Why Some Guitars are Outrageously Expensive ★ Acoustic Tuesday 273

[@AncientApparatus]

36:38 I really love the fact that even though you highlight & are more drawn towards higher end more expensive guitar that you're never condescending to us poor folks who can only afford sub $500 guitars. I happen to own a Fender CD-60 that I bought with the Fender Branded Tolex Hardshell Case of which I absolutely love & I treat it as if it's a rare priceless guitar because it is to me. Thank you for being a man of character who respects everyone from all walks of life & levels of ability.

[@CedricNad]

I've been playing on a Fenix guitar and I bought used for 75$, 20 years ago. I feel you my man.

[@AncientApparatus]

@@CedricNad Good for you & I'm sure it's a great playing & great sounding guitar otherwise why would you still have it 20 years later.

[@cph630]

Tony, don’t change a thing you are doing. Haters are always gonna hate. You provide so much useful information & contrast & comparison of guitars, playing styles, & other guitar geek goodness. I wouldn’t be a TAC member for going on 3 years if I didn’t see value in what you do & teach. Christopher_H from TAC by the way.

[@franknelsen9182]

Great show Tony. I believe that country of manufacture is number 1 reason for price. Labor costs in Aisia much lower than USA. Less regulation for wood availability.

[@dennism7532]

Absolutely. I try to buy anything other than Chinese and it costs more.

[@carole8312]

Completely agree.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Hey Tony! Great episode. And a great topic. I get this question all the time... "Do you need to spend thousands to get a quality instrument?" The short answer is 'no'. There are some amazing inexpensive brands out there: Yamaha, Samick, Breedlove, Taylor. Where the guitar is built is always a big factor as you know: USA, Korea, Mexico, China, etc. And since labor is such a huge part of making guitars, the cost of wages are important. Materials of coarse are the next component... and they can be very expensive, especially when you get into exotic woods like Brazilian Rosewood and Macassar Ebony. My personal opinion is you can get a hell of a guitar for $500 bucks if you know where to look. When you get into the discussion of expensive guitars its kind of like buying an expensive car. Is a Mercedes more reliable than a Toyota? No. And will it get you to where you need to go? Well the answer is yes. However if you like luxurious appointments, USA made, and fancy woods you are gonna spend more. Is it imperative to have these things? No. But some people don't mind paying the extra to have the finest. Everybody is different and whats important to me may not be important to you. Its about nuance, detail, and preference. I look at guitars like fine art and can stare in awe of a finely made instrument. But on the other side of the coin, I love an economical guitar too! Great show Tony. Keep it up!

[@thomasnowicki5844]

Very informative show as usual, Tony. However, one other factor I think should be considered in determining the price point of a guitar is where they're made. Obviously, guitars made in China, Mexico, or Indonesia tend to be cheaper, mostly because of cheaper labor costs. They're usually good quality instruments for the money, however in the case of China and Indonesia, we know very little about the conditions under which they're made. There's just not much transparency about the conditions in the factories in those countries. Maybe I'm getting slightly off topic or too political here, but I'd like to see you do a show on that very topic. It seems to be a subject guitar KZbinrs want to shy away from, but I think you could be fair, informative, and do it justice.

[@richardbudd3480]

Exactly this - labour costs vary hugely (as well as working conditions), and this is why mass production tends to happen in some countries where labour is cheaper and more exploitable. Guitar - and other - companies also use country 'status' as an implicit quality and therefore price factor. 'Designed in the UK/US' (made in China/Mexico etc), versus 'designed and made in the UK/US etc'.

[@margarethouse404]

And relative Country Status changes over time . At first , all outsourced manufacturing guitars were looked down upon . Now , Japanese or Korean mfg are valued/ sought over China or Indonesia .

[@charlesbolton8471]

Don’t forget that now days it isn’t just cheap instruments being made in China. There are Eastman instruments that are in the price range of American made instruments.

[@margarethouse404]

True , but .... Chinese instruments vary greatly in quality . It depends upon who strictly the client companies set and enforce standards , and to what extent they are tweaked / set up/ rejected by the importer in USA ( or Europe) . So the reputation of such instruments is based upon the reputation of Eastman , or Republic , or whomever , not a general association with the country of origin .

