Waiting for good guitars or settling for midrange. What have you done?

[simon_plays_bass]

My purchasing has largely been functional (all the functional ones are mid range, apart from maybe the 1st guitar I bought). Most of them also scratched an itch and only one was solely “itch scratching” (the only high end one). In order of purchase from oldest to most recent (only 6 to read about).

Tanglewood electro acoustic - I needed a guitar to learn on, and thought I might as well have the preamp for if I ever took it out of the house. Bought early noughties. Mid or maybe low range (£250, Chinese made).

G&L L2000 Tribute bass. I wanted a nice bass that would do everything so I didn’t have to buy another. It’s nice and does most things. Mid range. Indonesian made. Bought 2021.

A Sire V7 fretless bass (the G&L doesn’t do fretless). I had a work 25th anniversary and could have anything wanted up to £500. Mid range. Indonesian made. Bought 2021.

An Ibanez shortscale headless bass. Bought as a travel bass in 2022 - it is shorter than an 6 string guitar with headstock. It’s acquired a secondary function: gigging on small stages. It means I can face the audience head on without worrying about whacking the singer on the back of her head. Mid range - Indonesian made.

Rickenbacker 4003 in Walnut. Not a functional purchase. It scratched my “I want a high end, or traditional, or head turner, or something else bass” itch. I bought it second hand. I’d actually gone to the shop to try out a 2nd hand fretted jazz bass (my jazz bass is the fretless one), saw the Rick next to it, played it, and knew it was the one. £1800, a year on, a few gigs and recordings later, I have no regrets. The G&L is probably the nicest instrument I’ve ever played (including some pianos worth much more), but I feel I could replace it. The Rickenbacker would be more difficult to replace. If the house is burning down, the Rick is the instrument that comes out of the house with me.

PRS Custom 24-08 SE. Bought as I think work bonuses need to be spent; I don’t need or want any more basses; I don’t need a new bike nor any new skiing gear. I liked the way it played and I liked the versatility it has of doing most things well (same reasoning as the G&L). So maybe somewhere between an itch and functional. Mid range. Indonesian made.

I think it’s perhaps a little unfair on the Indonesian made ones to call them mid-range. For at least 3 of them (the G&L, Ibanez headless and PRS) I could make a case for them being high end at a lower price. But for the purposes of answering your question, I’ll stick with mid range.

[TheMadman_tobyjenner]

@jkahn

I thought you had a couple of Gibsons Toby? Splitting hairs on definitions here, but all Gibsons seem pretty high end compared to the alternatives.

I think it’s then down to you definition of high end. Is that across brands or within brands. I lumped mine in the low to mid range but obviously the price tag on the Gibsons or MiM Strat was much higher than my Washburns for examples.

The LPs are both Studios and the SG is Standard, If I were to look what I consider high end in the Gibson catalogue my dream LP would be x5 what I paid for the studios. And most 57s 3 to 4 times. So that explains why I classify them as such.

Comparing the Washburn HBs to say my Gretsch Streamline it was twice the price and the Bigsby looks cool. But a “real” ES335 especially 57s or 59s would be around 3 times the price and the dream Gibson close on x 6.

Difficult to compare the Roadhouse Deluxe with other Strats but it would fall in to the below midrange Fender price range.

I have a very understanding missus but even I could not get away with either of those 2 examples. But my dream Gretsch would be a 59 White Falcon and she might sign off on the bling factor !! But 3.5GBP is out of my league and I need to leave something for my daughter and grand kids !!

MMMMmmmmmmm

[scottasaigon]

Sold…though it remains the plan. It will actually hurt to let them go…

[jkahn]

More cherry picking. Some great food for thought here, I’ve read every post.

@BurnsRhythm

From what you say, I think you’ve already decided that you want a high end guitar. You’re asking these questions here to try to justify it.

I think I want one, but that doesn’t mean I’ll get one. I’m genuinely curious what others think and do.

@brianlarsen

You’ve mentioned your hankering for a Jaguar style before with particular requirements.

Your brain is like an elephant’s Brian - I’m pretty sure that comment was buried deep in someone else’s thread, ages ago. There are luthiers around, a pretty good electric one not far. I don’t think I’ve played enough guitars to go custom, though.

BTW - buy your mate’s guitar, it sounds like a good deal. For your wallet and soul.

