Guitars, the trusty sidekicks of musicians everywhere, come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and prices.
From a humble beginner’s instrument to a luxurious six-string masterpiece, the options seem to be endless. But when the price tag hits the stratosphere, it’s natural to wonder – are these guitars worth the extra cash?
Well buckle up, because we’re about to take a journey through the world of high-end guitars and see if they’re worth the splurge…or if you’re just paying for a fancy name.
So, Should You Purchase Expensive Guitars? – Are They Worth It?
The age-old question – is it worth shelling out a small fortune for an expensive guitar? Well, it’s not exactly rocket science, but it’s not a simple yes or no answer either, its just like the question of whether guitar lessons are worth it; no right fact, but some slight difference.
When purchasing expensive guitars, sure, you’ll get some fancy craftsmanship and fancy wood, but remember that the guitar is only half the equation. Skill, gear, and personal style all play a big role in shaping your sound.
Let’s not forget, just because it’s pricey doesn’t mean it’s going to magically transform you into Jimi Hendrix.
So, bottom line, before you break open the piggy bank, think about what you want and need out of a guitar.
What Do Expensive Guitars Bring? – Advantages
There are several benefits that one may encounter if they purchase expensive guitars.
Craftsmanship: Expensive guitars are often hand-made by experienced luthiers using high-quality materials, resulting in better build quality, attention to detail, and durability.
Tone: High-end guitars often feature premium woods and hardware, which can enhance the tone and projection of the instrument. Aditionally, the attention to detail in construction can lead to better intonation and sustain.
Sound Quality: Expensive guitars often feature premium electronics and pickups that provide a clearer, more refined sound compared to lower-end models. This can be especially beneficial for recording and performing musicians.
Resale Value: Quality, high-end guitars often retain their value over time and can even apreciate in value, making them a solid investment for collectors and musicians alike.
Prestige: Owning an expensive guitar can also bring a sense of prestige and status, especially if it’s a well-known brand or model.
It’s important to note that while expensive guitars can offer these benefits, they do not guarantee better performance or satisfaction. It ultimately depends on the individual’s playing style, goals, and preferences.
Nevertheless, for those who prioritize quality and are willing to invest in their musical abilities, an expensive guitar can be a valuable addition to their setup, but still, it doesn’t mean that affordable guitars such as Breedlove arent good enough.
What Do Expensive Guitars Lack? – Disadvantages
Just like there are advantages, you should always be ready for disadvantages, in this case, the expensive guitars are nothing else.
Cost: Basically, one of the biggest disadvantages of expensive guitars is their cost, which can be thousands of dollars. For many musicians, the cost of a high-end guitar may be prohibitively expensive and not justifiable when compared to more affordable options.
Maintenance: These guitars are often made of delicate materials and with intricate craftsmanship, which means they require more maintenance and upkeep compared to less expensive models. This includes regular cleaning and polishing of the finish with anything or any guitar polish alternatives, restringing, and tuning, which can all add up over time.
Fragility: The intricate craftsmanship and delicate materials used in expensive guitars can also make them more fragile and susceptible to damage. For example, if the guitar is dropped or bumped, it can cause cracks, chips or dents in the finish, which can lower its value.
Limited use: High-end guitars are often designed for specific genres, playing styles, or techniques, which means they may not be suitable for all musicians. For example, a fingerstyle guitar may not be suitable for playing heavy metal or a classical guitar may not be suitable for playing country music.
Resale value: Even though it is an advantage, shockingly enough the resale value of expensive guitars can be another disadvantage. If a guitar is not well-maintained or has been damaged, its value may decrease significantly, making it difficult to sell or trade-in later. Additionally, the high cost of these guitars can make it difficult to recoup the original investment if the musician decides to sell the guitar.
Expertise needed: High-end guitars often require a higher level of skill and expertise to play properly, which can be a disadvantage for beginner or casual players. Additionally, they may also require special equipment or tools to properly maintain, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
Things To Know: Most Expensive Guitars Ever
Something else I would like to add here are some honorary mentions about some of the most expensive guitars ever sold.
1939 CF Martin & Co. “Hoss” Spruce-Top Acoustic Guitar: This rare beauty, named after its owner Hoss Lindley, is considered one of the finest acoustic guitars ever made, and sold for a whoping $1.2 million at auction. It’s almost as if this guitar was made with gold-plated strings!
Fender Stratocaster “Reach Out to Asia”: This special edition Fender Stratocaster, signed by some of the biggest names in rock roll, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, sold for an unbelievable $2.8 million at auction. Talk about hiting all the right notes!
1936 “Ex-Hofner” Prototype Violin Bass: This unique and historic Hofner prototype, made in 1936, is considered one of the first electric bass guitars ever produced and sold for a cool $1.5 million at auction. With its gorgeous sound and stunning craftsmanship, it’s no wonder this bass is considered a real “bass-ic” in the world of music.
Even though their prices may have changed at this time, these three were definitely some of the most high-end guitars to ever be sold!
Final Words
So, as you can see, purchasing an expensive guitar isn’t the worst thing you can do, as long as you want to be holding in your hands a guitar with an impressive quality overall!
Still, you should always have in mind that with every advantage comes a disadvantage, and it is always better to check them out as well!
Anyways, I hope you liked what you read thus far, and I hope this article provided you with everything you needed to know!