[@richardbudd3480]

@@margarethouse404 Of course, but this is the case for guitars (or anything) made anywhere. It depends on price, quality control, all of that. You can amazing guitars made in China, and crap ones made in the UK etc etc.

[@ericecklund676]

Tony, I want to thank you for highlighting that video that The Music Emporium did comparing those two 000-28 Martin's. I'm a Martin Fanboy, and I own a 000-28 Custom Shop Authentic 1937 Aged guitar. It's one of my nicest sounding Martin's for being just about a year old. Thank you for taking the time to make this very nice video!

[@soyeux27]

« Do you want me to call you before I get dressed in the morning ? » ahahah That is incredible=, Tony ! Thanks for the superb show !

[@timwoods7436]

Tony, I feel you skipped over some important points: is the top solid wood that will sound better with age?; are the sides solid or plywood, and is that important?; Ease of playability.; cleanliness of inlay work; neck comfort. These are all things new players could benefit from. Keep up the good work.

[@robertjohnson9832]

Hey Tony. Great information and food for thought. Last year I went to the local little music store to get some new strings. I had no intention to get a new guitar. I am a habitual beginner and had just joined TAC and my guitar was sounding sad. One of the local guitarists was playing the different guitars available in the shop. He is good and I listened to him go from $100 guitar up to over $1000 guitar. One just took my breath away. It sounded so pure. Needless to say I came home with a Teton dreadnaught;. My wife was not happy. It took only a few strummed chords to convince her that this was a good purchase. It was a low to mid range guitar for this shop. To me the sound is king. I would have paid more for this sound.

[@dustinflock1972]

All of these variables is why I like Larrivee so much. Their quality verses price is the best around. There is no goofy marketing. What you see is what you get.

[@anitakelling6419]

I'm a noob guitar player. I started and quit 6 years ago and am back to it just last year. I started on a Fender CP-100 and I wanted a goal guitar to work towards. Planning to get a new guitar was such an interesting journey. For me, it was more than the sound. It very much was comfort. I'm a short person with a short torso, so I pretty quickly figured out that I wanted a smaller bodied guitar and that is largely why I started out on the Fender. But! I found Tony on the Acoustic Letter reviews when I was trying to figure out my list of guitars to find out in the wild and try out. Soooooo helpful hearing so many reviews on guitars I was interested in. I'm here now to say that I learned so much about myself and what I like in the feel and tone of a guitar making that list and then finding those guitars and playing them. I am blessed to live in an area with great guitar shops that carry a wide range of makes and models. I got to try out a lot of guitars...some that weren't even on my list. I finally bought my goal guitar which turned out to be a Guild M-25. I also really liked the Martin CEO-7, but I liked the feel of the neck and fretboard of my Guild better.

[@josephosullivan9506]

I've been playing 35 years, stopping at times for few years. I bought 2 Taylor academy series 12, steel string and nylon, this year. My previous guitar of 17 years was an Epiphone super jumbo. I had been playing a guitar way too big for me for 17 years! The Taylors are Grand Concert size and are absolutely perfect for me. Guitar shape, size, comfortability, playability, ergonomics are SO important. I previously bought guitars because of how they "looked" and sounded, without even thinking of size and shape. I can't even look at a dreadnought or a super jumbo now. My guitar playing has improved so much and is way easier for me.

[@fourocker]

Such a timely and important discussion you've brought forth, I appreciate how neutral and realistic you are on the subject. I'm a home hobby player of about 30+ years, I have certain historical guitars that as an enthusiast I dream of as we all do, recently I was in the position to head out and search for a new guitar after many years of having some very ordinary ones which I sold. My criteria was simple, I was going to go around trying acoustic guitars until I found something that just spoke to me in four ways, well crafted, beautiful to look at, sounding full and rich and being easy to play. I don't buy into the big boys BS at all, I tried many guitars, different brands, woods and body shapes, I eventually stumbled across an Eastman E6SS-TC that I couldn't put down, back to back with guitars that were cheaper and some (including those that it replicated) that were dearer, for me there was something special in the sound but it satisfied all my criteria and it came home with me. It's nearly the only guitar I play now apart from a Maple jumbo used occasionally in double drop D tuning, the Eastman looks like a classic J35 and to my ear sounds just like a D18, I couldn't be happier, it's extremely versatile and easy to play because of the slightly shorter scale length but still has an amazing tone and volume, as this video suggests, be informed, be aware and don't buy a guitar unless it's the one you played and fell in love with.😊

[@Nickredshred]

Hey! Thanks for the shout brotha! 🙏🤘

[@garymcknight4789]

As always, nice discussion Tony. I've been fortunate and owned several nice guitars through the years. The only recent guitar I had questioned the pricing on was the Kevin Ryan guitar. But...I bought one a few months ago and it is simply stellar! With caution and homework, my Dad was right, "we tend to get what we pay for"! Keep up the fine work.