@Socio

What about spending a nice day out a your nearest guitar shop and spending some time with all the guitars that catch your eye

Hey James. Hah! I’ve given that advice to so many people as well. I’m avoiding that because I don’t want to be sucked in to buying a guitar too quickly. I get all weak at the knees when playing a good guitar in a guitar shop, I’m hoping to have an idea beforehand.

@sclay

I’ve got 2 Artists; an LP and Tele style, and couldnt be happier.

And there’s something to that. If they feel great, play great, sound great, look great - what’s the point in paying 10x the price.

@markr31

So I guess I’ve got mid-range in the market instruments from high-end makers.

They both sound like top quality instruments - the high end of high end maker’s are just insanely expensive.

[Jamolay]

@mattswain

I suppose the problem with going top tier is needing to know exactly what you want. If I had to put all my eggs in one basket, particularly with electric guitar, then I feel I’m still working out what the answer is.

@Mustela

I appreciate great craftsmanship in man things and guitars are no different. That said, I don’t have a single guitar that cost more than $1k retail. I could afford one if I really prioritized that. But I have a hard time justifying it.

@jkahn

I think I want one, but that doesn’t mean I’ll get one. I’m genuinely curious what others think and do.

I struggle with this as well. I love gear and went through a streak of buying and un-buying guitars. I finally realized that my current quiver of 3 acoustics is good, I like all the guitars, they are good quality and (important to me) I got them at good deals. They are all different enough to fill different desires/needs playing.

Of course I would like a bunch of toys to play with, but more isn’t going to help me learn to play and buying another guitar or three won’t stop my curiosity at all things that are guitars.

A high end guitars really sound great, but I am too fiscally responsible to spend that much unless I really need it and truth is I don’t and if I do, I don’t want to still crave all the other guitars, so what would I get?

My current plan is to continue to convince myself that, some day in the future, I will play well enough and have enough knowledge to choose a high end guitar. But today is not that day.

This is entirely personal, and there is no best answer. The above is my coping mechanism. Share what you get when you get it!

[simon_plays_bass]

@jkahn

I get all weak at the knees when playing a good guitar in a guitar shop, I’m hoping to have an idea beforehand.

I kind of did that with my Rick. The 1st time I played one was November 2022. I then joined an abstinence thread on a bass site (precis: no gear purchases other than consumables such as strings for a year, so that you can enjoy the kit you already have). I lasted the year (2023), but one of the things I did in the year was research what I wanted next. A Rick was on my shortlist. So when I went to the shop and saw it next to the jazz, it wasn’t an impulse purchase.

[roger_holland]

@jkahn

I’m pretty sure that comment was buried deep in someone else’s thread, ages ago.

June 2024 first time so it’s about time

[brianlarsen]

@jkahn

I don’t think I’ve played enough guitars to go custom, though.

That’s bull, and you probably know it
The extra price you will pay for a custom will be about the same as the extra price you will pay for an exclusive badge/brand.
The advantage is that you will get value for money, by setting the specifications exactly the way you want, and will already have a bond with the instrument before you even touch it.
The only downside is that you will probably have to keep it, as the second-hand value is likely to be a lot less.
Sorry, did I say downside?

[metramaks]

Gonna add my 2 cents here. All 3 of my electrics I bought because I love how they look in the first place, everything else to me was secondary. Okay, it was a bit different for my first one, Epi SG, as I wanted a Les Paul that got reserved too quickly. Anyway, two of them are made in China and one 8n Indonesia. I never felt like they limit my playing or there’s something lacking. Maybe a more expensive guitar would be more flawless, but would it make a big difference in how I play? No idea. In fact, I once tried a 3k Gibson LP Standard and didn’t feel anything special. And it had a glossy nitro finish on the neck that I really didn’t like, it was sticky and not pleasant to play. All my guitars have glossy poly finish and I love how smooth and fast it feels.
Okay, what’s the meaning of all that rambling?
I think that an Epiphone can be perfectly fine and you might not even want to get a Gibson. But may be the other way around.
All I can suggest is to go to the store and try a bunch of different ones.

