So true, and perspective is everything. Before getting back into guitar I was participating in motorsports. The reason I stopped was because I realized the last year I raced I spent $77.30/ MINUTE of actual on track racing. Suddenly the vintage strat prices seem like a deal... YMMV
Every other month, there is a “Play Them All” weekend. Every guitar I own will be played for at least an hour. It’s a great way to reconnect with why each guitar was purchased and how much fun each one provides. All of them are like friends you call just to keep in touch.
Have you guys ever done a video on the shop itself-not necessarily showing off all the guitars for sale, but the rooms, the CZcams set, the sales floor, and some of the cool wall hangers or whatever you want to show off?
There is another angle. I spent 30 years NOT buying a vintage Goldtop. I could not "justify" the financial outlay. Then one day, I looked at my collection of 34 guitars (paid $200 to $900 for each). I had between $17- 20,000 wrapped up in guitars, and not one was the one I wanted and I rarely played 30 of them. I bought the Gibson I wanted and it's the one I play 99% of the time.
Congrats....yes that's how it is for a lot of player's Pedals..amps as well I have spent hundreds trying to find THAT fuzz pedal.. should have just gotten a vintage Fuzz Face and been done with it Crazy huh ??
7:44 am (EST) - cereal in bowl, coffee in mug. Begins hitting 'refresh' in CZcams subscriptions waiting for new Casino Guitars video to drop. 7:45 - video drops. Breakfast can begin.
I purchased my first guitar, an Eastman (no relation) E10D Dreadnought about 5 years ago at the age of 61 and my second a Mexican Stratocaster in August of 2020 and while I am still attempting to learn to play I get an immense joy out of knowing I finally bought something that I've wanted since I was 16. When I do take the time to pick one up and jump back into an online lesson it is even better, who knew you could be so busy at 66. Thank you for your enjoyable videos as they have helped me maintain an appearance of sanity through the last 20 months. From Victoria BC
Been playing for about a year now and started with a Squier Affinity Tele. My deal with myself=if I stuck with it for ayear, I would buy something nice. This month I bought a Gibson LP Standard and a Fender Am Pro II Strat. Still love my Squier and use it when I go to lessons
I did something similar about 20 years ago. Still have my LP and Am strat and still love playing them. I didn’t keep my Mexican strat and don’t miss it lol
I’ve had my Affinity Tele for over 20 years, it was my first ‘good guitar’ and I said I’m just going to play it until I can afford the Fender. I never got the Fender because I felt that if I had it I still would want to play the Squier. I’ve modded the Tele plenty over the years but it’s still a daily player among an 80’s USA strat, and Mexi Jazzmaster.
I have been almost exclusively playing my 70s Classic Vibe Strat since this past February. It still doesn't get boring. I have hardly played my others, including my Gibson LP Studio, Gretsch 5420 (which I love), my MIM Fender Duo-Sonic HS, or my Ibanez guitars.
I enjoy building my own guitars. Making sure everything is right and putting on a great finish. Getting it to sound like what I wanted it to, hanging it on the wall knowing I built that and anyone coming over can play it and love it too!
You know what? If you accept the fact that a quality instrument is going to cost you a couple grand, you stop thinking 2k is expensive. My mother once told me she bought us nice clothes and nice things because she couldn’t afford to get us cheap stuff. It makes sense. You buy nice things and they last longer, look nicer for longer, and you take care of whatever it is more. When you’re talking about instruments, buying quality can even gain in value. This is why I laugh at all these “Harley Benton” shills. They aren’t just as nice. They’re knock offs, and they suck.
I have a Kustom Tuck and Roll stack in my jam room in a sparkly blue finish. Reverb tank stopped working and it seems to accept interference from my entire neighborhood but every time I look at it I smile.
You dont have to pay $2,000 for a professional quality crafted guitar anymore those days are long gone today because of Technology Advancement professional quality crafted guitars are everywhere and on the 4 corners of the earth
Most people have never played a high end guitar so they don't miss what they haven't experienced. Once you play a Mcinturf, Nik Huber, Koll, Fano, Schecter CS... and so on it's hard to look at a off the rack Fender or Gibson again. Good ones still exist but QC is so poor you might need to test 20 or so to get a nice one.
@@alandunn4459 I have 2021 high end Epiphones and 1968 original fender Stratocaster I know how they feel...today's Technology Advancement in guitar making is now everywhere high professional quality crafted guitars are Available on all 4 corners of the earth I have been playing guitar since 1973 11 years old I have seen the Advancement through the years
Speaking from experience having owned about 20 guitars (down to three now): I think at around 800 dollars you can get a really fine guitar (acoustic or electric)- after that the law of diminishing returns kicks in pretty swiftly. Amps? Same price bracket. The minimum is around 300 for each - below that it becomes luck of the draw a bit.
@@MiguelMakesMusic I just found a mint 65 Gibson Melody Maker in mint condition for 599 bucks No breaks unmolested Only minor finish checking Pawn shop find Could Not Believe IT
Sometimes it doesn’t even matter. I have wanted an ES225 for 20 years and finally found “the one” . In my mind it was paid for years ago so the money doesn’t matter. I love that guitar!
The economics for me owning a collection of guitars is it's saving me a lot of money. Yes the divorce because of my guitar infatuation was costly at first, the amortization made it cost-effective over the long run. Also most ladies in my life since have fled long before the expensive gift-giving holidays due to my guitar-centric leanings. I believe the economics pencil out in my case😳🤣
I bought a Bernabe classical guitar from a small shop in Madrid in 1984. I paid $350. Paulino Bernabe sold it to me. It was my primary guitar for 30 years. I have since moved away from classical and I started by buying a Breedlove Journey Brazilian rosewood acoustic. It's worth more than I payed for it now. I started getting into jazz and found a 1989 Fender D'Aquisto, that is also worth more than I paid for it. That was followed by a banjo. Guitars have nothing on banjos when it comes to being pricey. And finally, a Fender 70th Anniversary Broadcaster, the "cheap", factory made one. That's actually the guitar I play the most, primarily because it sits in a stand right next to my chair in my man cave. All of these instruments fall into what you consider the expensive category, and all of them were worth the money. I have only sold one guitar in my life, and I later bought another just like it, so I still have, and will die with, all of the guitars I have ever owned. In case you are curious, that number is eight, soon to be followed by two kit builds. I don't foresee any more guitars after that. That's getting your money's worth.