[@colakeith1]

Thank you, Tony. a great show, as usual. As a Martin fanboy myself, the snobbery has no place as there are plenty of room for all around the table. I own a Martin and a Takamine .And would love to have a Gibson or even an Epiphone. Each has their own sound and purpose with usefulness within the musical spectrum. I regret selling my old Yamaha FG335. It was a cannon! Each color is different and can be in use for so many different songs. Let's all get along and make music

[@gfirob]

I think this might be a good episode to mention Iris guitars of Burlington Vermont. Iris was started by two very well respected high end boutique builders, Adam Buchwald of Circle Strings and Dale Fairbanks of Fairbanks guitars. These two guys put their heads together to create affordable ($2,000 to $3,000) guitars based on iconic vintage models, focusing manufacturing efforts on the elements in the build which truly effect the sound, and scaling back on the mostly cosmetic differences (finish, neck composition and body joint) and taking advantage of the the use of high tech manufacturing techniques. These guitars have a great reputation and are built in a fairly small shop, compared to the larger manufacturers. So they are directly addressing the kinds of differences you are discussing here. Check them out.

[@jeffsguitars3976]

Thanks Tony for mentioning Guild guitars from Westerly RI, I lived across the street from there shop. All great people worked there, put a lot of themselves into the guitars. Peace and forget the haters.

[@drakodreg6184]

Great show, sir. I've played drums and percussion for twenty plus years, guitar for three. I have three acoustics. Ranging from $131 to $750. Love all of them. Like all instruments, price is incidental. It's the work and love you put into it 🙏

[@scoggers1628]

Country of manufacture has a huge impact on price and desirability. Part of this is due to labour costs, but is also strongly influenced by customer demand based on often uninformed perceptions. You mentioned Eastman and lots of people dismiss them as they're made in China, but they make very good guitars, arguably much better than lower-end models made in the U.S.; the Gibson generation series being a good example. Similarly, the Yamaha Red Label models made in Japan are of excellent quality and I would argue comparable in quality to Martin standard series models, but are sold for quite a bit less. I fully understand people wanting to supporting manufacturers in their home country, but I'd also recommend trying and buying guitars based on how it sounds and how it feels in your hands more so than where it was made.

[@randypressley4145]

Absolutely fantastic show Tony! You have been instrumental in helping me decide which guitars, amps, picks, capos, strings etc. I should consider buying over the last several years. No matter what the cost is. You've done this by providing your honest opinion and comments of each item. For that, I thank you. Well, you've done it again. I have come to a conclusion. I never thought I'd do it. I never even considered taking this giant leap. After all, I'm 67 years old. With that, I have decided....... I might need to get a hockey jersey. 😂✌

[@denisgagne102]

I think that boutique guitars are more expensive because the are handmade and special attention to details. I bought a Boucher guitar cannot regret the volume of chime this guitar has and the price if a little stiff but it’s made with top material. Just love it! It make me happy! That’s what counts the most. Keep up your utube it’s fun and educative, thanks.

[@stevetreadaway3254]

It also depends on your financial position. I just purchased a Martin D42 Modern deluxe. For years I've been a Martin fan. To me their heritage, quality and originality are stand alone. When you finally get house and car paid off you look at things differently.

[@markstrain8989]

Incredibly important and valuable episode, so much insight and wisdom. Thank you, Tony.

[@chadpetroff2422]

Another great episode…Look forward to the show every week!

[@patrickroe3260]

Those guitars thought to be so wonderful usually are. There are those that can afford really expensive guitars. Even if these guitars are really no better than similar guitars, some buyers are willing to spend the money difference for the prestige that owning these guitar brings.

