@@stug5041 when talking price increases in one sector while ignoring all the prices increases across the board is looking at the situation incompletely. The conversation always leads to “greedy guitar manufacturers”. Meanwhile, everything is up. It’s all based on the oil prices, so everything is effected. Everything needs to be shipped, raw materials, to finished products, that’s the root of the increase. That’s the point I was making.
Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez and some others are becoming the midrange now. The low end is being taken over by Amazon brands like IYV, Firefly, Donner and so forth. The good thing is that even most of the super cheap guitars are relatively decent.
That has definitely not been my experience with multiple Firefly and Ivy guitars. Epiphone and Squier are doing cool stuff. The Amazon brands aren't worth the money unless you want a prop to hang behind you in youtube videos. Just get a used Epi or Squier.
@@TOBORtheMighty I do some guitar tech work as a side gig so I have to skills, parts and tools to correct the usually small issues on these guitars. I don't recommend them for beginners though, especially if they don't have anyone to help them with a setup and such.
@@jfrankcarrThat makes sense. I can do basic setup and soldering, but if they need a real tech/luthier (and often do) it kills any "savings" on the cheap guitars.
Compared to the beginner guitars that were available in the 70's these are gold. I'm not talking about the guitars that are going for stupid, and I do mean stupid, money I mean these were guitars that were slightly better than firewood/driftwood. With names like Tiger and Lotus you would find hanging in a record store over the bongs.
The downside is that there may be less "mid-range" guitars ... the good news is the "cheap" ones area actually pretty good now (compared to the crap cheap guitars we had to put up with in the 80s and 90s).
If you look back at the first Stratocaster’s pricing and adjust for inflation. They were roughly the same price as a Fender Custom Shop today. The entry level stuff we have available now is certainly a blessing. If it weren’t for the polyurethane/polyester finish and a few other odds and ends a Classic Vibe would be greatly on par with a pre cbs guitar with only a handful of upgrades. Certainly they are more consistent thanks to CNC machines. The majority of a guitar’s final quality comes from the hand finishing. It would just be a matter of putting some time into it. Not that Cort does a bad job in any way. They’re currently as good as 80s Japan… Fender only has them finish to a certain price point.
In 1928, Maybell Carter bought Gibson L-5 because it was the loudest guitar made at the time. It was Gibson's top of the line and cost $275.00, pretty much all of the money the family had. She played that guitar throughout her very long career, and it now sits in the Country Music Hall of Fame. That guitar would cost $4900 today. I started playing in 1965 on a rented acoustic. I don't remember what brand it was, probably a Kay, but it was horrible to play. After three years, my father realized I wasn't going to quit and offered to buy me my own guitar. What I really wanted was a Gibson 335, $455 then, $4,000 now, and that was before the amp. I settled for a Supro Folkstar, a fiberglass bodied resonator, $125 then about $900 now. I sold that to buy a bottom of the line Ovation Balladeer, $325 in 1974, $2,000 now. My point is: you cannot look a the prices you remember and not translate them into todays inflated prices. Midrange guitars have always been $1.000. Through the miracle of offshore manufacturing with very low costs, we have been blessed with fairly high quality budget guitars. Apparently those days are over.
Fellahs! EXCELENTE episode! As a geezer may I humbly suggest a thought or two to the younger set: Once you have achieved “instrument ownership”… 1. If and when possible learn how to adjust the “settings” on your instrument, and the principles behind them - on of course “consumer may adjust” components. (Leave anything to do with files to grownups!) How intonation is related to string length etc. The mysteries of the truss rod. (NEVER go further than a quarter turn at a time. There are horror stories out there.) 2. LEARN TO SOLDER! There is no greater joy than bringing life back to a cable that was previously a Tourette’s generating device! Also, look into some of the inexpensive pedal kits that are available. Josh of JHS fame recently did a fantastic vid wherein he constructed a fuzz from a kit in a little over an hour. In this time he made a couple of mistakes, did some troubleshooting and explained his thought process thru the whole deal. Priceless! Find a luthier/twang mechanic. (AKA “Grown up” that understands how files work and do mystical things like turn critter parts into something called a “bone nut” that will make folk cringes less when that instrument is played.) These people can also rescue you and your instrument when you have gotten out “over your ⛷️’s” This brings me to what inspired me to blather about today’s topic and how I’ve routed around some of those issues. As a geezer, I recall an era where a Les Paul standard could be purchased for a 3 figure sum. Same goes for “Amurican” Fenders. I still have some. But, I rarely schlep them into a club and, I NEVER leave an instrument in a vehicle. Here’s the path to my workaround which involves ALL things I just mentioned regarding being priced out of a useful tool to make a living with. It started with playing a Squire Mascis Jazzmaster. I was shocked at how fantastic the jumbo fretted neck was. But, the tune-o-matic bridge didn’t seem to share the 9.5 radius of the neck. Also the vibrato was some sort of pot metal fever dream but, the bones of greatness were there. I was able to find one for a little over 300 clams. (Here’s where the grownup part comes in.) My basic idea was fix the bridge vibrato issue and go from there. I dropped the bread on the Mastery stuff. (Luthier pal and I extracted the studs the tune-o-matic had used. Then, used his drill press to drill then fill with dowels. - this could’ve been done with a hand drill but was WAY easier and accurate with the press. Then, Re drilled for the Mastery thimbles. It TOTALLY transformed the thing into a precious treasure. I played it like that for a few years then finally put Fralin noiseless critters in there. Sure “acts” custom shop. The other option: I’ve owned an all mahogany DGT since before there was such a thing as the “core” designation. It’s about a 9 pounder. That’s not too bad but, in a recent re-location I jacked up my back and had to find a lighter “humbucker solution”. (HUGE fan of Paulonia guitars now!) I was able to score a PRS SE Custom 22 semi hollow that barely makes it to 7lbs. Sadly this was just before DGT SE dropped. Not that big a fan of the wide/thin neck but, it sounds incredible and plays great. So, when the gold ones with Moons return, I’ll have a reason to drive thru the gorge and cross the state for an in person shit talkin with the fine folk at Casino Guitars. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.
I still have Guitar magazines from 1988/89 where a Les Paul Standard was £600 and an American Strat under £500. That said, my Gretsch 5622T which cost me £499 recently is a phenomenal guitar, so there are still great giggable guitars to be had at low to mid-price, just not with Fender or Gibson
£600 in 1989 works out to over £1,500 today, though. While that's a little lower than the £2kish standard LPs go for now, that still places them very much in the 'high-end' at the time IMO. The £499 for a Gretsch today would be £200ish in 1989.
@@voidguitar This is very true, and my first job around then, I was getting £2.40 an hour! Japanese Strats could be had a for a decent price then too. My point really was that outside of Gibson, PRS and Fender there are plenty of other btrands (like Grestch) still hitting that Mid-point with an iconic brand name and making excellent guitars.
Glad you enjoy your Streamliner (Just assuming from the price that you paid). Purchased a Electromatic Jet with a Bigsby for 699.99 and it was the least expensive guitar that I have ever owned and was a total shit show. The tuners are from the bottom of a Chinese basement with a plastic nut to match, and the input jack (If you can even give it credit to call it one) was so bad that just going from a sitting position to a standing one the cable would just fall out. Took it apart to see what was going on and it is the very definition of cheap trash and the master volume pot had zero sweep at all as it was just on or off. If you used the Bigsby the damn bridge will wiggle with it LOL. I did enjoy the sound of the pickups though but sent that POS back as it was riddled with problems. In my one example you do get what you pay for, and I will never do it again.
@@shane011471 Mine is an Electromatic 5622T, which I got used. It’s an excellent guitar, plays really well. The electronics are a weak point (changed out the switch) but pots etc cost next to nothing. The fretwork and set up were spot on.
I got a Mexican-made Strat AND Tele. If I remember right, I spent $429 for the Strat and $499 for the Tele a few years later. I love them, they play great. I did finally update the pickups in the Strat to some Seymour Duncan SSL's and the thing sounds fantastic.
As a young player 50 years ago, getting a new Ibanez for $200 or less was usually our option over the $350 - $700 Fenders and Gibson. I love the Powers Electric behind you, hoping to get one from my local shop soon. Thinking out loud, you should discuss the boutique builders that go to work for the big brands, and the builders that work for the big brands that venture out and start their own boutique brand. (E.g. Ron Thorn, Andy Powers, etc)
You know what else I'm noticing a lot recently? The pro touring musicians who are playing Fender or Gibson clones. That Telecaster you see Kenny Vaughan or Guthrie Trapp playing isn't a Fender, it's a clone made by a custom builder. That in itself tells me that the big brands are going off the rails, losing the cachet they used to have with musicians.