I agree with all of this, I love looking at my guitars, choosing which one it’s gonna be that day, the hunt, the gear lust, the sound of them, of course! Worth every penny!
Love it, guys. It's listening to an interesting conversation, that could go anywhere at any time, pivoting around my favourite subjects - guitars, gear, music, musicians, and life. Keep it up.
Really enjoy your videos. You guys seem to be having great fun doing what you do. As an aside, have custom tailored shirts (suits too) made for you. They are expensive but exponentially more comfortable, fit perfectly, and hang (look better). Kinda like the difference between off the rack guitars and higher end customs. Imagine that…..
I have to agree with you Baxter about the hunt, even if it’s just narrowing down what new guitar you want. IMO getting new gear and especially getting a new (new to you) guitar/amp it’s so much fun it has to be factored in.
I traded my Ex wife for a Brazilian made nylon acoustic from her former lover as a peace offering! Ladies choice. I play it almost every day. Now that's true appreciation in value.
Having owned a couple of Harley Davidsons there are a lot of commonality between the both. I obsessed over both, they are an expensive to purchase and then it’s the accessories and they aren’t cheap. In the Harley community we call it the Harley tax. I’m in the upper retirement age and just sold my Harley and now obsessed with guitar gear and I’m just starting to play again after 55 years. Don’t get me wrong I’m enjoying every minute and I play at least and hour a day and watch guitar related CZcams content and look at new guitars and pedals that I don’t need but lust after. I’ve traded 1 obsession with another.
All the things you listed, I might not have time to play all the guitars amps and gear that I own because I’m always at work, but just the knowledge that I own it makes me happy 😃
Almost 10 years ago I paid almost 1k for my used AVRI 57 P bass, and about 7 years ago I paid 2k for my used CS 55 P. Both in pristine condition. Almost unplayed. Putting aside how many thousands of hours I've logged on them between practice, rehearsal and gigs. If I factor in the amount of money I've made playing them at shows. I'm already ahead. Not that I'd ever sell them, but I could definitely get more for each now than I paid. I always recommend to any steady gigging musician that instead of getting yet another entry/intermediate tier instrument (not that there's anything wrong with them. Many are fantastic) invest in a used CS or AVRI. (if Fenders are their poison) You can never go wrong. Both my instruments have been rock solid with zero issues and will easily outlive me. They will be something for my children to use, or sell once I'm gone. There's nothing that beats investing in a quality instrument. Because it's really an investment in yourself.
My guitars sit with me on the couch! Cat, guitar and I all hanging and being cool! Lately it’s my 2004 SG faded hanging with me. Tomorrow a different one.
My favorite guitar is a home built strat, made with a Squier body, a Carvin neck with HUGE frets, Fender/Dimarzio pickups and Sperzel locking tuners. I also have a 1997 Tex Mex Strat (MIM), and a low end Godin. They are all fine guitars and although I don’t get to play them as much as I would like, I love to know that they’re in the closet. There’s a also an SX SJM57 Jazzmaster copy I picked up in 2007 for almost nothing and it’s a GREAT guitar. Someday I may get a high end guitar but right now, these being me joy You channel rocks btw :)
Proving your point - I have HR data. Playing guitar for just 20 minutes increases my HR variability by nearly 100%, bpm drops about 12 bpm. That is a benefit that is worth the cost of a nice guitar!
Yep agree 100% - I have a few guitars in my home office where I work, and whenever I get stressed out with work, I try and find time to pick up a guitar and step out of the world into playing that guitar for 10-15 minutes. As good as meditation as far as I'm concerned. Clears the mind and frees the soul.
Guitar safaris are so fun. Scouring websites in your destination city, folded piece of paper with each location and what you specifically want to see in that store….perfect long weekend with the wife.
Waiting for an electric guitar to arrive, anticipation opening it up, first play along with my rig. Instant love affair - emotion everywhere. I now play all I want...And... I get to look at it too. As an art collector enjoys a fine piece, so it is with guitars for me. I not only play 'em - I enjoy the view. Guitars are works of art! I often set one up at the end of the hall - turn on the light - look for the gleam...magnificent! Hard to monetize thrills and beauty.
The hunt is an instinct that guys have for a lot of things. It's always that elusive one you want. Having it ain't the same thing. A friend once talked about artwork in "price/view," justifying buying a painting by the pleasure he got from it every single day just seeing it. I definitely got my money's worth out of my 5 watt practice amp...
I spent 2018 and 2019 hunting for the right acoustic guitar. Didn't know what I was looking for - but knew I wanted quality AND something that sounded different than my old guitar. After somewhere between 50 and 100 shops in the Midwest and Texas area, and between 500 and 1000 guitars - I found what I was looking for. Now in 2021 I have my 3 favorites. It was the hunt - now it's the playing - both are great and worth every minute and every penny. (Now I just need to stop hunting!)
For me it's a mix. Love getting some fancy guitar, but there's great joy in hunting, building and stumbling on a deal. A few months back I got a worn out, you'd say vintage, Yamaha 112 for 50 bucks. Added a Lollar bridge pickup, probably four or five times the cost of the guitar, and it sounds heavenly! Also stumbled on a great deal for a tbird pro epi bass. Gosh it's majestic. So it's not about dumping money on things, but rather spending the right amount on the right things at the right time. PS it's about finding the right tone for you and that means trying out things and breaking things. There's a cost to that, but also a huge reward.
As someone who's just started out on their guitar journey during the pandemic (almost 1 year) I think my viewpoint is still new but, I can say that almost everything about it relates to cars for me. It all comes down to what YOU want to get out of the hobby. Some guys collect cars, race them, drive them to shows on the weekends, some guys like pristine like new factory finish with all original parts, some guys like rat rods fully custom modded with their own flare, some guys like vintage, some like the newest tech, some guys like building cars, some guys simply like the history, some guys just need a civic to get them from point a to point b, the list is endless. I think it's similar to guitars. Personally, I've fallen into the category of building. I do enjoy playing, but after making partscasters, I really can't stop, as I'm originally more of a painter at heart, not a musician. The beauty of guitars is that they are so multi dimensional to me. They are a 3D piece of art, like a sculpture. You can apply 2D art to the body, like a painting. You employ technique to build something that not only looks good, but plays and sounds good, like a 50's hot rod. You then further take the piece of art someone made (guitar) and give it to another artist that creates their own art, expressing themselves through music using the guitar as the vehicle to help them do so. Within all of these dimensions, I think anyone can find themselves enjoying guitar, and maybe a bit too much (me). That is truly impactful for me, and something I've never thought about until I started building. I love the concept of being able to make something that someone can keep, use to make music, or use it as decoration, and pass it down through the years long after I'm gone. So what's it cost? Whatever it takes to make you happy. If it's collecting, hunting, building, playing, whatever. Enjoy yourselves, especially during these weird times.