[@georgevanwin]

Tony, the glaring ommision in your list of factors contributing to price is what is the retail mark -up from the factory gate price!

[@bradnelson7240]

Hey Tony. I’m a loyal TAC family member and love the show but I’m a bit disappointed in you. Why would you let that guitar snob get to you so much? He is obviously just a hater and talking sh** but now you have given him the satisfaction of getting a rise out of you and, not only that but now you also featured him on the show. I would have never known those comments existed if you wouldn’t have given it the attention that you did. I love the show because it’s full of guitar geekiness and positivity and it should stay that way. There will always be negative comments and haters out there and the best thing we can do as guitar geeks is to let it roll off our shoulders, be nice and play guitar. Keep up the good work Tony and don’t let the guitar snobs get to you. Guitar geeks unite!!

[@michealofloinn2539]

I’m in Ireland and I bought a guitar from a local luthier. I got a very simple and very well made guitar. O’Rainne

[@dougbradeen]

Tony, yet another excellent Acoustic Tuesday show. Thank you for calling out the rude posting, I am sure that this represents a small percentage of the comments but it needs to be discouraged to maintain a positive community. Disagreement done politely is much more powerful and productive. I have benefited from learning new techniques (ie: percussion), some I use, some I don’t. Many I didn’t know I needed! Keep it up. As for your Hockey jersey’s, I enjoy you wearing them and supporting your team, even though I am a fan off Soccer (Futball). Keep up the good work!

[@johnviolette5511]

Chris Thile is the man!

[@mikeroarty9704]

Tony, great show as always. Just a quick point. Chris Thile was a part of the original Nickel Creek with Sara and Sean Watkins a number of years ago. He is an amazing mandolin player who moved out on his own and has experimented with a number of musical styles and a number of other musicians. Worth checking out.

[@charlesbolton8471]

What do you mean by “the original” Nickel Creek? Nickel Creek is still and always has been Chris Thile, Sean and Sara Watkins.

[@javatar1900]

Great episode! I look forward to Tuesdays! When I started my journey in March 22, the Taylor Academy 12e surfaced as a low frills high quality instrument to buy. I may never be a collector but I really want to sit in a guitar room and try a Koa, a V brace, a Mahogany, a resonator, a taylor mini bass ......... I am a slave to ebony necks ( my MIM strat has one also ). And I agree the used market is poised for a drop. All the instruments bought during covid and the collectors that have 10, 15, 20 guitars.....

[@charlesbolton8471]

Those Taylor GS-Mini basses are really cool.

[@thesjkexperience]

I heard Michael Hedges 40+ years ago. Jaw dropping and some new amazing players influenced by him.

[@jlau111]

Hey Tony, I love The Acoustic Tuesday videos, don't change a thing!! The Black hawks have the absolute best-looking jersey in the league bar none. Circling back to TAC and Acoustic Tuesday 273, Excellent episode. - Being a guitar novice, I’ve gotten a fair amount of shade for jumping from a Yamaha FG-800 to a rosewood J-45 to learn on. Even though I absolutely loved them, an HD-28 or D-42 in rosewood would have been overkill for a novice. I’ll use the balance for lessons and hockey tickets

[@weedeeeter]

This is the list: Cut away, how it sounds, how comfortable it is, and quality of build. I bought a Taylor 214ce 20 years ago. First, I tried a 114, and then compared it to the 214. The latter sounded better. Then, I compared the 214 with a 314, but my ears couldn't hear a difference. So I chose the 214ce 🤷. I didn't care back then, but I realized that the neck was way more comfortable for me than my Simon & Patrick Luthier.

[@cruelycruel1032]

im a sucker for Kalamazoo guitars they dont play that great and usually have problems because of their age but they just have magic and I just love them, the sound makes me happy ...are they worth the recent prices .... yes every penny✊

[@missqueueband]

I appreciate this episode since I might treat myself to upgrading to a higher quality guitar in the future. I agree with all the points in terms of how the price correlates to the guitar. One more I would like to add is ascetic appeal. Some guitars have a different shape or color that appeals to me. I wish that higher end companies would add some color to get away from the classic tan/brown.