I love how the original reaction is almost as if the Standard like was a long time ago, when it was like 2017 they discontinued it. Everything has gone up several hundred in just about 6 years
Wow, I was selling Mexi Strats and Tele’s for 299 (solid colors, sunburst just over 300) all day long in the mid-late 90’s. I don’t think you got a very good deal.
Been buying and selling lefties for many years...finally have my own Guitar Center in my house with my favorite 20+ lefties...Gibsons, Fender, G&L, PRS, Rev, Eastman, B&G's....etc...and what I play most by far is the new Squier CV50s with Lindy Fralin Blues Specials. LOVE that thing!!
I’m gonna share one more time and I’m done I promise. 91 to 05 mim strats and teles are some of my favorite guitars. Hands down it was called a standard a lot where high quality wood. I have managed to buy 2 at this point. But absolutely love them. Are the pickups crap? Absolutely but that can be fixed. Surprisingly enough both of mine are special edition nitro guitars. Which I think is cool. Both guitars where bought In a local pawn shop for under 500 bucks. I got my black face bassman at the same pawn shop for 450. Deals can still be found. You just have to search.
Back in 2002, my first electric guitar was a 400 dollar mim strat. Was just thinking of that price doubling the other day. Although, back then nobody wanted a Squier and today I keep hearing a lot of people happy with them.
I have MIM Fenders from the early 90's and the early 2000's, and I'm here to tell you, the Squire Classic Vibe guitars and basses on the rack today are better than those MIM Fenders in every way. The Asian manufacturers have more than caught up with their Mexican counterparts.
I still play the Squire I bought back in 2001. I dropped it and it broke down the middle. I had to glue it back together and I modded it, but I still play it.
I think Squier Classic Vibes are awesome. Bought a Tele custom and upgraded pickups and pots and will gig w it Sunday. Having written that my #1 is a Jimmy Vaughan custom strat and my #2 is a Gibson 9r quilt top. I bought both of those for less than half retail by purchasing used guitars. The market dictates used guitar prices and this summer (2023) used prices are coming way down. Great video thanks guys
Fender prices have gone up, quality control and wood quality, down. Disagree with the American Vintage 2. Picked up a few in shops and all had QC issues. I’m looking to the used market now. Best value are the old American standards pre 2017.
I bought an American Standard for 600 in '92. MSRP was 899 on those. Adjust for inflation, and it would be a 1799 guitar now. That 500 in '91 would be over a grand now. A new Gibson 335 was over 2 grand in '91. That would be 4 grand today. Guitars have always been expensive. The midrange in '90 would have been a Japanese Strat (which was a pretty good guitar!). They were about 400.00. So a little over 800 now.
theres a video on youtube where the dude shows that the guitar doesn't affect the sound. he put the strings on a piece of wood or something and got a sound as good as an expensive guitar. the video is called Tested: Where Does The Tone Come From In An Electric Guitar?
Y'all need to revisit this conversation after you set your standards for low, to middle, to high-end. Some people think anything below $900 is low. On another point. The quality of lower price guitars have come a long way. A $200-300 guitar today will often be far better quality than 80s and 90s. With few exceptions. Those were brand new import lines from brands like Hamer and BC Rich. Those factories wanted to keep those contracts and put their best foot forward. Few kept qc on point after the first couple years.
I’m finally getting out of the cheapest-possible guitar-hopping phase and these videos really are helpful for putting a face on guitar shops and easing into the idea of spending the above entry level money on a keeper guitar
I recently bought a MIM Tele for $500 at Guitar Center, I would consider that mid-range. Pro level materials and decent construction,, quality sound and playability. After that it's bling.
For the longest time I thought I just didn't like Strats. I had an '02 USA Made standard that I picked up for a great price in an estate sale but I just never really fell in love. I ended up selling it and playing different strats in the $800 to $1700 price range for about a year and I just never found one I liked. Then I picked up some custom shop strats and ultimately bought one at Gruhn when I was in Nashville. It's my favorite guitar now. So man... what a difference custom shop actually makes. I"m curious about Classic Vibe's but I can't image it gets that close to what I now have. I had a little different experience with Gibson. I played a bunch of Les Pauls there when they still had a showroom and I really loved all of them in that $2000ish price range. Any of them would have been great but I couldn't afford it at the time.. This last year I picked up an R8 from Walt Grace after falling in love with it in their showroom. I'd have gone back to Wildwood for a cheaper Les Paul if their showroom still existed but I was on a trip to Miami so Walt Grace it was. Overall, I'd say that Gibson's midrange guitars are better than Fender's but Fender's Custom Shop is better than Gibsons. Pretty subjective obviously, but that was just my experience. I do really love both my fancy pants guitars though.
The Standard Tele was MIM and became the MIM Player. Those are now $1170 in Canada (~880 US). I paid about $535 US for my 2015 Standard and $945 for my 2019 Vintera '50s Tele, also MIM. All of my guitars were bought 2014 to present and are entry or mid level, some used, good deals on some of them. Most below $1000 US, some below $450. I bought an NOS 2019 ES-235 in 2022 and happily paid the Canadian list price, about $1650 US. It's my most expensive guitar. I will pay list if I want something bad enough, but I don't mind used. My used 2022 Junior cost me $1125 US, a terrific deal in Canada. I consider it mid-range guitar.
In '87 I bought a back-up for my '65 Strat. It was a '57RI Strat and brand new it was $700. The Corona plant was just getting up and running and I swear this guitar was built by hand. It was a 2-tone sun burst beauty that was stolen after a gig at a place called the Crazy Horse Bar. I lost it and a MIJ Tele Custom, but I got to keep my Princeton Reverb and the '65 that stayed home under the bed. But as they say, the memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime. Have a safe and happy fourth everybody. And if you light a firecracker, Let go of it!!!
An easy way to acquire quality is to buy new (or almost new) with discernment, before stock has run out and hype has built up around a particular model. I own a pretty new Tele that I only expect to get better with age.
It was fun while it lasted, buying and selling high end guitars. Now the prices are insane! Had I known, maybe I’d kept the R6 and the Collings 290. Anyway, I’m settled with two Gibson SG standards, a white 1995 Gibson Flying V, a Maybach Albatroz 65, two Schecter Elites, and three Fender MiMs (strat, tele and Duo Sonic).
Quality control has improved dramatically over the years so it doesn’t bother most people when they buy a guitar built in Asia. The Larry Carlton and Harley Benton guitars are also worth a mention as great entry level/midrange guitars.
I love that Squier's made a complete comeback in recent years. The one humbucker strats that they made absolutely won over the metal fans and the Stratosonic is a super neat gibson type guitar. I got a classic vibe thinline as my first electric guitar last year and I love it to death. I hope Epiphone can grow as well as Squier, because if they can make more affordable versions of gibsons that aren't in stock or even created yet I think they can go crazy. I can't wait for the epiphone Dave Grohl ES guitar.
2006 I worked at Krazy als mega music in Cornelia ga. Mim strats started at 399!!!!!!! A gibson studio was around 700. This was back in the fender bucks days.
Sadly, the higher cost of guitars will probably prevent younger people from seeing music and making it as an obtainable goal. Being a 55 year old I have watched as the costs have rocketed. And it breaks my heart. When I was 16/17 years old, I was able to acquire a 1960s Fender Mustang bass in sunburst. Could probably never afford one now. I know the manufacturers need to make money, but I hope they are listening.
Schecter's doing some good stuff in the under $1k market. Hopefully that'll help some. And hopefully people will see they don't need a Fender or Gibson.
I have a 2006 MIM Telecaster, it has always been my go to until I picked up my PRS se Custom 22. As long as you play everyday, and enjoy a guitar... that is what counts. I DO want to get a Fender Custom SHop from you though, and it will be this year.
If anything, the price hikes have made looking for chopper-or player’s-grade vintage guitars a viable option. It’s really hard to stomach paying over $3k for a “Standard” model, especially if you’re not a major touring outfit where bringing large road cases is feasible and access to your instruments is limited. I love Gibsons, but their high cost and relative fragility explains with bolt-on neck guitars are dominating working musicians’ arsenals.
People should check out G&L Tribute range for a quality mid range guitar. Sensational guitars, you will struggle to beat their price / performance imo.