Spot on! I prefer the beaters, because I know there are no flaws, the whole thing is a flaw.. I know exactly what I’m getting.. I’m buying a lemon to fix it for me.. guitars and cars.. buy low and sell high..
I found that I am now always on the hunt to ... and it is enjoyable. Its getting that dopamine fix. I'm also in the process of building, sound proofing and fitting a 200 square foot room in my basement just for guitars , amps , pedals etc etc. and its a dopamine fix as well
There is joy in the hunt, but the biggest joy is getting to know an instrument and investing the time to make it your own. I rarely sell any of my guitars / gear and I personally think that the guys that constantly flip their gear, never really give any of it a fair shake. The consumer side of the hobby can make you forget that these tools are for music making, that’s why we all sought them out.
Guys! Video idea, one that I really need right now. Can you guys talk about guitar techs? Like, how to find a good one, what are reasonable costs, how to spot a BS guy. I've talked with a bunch of guys who have had a string of bad luck with techs lately. With lots of new guitarists, might be a good thing to touch on.
Guitar tech like for gigs or a luthier for repairs etc? I just started working as a tech. A good luthier is hard to find I would ask around and read a lot of reviews. What area?
if you collect Leica Cameras, or wristwatches, or fountain pens, or have a bass boat, or reload your own ammo, your "economic of enjoyment" probably works out similarly: what you can afford and are willing to spend. Guitars is not so different from any of those.
As a parent I remember when my kids were small, the pleasure of seeing them asleep and safe. When I look at my guitars it’s the same feeling only much much better ;)
My guitar once lived in a forest it was probably pissed on by a badger and a fox may be a bear or two it's now been adopted by me and is loved and as become a big part of my growing family.
“I just like looking at them sometimes”. I totally get that! My 2 LPs are the first thing I see when I wake up because they’re mounted like art on the wall in the bedroom. 🤷🏻♂️
I hade a $1400 Ibanez in 90....I was playing out 6 nights a week...I wasn't happy with it. Now I wish I had it. I've owned over 50 🎸 I once lost all my guitars and I got a super cheap one for Christmas and I was so happy!! I love that guitar
I like knowing that I own them, seeing them on the wall or in stands as art pieces & the fact that I get to play at almost any time I have free (which I have a lot of now)! I have a BOSS Katana MKII and I'd like to get an MT15 with a 1 X12 cabinet, if we can sell our condo in the spring.
For me, it's about the beauty of the guitar and the playability. Each has it's own unique sound as well as the amplifier that it is played on. Most of ours are about $1200 or so except for a few. A proper set up always makes the guitar. However my go to is almost always my Taylor GS-Mini Mahogany. It's always where I can grab it and always out.
You present a very valid idea here in the 'economics of enjoyment'... Personally, approximately 50% of my humble guitar stable (+ -20 guitars) has been extensively modded, in most cases by myself, to include special routing and rewiring to accommodate very unusual vintage pickup configurations such as Ric horseshoes, Guyatones, and Teisco Goldfoils. I usually only do this to Mex Fender instruments, so I don't think it impacts the actual value much either way, but to have access to hear/play and enjoy these 'one of a kind' or 'custom' instruments, which I conceived of and modded with my own hands, adds immeasurably to this 'economics of enjoyment', perhaps even adding en element of 'exclusivity' (not to sound like a snob here) ;). Anyway, a very well conceived argument you guys present here, and I intend to forward a link to a couple friends who are presently struggling with justifying spending considerable cash ($1500-2k) on an instrument with the hope of being inspired to take their playing and interest to a higher level.
⚓️ Thanks Casino 😎 Got nice $300 guitar last month, EPI EL-00 Pro Mahogany Ltd Ed. Closet queen, guy bought it for his wife, she plays piano…. Didn’t really go for guitar & then got prego 🎸 Now I get a four Y/O killer guitar … saddle was shitty… loose & wobbly… made a bone saddle 😎 that fit really good = Thanks Randy Schartiger U Tub = sounds amazing thru a cheap Line6. Soo much fun… old strings off, vacuum the closet fuzz, oil the fretboard & bridge, inspect tuners, new battery in piezo… restring & plug in …AHHH so much fun. 😃 for life.
The joy for me is in playing as well as writing and recording songs. I like having certain "tools" that do a certain thing when I need it. I don't particularly like buying or selling, therefore my collection stays small.
I have derived more value from purchasing/owning/selling my guitars than collecting mass amounts of quantities. I’ve owned a great amount, I just cycle through them. It has taken me a while to find my home base. Now that I have, I don’t want to sell any nor do I want to purchase any. I have five ladies and I love them and play them all equally. Even my gorgeous Epiphone Thunderbird bass. 10:34
I love the electric guitar. I'm mostly a Fender man, but I have a soft spot for 70's and early 80's Tokai guitars. My pride and Joy is a '61 SG special I call Butter, because that's how she plays. I've said I would never sell her, BUT I have a hard on for a 335/355 and if the right one came along,,,,, I have a LP jr to cover the P-90 thing. Did I mention my wife thinks I have too many guitars? Funny, I don't think I have enough amps.
I bought to play but as time has gone by and with a young child at home I find my enjoyment comes from possession rather than actually playing at the moment. At some point that will change when I have more time. But yeah the little time I get is magic and there's something enchanting about expensive guitars.
The best guitar pickup I own (at any price) is in my (totally unbranded) Teisco bobcat from eh, '65? I bought it for 160 dollars. Once I shimmed and toothpicked the neck, moved the bridge and tailpiece, filed an intonated bridge out of Brazilian cherry, removed the razorblades and dressed the frets, it's amazing! It has a one piece alder body and a Korina neck, with a thicker rosewood fingerboard than Fender ever put on anything, and it looks all surfy with a sunburst and a chrome metal pickguard. I wonder if any of them actually left the factory able to be intonated. Oh yeh, the tuners have a little learning curve too. Never sell it.
