How much to pay for perfection ?

[richard parker]

When we look at PRS SE models, MIM Strats, Epiphones etc it is generally accepted that we should expect less than perfection i.e. cheap pots, tuners, bridge and maybe less than stellar frets, imperfect finishing etc.

On the other hand you should expect none of these things on a PRS Core model, Fender Custom shop etc.

How much should we be reasonably expected to pay in order to expect none of the issues associated with lower end guitars ?

 

[PS412]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Hard to say. Lamborghini had recalls on 4 million dollar cars. Maybe 5 million or so buys perfection.
I figure you better get a Damn fine guitar at around 1500 bucks. However...

 

[Plessure]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Rick Toone charges around 8-20k for his. Haven't tried one but they seem incredible.

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

I have paid less than US$1500 for perfection in Japanese guitars made by Fujigen; premium parts, precision perfection that leads you to think no human was involved in the process.

So, 1200 dollars is my critical point. Above that is just bragging rights.

 

[Godin15]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder, cant put a price on that.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder, cant put a price on that.

Define perfection

 

[Godin15]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Define perfection

My Wife.

 

[Mincer]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

I don't know- for some, a MIM Fender might just be perfection. Others equate it with how much money something costs. No matter what something costs, though, I do expect it to work when bought new, and these days I expect every guitar to have the tuners lined up, or the dots centered, and all of the electronics working.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

One thing I've noticed is the higher the price, the less it's gonna make a difference adding more money. Like a $200 can be twice as good as a $100 guitar, but a $2000 won't will probably not having nearly the quality difference.

 

[Plessure]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

One thing I've noticed is the higher the price, the less it's gonna make a difference adding more money. Like a $200 can be twice as good as a $100 guitar, but a $2000 won't will probably not having nearly the quality difference.

This phenomenon is called diminishing returns and occurs in all domains of existence.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

This phenomenon is called diminishing returns and occurs in all domains of existence.

That's what I was thinking of, but I wasn't quite sure it would apply. I see the law of diminishing returns applying more to the size of a guitar collection more so than the price.

I think it's fairly easy to achieve "perfection" if you define at as a guitar with nothing inherently wrong with it. My first Squier had nothing wrong with it, and to this day with my higher quality standard for guitars, it still has nothing wrong with it. Granted it could be better, but it follows the 4 main requirements I have for guitar. It stays in tune, sounds decent, is easy to play, and looks cool.

 

[Greyum]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

$1000-$1500 above that it’s more what you want in the guitar or customization. But if I was picking up a stock $1500 guitar I’d expect, nay demand, zero manufacturing/quality imperfections.

 

[VinceT]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

For me, it’s around the $1000 (US) price-point. For that I can get a Reverend or PRS S2 and be pretty damn close to perfect.


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[AlexR]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Perfection can be damn near impossible if your OCD level is high. I've seen people want the bridge saddles to be in the middle of their travel before. Imagine what that sort of eye would do looking over finish or fretting

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Imports quite often are built to exceptionally high standards.
More often than not, you are not paying for build quality so much as quality of components. This includes not just pickups, electronics and hardware, but also wood selection.

 

[Demanic]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Spend years apprenticing with a master luthier, then built what you want yourself. What do you think the cost of that would be?

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[AlexR]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

^ or like me do it without the apprenticing bit. Of course that just makes your guitars that bit 'more unique' due to the mistakes.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Imports quite often are built to exceptionally high standards.
More often than not, you are not paying for build quality so much as quality of components. This includes not just pickups, electronics and hardware, but also wood selection.

True. PRS SEs are normally made quite well for one example.. And with automation, Guitars are much more consistent too.

For me it would be hard to measure the price of perfection. Ive seen some amazing strats at around $1200 (I cant imagine how or why they can even charge up to $4k for a strat or tele) The most expensive guitar I ever bought was a dog. I say hard to measure, cuz Ive yet to find the perfect guitar for me.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

Rick Toone charges around 8-20k for his. Haven't tried one but they seem incredible.

I cant imagine paying that much for a guitar....That and I dont care for the shapes.. Wondering what makes them so great...?? Usually guitars in that price range are very ornate or made from very expensive stuff. Mammoth bone or....

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: How much to pay for perfection ?

I think it is different for acoustics than electrics. Acoustics are just so dependent on the wood. You can take two Martins of the same model, and they may not sound the same. Is that quality, or a difference in the wood? My Taylor 710CE from 2002 is about as perfectly-made as can be, but it doesn't sound as warm (i.e., good) to me as most of my Martins. Part of that is wood, but part of that is by the design specs of the Taylor.

Yes, I'd agree that much of it is in the eye of the beholder. I might dig the flame maple and the warm, thick, bluesy tones from a Gibson Custom Shop '59 Historic Les Paul, but a 17-year old shredder using massive distortion and gobs of delay would probably be happier with a 24-fret wizard neck; precise, higher output pickups; and better access to the upper frets. And that guitar could be "perfect" at $500 for that player while the Paul would cost 10-15 times that amount.

I am a HUGE fan of G&L guitars. I've been a Strat guy for years; owned a 1960 back in the day. But the G&Ls I have now fit my needs better than that old guitar did, and I think their build quality and value is off the scale. And their Tribute line of imports are fantastic, too. Most of the companies out there are putting out some really good products. I don't think you have to spend a fortune on a guitar. You have to find the guitar that speaks to you...and find the right tool for the job.

I've got guitars that I've spent $150 on that bring me great pleasure. I've got several guitars that cost me right around $3,000. Were they worth it? Absolutely!

Value...or perfection... can't always be judged by the dollar amount.

Bill