Usually there are 2 main types of guitar players. Gibson and Fender. I'm a two type guitar fan boy. Gibson and P.R.S. Thank goodness I have held on to an 80s Les Paul which was expensive even then but somewhat obtainable. I tried a P.R.S.se the cheaper model. I fell in love with it. I was very fortunate for that I found it in mint shape and bought it for 300.00. I mean perfect shape, and it's probably my number one guitar, that and my old L.P. Thank the guitar lords above that Epiphone has stepped there game up tremendously, because now owning a U.S.A. built guitar is quite expensive. I bought a new E.S. 339 inspired by Gibson. I believe it was 549.00 . It has c.t.s. pots, maple body, it hard to tell the difference with a blindfold test unless your a professional. It plays great, I did put a roller tone pro bridge on it. No complaints. The P.R.S. is really awesome, didn't have to touch the set up, plays like butter. It kills me that I can't justify buying strictly U.S.A. but the prices are crazy. Thank you Epiphone and P.R.S.se for making a really good guitar. But now they are climbing up there. That's OK because I have all I need, just feel bad for younger players where money is tight. Not to mention the prices of gear. I guess the moral of the story is the guitars have gotten so much better (the over sea ones) but there's nothing like playing and looking at a U.S.A. Gibson headstock. I imagine it's the same for you Fender players. Great show guys.
Squire Paranormal series. I play bass, and my Squire Paranormal '70's style P-Bass cost me around $450. It's one of the best basses I own, and it's the least expensive one. The quality and sound are there. Do I need to see Fender on the headstock? Nope. It's an entry level priced instrument that I would not and do not hesitate to gig or go in the recording studio with, I'd say it's easily comparable to a bass that costs $900. If I wanted to upgrade the pickup, I guess I could, but why?
Gretsch still does mid range well and even their budget models are better than a lot of brands' high end stuff. It's weird that they always get overlooked, especially when the anniversary model is in the center of the wall in this video!
In 2020, I bought my pandemic guitar: a GC Player Plus Strat in blue burst. It was $599.99. Currently, it's $909 marked down to $719. While I love the guitar, if I were going to get a MIM Strat and it were $909, I'd be more inclined to splurge and get an MIJ Aerodyne ($1299) or an Am Pro II ($1699). Though the Player Plus really is the prettiest of those, the Am Pro II Miami Blue is *gorgeous*.
PRS SE lineup absolutely rules the mid level. Just a notch below is Squier. My personal choice is Yamaha, the fabled SG and Pacifica are fantastic. The short lived EG series were also fabulous. I'll reach for my Yamaha whenever i get a call to arm.
My buddy has a Yamaha RG series guitar that I borrowed, gigged and recorded with for over a year. Great guitar, even had a height adjustable locking nut. All Floyd Nuts should be made that way now. Instead you have to grind down the underside or shim them up, PITA!
I bought a Mexican standard in 2000 for $389. Three years later bought an American Deluxe fat strat, optioned out with ash body and locking fender trem, and that was $1300. I can’t wrap my head around a Mexican strat that costs almost as much as my American top of the line strat Ernie Ball strings are still about $5 a pack🎉
Someone described the effect of the CNC machine to me one time that made a lot of sense: a defect in a hand-made guitar that would pass QC and be sent to the customer would be a defect that lands a CNC guitar in the burn pile, because of the difference in labor costs between the two.
@@LukeMosse I bought just a neck for $500 albeit top of the line. Idk what 350 guitar youre finding But its prob not super great. not that you really need a good guitar. guitar actually doesn't matter much. how its set up, the parts and all that is important
The math in your video is inaccurate and misleading. In 2002 (as far back as I remember), the Fender Standard Stratocaster was $499. In 2023, the equivalent guitar is $849. $499 in 2002 literally equals $838 in 2023, inflated. If you account for inflation, they've increased the price by ~$11, or 1.3%. The only difference in argument is that they removed the gig bag but the last thing I need is another dust cover. Now quality is certainly subjective, but in my experience, the Fender Player Stratocaster absolutely destroys those old Fender Standards - it's not even a contest. Just having good AlNiCo pickups over those awful ceramic pickups is worth $50 alone. Essentially the same math can be applied to American Pro II which I believe was $999 in 2002 and is now $1699, and when adjusted for inflation is a ~$9 increase, or ~0.5% increase.
Craigslist and Offerup listings in my area near Phoenix AZ have player series MIM Fender Strats and teles for like $400 to $500. These are perfect mid-range guitars that are also upgradeable in future with custom parts.
I remember in 2017 I bought a used LP studio and a brand new Mexican strat for like $1500. I traded them for an EJ strat and a vox ac4 (maybe unwisely, I love the EJ tho), but man was that a value proposition, the two main guitar tones you need off a couple summer break paychecks. Really kicking myself over that LP, it was phenomenal but I let it go because I didn’t think I could get good tone out of it at the time.
I have a couple of friends that work for Fender USA but they have low profile office jobs. Both told me that they overheard conversations many times that the long term goal for Fender was to only have the Custom Shop in the U.S. They said the first conscious move with that was when the Mexican Offsets came out. The quality of materials and quality control was pumped up and they took a smaller margin of profit on them. In short Fender is not making spontaneous changes it is all a long term and well thought out plan. Eventually some guitarist will make a breakthru record using a Squeir and pulling off closing Fender USA manufacture will be a given.
ESP has really gotten crazy. They are absolutely one of the companies that has gotten rid of the middle cost guitar, and with all the high prices, these guitars do NOT come with a case or a gig bag.
Esp/e-ii all come with cases. I'm guessing you're referring to ltd. 10 years ago you could get an esp standard series mij for 2300-2600 aud, now the ltd 1000 series costs more than that unless they're on sale, insane. I'm glad I snatched up a bunch of esp's before COVID hit
Although that being said the specs have also improved, fishman fluency and stainless steel frets are now standard on 1000 series for the most part, is it worth the price hike? It depends I guess, but they're definitely not affordable like they used to be
With regards to what yall were saying about younger bands playing predominantly fenders over gibsons, I was just having having a discussion with my friend about this. It was just an observation we both made independently of each other and were laughing about. We both predominantly play les pauls, but to be completely honest, the new offer offerings from fender are definitely more interesting and feel more fresh. Even like the squire paranomal stuff looks really cool and at a price point where yea i would consider buying a 12 string jaguar just because its so quirky. Gibson on the other hand seem to be all about how many different Slash models they can release. Like a Slash firebire, or even a dave mustaine flying V are just an insulting money grab. I think i tried to do the math once and counted something like 27 different slash signature guitars over like the last 20 years.
I remember when the exchange rate was bad in my country, artificially low to boost foreign investment. fender american standard strats were USD800 over there and our offical fender middleman doubled the prices. The didnt want grey imports, but it was cheaper to fly over and bring one back in your luggage.
My Fender Custom FMT HH is now far less affordable than it once was. It's an absolute beast of a guitar, with a 59' humbucker and a modern Pearly Gates; with single tap mode as well. I paid $600 for it, which was a steal even at the time. Now it's $1K+ for new models. One of the more affordable Telecasters, a genuine mid range one compared to the standards people were dropping money on, is about the same price as their more high range guitars...
When I read the title, I thought the video was about the fact that all guitars have a mid-scoop tone and that they do not have any mids anymore. I am happy that there are just talking about guitars no longer being mid priced anymore. It feels like we dodged a big bullet here! 😁
In 1995 a 6-pack of cottonelle toilet paper was $1.50, today it’s $7.00. List price on a Fender American Standard Strat was $900, I remember the real price was more like $700. Compared to toilet paper an American Standard Strat should be at least $2,800 now. I’m more upset about the price of toilet paper!
Direct from Fender, that new 12-string Jazzmaster was $400. I figure I'll beef up the bridge pup, maybe upgrade the nut, route out needed space in the cavity and install a rhythm circuit wired like the JM Am Pro II (series/parallel config). Since it has no trem or bridge issues to deal with, just leave that at is. Might end up being a bit of a beast depending on which pickups I end up with. From $400 to ?
I remember when classic vibes were $250, plus they had alder bodies and rosewood fretboards, something only available in the USA lines now. Less for more now.
I paid $350 each ,tops, for my late 90's Mexican strats. And spent way more for upgrades. I suppose buying new costs about the same as upgrading a Mexican strat in comparison. Though there's magic woodland elf dust in the 95-99 Mexican strats.
Addiction - Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person's life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive behavior.
I bought my first electric in 1980 for about $250 give or take. It was a 1972 Fender American Standard. I was going to college and landscaping as a summer job making $4 an hour so after taxes it took me about three paychecks to be able to save enough money to get it. It was a great guitar. I truly wish I still had it. It was not an entry-level guitar, I gigged with it for the next 10 years. IDK if a young person who is working a summer job could get that level of Guitar in that same timeframe. I hope I’m wrong.
I’d think a student would have to consider saving all summer and even then I’d think it’d be difficult to buy an expensive guitar while also having to pay for tuition, books etc.