It’s funny how much time I spend enjoying looking at my guitars in addition to playing them. You get really familiar with grain pattern, wear spots, dings nicks. It makes you think just how good those custom shop guys are recreating guitars some players have spent decades getting to know. I wish I could be at the level where one of my guitars I was intimately familiar with got replicated to see what differences I could pick up on 😅
It's about the hunt 😁 and knowing I'm in a place in my life where I can have what I want...dad's paid his dues ( still paying them) 😆 raised my family and survived many long dark roads ( currently on one)...the distraction and refocus and peace my guitars and gear brings is hard to quantify...than for bringing attention to this...it's a pride thing ...personal status to some I suppose...measure of success for others...love of music for almost all ..🤘😜🎸☮️❣️🎼🎵🎶
Just bought a Friedman BE-100 Deluxe and a Gibson Custom Shop VOS Dark Back Gold Top........Jeeez, after watching this, I gotta play a hell of a lot more he he :)
I've been searching for a very special amp for about 10years now....... Finally i found someone who's selling that amp. So i jumped on the oportunity! Gonna pick it up in a few days. Man i just can't wait @.@..... while it was fun all these years to dream of that piece of gear, the search was a real struggle. If u wonder: ashdown small block 427
I played a Flying V for 15 years before I started buying and selling guitars. There was a period where used high-end guitars were selling for prices I actually could afford. So I got a bit addicted to «the hunt». Always looking for the next thing. Now these guitars are selling for crazy prices. In retrospect I sold a lot of great guitars that I’ll never afford again. I’m back to playing a Flying V anyway, and my Ultra HSS is just as nice as any other guitar I’ve owned, so I’m all good. I do wish I kept the Collings 290. Or the R6.
I try and keep everything in perspective. I will never own a $400k recreation vehicle. I am not into expensive vehicles, I do admire a nice Lamborghini but I will never own one. My professional hobby is music. I don’t collect guitars or amps for investment, everything I own is for a purpose… that purpose is my sanity. I had to catalog all my stuff the other day for insurance purposes, if you haven’t done so please photograph and itemize your gear, it makes it a lot easier should you ever need to file a claim or a police report. At the end of my inventory adventures I came to realize I have placed a value on my enjoyment of music. It’s a hobby I love and it all started 40 years ago with a $100 guitar. Now my son is playing… absolutely priceless.
I fell in love with one of my Archtops and actually went to bed with it and alas I figured out why it had the "F" hole! Had alot of fun that night!.......
I'm in the cents with my '06 Epiphone Les Paul Standard, yes not a relatively expensive guitar ($600CAD) if I remember correctly, but that's what happens when you don't get another guitar for 13 years . 10 of those years I was looking for a Fender, and it finally found me...a used 2012 American Special. For my third guitar I am looking for something a little higher end. Hopefully it doesn't take another 13 years. Not a rewatch. Somehow missed this one. PS: I kinda liked the Total Recall reboot. Not a great movie, but not as bad as I think everyone makes it out to be.
My joy is from taking them apart, and figuring out how they work. That's why I only buy cheap ones like Glarrys because sooner or later, I will disassemble them.
This didn't go the direction I thought it would. I was anticipating a breakdown of costs associated with owning a guitar and keeping it playable over an extended period of time. I liked this approach though. Also, love the light-colored sunburst, as well as the amp beneath it. If I owned those, I too would enjoy the pleasure of just owning them to look at them, regardless of how much actual playing time they got.
Gateway guitars😔...🎸 You don't know what you don't know...once you play/then purchase higher quality guitars, (especially acoustics), it's hard to go back.
I love my guitars, even the less expensive guitars. The issue is I cant stop buying them lol, But great news................ I only need one more ................. for now
A year ago I bought a PRS S2 594, the day I got it I taught with it for 6 hours. And continued to this day to teach with it, I think I got my money back in a week in a half according to this video. Also the guitar does not look a year old, it looks almost like a relic.
Interesting topic. I figure I play (at least) 3 hours a week (150 hrs / year) and have owned my Country (Gentleman) Classic for 8 years. That means I spend $1.60 / hr playing my guitar (not counting maintenance and strings). Nice to know !
The tangents this (and most of your) conversations takes is why we watch you guys. Please never change.
that's a good band name
Playing guitar = Priceless
For buying guitars… there’s MasterCard! 🤣
So true, and perspective is everything. Before getting back into guitar I was participating in motorsports. The reason I stopped was because I realized the last year I raced I spent $77.30/ MINUTE of actual on track racing. Suddenly the vintage strat prices seem like a deal... YMMV
Every other month, there is a “Play Them All” weekend. Every guitar I own will be played for at least an hour. It’s a great way to reconnect with why each guitar was purchased and how much fun each one provides. All of them are like friends you call just to keep in touch.
Joy comes from playing, for me. A clean amp turned up so when you hit that E chord your body vibrates. There is nothing quite like it :)
Have you guys ever done a video on the shop itself-not necessarily showing off all the guitars for sale, but the rooms, the CZcams set, the sales floor, and some of the cool wall hangers or whatever you want to show off?
Yeah, I love looking at my amps and guitars almost as much as playing them.
There is another angle. I spent 30 years NOT buying a vintage Goldtop. I could not "justify" the financial outlay. Then one day, I looked at my collection of 34 guitars (paid $200 to $900 for each). I had between $17- 20,000 wrapped up in guitars, and not one was the one I wanted and I rarely played 30 of them. I bought the Gibson I wanted and it's the one I play 99% of the time.
Congrats....yes that's how it is for a lot of player's Pedals..amps as well I have spent hundreds trying to find THAT fuzz pedal.. should have just gotten a vintage Fuzz Face and been done with it Crazy huh ??
@@paulcowart3174 Bahaha!! Don't get me started on pedals.
Baxter & Jonathan at the beginning:
"What does it cost to play"
Baxter & Jonathan at the end:
"Beards hide my tie knots"
Me: 🤷♂️😂
7:44 am (EST) - cereal in bowl, coffee in mug. Begins hitting 'refresh' in CZcams subscriptions waiting for new Casino Guitars video to drop.
7:45 - video drops. Breakfast can begin.