[@dakotahstr]

Hi Tony. When I bought my Martin I trusted the name for the products they put into it. The Yamaha that I bought way back the decision was based on price. The Yamaha is a bigger guitar and has a warming sound. I love both of them and I love all your informative videos. best wishes from Ontario Canada.

[@pauldockery1747]

Thank you

[@hallandguitars9246]

F-style scrolls make me sweat when I look at them. Graceful craftsmanship should be expensive.

[@raymondstebbins5904]

Let your budget dictate what you can afford but if you do your homework you can differently get your moneys worth and I'm always looking secondary market

[@gordonbuss3981]

The big thing for me is sound. I do open mic nights, record at home and sometimes play in church. Sometimes poetry with guitar. Most of those groups of people do not get guitar brands, except some at those open mics of course:). People will get the moment and the sound. A rough sounding guitar can take away from what you are trying to do, to share. Rough sounding is subjective yes, and one person's rough is another person's raw. Is it set up well? How is the intonation? I spent not much money and got a great set up from a local guitar tech. Thanks for the show.

[@tbeau6663]

Swan-sea...... Swan see, if you like. Made me smile, Tony. Britain has some challenging place names. Try Leicestershire or Worcestershire. Then there's Wymondham! (Wind-ham) 🤨

[@keestoft250]

Hi Toni, very polarising topic cost and value, and you covered it all. I would maybe add joy to the list? Because it requires no calculations at all, something (anything) that connects you to your own happiness becomes unquantifiable. 500, 1000, 5000, 15000 and beyond is money soundly invested in this regard surely?

[@margarethouse404]

Joy , or to use big words , Customer Satisfaction of Ownership , is absolutely real ! But it also is inherently already part of Value . The distinction is that " Value to a specific owner/ buyer " isn't a

[@margarethouse404]

Finger slipped . Value to purchaser/ owner isn't automatically linked to " Mean Value on Open Market " . Just know the difference . and be honest with yourself

[@mikefullerton832]

Great list of criteria for understanding the price of a guitar. What I value is materials, tone, playability and of course, reputation. I have two resos: a Regal RC02 and a National Reso Rocket WB (RR WB). The regal was $800 and the RR WB was $5000. Both sound good, but the tone and the sustain of the National is significantly better. As an advanced beginner I didn’t need a National, but am glad I bought it as the weight, tone and playability means it is my go to guitar. Lastly, my teacher and many of my favorite artists play Nationals so this is a variation of you artist endorsement criterion, and this was an influence in my purchase of the RR WB.

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

Well some people have nothing better to do than complain. Your helping many thank you.

[@DaveDiprose]

I've been playing Martin guitars since 1980 -1st a HD28. I quickly worked out however that the sound I wanted was a Mahogany (thanks Nornman Blake). D18s back then however were not very loud. So when it was possible to get a D18 Authentic 1937 decades later (2017) I jumped at it. The guitar of a lifetime, tone to die for and louder than a HD28. Yeah, cost me a bundle but it's the best thing I've ever played, and, always wanted.

[@jimmychops]

Hey Tony, really enjoyed watching your show today. I definitely think that your right when it comes to guitar prices being driven up. But what’s also cool is that looking back years and years ago musical instruments were all pretty much prohibitively expensive. I really think that today guitars are made for average consumer, not for some fancy professional. Also killer guitars can be priced reasonably low even for the materials you get, which those same materials would cost you a lot more back then. I think this fits well with your ideology of growing the Guitar community and spreading music through guitar.

[@johnrobinson7036]

So happy to hear you want to get a Firebird. They have a unique style, but more to the point, Johnny Winter played one. ‘Nuff said.

[@SamVecchio]

Young (no hair) Tony is Ashton Kutcher 💯

[@jeffreyfortney9180]

IMHO. Seceral manufacturers haves moved production to not only lower cost but quality and maintain price point. I bought one model that was made in Korea and now made in China. Yet, I believe the longevity and costruction has deminished. So, country of origin will rank high on my next guitar purchase.

[@dragosdespinoiu-radu7728]

Love the jersey ...!!!

[@johnwashburn3793]

You blow my mind! I will start listening again. I have heard twice now that you have read my comments, amazing. Also, as a proud owner of a D-18GE and a CEO 7,I would love to try a J-45. I can send my address to anyone who would ship one my way. It would fit nicely in the middle of the hog pen. Thanks again Tony

[@johnwashburn3793]

I have recommended you to friends who must be watching regularly. Now I know that you do acknowledge non-fam comments.