@@whiskybravo4648 I don’t think a person would have to save all summer to be able to do, but they would definitely have to sacrifice other wants. Even with a low paying part time job most people would make $175-200 a week. The original commenter bought an 8 year old guitar. It is still possible to find used American made Fenders for under $1000 used. The fact that we have far more choices today really opens up the possibility of getting something comparable for considerably less than $1,000 if a person isn’t focused on it being American made.
Guess I'm bucking the trend. Bought a new guitar a few months ago, a Squier Bullet strat that was on deal. Bought it because I liked the color. After a few mods it's one of my fav guitars and it's definitely the cheapest. The more they raise prices the more cool it is to grab a cheap guitar and play the hell out of it.
I just learned you and I have very different definition of mid-range because even if I limit the guitars to the $500-750 range, there are a ton of guitars that are genuinely solid value
Bought my first guitar about a month ago did a lot of research looking at reviews and different options and saw for my price range around 500 that is a sterling cutlass CT 50 was probably the best bang for the buck that I can find locally. I really enjoy it everyone I’ve shown it to was surprised at home how much quality it had versus the price.
I recently scored a slightly used 2003 Fender Fat Strat with case and a beautiful caramelized neck/large headstock for $380.00. Not long before that a Gibson Tribute for $500.00. So yes, the new mid range prices are going away but used they can be found gently used. Retail prices for everything are getting stupid high.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the LP Tribute is one of the best deals there is in the game right now! They’re fantastic instruments made in the USA for what I would consider “mid-range” price.
I like how these guys are talking about some of these guitars, I agree with more of this than I thought I would. I do think thr midrange prices are coming down some. It's getting easier to find MIM Fenders on sale for hundred or more off...
I have guitars ranging from a Rogue to three Gretsches, PRS, Zematis, et al. Some of those instruments were obtained by buying a lower priced guitar, caring for it, and trading up later. If the mid-range guitar goes out then it seems getting a better instrument will get more expensive and difficult for younger players. I don't know if that's a good thing for the industry. I NEVER buy from the manufacturer. That puts people out of business and you pay the same price without the service.
A 350 dollar sterling by music man is an amazing deal. I have one and love almost everything about it. Needs a little fretwork but that's about it. One single high fret is it's only problem. Fix is easy peasy.
@@robertromero5930 bro, the sterling series is one of the best bangs for the buck. The only one I'd say is better is schecter, but those are a good deal more expensive.
My first guitar I bought, a bc Rich warlock in ‘86 or ‘87 was $300; made in Korea. My last guitar this year was an LSL strat made by ‘hand’ in California; which my local store had on clearance during their once a year sale..$2,000 out the door. Retail new 2,850
I found a great MIJ that's affordable. It's FGN made by the legendary Fujigen factory. New cost around USD800 and used from USD300. But I lived in Malaysia and they are sold here. On a lucky day I can get used ones from Japan around USD250+USD100 for shipping & tax.
I bought a Les Paul Classic 3 years ago for $1,999.00 and now it sells for $2,499.00. That's crazy. They blame everything on Covid and get away with it.
Apparently TH-cam doesn’t allow people to explain how inflation occurs after the government prints trillions of dollars without producing anything to back those dollars up. It’s not just guitars going up, there are price increases across the board in every sector of the economy. Your ire with guitar manufacturers is misplaced. You should be upset with incompetent and corrupt politicians and federal reserve chairman.
The Fender JV series is a pretty damned good mid priced guitar...cheaper than some US Fenders and better build quality...that said its certainly driving the price up on the used market - especially for Custom Shop. Great vid again!
My first “nice” electric was an Ovation Breadwinner. It was $495 and I bought an amp for $500. A Strat back then cost $375 and included a hard case. That was in the mid 1970s. Sad.
Imo where unobtainium lies for most companies in that midrange has become the absolute pinnacle for others..ex.).. Epiphone and squier now absolutely own that 500-1000 range
Player Teles and Strats have jumped in price in the last few months alone; over here they're getting close to £700 (you could get the double humbucker Player Tele for about £550 a few months ago). Are they more costly to produce or is it down to the perception among some musicians that they're just as good as an American (non-custom) Fender?
Love my old Mexican Strats, early 90's guitars. Bought new for less than $400. Next in line, 73 Electra Custom, LP style, no not the ones with the modules. Bought for less than $300. Style play these guitars and love them.
You should do a show on when a player deserves a high end guitar. I see high end owners being snobby and low end owners justifying. How about will just play what we have chosen and strive to be better? I’m thankful to have really nice guitars even if my playing skills don’t meet what one thinks I should be able to do with high ends. I’m also aware that the guitar doesn’t make the player. The player makes the player.
I've wanted to get a Tony Franklin p bass for a few years , it started $1749 now it's $2299 same bass 2 years later. I'll never buy one if its a secondary instrument. Also I want a SG bass first couple I tried $1499 was too much for a one trick pony bass , recently some were $1799 . Now the just went up to $1999. Crazy
American Performer is the US baseline at $1399. I can feel a difference in neck carve/finishing (among other things) over a MIM Player, which start at $849. $550 of difference? I think so, but YMMV. As someone else mentioned, if Fender brought in the standard MIJ models instead of just special editions, their line would have a new model every $50 or so up the chain in the $800-1800 range. SKU bloat. I do love a MIJ TL-62, though. Inflation sucks.
I have an SE 24 08 and its awsome. It may be an entry level PRS but its no entry level GUITAR, thats for sure. It looks plays and sounds beautiful. Its ONLY draw back is that its big brothers are so much more beautiful! My dream used to be a Fender custom shop, it still is, but now the drean is a private stock, or wood library PRS. I would, however, settle for an old Carvin from the 80s. One of the beautiful catalog examples would be nice.
For me a midrange instrument is somewhere between $1500 and $2500. Cheap guitars are under $1k and expensive is $5k and up. Most of my guitars are custom made and are worth about $1200-$1500 and I would consider them fairly high end compared to what's available on the market today for the same price.
Well the guitar boom is basically over so u can get good deals on used guitars. I went into a local used gear shop and they had 5x the guitars and amps ive ever seen them have and they told me yeah “all the people that bought guitar stuff during covid are selling it now”
Midrange guitars aren’t dead, they’re just $500 more now 😢
Everything has gone up 25% it’s not just guitars. Have you been to a grocery store?
@@smelltheglove2038 yes but I didn’t feel the cost of eggs was relevant to this conversation ;)
@@stug5041 when talking price increases in one sector while ignoring all the prices increases across the board is looking at the situation incompletely. The conversation always leads to “greedy guitar manufacturers”. Meanwhile, everything is up. It’s all based on the oil prices, so everything is effected. Everything needs to be shipped, raw materials, to finished products, that’s the root of the increase. That’s the point I was making.
@@smelltheglove2038not to mention the value of the dollar continues to drop.
Not dead but I just can't find a Sire H7 in stock because they're sold out everywhere
Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez and some others are becoming the midrange now. The low end is being taken over by Amazon brands like IYV, Firefly, Donner and so forth. The good thing is that even most of the super cheap guitars are relatively decent.
That has definitely not been my experience with multiple Firefly and Ivy guitars.
Epiphone and Squier are doing cool stuff. The Amazon brands aren't worth the money unless you want a prop to hang behind you in youtube videos. Just get a used Epi or Squier.
@@TOBORtheMighty I do some guitar tech work as a side gig so I have to skills, parts and tools to correct the usually small issues on these guitars. I don't recommend them for beginners though, especially if they don't have anyone to help them with a setup and such.
Good call. Seems to be the situation .
@@jfrankcarrThat makes sense. I can do basic setup and soldering, but if they need a real tech/luthier (and often do) it kills any "savings" on the cheap guitars.
Compared to the beginner guitars that were available in the 70's these are gold. I'm not talking about the guitars that are going for stupid, and I do mean stupid, money I mean these were guitars that were slightly better than firewood/driftwood. With names like Tiger and Lotus you would find hanging in a record store over the bongs.
The downside is that there may be less "mid-range" guitars ... the good news is the "cheap" ones area actually pretty good now (compared to the crap cheap guitars we had to put up with in the 80s and 90s).
I've modded my Classic Vibe Jazzmaster and love how it plays and sounds, but I also like how "Squire" on the headstock flips off the purists!
I've made more money gigging with a Squier Standard Precision Bass over the years than with all my other basses combined.
If you look back at the first Stratocaster’s pricing and adjust for inflation. They were roughly the same price as a Fender Custom Shop today.
The entry level stuff we have available now is certainly a blessing.