I purchased my first guitar, an Eastman (no relation) E10D Dreadnought about 5 years ago at the age of 61 and my second a Mexican Stratocaster in August of 2020 and while I am still attempting to learn to play I get an immense joy out of knowing I finally bought something that I've wanted since I was 16. When I do take the time to pick one up and jump back into an online lesson it is even better, who knew you could be so busy at 66. Thank you for your enjoyable videos as they have helped me maintain an appearance of sanity through the last 20 months. From Victoria BC
Been playing for about a year now and started with a Squier Affinity Tele. My deal with myself=if I stuck with it for ayear, I would buy something nice. This month I bought a Gibson LP Standard and a Fender Am Pro II Strat. Still love my Squier and use it when I go to lessons
Good job!!
I did something similar about 20 years ago. Still have my LP and Am strat and still love playing them. I didn’t keep my Mexican strat and don’t miss it lol
I’ve had my Affinity Tele for over 20 years, it was my first ‘good guitar’ and I said I’m just going to play it until I can afford the Fender. I never got the Fender because I felt that if I had it I still would want to play the Squier. I’ve modded the Tele plenty over the years but it’s still a daily player among an 80’s USA strat, and Mexi Jazzmaster.
@@messybedroom I really like my Squier. Playing it exclusively for a year has given it some nice neck wear
I have been almost exclusively playing my 70s Classic Vibe Strat since this past February. It still doesn't get boring. I have hardly played my others, including my Gibson LP Studio, Gretsch 5420 (which I love), my MIM Fender Duo-Sonic HS, or my Ibanez guitars.
I enjoy building my own guitars. Making sure everything is right and putting on a great finish. Getting it to sound like what I wanted it to, hanging it on the wall knowing I built that and anyone coming over can play it and love it too!
Nice!
Me too...one of a kinds ;)
You know what? If you accept the fact that a quality instrument is going to cost you a couple grand, you stop thinking 2k is expensive. My mother once told me she bought us nice clothes and nice things because she couldn’t afford to get us cheap stuff. It makes sense. You buy nice things and they last longer, look nicer for longer, and you take care of whatever it is more. When you’re talking about instruments, buying quality can even gain in value. This is why I laugh at all these “Harley Benton” shills. They aren’t just as nice. They’re knock offs, and they suck.
Ha Ha yeah and end up putting quite a bit to upgrade lol but still doesn't say what you want on the head stock
I have a Kustom Tuck and Roll stack in my jam room in a sparkly blue finish. Reverb tank stopped working and it seems to accept interference from my entire neighborhood but every time I look at it I smile.
You dont have to pay $2,000 for a professional quality crafted guitar anymore those days are long gone today because of Technology Advancement professional quality crafted guitars are everywhere and on the 4 corners of the earth
I agree it's not such a specialized craft like it used to be Hundreds of builder's...pedal makers...amp...pick ups Crazy good time to be a player
Most people have never played a high end guitar so they don't miss what they haven't experienced. Once you play a Mcinturf, Nik Huber, Koll, Fano, Schecter CS... and so on it's hard to look at a off the rack Fender or Gibson again. Good ones still exist but QC is so poor you might need to test 20 or so to get a nice one.
@@alandunn4459 I have 2021 high end Epiphones and 1968 original fender Stratocaster I know how they feel...today's Technology Advancement in guitar making is now everywhere high professional quality crafted guitars are Available on all 4 corners of the earth I have been playing guitar since 1973 11 years old I have seen the Advancement through the years
But alas, the earth is round 😂
Couldn't resist mate
Speaking from experience having owned about 20 guitars (down to three now): I think at around 800 dollars you can get a really fine guitar (acoustic or electric)- after that the law of diminishing returns kicks in pretty swiftly. Amps? Same price bracket. The minimum is around 300 for each - below that it becomes luck of the draw a bit.
agreed, if I had to start over and could only afford one $800 would get you a great instrument.
Yup I found some of the best strats I've ever played for 800(mij) and 650(mia). Love em!
Or really DIY one like a Tele or Strat that you can build really really nice for 1K or so
@@MiguelMakesMusic I just found a mint 65 Gibson Melody Maker in mint condition for 599 bucks No breaks unmolested Only minor finish checking Pawn shop find Could Not Believe IT
@@paulcowart3174 that's a steal!
Sometimes it doesn’t even matter. I have wanted an ES225 for 20 years and finally found “the one” . In my mind it was paid for years ago so the money doesn’t matter. I love that guitar!
I love this, feel exactly the same way. For me it’s a hardtail 70s Strat.
The economics for me owning a collection of guitars is it's saving me a lot of money. Yes the divorce because of my guitar infatuation was costly at first, the amortization made it cost-effective over the long run. Also most ladies in my life since have fled long before the expensive gift-giving holidays due to my guitar-centric leanings. I believe the economics pencil out in my case😳🤣
I bought a Bernabe classical guitar from a small shop in Madrid in 1984. I paid $350. Paulino Bernabe sold it to me. It was my primary guitar for 30 years. I have since moved away from classical and I started by buying a Breedlove Journey Brazilian rosewood acoustic. It's worth more than I payed for it now. I started getting into jazz and found a 1989 Fender D'Aquisto, that is also worth more than I paid for it. That was followed by a banjo. Guitars have nothing on banjos when it comes to being pricey. And finally, a Fender 70th Anniversary Broadcaster, the "cheap", factory made one. That's actually the guitar I play the most, primarily because it sits in a stand right next to my chair in my man cave. All of these instruments fall into what you consider the expensive category, and all of them were worth the money. I have only sold one guitar in my life, and I later bought another just like it, so I still have, and will die with, all of the guitars I have ever owned. In case you are curious, that number is eight, soon to be followed by two kit builds. I don't foresee any more guitars after that. That's getting your money's worth.
I agree with all of this, I love looking at my guitars, choosing which one it’s gonna be that day, the hunt, the gear lust, the sound of them, of course! Worth every penny!
Just the pleasure of owning and looking at them and knowing that if I want to I can play them whenever I want.
Love it, guys. It's listening to an interesting conversation, that could go anywhere at any time, pivoting around my favourite subjects - guitars, gear, music, musicians, and life. Keep it up.
The joy comes from it all. The hunt, just knowing it’s there and most of all playing them. Freaking love buying new gear
Love you guys never ever change
I bought a used bari abt60 for 300 and I'm good. It's the most fun guitar I've ever owned.
Really enjoy your videos. You guys seem to be having great fun doing what you do.