[Prof_Thunder]

This is a thread that attracted quite a bit of attention!!!
Here’s my ramble on the issue…

For me, I consider 4 factors for another guitar and none of them are based on the name on the headstock:

1. How easy to play or how it feels to play - I mean how it feels in your hands - not the sound. Especially for a grade 2 student, like me, this is now strong number 1 on my list. But wasn’t when I bought some guitars, hence why I may sell one or 2.
2. Does it look good. Sounds superficial but I think it’s important that you like the instrument and that it makes you want to pick it up.
3. Does it sound good. Obviously, it has to sound good !
4. Price. I think that there are loads of really good quality, nice looking (IMO, but totally subjective) quIte cheap guitars now and since many of them match my standards for the above criteria that’s enough for me. If I was buying another guitar right now, it would only be if I sold one, and then it would probably be a cheap one. Perhaps I’m lucky but many of the guitars I like the look of are not very expensive. I like the look of the Jet guitars. The sunburst tele Jet JT350 looks fabulous, IMO. But I can also fully understand someone desperately wanting a particular model and brand of guitar that’s expensive and nothing else is going to be The One.

I have 3 guitars (all Squiers, so not expensive). Of these, I will probably get rid of one or 2 as I don’t play them. Then I have a fourth one: An expensive guitar and that’s the Strat I built myself. The build diary is somewhere on the community forum. That was relatively expensive and I could have easily bought a guitar just as good for less money, but I wanted a guitar I had built from parts I selected and looked exactly how I wanted. For that, I was prepared to pay as you can’t find it already built. Lucky for me, it’s the easiest and most comfortable to play of my guitars so I’m happy, but it was also lucky as I didn’t really know what I was doing.

I think one issue with the cheaper guitars is probably variation in quality control. My cheapest guitar is a Squier affinity tele and it’s a lovely guitar and lovely to play. I was lucky. There’s nothing wrong with my other 2 more expensive Squiers (a CV tele and a CV Startcaster) and they sound great, but they are not as nice to play (its something very subjective), so I just don’t pick them up much. I always want to feel the Strat or the affinity tele in my hands.

Now after that ramble, I think I’ll just go and have another look at the Jet website …

[Jenndye429]

Super interesting thread! Might as well at my two cents too.

I personally have 5 electrics. I do play all of them and I feel like they all have their place/purpose.

As far as price, I would consider most of mine to be mid range. My first guitar was a MIM Fender strat. My least expensive guitar is an Epiphone Casino, which is the China made version. The US made ones are very much high end pricing.

I have one guitar that is probably considered high end, which is a Gibson Les Paul studio. Looking at what a lot of Gibson LPs run for, the studio is at the lower end of their pricing spectrum, but it was by far my most expensive guitar. I ended up with it after I played one at a local music shop and fell in love with it. I had the funds at the time, so I went for it. I do not regret it, as it is probably still one of my favorite guitar “children” to play

When buying a guitar, the biggest consideration for me is how it feels in my hands. I’ll pretty much try anything in any price range. I’ve played lower end guitars that I’ve enjoyed and higher end ones that didn’t really do it for me. When I find one I really like, I typically end up with it if it’s in a price range I can afford and fills the need of whatever I am looking for.

I recently was at my local Guitar Center and tried out a (beautiful ) Fender American Performer strat just for fun to see if it felt that much different than my Mexican made one. It was VERY nice, but to be honest, I couldn’t really tell a huge difference in playability versus my current strat. Do I still want it? Yes But I didn’t walk out with it since I wasn’t sure the extra money got me anything I didn’t already have.

I guess this is my long winded way of saying buy what you want, can afford and feels good in your hands- whatever that ends up being for you. Sometimes a higher end guitar ends up being worth it, other times, the extra money may not get you anything you anything that you can’t get at a lower price point.

[LievenDV]

Ah very recognizable @jkahn
Once I was in your shoes and look where it has lead me! =D

I found that price has less impact than style, vibe and what kind of work and inspiration you get (done) on the guitar. Each of my guitars has a role and a place, a time and a vibe.

Reading from what you have, aiming for a gibson (24.75") or jag ("24) scale, isn’t such a bad idea at all. It would take a wide space in an area that is unrepresented in your collection One should not underestimate the combo of scale length and string gauges. A 25.5 with regular tens or a 24 with a set of flatwound; 2 whole different beasts!