[@michealofloinn2539]

Great show. I’m interested in buying local high quality handmade but without the appointments.

[@ninjap323]

I’m looking at used larrivee om40 rosewood. Wait for prices to come down ?

[@LuckyJack99]

Great vid as always and really agree with the point on finding some great play time with HPL guitars in harsh environments ! Martin (and others) make such great HPL options for those super dry (and hot air heat) conditions! Mine sits here next to me while others hide in their cases. 😂

[@kwaktak]

Tony, that guy wasn't a guitar snob. He was a troll, plain and simple. Please don't feed his tiny fragile ego.

[@ThomasHoag-dr8bu]

I just want a guitar that sounds great and plays great. I don't care about the rest

[@Adam-gm5tm]

Seagull s6 Original or the smaller nut version in the Entourage. Seagull guitars are handmade in Canada by Godin Guitars.

[@truthwarrior9749]

Hi Tony, The Big Question for me is, does the more expensive acoustic guitars literally sound and play hundreds or thousands of dollars, pounds etc better than its less expensive counterpart? Looking for that build, sound and playability but still below a $1000? What would your top 5 be in super value for money? Thank you Max South Africa

[@t.jcarney9926]

It is sad that those of us who are learning and learning to love guitar are dealt with by the manufacturers, as if we should need higher end guitars. What, other than collectors, is the importance of an artist model to a learning player? Sad, and a lot of companies are in this zone. Example, my missing 12 was $250 in 1971. It would be enough to fund my entire desires today, but I wouldn't sell it, it was mine. So why are we sucked in this way. I love what I have, and need no more to love.

[@jenniferdavenport9571]

Another interesting video...thanks. Guitars are like anything else we collect or buy to call our own. I tend to look at overall value to me which includes materials, aesthetics, sound, and if it was made mostly by hand. Then I think it would be sound style, playability, modern vs traditional, what niche it would fill in my small tiny collection. Name recognition might play a part but definitely not someone's name on the guitar.

[@soyeux27]

Tony, same as you I love hockey jerseys. Do you have a Montreal Canadiens jersey ?

[@BaktaBak3]

Been playing a CEO-7 for 5 years now and ....have to say...... is my one of my favorite Martin guitars.

[@CANNIMAGINE]

So much of the costs are also overinflated in material. How much does a bone nut and saddle cost? Stainless steel frets and the amount of wood in a guitar is almost nothing. If it is all handmade the cost of labor is a big factor. Cost is based on what people are willing to pay for a guitar or brand.

[@mooseymoose]

Find me a set of quartersawn African Blackwood back and sides for cheap then🫠

[@lhvent]

Good show. What I look for is a solid top, and as of late, I have become interested in the Yamaha FG Series as well as the Alvarez Mahogany Top Guitars. I love my Alvarez AD66SHB. The African solid Mahogany Top gives off such a focused sound. The use of high-quality laminates for the back and sides of this guitar is a plus.

[@danielmaese4839]

Way to clap back at the haters! 👏 😂 Don’t change a thing you’re doing. I’ve been a TAC member and listen to the show every week, religiously. Keep sporting the hockey jerseys and sharing things you love outside of guitar with us. Most of us have been here for a while and will continue to be.

[@Bixll09]

I looked for woods and styles. I wanted a mahogany Triple O and a 28H, also a Triple O with Rosewood back and sides with a Adi top... My 3 fav acoustics. Finally, too bad you are a Hawks fan..

[@BaktaBak3]

IMO......The guitar (s) that "hits ya chord" is your best guitar. Personally prefer USA products ....however....ONLY IF... the price is right . They are tools that help get the job done. Thanks for all you do Tony ! 🎸🎸🎸

[@michelle-psl4441]

LOL! Loved your calling out of the negative rhetoric. Like Taylor Swift sings, "the haters gonna hate." Always enjoy your AT videos, so keep 'em coming!

[@hansgauvin8076]

Got a dozen guitars accumulated over the years from a cheap Fender that I beat up daily to an expensive Martin that I take out for a sunday drive. I enjoy em all. What I wonder is why people complain about high guitar prices. It not a relatively expensive hobby compared to other stuff. I see a lot of people around riding motocycles, offroad vehicules that are way more expensive to buy, maintain and repair and for the most part depreciate by half out of the parking lot. And don't get me started on boats...