As an aside, have custom tailored shirts (suits too) made for you. They are expensive but exponentially more comfortable, fit perfectly, and hang (look better). Kinda like the difference between off the rack guitars and higher end customs. Imagine that…..
If I buy a $2000 guitar and own it for a year then sell it for $1500 it only cost me $1.369 per day or $0.05666 per hr to own it.👍🤘😎🎸
I have to agree with you Baxter about the hunt, even if it’s just narrowing down what new guitar you want. IMO getting new gear and especially getting a new (new to you) guitar/amp it’s so much fun it has to be factored in.
Some guitars are more like friends.
My favorite Channel now
Y'all are the best!
I traded my Ex wife for a Brazilian made nylon acoustic from her former lover as a peace offering! Ladies choice. I play it almost every day. Now that's true appreciation in value.
Good trade!
Jonathan, your aside on your beard and tie knots made me actually LOL. Nicely done.
Literally everything about them brings me joy
The best part of playing guitar is the enjoyment if amazing instruments! Cheers Baxter and Jonathan!!
Having owned a couple of Harley Davidsons there are a lot of commonality between the both. I obsessed over both, they are an expensive to purchase and then it’s the accessories and they aren’t cheap. In the Harley community we call it the Harley tax. I’m in the upper retirement age and just sold my Harley and now obsessed with guitar gear and I’m just starting to play again after 55 years. Don’t get me wrong I’m enjoying every minute and I play at least and hour a day and watch guitar related CZcams content and look at new guitars and pedals that I don’t need but lust after. I’ve traded 1 obsession with another.
And just as with motorcycles there’s the brand everyone dumps on. Harley and Gibson
All the things you listed, I might not have time to play all the guitars amps and gear that I own because I’m always at work, but just the knowledge that I own it makes me happy 😃
I need to get a Casino guitars t shirt with the both of yous autographs on them. You guys rock🤘
Almost 10 years ago I paid almost 1k for my used AVRI 57 P bass, and about 7 years ago I paid 2k for my used CS 55 P. Both in pristine condition. Almost unplayed. Putting aside how many thousands of hours I've logged on them between practice, rehearsal and gigs. If I factor in the amount of money I've made playing them at shows. I'm already ahead. Not that I'd ever sell them, but I could definitely get more for each now than I paid. I always recommend to any steady gigging musician that instead of getting yet another entry/intermediate tier instrument (not that there's anything wrong with them. Many are fantastic) invest in a used CS or AVRI. (if Fenders are their poison) You can never go wrong. Both my instruments have been rock solid with zero issues and will easily outlive me. They will be something for my children to use, or sell once I'm gone. There's nothing that beats investing in a quality instrument. Because it's really an investment in yourself.
My guitars sit with me on the couch! Cat, guitar and I all hanging and being cool! Lately it’s my 2004 SG faded hanging with me. Tomorrow a different one.
We never change our time in AZ. Good song line.
My favorite guitar is a home built strat, made with a Squier body, a Carvin neck with HUGE frets, Fender/Dimarzio pickups and Sperzel locking tuners. I also have a 1997 Tex Mex Strat (MIM), and a low end Godin. They are all fine guitars and although I don’t get to play them as much as I would like, I love to know that they’re in the closet. There’s a also an SX SJM57 Jazzmaster copy I picked up in 2007 for almost nothing and it’s a GREAT guitar. Someday I may get a high end guitar but right now, these being me joy You channel rocks btw :)
My current favourite is a Les Paul with a strat neck.. and I’m giving it away..
Proving your point - I have HR data. Playing guitar for just 20 minutes increases my HR variability by nearly 100%, bpm drops about 12 bpm. That is a benefit that is worth the cost of a nice guitar!
Yep agree 100% - I have a few guitars in my home office where I work, and whenever I get stressed out with work, I try and find time to pick up a guitar and step out of the world into playing that guitar for 10-15 minutes. As good as meditation as far as I'm concerned. Clears the mind and frees the soul.
Guitar safaris are so fun. Scouring websites in your destination city, folded piece of paper with each location and what you specifically want to see in that store….perfect long weekend with the wife.
Hey guys, love the videos! Can we maybe see the rest of the room you shoot in? Love to see what you have there 😁💯
Waiting for an electric guitar to arrive, anticipation opening it up, first play along with my rig. Instant love affair - emotion everywhere. I now play all I want...And... I get to look at it too. As an art collector enjoys a fine piece, so it is with guitars for me. I not only play 'em - I enjoy the view. Guitars are works of art! I often set one up at the end of the hall - turn on the light - look for the gleam...magnificent! Hard to monetize thrills and beauty.
The hunt is an instinct that guys have for a lot of things. It's always that elusive one you want. Having it ain't the same thing. A friend once talked about artwork in "price/view," justifying buying a painting by the pleasure he got from it every single day just seeing it. I definitely got my money's worth out of my 5 watt practice amp...
I spent 2018 and 2019 hunting for the right acoustic guitar. Didn't know what I was looking for - but knew I wanted quality AND something that sounded different than my old guitar. After somewhere between 50 and 100 shops in the Midwest and Texas area, and between 500 and 1000 guitars - I found what I was looking for. Now in 2021 I have my 3 favorites. It was the hunt - now it's the playing - both are great and worth every minute and every penny. (Now I just need to stop hunting!)
For me it's a mix. Love getting some fancy guitar, but there's great joy in hunting, building and stumbling on a deal. A few months back I got a worn out, you'd say vintage, Yamaha 112 for 50 bucks. Added a Lollar bridge pickup, probably four or five times the cost of the guitar, and it sounds heavenly! Also stumbled on a great deal for a tbird pro epi bass. Gosh it's majestic.
So it's not about dumping money on things, but rather spending the right amount on the right things at the right time.
PS it's about finding the right tone for you and that means trying out things and breaking things. There's a cost to that, but also a huge reward.
As someone who's just started out on their guitar journey during the pandemic (almost 1 year) I think my viewpoint is still new but, I can say that almost everything about it relates to cars for me.
It all comes down to what YOU want to get out of the hobby. Some guys collect cars, race them, drive them to shows on the weekends, some guys like pristine like new factory finish with all original parts, some guys like rat rods fully custom modded with their own flare, some guys like vintage, some like the newest tech, some guys like building cars, some guys simply like the history, some guys just need a civic to get them from point a to point b, the list is endless. I think it's similar to guitars.