I concur with the notion you might be after a custom.
It is a great journey, exploring options, determinign what you want, how it looks, what the features are… I don’t play my custom Jag ALL the time but I do feel a stong connection and ech time I play it, it feels like coming home.

On the other hand, I also have a $25 secondhand cheapo strat copy I gutted and cleaned and has the best strat neck I played so far

[Lisa_S]

Great topic, JK! Following it since it got started, but only have time to add my 2 cents now.

My first question would be: What is considered border between low, mid and high range? Not so easy and probably kind of individual, too.

My guitars are low to mid range, one might be at the edge of high range. In detail, my two acoustics are low range, pricing around 200 € when I bought them. One is my 20+ year old Cort and the other a 10 year old Sigma. I really like to play both, but at some points, you notice there is a difference with regards to intonation and playability compared to more expensive guitars.

My 12-string is a mid-range Martin, a laminated one and it’s great value for the money. Feels, plays and sounds amazing to me and I am very pleased with this guitar.

My most expensive guitar is my PJD Strat, with 1.400 € at the edge of high range for me. It is a wonderful guitar, too, and it came to me by chance. Wasn’t in to spend that much, but was looking for my first electric. I tried different models in different price ranges after having a good guidance by the guy in the guitar shop. The PJD was the middle one related to the price. I also played a lovely Kauffmann, that was around 2 k. It didn’t feel as right as the PJD, so it was not the price tag nor the logo on the headstock that made the decision in that case.

So, for future purchases and the itches (I have them, too), I would probably do it the same way: No window shopping beforehand, as I could never decide anyhow, way too many great guitars out there. So once the itch really needs scratching, I will get myself to a guitar shop again and try some guitar. Up next is a bass for me and a Ukulele for the little one. With limited knowledge on both, I definitely need some advice by shop personnell and get my hands on them to feel what works.

There are two exceptions, though. At some point, I really want to get myself a Maton and maybe also a custom acoustic. But that’s far down the line. If I could, nowadays I would buy time to play.

[EdmundD]

I opted for mid-range. I was always a bit wary of buying a top tier guitar (a Rickenbaker 12 has long been a dream) because I assume to get the best out of such a guitar I would need to buy a top tier amp.

[spiderwalk]

The Late great blind guitarist Jeff Healey and Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford have played Squire Strats.!

[Kasper]

Don’t overthink it. It’s not about you “being worthy” or good enough for an expensive instrument. If you can afford it, and if you want it - then I think you’ve showed (simply by sticking around here so long) that you’re plenty invested in this hobby to justify buying it.

Almost everybody got hobbies they sink their money into. Someone I know owns 5 high-end racing bicycles. Another a bunch of expensive fishing rods. Another collects arcade machines (which makes even my wife happy that I’m guitarist, and she already “complains” about the space I take up with my cases). And so on…

For myself, I’ve learned to never settle for the “sensible second best” if the heart wants something else. I never end up enjoying those purchases. On the other hand, when I occasionally pick up a new guitar that I really want… then it inspires me to play even more than I already do!

You say this yourself - you want (for example) a Les Paul but worry it’s too expensive. So you consider the Epiphone - but you already know that you don’t like how the headstock looks. I don’t think you’ll really be happy with an Epi (even if they are actually quite good guitars these days!). The heart wants what the heart wants!

[jkahn]

Had a chat with the local music shop owner. I’m in there every week for my kid’s piano lessons. They trade in lots of used guitars.

“Do you reckon Gibsons are the real deal, or is an Epiphone or something else just as good?”

By his own admission he’s a die-hard Gibson & Fender guy. 60 years old, toured in bands for years, played Gibsons and Fenders. Has owned plenty of other guitars too. He reckons that there’s nothing like the originals - and while Fenders are good and almost indestructible, Gibsons are works of art.

Then he gave me a 20 year old Gibson Les Paul Standard to play, and it was a good one. Juicy.

But. I’m not a dude that’s played guitar my whole life and toured in bands.

@mathsjunky

• If you really want a particular guitar / brand etc and can afford it without impacting you or your family then getting something cheaper is a false economy because it will not scratch the itch for long.
  …
• If you buy a good guitar second hand (particularly a popular brand) you won’t lose your shirt over it.