If it weren’t for the polyurethane/polyester finish and a few other odds and ends a Classic Vibe would be greatly on par with a pre cbs guitar with only a handful of upgrades.
Certainly they are more consistent thanks to CNC machines. The majority of a guitar’s final quality comes from the hand finishing. It would just be a matter of putting some time into it.
Not that Cort does a bad job in any way. They’re currently as good as 80s Japan… Fender only has them finish to a certain price point.
In 1928, Maybell Carter bought Gibson L-5 because it was the loudest guitar made at the time. It was Gibson's top of the line and cost $275.00, pretty much all of the money the family had. She played that guitar throughout her very long career, and it now sits in the Country Music Hall of Fame. That guitar would cost $4900 today. I started playing in 1965 on a rented acoustic. I don't remember what brand it was, probably a Kay, but it was horrible to play. After three years, my father realized I wasn't going to quit and offered to buy me my own guitar. What I really wanted was a Gibson 335, $455 then, $4,000 now, and that was before the amp. I settled for a Supro Folkstar, a fiberglass bodied resonator, $125 then about $900 now. I sold that to buy a bottom of the line Ovation Balladeer, $325 in 1974, $2,000 now.
My point is: you cannot look a the prices you remember and not translate them into todays inflated prices. Midrange guitars have always been $1.000. Through the miracle of offshore manufacturing with very low costs, we have been blessed with fairly high quality budget guitars. Apparently those days are over.
Great points that put it all into perspective.
Gold star. Great comment.
Fellahs! EXCELENTE episode!
As a geezer may I humbly suggest a thought or two to the younger set:
Once you have achieved “instrument ownership”…
1. If and when possible learn how to adjust the “settings” on your instrument, and the principles behind them - on of course “consumer may adjust” components. (Leave anything to do with files to grownups!) How intonation is related to string length etc. The mysteries of the truss rod. (NEVER go further than a quarter turn at a time. There are horror stories out there.)
2. LEARN TO SOLDER! There is no greater joy than bringing life back to a cable that was previously a Tourette’s generating device! Also, look into some of the inexpensive pedal kits that are available. Josh of JHS fame recently did a fantastic vid wherein he constructed a fuzz from a kit in a little over an hour. In this time he made a couple of mistakes, did some troubleshooting and explained his thought process thru the whole deal. Priceless!
Find a luthier/twang mechanic. (AKA “Grown up” that understands how files work and do mystical things like turn critter parts into something called a “bone nut” that will make folk cringes less when that instrument is played.) These people can also rescue you and your instrument when you have gotten out “over your ⛷️’s”
This brings me to what inspired me to blather about today’s topic and how I’ve routed around some of those issues.
As a geezer, I recall an era where a Les Paul standard could be purchased for a 3 figure sum. Same goes for “Amurican” Fenders. I still have some. But, I rarely schlep them into a club and, I NEVER leave an instrument in a vehicle. Here’s the path to my workaround which involves ALL things I just mentioned regarding being priced out of a useful tool to make a living with.
It started with playing a Squire Mascis Jazzmaster. I was shocked at how fantastic the jumbo fretted neck was. But, the tune-o-matic bridge didn’t seem to share the 9.5 radius of the neck. Also the vibrato was some sort of pot metal fever dream but, the bones of greatness were there. I was able to find one for a little over 300 clams. (Here’s where the grownup part comes in.) My basic idea was fix the bridge vibrato issue and go from there. I dropped the bread on the Mastery stuff. (Luthier pal and I extracted the studs the tune-o-matic had used. Then, used his drill press to drill then fill with dowels. - this could’ve been done with a hand drill but was WAY easier and accurate with the press. Then, Re drilled for the Mastery thimbles.
It TOTALLY transformed the thing into a precious treasure. I played it like that for a few years then finally put Fralin noiseless critters in there.
Sure “acts” custom shop.
The other option:
I’ve owned an all mahogany DGT since before there was such a thing as the “core” designation. It’s about a 9 pounder. That’s not too bad but, in a recent re-location I jacked up my back and had to find a lighter “humbucker solution”. (HUGE fan of Paulonia guitars now!) I was able to score a PRS SE Custom 22 semi hollow that barely makes it to 7lbs. Sadly this was just before DGT SE dropped. Not that big a fan of the wide/thin neck but, it sounds incredible and plays great.
So, when the gold ones with Moons return, I’ll have a reason to drive thru the gorge and cross the state for an in person shit talkin with the fine folk at Casino Guitars.
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.
Like some, I have too many guitars. So the constant increase in prices has cured me of buying more.
I still have Guitar magazines from 1988/89 where a Les Paul Standard was £600 and an American Strat under £500. That said, my Gretsch 5622T which cost me £499 recently is a phenomenal guitar, so there are still great giggable guitars to be had at low to mid-price, just not with Fender or Gibson
£600 in 1989 works out to over £1,500 today, though. While that's a little lower than the £2kish standard LPs go for now, that still places them very much in the 'high-end' at the time IMO. The £499 for a Gretsch today would be £200ish in 1989.
@@voidguitar This is very true, and my first job around then, I was getting £2.40 an hour! Japanese Strats could be had a for a decent price then too. My point really was that outside of Gibson, PRS and Fender there are plenty of other btrands (like Grestch) still hitting that Mid-point with an iconic brand name and making excellent guitars.
Glad you enjoy your Streamliner (Just assuming from the price that you paid). Purchased a Electromatic Jet with a Bigsby for 699.99 and it was the least expensive guitar that I have ever owned and was a total shit show. The tuners are from the bottom of a Chinese basement with a plastic nut to match, and the input jack (If you can even give it credit to call it one) was so bad that just going from a sitting position to a standing one the cable would just fall out. Took it apart to see what was going on and it is the very definition of cheap trash and the master volume pot had zero sweep at all as it was just on or off. If you used the Bigsby the damn bridge will wiggle with it LOL. I did enjoy the sound of the pickups though but sent that POS back as it was riddled with problems. In my one example you do get what you pay for, and I will never do it again.
@@shane011471 Mine is an Electromatic 5622T, which I got used. It’s an excellent guitar, plays really well. The electronics are a weak point (changed out the switch) but pots etc cost next to nothing. The fretwork and set up were spot on.
I got a Mexican-made Strat AND Tele. If I remember right, I spent $429 for the Strat and $499 for the Tele a few years later. I love them, they play great. I did finally update the pickups in the Strat to some Seymour Duncan SSL's and the thing sounds fantastic.
And you can probably sell them today for more than you paid for them, thanks to Fender constantly jacking their prices up.
As a young player 50 years ago, getting a new Ibanez for $200 or less was usually our option over the $350 - $700 Fenders and Gibson. I love the Powers Electric behind you, hoping to get one from my local shop soon. Thinking out loud, you should discuss the boutique builders that go to work for the big brands, and the builders that work for the big brands that venture out and start their own boutique brand. (E.g. Ron Thorn, Andy Powers, etc)
You know what else I'm noticing a lot recently? The pro touring musicians who are playing Fender or Gibson clones. That Telecaster you see Kenny Vaughan or Guthrie Trapp playing isn't a Fender, it's a clone made by a custom builder. That in itself tells me that the big brands are going off the rails, losing the cachet they used to have with musicians.
I was playing my PRS SE custom 24 two days ago. I forgot how good it was! It stacks up really well to my (much) more $$ guitars.
I love how the original reaction is almost as if the Standard like was a long time ago, when it was like 2017 they discontinued it. Everything has gone up several hundred in just about 6 years
I think I paid around $375 for both of my MIM Strats back in the early 90s. Times have changed.
Wow, I was selling Mexi Strats and Tele’s for 299 (solid colors, sunburst just over 300) all day long in the mid-late 90’s. I don’t think you got a very good deal.
seen as today that would be 748
not really changed that much
Been buying and selling lefties for many years...finally have my own Guitar Center in my house with my favorite 20+ lefties...Gibsons, Fender, G&L, PRS, Rev, Eastman, B&G's....etc...and what I play most by far is the new Squier CV50s with Lindy Fralin Blues Specials. LOVE that thing!!
I’m gonna share one more time and I’m done I promise. 91 to 05 mim strats and teles are some of my favorite guitars. Hands down it was called a standard a lot where high quality wood. I have managed to buy 2 at this point. But absolutely love them. Are the pickups crap? Absolutely but that can be fixed. Surprisingly enough both of mine are special edition nitro guitars. Which I think is cool. Both guitars where bought In a local pawn shop for under 500 bucks. I got my black face bassman at the same pawn shop for 450. Deals can still be found. You just have to search.
Back in 2002, my first electric guitar was a 400 dollar mim strat. Was just thinking of that price doubling the other day.