Personally, I've fallen into the category of building. I do enjoy playing, but after making partscasters, I really can't stop, as I'm originally more of a painter at heart, not a musician.
The beauty of guitars is that they are so multi dimensional to me. They are a 3D piece of art, like a sculpture. You can apply 2D art to the body, like a painting. You employ technique to build something that not only looks good, but plays and sounds good, like a 50's hot rod.
You then further take the piece of art someone made (guitar) and give it to another artist that creates their own art, expressing themselves through music using the guitar as the vehicle to help them do so. Within all of these dimensions, I think anyone can find themselves enjoying guitar, and maybe a bit too much (me).
That is truly impactful for me, and something I've never thought about until I started building. I love the concept of being able to make something that someone can keep, use to make music, or use it as decoration, and pass it down through the years long after I'm gone. So what's it cost? Whatever it takes to make you happy. If it's collecting, hunting, building, playing, whatever. Enjoy yourselves, especially during these weird times.
Spot on! I prefer the beaters, because I know there are no flaws, the whole thing is a flaw.. I know exactly what I’m getting.. I’m buying a lemon to fix it for me.. guitars and cars.. buy low and sell high..
I found that I am now always on the hunt to ... and it is enjoyable. Its getting that dopamine fix. I'm also in the process of building, sound proofing and fitting a 200 square foot room in my basement just for guitars , amps , pedals etc etc. and its a dopamine fix as well
There is joy in the hunt, but the biggest joy is getting to know an instrument and investing the time to make it your own. I rarely sell any of my guitars / gear and I personally think that the guys that constantly flip their gear, never really give any of it a fair shake. The consumer side of the hobby can make you forget that these tools are for music making, that’s why we all sought them out.
Guys! Video idea, one that I really need right now. Can you guys talk about guitar techs? Like, how to find a good one, what are reasonable costs, how to spot a BS guy. I've talked with a bunch of guys who have had a string of bad luck with techs lately. With lots of new guitarists, might be a good thing to touch on.
Guitar tech like for gigs or a luthier for repairs etc? I just started working as a tech. A good luthier is hard to find I would ask around and read a lot of reviews. What area?
if you collect Leica Cameras, or wristwatches, or fountain pens, or have a bass boat, or reload your own ammo, your "economic of enjoyment" probably works out similarly: what you can afford and are willing to spend. Guitars is not so different from any of those.
As a parent I remember when my kids were small, the pleasure of seeing them asleep and safe. When I look at my guitars it’s the same feeling only much much better ;)
I love my guitars, but my joy comes from imagining Jon in a suit.
My guitar once lived in a forest it was probably pissed on by a badger and a fox may be a bear or two it's now been adopted by me and is loved and as become a big part of my growing family.
GUYS.....YOU'RE THE BEST !!!! NOW I CAN JUSTIFY BUYING MY NEW PRS !!!! :) ;)
“I just like looking at them sometimes”. I totally get that! My 2 LPs are the first thing I see when I wake up because they’re mounted like art on the wall in the bedroom. 🤷🏻♂️
I hade a $1400 Ibanez in 90....I was playing out 6 nights a week...I wasn't happy with it. Now I wish I had it. I've owned over 50 🎸 I once lost all my guitars and I got a super cheap one for Christmas and I was so happy!! I love that guitar
I like knowing that I own them, seeing them on the wall or in stands as art pieces & the fact that I get to play at almost any time I have free (which I have a lot of now)! I have a BOSS Katana MKII and I'd like to get an MT15 with a 1 X12 cabinet, if we can sell our condo in the spring.
For me, it's about the beauty of the guitar and the playability. Each has it's own unique sound as well as the amplifier that it is played on. Most of ours are about $1200 or so except for a few. A proper set up always makes the guitar. However my go to is almost always my Taylor GS-Mini Mahogany. It's always where I can grab it and always out.
You present a very valid idea here in the 'economics of enjoyment'...
Personally, approximately 50% of my humble guitar stable (+ -20 guitars) has been extensively modded, in most cases by myself, to include special routing and rewiring to accommodate very unusual vintage pickup configurations such as Ric horseshoes, Guyatones, and Teisco Goldfoils. I usually only do this to Mex Fender instruments, so I don't think it impacts the actual value much either way, but to have access to hear/play and enjoy these 'one of a kind' or 'custom' instruments, which I conceived of and modded with my own hands, adds immeasurably to this 'economics of enjoyment', perhaps even adding en element of 'exclusivity' (not to sound like a snob here) ;).
Anyway, a very well conceived argument you guys present here, and I intend to forward a link to a couple friends who are presently struggling with justifying spending considerable cash ($1500-2k) on an instrument with the hope of being inspired to take their playing and interest to a higher level.
You buy on emotion and you justify with logic … nothing wrong with that when it comes to Music 😊
⚓️ Thanks Casino 😎 Got nice $300 guitar last month, EPI EL-00 Pro Mahogany Ltd Ed. Closet queen, guy bought it for his wife, she plays piano…. Didn’t really go for guitar & then got prego 🎸 Now I get a four Y/O killer guitar … saddle was shitty… loose & wobbly… made a bone saddle 😎 that fit really good = Thanks Randy Schartiger U Tub = sounds amazing thru a cheap Line6. Soo much fun… old strings off, vacuum the closet fuzz, oil the fretboard & bridge, inspect tuners, new battery in piezo… restring & plug in …AHHH so much fun. 😃 for life.
Yes a really good video, so so annal I'm left inside out, cheers team. 😂😂😂Respect and stay healthy all.
I Don't drink or smoke so my beer and cigarette budget all goes to Guitars, gear and amps, without the health issues I am way ahead
Dang. I put down the bottle. If I could only get rid of these dang marlboros I’ll be good. I grow my own weed so that’s one less thing.
@@smelltheglove2038 but do your amps go to 11?
@@friedrudibega6384 of course. If you’re at ten, there’s no where else to. Mine have one more, to really push it over the cliff.
I enjoy looking at my guitars all the time. I'll take a peek in the case just cause.
The joy for me is in playing as well as writing and recording songs. I like having certain "tools" that do a certain thing when I need it. I don't particularly like buying or selling, therefore my collection stays small.
The hunt and knowing I have some of my dream guitars.
