Where to buy

[Achysklic]

Lets say I have 25,000 - 30,000 to spend on a dream guitar.

Where would I go to get the best guitar for the money?

[Jack FFR1846]

Gruhn

[jondanger]

That's Lira, right? Maybe Yen?

This isn't that far from you.

http://www.gruhn.com/

[KevinB]

Elderly, Gruhn and Mandolin Brothers would be a good start.

[snakestrecher$]

Originally Posted by Achysklic

Lets say I have 25,000 - 30,000 to spend on a dream guitar.

Where would I go to get the best guitar for the money?

Oh boy. Depends. Acoustic, electric, new, vintage?? Some of these decisions would narrow down possibilities.

[telex76]

You'd get the best deal by finding one on your own.
Of course, you'd want to get it authenticated.

[garytelecastor]

Man, that is a conundrum. What do you want the guitar for-investment, playing, collecting? And if you are going to use it for playing what kind of music are you playing?
There is an awful lot of criteria that needs to be addressed before this becomes answerable.
Otherwise, go buy a 50's tele, strat, or LP.
Myself, I would drift toward the New York Masters, DeAngelico, DeAcquisto, Stromberg, etc. These will retain and grow in value, and they are a lot less of them out there.

[rebelwoclue]

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...ster-porn.html
Take a look at this- Norm's Rare Guitars

[harmonicon]

Best for the money, eh? Oh, the late 80's or early 90's, I guess. You'd spend the first 25 grand on the time machine, and the rest of the money to buy guitars then.

God damn, when I think of the insanely low prices I'd see 60's and 70's Fenders go for at Elderly in the early 90's when no one (including me) wanted them... the only good ones were pre-CBS, you know?

Seriously though, I don't know. Best for the money will change with the market. Chicago Music Exchange always has some very nice guitars, but in that price range, I wouldn't really know. I have no idea how they do their pricing. Sometimes it seems very reasonable, and sometimes it seems really high.

[uriah1]

Sotheby's

or here

http://www.vintageandrareguitars.com/

when they dont post price and say 'inquiry only')

[Achysklic]

Thanks guys, I would prefer a Telecaster or Strat, but would consider a Les Paul.
I want it mostly to collect and to play in house only.
Since I love the 50's having a Fender from this era would be a dream.

[charlie chitlin]

Any time you go to a dealer, you pay BIG for the security of having done so.
This may be worth it to you.
For my money, I prefer to do my homework and buy privately.
I paid pretty dearly for a guitar I really wanted awhile ago...$3k.
I've been looking and haven't seen one for less than $5k from dealers.
Of course, that's asking price.
OTOH...when dropping such a pile of sheckels, buying from a reputable dealer may suit you.
But when I see a guitar that a dealer has, I can't help but think, "I want to pay what HE paid."

[deputydog]

Originally Posted by Jack FFR1846

Gruhn

+1

[homesick345]

Dave (Dave's guitar shop) is the man.

and speaking of guitar porn, have a look at his private collection...http://davesguitar.com/daves-collection/

[emu!]

CL

[charlie chitlin]

So...what is this dream guitar, anyway?
If it's a '68 Harmony Rocket, I think I can help you out! ;)

[strateles]

Have the legend that is Ron Kirn build you a real vintage spec guitar that actually plays well... then take the rest of the dough and buy a real relic to hang on the wall, or collect, or whatever? for the price I dont think you can find a better playing instrument than one of Ron's.

[purpletele]

All good suggestions, I'll add Austin Vintage. I'm a big fan of Elderly too'

http://www.austinvintageguitars.com/

[Dingbat]

With that kinda cash....buy a ticket to Eugene Oregon and visit McKenzie River Music.

http://www.mckenzierivermusic.com/

[snakestrecher$]

Originally Posted by strateles

Have the legend that is Ron Kirn build you a real vintage spec guitar that actually plays well... then take the rest of the dough and buy a real relic to hang on the wall, or collect, or whatever? for the price I dont think you can find a better playing instrument than one of Ron's.

Agreed. Ron will build you a guitar that you will cherish and play till its relic'd. Just looking at mine makes me ecstatic. The price is the best around and you get to choose ereevetything.

Here's mine in action

http://youtu.be/GxsLYs7TLyc