[@gilbertachsen4734]

Hi Tony, Chris Thile was the the perfect dessert to another tasty musical serving. Could you give us your opinion on fan fret/mutiscale guitars? I've yet to try one, unfortunately, just read about it's attributes. Happy New Year, b.t.w..

[@billyfields7722]

I'm looking for a guitar that is playable and can afford. I'm 57 and been taking lessons since I was 20. I'm looking to get two Kramer guitars and one Fender Telecaster. Kramer guitars is the same brand but different colors. I have a Fender acoustic guitar last year. I prefer to play both acoustic guitar and electric guitar. It makes you more valuable player.

[@cph630]

I value the tone & playability, but it doesn’t hurt to have a good resale value as guitars may come & go. A good value on a guitar may cover the resale value.

[@texhaines9957]

One other factor: does it sound great and is the neck profile one I can I play. Discussed with my wife. And I want a collection that can be handled to my heirs, a guitar Grandpa PLAYED

[@pickersgrip]

Great show Tony! :)

[@abrahamtomahawk]

You missed a factor in the pricing of guitars: Is it left-handed? I'm sure there's a number of fellow southpaws out there who would agree. But I agree with all the other points, especially brand. I recently bought myself as a significant birthday present a really nice, all solid rosewood and mahogany acoustic. I tried a number of guitars (had to go to a big store to find multiple leftys), and the one I got was far cheaper than the Martins and Gibson I tried, but as good if not better imo (It was a Faith guitar by the way).

[@charlesparkes5198]

As a beginner playability and sound

[@rmzzz76]

The "endorsement factor" impacts every aspect of guitar and guitar gear industry... everyone wants to be their heros and we like to think there's something magical about our hero's gear... want to start a business related to any form of guitar gear (pedals, pickups, straps, etc..) all it takes is one great endorsement. They make or break companies. The artist know this. The gear vendors and guitar builders know it, the customer often takes the bait.

[@margarethouse404]

Artist * Association * is much more important than Artist * Endorsement * . Association is what they actually use , prefer , and used to create their memorable performances . Endorsement is usually being paid money or free gear in exchange for being used in advertising . ( Exception for a maker producing a signature model that is truely unique or ground breaking , but that's rare .)

[@rmzzz76]

@@margarethouse404 I agree, I should have specified non-paid endorsement. I know "endorsement" usually means "endorsement deal" in context of musicians, but when no money is visibly changing hands, no artist signature model, no reference on the vendors page, etc...exist, but the artist still uses the product, that's the best kind of endorsement, just not a paid endorsement... Companies know this type can be more valuable, so sometimes money, favors, freebies, etc.. are changing hands under the radar.

[@Hjaltland2]

1. Sound performance, 2, Playablity, 3 Looks, 4 Cost

[@RahulSharma-ry2pg]

Love ❤your show… bang on

[@cruelycruel1032]

I like the hockey shirts but I had to laugh out loud at your pronunciation of Swansea bro, good to laugh about these things 🤣i look forward to Tuesdays man, keep doing you and thanks 🙏✊

[@MarkLysaght]

I love Martins but am NOT a fan of the bling that goes on models like the D-41, D-42 and D-45. To me, you get most if not all of the value by getting a D-28 or D-35. So my "sweet spot" is a HD model.

[@findantu]

Squire starcaster affinity/classic .

[@NgiamTeeEe]

Collectible

[@dakotahstr]

If we all had the same opinion it would be a pretty dull world.

[@cruelycruel1032]

🤣🤣🤣 was a funny episode, had a real good laugh at them negative comments, probably not his intention but honestly made me laugh, Eastman Gibson and Martin I have them all, all amazing guitars all worth the money in my opinion.

[@deandugas1591]

What kind of a Martin comparison was that???????? Come on!