Although, back then nobody wanted a Squier and today I keep hearing a lot of people happy with them.
I have MIM Fenders from the early 90's and the early 2000's, and I'm here to tell you, the Squire Classic Vibe guitars and basses on the rack today are better than those MIM Fenders in every way. The Asian manufacturers have more than caught up with their Mexican counterparts.
I was skeptical of Epiphone when I was younger, but man, their Les Paul Prophecy is literally the best guitar I have ever owned.
I’ve got a squier jazzmaster that is the best one I’ve ever played
I still play the Squire I bought back in 2001. I dropped it and it broke down the middle. I had to glue it back together and I modded it, but I still play it.
Baxter is having a good hair day, it doesn't look like he shocked himself fooling with and amp.
I think Squier Classic Vibes are awesome. Bought a Tele custom and upgraded pickups and pots and will gig w it Sunday. Having written that my #1 is a Jimmy Vaughan custom strat and my #2 is a Gibson 9r quilt top. I bought both of those for less than half retail by purchasing used guitars. The market dictates used guitar prices and this summer (2023) used prices are coming way down. Great video thanks guys
Fender prices have gone up, quality control and wood quality, down. Disagree with the American Vintage 2. Picked up a few in shops and all had QC issues. I’m looking to the used market now. Best value are the old American standards pre 2017.
My first guitar was in 1991, an American Standard Stratocaster, $500. Still own it, great guitar! 👍
I bought an American Standard for 600 in '92. MSRP was 899 on those. Adjust for inflation, and it would be a 1799 guitar now. That 500 in '91 would be over a grand now.
A new Gibson 335 was over 2 grand in '91. That would be 4 grand today.
Guitars have always been expensive. The midrange in '90 would have been a Japanese Strat (which was a pretty good guitar!). They were about 400.00. So a little over 800 now.
theres a video on youtube where the dude shows that the guitar doesn't affect the sound. he put the strings on a piece of wood or something and got a sound as good as an expensive guitar. the video is called Tested: Where Does The Tone Come From In An Electric Guitar?
Kinda agree, but a good neck makes most of difference
Y'all need to revisit this conversation after you set your standards for low, to middle, to high-end. Some people think anything below $900 is low.
On another point. The quality of lower price guitars have come a long way. A $200-300 guitar today will often be far better quality than 80s and 90s. With few exceptions. Those were brand new import lines from brands like Hamer and BC Rich. Those factories wanted to keep those contracts and put their best foot forward. Few kept qc on point after the first couple years.
I’m finally getting out of the cheapest-possible guitar-hopping phase and these videos really are helpful for putting a face on guitar shops and easing into the idea of spending the above entry level money on a keeper guitar
I recently bought a MIM Tele for $500 at Guitar Center, I would consider that mid-range. Pro level materials and decent construction,, quality sound and playability. After that it's bling.
I still have my MIM Standard I bought back in '99, I paid $299 for it and I can't believe the price increase over the years.
For the longest time I thought I just didn't like Strats. I had an '02 USA Made standard that I picked up for a great price in an estate sale but I just never really fell in love. I ended up selling it and playing different strats in the $800 to $1700 price range for about a year and I just never found one I liked. Then I picked up some custom shop strats and ultimately bought one at Gruhn when I was in Nashville. It's my favorite guitar now. So man... what a difference custom shop actually makes. I"m curious about Classic Vibe's but I can't image it gets that close to what I now have. I had a little different experience with Gibson. I played a bunch of Les Pauls there when they still had a showroom and I really loved all of them in that $2000ish price range. Any of them would have been great but I couldn't afford it at the time.. This last year I picked up an R8 from Walt Grace after falling in love with it in their showroom. I'd have gone back to Wildwood for a cheaper Les Paul if their showroom still existed but I was on a trip to Miami so Walt Grace it was. Overall, I'd say that Gibson's midrange guitars are better than Fender's but Fender's Custom Shop is better than Gibsons. Pretty subjective obviously, but that was just my experience. I do really love both my fancy pants guitars though.
It seems like Fender is going the way of LTD/ESP. LTD is the budget line, E-II is their main production line, snd ESP is the big daddy custom shop
The Standard Tele was MIM and became the MIM Player. Those are now $1170 in Canada (~880 US). I paid about $535 US for my 2015 Standard and $945 for my 2019 Vintera '50s Tele, also MIM.
All of my guitars were bought 2014 to present and are entry or mid level, some used, good deals on some of them. Most below $1000 US, some below $450.
I bought an NOS 2019 ES-235 in 2022 and happily paid the Canadian list price, about $1650 US. It's my most expensive guitar.
I will pay list if I want something bad enough, but I don't mind used. My used 2022 Junior cost me $1125 US, a terrific deal in Canada. I consider it mid-range guitar.
i have a traditional. love it. last week i got a epiphone classiic with i think...paf's. i'm happy with playing that out...
In '87 I bought a back-up for my '65 Strat. It was a '57RI Strat and brand new it was $700. The Corona plant was just getting up and running and I swear this guitar was built by hand. It was a 2-tone sun burst beauty that was stolen after a gig at a place called the Crazy Horse Bar. I lost it and a MIJ Tele Custom, but I got to keep my Princeton Reverb and the '65 that stayed home under the bed. But as they say, the memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Have a safe and happy fourth everybody. And if you light a firecracker, Let go of it!!!
An easy way to acquire quality is to buy new (or almost new) with discernment, before stock has run out and hype has built up around a particular model. I own a pretty new Tele that I only expect to get better with age.
It was fun while it lasted, buying and selling high end guitars. Now the prices are insane! Had I known, maybe I’d kept the R6 and the Collings 290. Anyway, I’m settled with two Gibson SG standards, a white 1995 Gibson Flying V, a Maybach Albatroz 65, two Schecter Elites, and three Fender MiMs (strat, tele and Duo Sonic).
Duo Sonics are underrated! Glad you grabbed one before they were $700.
Quality control has improved dramatically over the years so it doesn’t bother most people when they buy a guitar built in Asia. The Larry Carlton and Harley Benton guitars are also worth a mention as great entry level/midrange guitars.
I love that Squier's made a complete comeback in recent years. The one humbucker strats that they made absolutely won over the metal fans and the Stratosonic is a super neat gibson type guitar. I got a classic vibe thinline as my first electric guitar last year and I love it to death.
I hope Epiphone can grow as well as Squier, because if they can make more affordable versions of gibsons that aren't in stock or even created yet I think they can go crazy. I can't wait for the epiphone Dave Grohl ES guitar.
My first guitar was a '99 Fender American Standard Stratocaster. $700 at Guitar Center in East Brunswick, NJ.🤷♂️
I still refer to the pro 2 as the Standard. I found that everything below that model cuts corners .. Still have a distrust for overseas guitars.
Prices are up you know what’s not up? Sales.
2006 I worked at Krazy als mega music in Cornelia ga. Mim strats started at 399!!!!!!! A gibson studio was around 700. This was back in the fender bucks days.
The old man back In my day!!!! Lol
Sadly, the higher cost of guitars will probably prevent younger people from seeing music and making it as an obtainable goal. Being a 55 year old I have watched as the costs have rocketed. And it breaks my heart. When I was 16/17 years old, I was able to acquire a 1960s Fender Mustang bass in sunburst. Could probably never afford one now. I know the manufacturers need to make money, but I hope they are listening.
Schecter's doing some good stuff in the under $1k market. Hopefully that'll help some. And hopefully people will see they don't need a Fender or Gibson.
I have a 2006 MIM Telecaster, it has always been my go to until I picked up my PRS se Custom 22. As long as you play everyday, and enjoy a guitar... that is what counts. I DO want to get a Fender Custom SHop from you though, and it will be this year.
If anything, the price hikes have made looking for chopper-or player’s-grade vintage guitars a viable option. It’s really hard to stomach paying over $3k for a “Standard” model, especially if you’re not a major touring outfit where bringing large road cases is feasible and access to your instruments is limited. I love Gibsons, but their high cost and relative fragility explains with bolt-on neck guitars are dominating working musicians’ arsenals.
People should check out G&L Tribute range for a quality mid range guitar. Sensational guitars, you will struggle to beat their price / performance imo.
Usually there are 2 main types of guitar players. Gibson and Fender. I'm a two type guitar fan boy. Gibson and P.R.S.
Thank goodness I have held on to an 80s Les Paul which was expensive even then but somewhat obtainable. I tried a P.R.S.se the cheaper model. I fell in love with it. I was very fortunate for that I found it in mint shape and bought it for 300.00. I mean perfect shape, and it's probably my number one guitar, that and my old L.P.
