny I was was thinking at the end - “Colin’s getting some cracking sounds out of that LP…surprised he’s selling it” lol😂. Sounding superb man!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Andy! 😁👍

[@johndodd4375]

Seriously you made the les paul special sound flipping beautiful.... no way does it warrant spending that sort of money. Fact.. lovely playing as usual 👍

[@malcolmsansom5026]

Colin you don't need to sleep on it ove r the weekend, keep it, when your playing it you can see how much your enjoying it 👍🎸🎸

[@theguitaristas]

Yeah I think so too... 😁👍

[@martincrisp8945]

We can all see the merits in the Gibson's and Fender's of this world. That's a 100% given. I've recently purchased an Eastman Guitar and will now, not go back to a Gibson or Fender. Why? What you get with an Eastman is a bespoke hand made guitar. The quality of workmanship/parts is outstanding. Beautiful. Try the Eastman..... That R4 Gibson? Its a real copy. A straight up question: Is the R4 Gibson the realistic copy guitar for you? Is a Fender re-issue worth the dollar commitment? Food for thought for your hard earned dollars.....

[@anthonymoore1705]

agree with you, eastmans are 100% better than gibsons, i have the eastman version of this guitar, the sb56, which is custom shop quality for less than £1700,

[@sjgreaves]

I own a couple of vintage Gibson Juniors and a custom shop firebird which are great (like you I'm a huge fan of the wrapover and P90 btw) but one of my favourite go-to guitars is a Fernandes Vertigo I bought out the back of a taxi for 90 euros, put a Creamery pickup on it and it is the bomb - plus I don't care about bashing it or worry too much about it getting nicked. I don't really understand why anyone pays a huge amount of cash for a new guitar though, when I had a bit of spare I instead went to a builder and got a guitar made to my spec (body shape, size, weight, scale, pickup, hardware etc) - cost me about the same as two Epiphones and is _exactly_ what I wanted, I play that a fair amount too! What I'm trying to say I think is that at the end of the day, the most important things are the sound and playability irrespective of who made it, the quality of budget instruments recently has reached a level where I don't think you need to think about it, I think you are right about the 'status' or 'snobbery' aspect but I think it is important to try and put those aside and trust your ears and fingers.

[@cantfindamerica877]

Dude, I bought a used Vintage Brand Gold Top knockoff. $300.00 US. It’s heavy, really heavy. But I’m running that through a Randall 50 watt thrasher. Thru a 212 EV cab I put together . That to me sounds as good as it gets. It’s a Blaster with great articulate tone. Just wanted to share that.

[@edwardrichard5665]

My first guitar was a 1973 Les Paul Goldtop that I bought used in 1975 including an ampeg tube amp for $300 U.S. I loved it but couldn’t play well so I sold it for my money back. 45 years later I learned how to to play, but now have 10 acoustics and 6 electric guitars and a spark 40 amp. I’m happy but still wish I had that goldtop. Instead I have a Firefly goldtop which is good but not the same.

[@markmcdonald5711]

In 2003 I bought a used lefty Gibson custom shop 57 reissue goldtop. Already had a G&L tele and strat so that's what I was used to, never really got along with the LP with it's fat neck and bulky body. Ten yeras later I needed money for a new truck motor so one of my guitars had to go, I sold the LP for what I paid for it, thinking I would got another sometime in the future. I retired two years ago and I decided last October to finally replace my old goldtop, bought a Epiphone LP Special and am very happy with it. Still wanting a real Gibson LP so my 70th birthday is coming up this October and I couldn't wait any longer so I got a Gibson LP Junior cause I'm starting to like P-90's a lot, they remind me of tele pickups. Hopefully I can learn to play it before I get too old and my hands don't work anymore. Everybody should have a Strat and a Tele and LP.

[@senseiruss]

Colin, I love your videos! And your playing. Both your commentary and playing feel like they come straight from the heart. Not perfect (that's a good thing, IMHO), but so much fun to watch and listen to! Your channel is a pleasure to visit and I'm always glad I stayed til the end. Your advice is much appreciated and the way you speak and deliver your opinions. Thanks as always, from an old guy and guitarist from Brooklyn, NY!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Russell, thanks for the kind words and support mate it’s appreciated! 😊🙏

[@theguitarprofessionals8584]

I got a 2011 gold top with p-90's with a case for 750...... Dying Dad guitar!!!!!!! Deals are out there in the USA

[@christopherclarke3022]

Start playing and using it more, give it a few weeks or months then see how you feel. If it feels good, sounds good during this time then why dispense with something that is reliable and does what it is supposed to. I own 4x LPs two 2021 50s profile 1x with Humbuckers the other withP90s. One 1977 Norlan era LP with a 60s profile neck I purchased 1979 and a entry level Gibson LP Juniour Special recently purchased. Yes I can only play one guitar at a time but having them is such a joy I just love the feel of the Gibson neck and the sound. I have US Strats and Teles and they to are wonderful but there is just something about the sound and feel of my Gibsons. The only disadvantage if I had to say anything is the weight of the three of them and of course the initial cost of them particularly here in Australia. I have played Epiphones, and great for what they are but for me personally there is a vast difference in feel. Thanks for the clip and your thoughts. Cheers

[@Popskull_666]

For the longest time I was always a humbucker guy, until I saw Neil Young playing a 50's gold top with p90s on the ragged glory tour, Social Distortion and Bad Religion play Juniors. I only got hip to them a few month's ago

[@manahaas]

Wow ur right in the end. This is your best jam. Great vibe. Superbe sound. Bit like Sweet Smoke, an obscure band in the early 70'. Incredible. And yes this guitar made u do it. Keep it bro.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers mate, yes it's made we think twice that. I'm keeping it for now 👍