I have derived more value from purchasing/owning/selling my guitars than collecting mass amounts of quantities. I’ve owned a great amount, I just cycle through them. It has taken me a while to find my home base. Now that I have, I don’t want to sell any nor do I want to purchase any. I have five ladies and I love them and play them all equally. Even my gorgeous Epiphone Thunderbird bass. 10:34
I love the electric guitar. I'm mostly a Fender man, but I have a soft spot for 70's and early 80's Tokai guitars. My pride and Joy is a '61 SG special I call Butter, because that's how she plays. I've said I would never sell her, BUT I have a hard on for a 335/355 and if the right one came along,,,,, I have a LP jr to cover the P-90 thing. Did I mention my wife thinks I have too many guitars? Funny, I don't think I have enough amps.
I bought to play but as time has gone by and with a young child at home I find my enjoyment comes from possession rather than actually playing at the moment. At some point that will change when I have more time. But yeah the little time I get is magic and there's something enchanting about expensive guitars.
The best guitar pickup I own (at any price) is in my (totally unbranded) Teisco bobcat from eh, '65? I bought it for 160 dollars. Once I shimmed and toothpicked the neck, moved the bridge and tailpiece, filed an intonated bridge out of Brazilian cherry, removed the razorblades and dressed the frets, it's amazing! It has a one piece alder body and a Korina neck, with a thicker rosewood fingerboard than Fender ever put on anything, and it looks all surfy with a sunburst and a chrome metal pickguard. I wonder if any of them actually left the factory able to be intonated. Oh yeh, the tuners have a little learning curve too. Never sell it.
It’s funny how much time I spend enjoying looking at my guitars in addition to playing them. You get really familiar with grain pattern, wear spots, dings nicks. It makes you think just how good those custom shop guys are recreating guitars some players have spent decades getting to know. I wish I could be at the level where one of my guitars I was intimately familiar with got replicated to see what differences I could pick up on 😅
I think you guys should do a walk through of your store
It's about the hunt 😁 and knowing I'm in a place in my life where I can have what I want...dad's paid his dues ( still paying them) 😆 raised my family and survived many long dark roads ( currently on one)...the distraction and refocus and peace my guitars and gear brings is hard to quantify...than for bringing attention to this...it's a pride thing ...personal status to some I suppose...measure of success for others...love of music for almost all ..🤘😜🎸☮️❣️🎼🎵🎶
I was just talking myself out of buying a bass VI when this video came up as a suggestion...now I'm back on the fence. Lol
Just bought a Friedman BE-100 Deluxe and a Gibson Custom Shop VOS Dark Back Gold Top........Jeeez, after watching this, I gotta play a hell of a lot more he he :)
I've been searching for a very special amp for about 10years now....... Finally i found someone who's selling that amp. So i jumped on the oportunity! Gonna pick it up in a few days. Man i just can't wait @.@..... while it was fun all these years to dream of that piece of gear, the search was a real struggle. If u wonder: ashdown small block 427
I played a Flying V for 15 years before I started buying and selling guitars. There was a period where used high-end guitars were selling for prices I actually could afford. So I got a bit addicted to «the hunt». Always looking for the next thing. Now these guitars are selling for crazy prices. In retrospect I sold a lot of great guitars that I’ll never afford again. I’m back to playing a Flying V anyway, and my Ultra HSS is just as nice as any other guitar I’ve owned, so I’m all good. I do wish I kept the Collings 290. Or the R6.
My marriage.
I try and keep everything in perspective. I will never own a $400k recreation vehicle. I am not into expensive vehicles, I do admire a nice Lamborghini but I will never own one. My professional hobby is music. I don’t collect guitars or amps for investment, everything I own is for a purpose… that purpose is my sanity.
I had to catalog all my stuff the other day for insurance purposes, if you haven’t done so please photograph and itemize your gear, it makes it a lot easier should you ever need to file a claim or a police report.
At the end of my inventory adventures I came to realize I have placed a value on my enjoyment of music. It’s a hobby I love and it all started 40 years ago with a $100 guitar. Now my son is playing… absolutely priceless.
I fell in love with one of my Archtops and actually went to bed with it and alas I figured out why it had the "F" hole! Had alot of fun that night!.......
Do a video tour of your studio we want to see the amps
I'm in the cents with my '06 Epiphone Les Paul Standard, yes not a relatively expensive guitar ($600CAD) if I remember correctly, but that's what happens when you don't get another guitar for 13 years . 10 of those years I was looking for a Fender, and it finally found me...a used 2012 American Special. For my third guitar I am looking for something a little higher end. Hopefully it doesn't take another 13 years.
Not a rewatch. Somehow missed this one.
PS: I kinda liked the Total Recall reboot. Not a great movie, but not as bad as I think everyone makes it out to be.
Some may find this strange but sometimes I just like going into my guitar room and just look at them sitting in the rack and just chill
Can you guys do a video on getting integrated into a band what to expect
All that stuff you said !
My joy is from taking them apart, and figuring out how they work. That's why I only buy cheap ones like Glarrys because sooner or later, I will disassemble them.
The Hunt>>THE FIND>>The Purchase>>The Box/Case opening>>The Clean Up/Set Up>>The Viewing on the Wall
This didn't go the direction I thought it would. I was anticipating a breakdown of costs associated with owning a guitar and keeping it playable over an extended period of time. I liked this approach though. Also, love the light-colored sunburst, as well as the amp beneath it. If I owned those, I too would enjoy the pleasure of just owning them to look at them, regardless of how much actual playing time they got.
Gateway guitars😔...🎸
You don't know what you don't know...once you play/then purchase higher quality guitars, (especially acoustics), it's hard to go back.
my fender player strat has been paying me it feels like i enjoy it so much
I love my guitars, even the less expensive guitars. The issue is I cant stop buying them lol, But great news................ I only need one more ................. for now
A year ago I bought a PRS S2 594, the day I got it I taught with it for 6 hours. And continued to this day to teach with it, I think I got my money back in a week in a half according to this video. Also the guitar does not look a year old, it looks almost like a relic.
D standard with lots of distortion! And the hunt !
Interesting topic. I figure I play (at least) 3 hours a week (150 hrs / year) and have owned my Country (Gentleman) Classic for 8 years. That means I spend $1.60 / hr playing my guitar (not counting maintenance and strings). Nice to know !
I’m gonna use the cost per hour calculation to talk my wife into a new Les Paul special I want. Nice.