[@janiceandscottwolfe6203]

Boutique vs factory

[@thegram9207]

Sound. Looks too- I’m afraid . Love slotted headstock small body 0 or 00. I have a Martin D 28 . When I bought it a bit of snobbery was involved . Now it is sound . Value in dollars is zero - won’t sell it. Yeah , so a little of each . When I have the money to get a Martin 00- 42 sc John Mayer I will. Not because of the signature . Simply because they continue the the rosette abalone through the fretboard . Silly really

[@dougheckler2398]

I value the sound emitted by the guitar, all other things are just artwork.

[@guybross1200]

Heah Tony, I believe if you handed Doc Watson a guitar he would go by sound and feel. So for ME if it sounded good and fit me thats all i need. Great show thanx Tony. Your friend Guy B. Ruskin FL.

[@harleyriders02]

How can you tell if a guitar is a quality built guitar.

[@girliedog]

Having a certain percentage of your investment portfolio should be commodities. Investing in Guitars is much more fun than investing in Gold. Bring on the scarcity and collectability.

[@rmzzz76]

One comment I'll make from observation, because tone is subjective and book values are book values, vintage guitars vary greatly in tone quality, but are priced based on rarity, demand and condition. One 36' Martin D28 could be a dud, another the most amazing guitar you've played, but they are both priced on condition, so the great sound 36' might actually cost less... Taylor takes an assembly line approach to everything and still charges a mint... Gibson's limited runs is appealing to the wealthy middle aged customers, which is a big part of their demographic, I see some overlap with what the luxury watch industry is doing with limited runs.

[@nancyshumway4418]

If I were rich yes I’d get all the guitars. I have a Ibanez all mahogany where do I fit in

[@TommySG1]

Hey Tony, First off happy new year man! The hater dude will just spread his bile wherever he goes and comments I’m sure, these dudes are just typically miserable so they feel a need to try and make others feel as they do, sadly. Cool show and PS - I guess I’m another ‘Martin Fanboy’ since I like them 🤙

[@Dub1281]

Let's be real. The hockey jerseys are a problem. Blackhawks are just.. alright, I'll keep it positive. Go Red Wings!!!

[@stephensmith60]

Yea - no kidding! I've owned several Martins in the past; I currently own yet another, a four month old Martin 11-E (Road Series - Special). Already it's in the shop because the Fret Board is off (uneven). It pings on the 9 and above frets (G-E strings); and this isn't the first Martin I've had that does this. This shouldn't be happening on a $1500 guitar!, in my opinion. I'll NEVER purchase another Martin! Again - Every Martin I've owned has done this! So now I'm putting out another $300 just so I can play the mid-range on my fretboard?!? This is B.S.! And maybe it's just 'Guitar Center' that gets these rejects. I think Martin has forgotten ALL about Quality Control and Repeat Customers. Must be the new generation of business tactics. 👎. Yes - I'm from the Baby-Boomer generation. (Pissed).

[@garystover7129]

I'll never buy another Martin either. I bought a new Martin 000 42 in 2012. Top of the line. Cost about five grand. And I've had nothing but trouble with the upper and lower bout binding pulling loose. And this is no isolated incident. I've seen numerous accounts of this on KZbin. It's been taken three times to a certified Martin dealer and worked upon by one of the best rated luthiers in Dallas. I've bought three guitars since; two Taylors and one Collings. I love the brightness of the Taylors and the Collings Dreadnaught i bought? It was actually cheaper than some Martin Dreadnaughts and as far as sound and playability goes Martin can't touch it with a ten foot pole.

[@stephensmith60]

@@garystover7129 I have a couple different Orangewoods. They're a California company but have their guitars manufactured in China. They come back to So. California for their final Set-up and Q.C.. Each guitar is handled, personally. I Love these guitars! I have the Echo, Live and the Brooklyn. They each have a different tone. The actions has Always been Perfect on each of them, although I do adjust the Truss Rod to my liking (usually tighten it up just a hair 1/4). But other than that, the Fret Board is Perfect! You can't beat the pricing, as they're aren't sold in stores. No advertising. They have a perfect return policy if you don't like. Check em out!

[@garystover7129]

@@stephensmith60 I may check them out the next time GAS hits me.

[@thegram9207]

Hope he got his meds .

[@jackiet4575]

Buying a guitar is like buying car. Try a bunch of different ones within your price range. You might be surprised by what you like and what you don’t. You may like the way a less expensive guitar sounds and plays as opposed to one that may be a few hundred more. Buy what speaks to you!