Thank the guitar lords above that Epiphone has stepped there game up tremendously, because now owning a U.S.A. built guitar is quite expensive.
I bought a new E.S. 339 inspired by Gibson. I believe it was 549.00 . It has c.t.s. pots, maple body, it hard to tell the difference with a blindfold test unless your a professional. It plays great, I did put a roller tone pro bridge on it. No complaints. The P.R.S. is really awesome, didn't have to touch the set up, plays like butter. It kills me that I can't justify buying strictly U.S.A. but the prices are crazy. Thank
you Epiphone and P.R.S.se for making a really good guitar.
But now they are climbing up there. That's OK because I have all I need, just feel bad for younger players where money is tight. Not to mention the prices of gear. I guess the moral of the story is the guitars have gotten so much better (the over sea ones) but there's nothing like playing and looking at a U.S.A. Gibson headstock. I imagine it's the same for you Fender players.
Great show guys.
Squire Paranormal series. I play bass, and my Squire Paranormal '70's style P-Bass cost me around $450. It's one of the best basses I own, and it's the least expensive one. The quality and sound are there. Do I need to see Fender on the headstock? Nope. It's an entry level priced instrument that I would not and do not hesitate to gig or go in the recording studio with, I'd say it's easily comparable to a bass that costs $900. If I wanted to upgrade the pickup, I guess I could, but why?
Gretsch still does mid range well and even their budget models are better than a lot of brands' high end stuff. It's weird that they always get overlooked, especially when the anniversary model is in the center of the wall in this video!
In 2020, I bought my pandemic guitar: a GC Player Plus Strat in blue burst. It was $599.99. Currently, it's $909 marked down to $719. While I love the guitar, if I were going to get a MIM Strat and it were $909, I'd be more inclined to splurge and get an MIJ Aerodyne ($1299) or an Am Pro II ($1699). Though the Player Plus really is the prettiest of those, the Am Pro II Miami Blue is *gorgeous*.
Love my Epiphone 335
Love my MiM Strat
Wish I still had my 83 MiJ Strat ❤
PRS SE lineup absolutely rules the mid level. Just a notch below is Squier. My personal choice is Yamaha, the fabled SG and Pacifica are fantastic. The short lived EG series were also fabulous. I'll reach for my Yamaha whenever i get a call to arm.
My buddy has a Yamaha RG series guitar that I borrowed, gigged and recorded with for over a year.
Great guitar, even had a height adjustable locking nut. All Floyd Nuts should be made that way now. Instead you have to grind down the underside or shim them up, PITA!
I bought a Mexican standard in 2000 for $389. Three years later bought an American Deluxe fat strat, optioned out with ash body and locking fender trem, and that was $1300.
I can’t wrap my head around a Mexican strat that costs almost as much as my American top of the line strat
Ernie Ball strings are still about $5 a pack🎉
The majority of the fender price increases have come in the last couple years. I'm not paying 1k for MIM strat. Their costs haven't gone up that much.
I remember paying $500 for a Brand New Mexican Standard Strat about 10 years ago.
Good times.
Same, my mim tele was ~$400 in 2013
The guitars we bought back in the 70s for $200 are $1000 now but the quality is better for the most part. The CNC machine changed a lot of things.
Someone described the effect of the CNC machine to me one time that made a lot of sense: a defect in a hand-made guitar that would pass QC and be sent to the customer would be a defect that lands a CNC guitar in the burn pile, because of the difference in labor costs between the two.
@@LukeMosse I bought just a neck for $500 albeit top of the line. Idk what 350 guitar youre finding But its prob not super great. not that you really need a good guitar. guitar actually doesn't matter much. how its set up, the parts and all that is important
The math in your video is inaccurate and misleading.
In 2002 (as far back as I remember), the Fender Standard Stratocaster was $499. In 2023, the equivalent guitar is $849. $499 in 2002 literally equals $838 in 2023, inflated. If you account for inflation, they've increased the price by ~$11, or 1.3%. The only difference in argument is that they removed the gig bag but the last thing I need is another dust cover. Now quality is certainly subjective, but in my experience, the Fender Player Stratocaster absolutely destroys those old Fender Standards - it's not even a contest. Just having good AlNiCo pickups over those awful ceramic pickups is worth $50 alone.
Essentially the same math can be applied to American Pro II which I believe was $999 in 2002 and is now $1699, and when adjusted for inflation is a ~$9 increase, or ~0.5% increase.
Craigslist and Offerup listings in my area near Phoenix AZ have player series MIM Fender Strats and teles for like $400 to $500. These are perfect mid-range guitars that are also upgradeable in future with custom parts.
I remember in 2017 I bought a used LP studio and a brand new Mexican strat for like $1500. I traded them for an EJ strat and a vox ac4 (maybe unwisely, I love the EJ tho), but man was that a value proposition, the two main guitar tones you need off a couple summer break paychecks. Really kicking myself over that LP, it was phenomenal but I let it go because I didn’t think I could get good tone out of it at the time.
I have a couple of friends that work for Fender USA but they have low profile office jobs. Both told me that they overheard conversations many times that the long term goal for Fender was to only have the Custom Shop in the U.S. They said the first conscious move with that was when the Mexican Offsets came out. The quality of materials and quality control was pumped up and they took a smaller margin of profit on them. In short Fender is not making spontaneous changes it is all a long term and well thought out plan. Eventually some guitarist will make a breakthru record using a Squeir and pulling off closing Fender USA manufacture will be a given.
It will take a long time, but they are slowly moving the signature models to be MIM.
Makes sense. The guy running Fender now, though he plays, came from marketing at Disney. And sadly, marketing runs the world now.
ESP has really gotten crazy. They are absolutely one of the companies that has gotten rid of the middle cost guitar, and with all the high prices, these guitars do NOT come with a case or a gig bag.
At least a Gibson comes with a case.
Esp/e-ii all come with cases. I'm guessing you're referring to ltd. 10 years ago you could get an esp standard series mij for 2300-2600 aud, now the ltd 1000 series costs more than that unless they're on sale, insane. I'm glad I snatched up a bunch of esp's before COVID hit
Although that being said the specs have also improved, fishman fluency and stainless steel frets are now standard on 1000 series for the most part, is it worth the price hike? It depends I guess, but they're definitely not affordable like they used to be
I just feel that if a guitar costs $1200 or more it should at least come with a gig bag.
With regards to what yall were saying about younger bands playing predominantly fenders over gibsons, I was just having having a discussion with my friend about this. It was just an observation we both made independently of each other and were laughing about. We both predominantly play les pauls, but to be completely honest, the new offer offerings from fender are definitely more interesting and feel more fresh. Even like the squire paranomal stuff looks really cool and at a price point where yea i would consider buying a 12 string jaguar just because its so quirky. Gibson on the other hand seem to be all about how many different Slash models they can release. Like a Slash firebire, or even a dave mustaine flying V are just an insulting money grab. I think i tried to do the math once and counted something like 27 different slash signature guitars over like the last 20 years.
I remember when the exchange rate was bad in my country, artificially low to boost foreign investment.
fender american standard strats were USD800 over there and our offical fender middleman doubled the prices. The didnt want grey imports, but it was cheaper to fly over and bring one back in your luggage.
My Fender Custom FMT HH is now far less affordable than it once was. It's an absolute beast of a guitar, with a 59' humbucker and a modern Pearly Gates; with single tap mode as well. I paid $600 for it, which was a steal even at the time. Now it's $1K+ for new models. One of the more affordable Telecasters, a genuine mid range one compared to the standards people were dropping money on, is about the same price as their more high range guitars...
I have almost given up with buying new guitars xD
I used to look at new guitars, nowadays I see prices and go "nope"
When I read the title, I thought the video was about the fact that all guitars have a mid-scoop tone and that they do not have any mids anymore. I am happy that there are just talking about guitars no longer being mid priced anymore. It feels like we dodged a big bullet here! 😁
In 1995 a 6-pack of cottonelle toilet paper was $1.50, today it’s $7.00. List price on a Fender American Standard Strat was $900, I remember the real price was more like $700. Compared to toilet paper an American Standard Strat should be at least $2,800 now. I’m more upset about the price of toilet paper!
I remember in the 90's you could get a Fender American Standard for $550.
dude -- I bought a 1969 Mustang back around 1985 for 110 bucks ... ! Still playing it to this day.
Direct from Fender, that new 12-string Jazzmaster was $400. I figure I'll beef up the bridge pup, maybe upgrade the nut, route out needed space in the cavity and install a rhythm circuit wired like the JM Am Pro II (series/parallel config). Since it has no trem or bridge issues to deal with, just leave that at is. Might end up being a bit of a beast depending on which pickups I end up with. From $400 to ?