Been thinking about this one a bit (and the other comments similar). But not exactly as they’re laid out… maybe one way to consider it is get the cheaper version used, and if I like that kind of guitar, eventually upgrade it (or not). Probably get the upgrade used too. Hmm…

@brianlarsen

That’s bull, and you probably know it

I’ve probably played guitar enough to get a custom one built but I haven’t played enough guitars that I’d need to. Maybe one day!

@Prof_Thunder

I always want to feel the Strat or the affinity tele in my hands.

I had a Squier Affinity Strat, and it felt pretty good. They’re built well. My Fender Tele is next level, though - once I got that the Squier stayed on the wall for a year until I sold it. I don’t think I could do a proper cheap guitar, I just can’t see why I’d play it instead of my Tele after the initial interest wears off.

@Jenndye429

I personally have 5 electrics. I do play all of them and I feel like they all have their place/purpose.

Reading about (and having seen some of) your guitars makes me think they’re all different enough that you play them all. And yes, I’d consider a LP studio high end and a MIM Strat mid range.

@LievenDV

Once I was in your shoes and look where it has lead me! =D

Shredding on stage as the rhythm guitarist, and buying cheap and unique guitars as well as expensive ones I think?!

I’m curious about your custom Jag, I don’t think I’ve heard of it before. Maybe it was on the old forum. Do you have some pics or a thread on it? (I did a search and couldn’t find anything)

@Lisa_S

What is considered border between low, mid and high range? Not so easy and probably kind of individual, too.

Like you say, I think it’s pretty individual. Particularly the price part. In my head though, price aside, low = lower quality/tradeoffs, mid = fine for a gigging musician, high range = fancy/prestige. I’m sure others would have different thoughts on it.

@Kasper

Don’t overthink it. It’s not about you “being worthy” or good enough for an expensive instrument.

Well, my playing isn’t worthy of an expensive instrument, but hey, it’s getting better .

Funny thing is, I’d feel more comfortable sinking a bunch of money into a racing bicycle. You can kind of tell what you’re getting at each level by the components. Guitars, that’s a bit harder - a lot is in the name, the mystique.

Epiphones btw - I’ve been watching quite a few vids on them, and it seems some people actually don’t like the headstock. I was more meaning looking at it, and seeing Epiphone and not Gibson there - the actual look of the headstock I am fine with.

[Richard_close2u]

@jkahn

The newer Inspired by Gibson range from Epiphone has a Gibson shape headstock but still does say Epiphone.

If you like single cut with a 24.5 scale length there are options not Gib-e-phone.
Have you considered PRS SE McCarty for example?

[Kasper]

@jkahn

Funny thing is, I’d feel more comfortable sinking a bunch of money into a racing bicycle. You can kind of tell what you’re getting at each level by the components. Guitars, that’s a bit harder - a lot is in the name, the mystique.

Honestly, I think that’s a funny way of looking at it

• Fine precision locking tuners vs cheap no-name tuners
• Roasted maple neck with smooth stainless steel frets vs rough plain wood neck that moves with climate and have sharp fret ends, and frets that dents
• Easily accessible truss rod adjustment wheel vs vintage style truss rod
• Carbon fiber enforced truss rod vs cheap a one
• Good alnico based pickups vs ceramic bar pickup
• Bone nut, hand-cut with precision vs cheap plastic nut where strings stick
• Good and stable tremolo system vs cheap one where bar jiggles and saddles catches the strings

It’s a lot more than the name you pay for with more expensive guitars. Components differs greatly, just like the bicycle…

[Jamolay]

@jkahn

I’ve probably played guitar enough to get a custom one built but I haven’t played enough guitars that I’d need to. Maybe one day!

I agree there is no limiting metric on who can or when to get a custom guitar.

This may be just my personality showing through, but the more I play and learn, the more I understand differences and options. I do think I know just enough after 4 years learning to know that I have a lot to learn and don’t yet know what I want in a guitar to commission a custom one.

What holds me back (and I came close last summer) is just that. I don’t want to spend that kind of money only to learn that it isn’t the right guitar for me 3 years from now.

I am also holding back from buying the guitar that feels so good in the shop because I know love is a fickle thing and tomorrow I may feel differently about it.

Of course, at some point I am sure to buy another guitar or three. It helps that I am pretty happy with the ones I have, but I am learning what I do want that is different than what I have.

Meanwhile, I still need to work on playing the dang thing.