The MIM Fender Player was €660 3 years ago. Now it’s €830! I just bought a mint used 2018 FSR Am Special Tele for the price of a new MIM!
I remember when classic vibes were $250, plus they had alder bodies and rosewood fretboards, something only available in the USA lines now. Less for more now.
I paid $350 each ,tops, for my late 90's Mexican strats. And spent way more for upgrades. I suppose buying new costs about the same as upgrading a Mexican strat in comparison. Though there's magic woodland elf dust in the 95-99 Mexican strats.
Addiction - Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person's life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive behavior.
I bought my first electric in 1980 for about $250 give or take. It was a 1972 Fender American Standard. I was going to college and landscaping as a summer job making $4 an hour so after taxes it took me about three paychecks to be able to save enough money to get it. It was a great guitar. I truly wish I still had it. It was not an entry-level guitar, I gigged with it for the next 10 years. IDK if a young person who is working a summer job could get that level of Guitar in that same timeframe. I hope I’m wrong.
I’d think a student would have to consider saving all summer and even then I’d think it’d be difficult to buy an expensive guitar while also having to pay for tuition, books etc.
Inflation calculator says $250 in 1980 =$922 today 2023.
@@whiskybravo4648
I don’t think a person would have to save all summer to be able to do, but they would definitely have to sacrifice other wants. Even with a low paying part time job most people would make $175-200 a week.
The original commenter bought an 8 year old guitar. It is still possible to find used American made Fenders for under $1000 used. The fact that we have far more choices today really opens up the possibility of getting something comparable for considerably less than $1,000 if a person isn’t focused on it being American made.
Guess I'm bucking the trend. Bought a new guitar a few months ago, a Squier Bullet strat that was on deal. Bought it because I liked the color. After a few mods it's one of my fav guitars and it's definitely the cheapest. The more they raise prices the more cool it is to grab a cheap guitar and play the hell out of it.
I just learned you and I have very different definition of mid-range because even if I limit the guitars to the $500-750 range, there are a ton of guitars that are genuinely solid value
My wife just bought a LsL strat at your shop and I'm loving it more and more I've owned a lot of guitars but this custom is far and above the rest
Lsl are Better than and custom shop I’ve played
Bought my first guitar about a month ago did a lot of research looking at reviews and different options and saw for my price range around 500 that is a sterling cutlass CT 50 was probably the best bang for the buck that I can find locally. I really enjoy it everyone I’ve shown it to was surprised at home how much quality it had versus the price.
I recently scored a slightly used 2003 Fender Fat Strat with case and a beautiful caramelized neck/large headstock for $380.00. Not long before that a Gibson Tribute for $500.00. So yes, the new mid range prices are going away but used they can be found gently used. Retail prices for everything are getting stupid high.
Yes, EVERYTHING!!!!
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the LP Tribute is one of the best deals there is in the game right now! They’re fantastic instruments made in the USA for what I would consider “mid-range” price.
@@smelltheglove2038
Mr. Smelltheglove,
My daughter purchased one recently. Great guitar.
100% there are great second hand guitars at a decent price. I’d rather buy vintage over new any day of the week
With the classic Vibe you can get a really good neck that has the truss rod adjustment in the correct place.
I like how these guys are talking about some of these guitars, I agree with more of this than I thought I would. I do think thr midrange prices are coming down some. It's getting easier to find MIM Fenders on sale for hundred or more off...
I have guitars ranging from a Rogue to three Gretsches, PRS, Zematis, et al. Some of those instruments were obtained by buying a lower priced guitar, caring for it, and trading up later. If the mid-range guitar goes out then it seems getting a better instrument will get more expensive and difficult for younger players. I don't know if that's a good thing for the industry. I NEVER buy from the manufacturer. That puts people out of business and you pay the same price without the service.
Unbelievable the prices floor me, but I am older and remember good ol days
That's strange because I still see everything from Revstars to Squier CVs to Epiphones still for sale!
A 350 dollar sterling by music man is an amazing deal. I have one and love almost everything about it. Needs a little fretwork but that's about it. One single high fret is it's only problem. Fix is easy peasy.
I recently bought a sterling ct50 for 500 as my first guitar and I love it. Every review I’ve seen says it smokes the competition at that price.
@@robertromero5930 bro, the sterling series is one of the best bangs for the buck. The only one I'd say is better is schecter, but those are a good deal more expensive.
My first guitar I bought, a bc Rich warlock in ‘86 or ‘87 was $300; made in Korea. My last guitar this year was an LSL strat made by ‘hand’ in California; which my local store had on clearance during their once a year sale..$2,000 out the door. Retail new 2,850
I found a great MIJ that's affordable. It's FGN made by the legendary Fujigen factory. New cost around USD800 and used from USD300. But I lived in Malaysia and they are sold here. On a lucky day I can get used ones from Japan around USD250+USD100 for shipping & tax.
Companies are over confident
I bought a Les Paul Classic 3 years ago for $1,999.00 and now it sells for $2,499.00. That's crazy. They blame everything on Covid and get away with it.
Apparently TH-cam doesn’t allow people to explain how inflation occurs after the government prints trillions of dollars without producing anything to back those dollars up. It’s not just guitars going up, there are price increases across the board in every sector of the economy. Your ire with guitar manufacturers is misplaced. You should be upset with incompetent and corrupt politicians and federal reserve chairman.
Hopefully that post doesn’t disappear.
The Fender JV series is a pretty damned good mid priced guitar...cheaper than some US Fenders and better build quality...that said its certainly driving the price up on the used market - especially for Custom Shop. Great vid again!
I recently got a 1959 Epi lp std and its gorgeous and so expressive.
Played CV 50's Tele for 7 years. Fantastic guitar! Nothing wrong with those - just make sure you get a good one and you're all set.
My first “nice” electric was an Ovation Breadwinner. It was $495 and I bought an amp for $500. A Strat back then cost $375 and included a hard case. That was in the mid 1970s. Sad.
Imo where unobtainium lies for most companies in that midrange has become the absolute pinnacle for others..ex.).. Epiphone and squier now absolutely own that 500-1000 range
Player Teles and Strats have jumped in price in the last few months alone; over here they're getting close to £700 (you could get the double humbucker Player Tele for about £550 a few months ago). Are they more costly to produce or is it down to the perception among some musicians that they're just as good as an American (non-custom) Fender?
Love my old Mexican Strats, early 90's guitars. Bought new for less than $400. Next in line, 73 Electra Custom, LP style, no not the ones with the modules. Bought for less than $300. Style play these guitars and love them.
You should do a show on when a player deserves a high end guitar. I see high end owners being snobby and low end owners justifying. How about will just play what we have chosen and strive to be better? I’m thankful to have really nice guitars even if my playing skills don’t meet what one thinks I should be able to do with high ends. I’m also aware that the guitar doesn’t make the player. The player makes the player.
I've wanted to get a Tony Franklin p bass for a few years , it started $1749 now it's $2299 same bass 2 years later. I'll never buy one if its a secondary instrument. Also I want a SG bass first couple I tried $1499 was too much for a one trick pony bass , recently some were $1799 . Now the just went up to $1999. Crazy
American Performer is the US baseline at $1399. I can feel a difference in neck carve/finishing (among other things) over a MIM Player, which start at $849. $550 of difference? I think so, but YMMV. As someone else mentioned, if Fender brought in the standard MIJ models instead of just special editions, their line would have a new model every $50 or so up the chain in the $800-1800 range. SKU bloat. I do love a MIJ TL-62, though.
Inflation sucks.
I have an SE 24 08 and its awsome. It may be an entry level PRS but its no entry level GUITAR, thats for sure. It looks plays and sounds beautiful. Its ONLY draw back is that its big brothers are so much more beautiful! My dream used to be a Fender custom shop, it still is, but now the drean is a private stock, or wood library PRS. I would, however, settle for an old Carvin from the 80s. One of the beautiful catalog examples would be nice.
For me a midrange instrument is somewhere between $1500 and $2500. Cheap guitars are under $1k and expensive is $5k and up. Most of my guitars are custom made and are worth about $1200-$1500 and I would consider them fairly high end compared to what's available on the market today for the same price.
Well the guitar boom is basically over so u can get good deals on used guitars. I went into a local used gear shop and they had 5x the guitars and amps ive ever seen them have and they told me yeah “all the people that bought guitar stuff during covid are selling it now”
I have a Fender am pro 2 miami blue tele, a Larrivee usa D-03r recording model 2022, and my Epi 1959 lp std. So they cover all my textural bases.