Why post reverse snobbery?

Perhaps this is good a place as any to ask this.

Why do any of these fancy teles cost so much new or used? Why should a Kirn or Lentz is LsL or Shyboy for that matter cost 2k-3k and still list at well over 1000 used?

For what is essentially a "copy" of a mass produced model as far as I'm concerned they're all technically partscasters a anyway. Perhaps one of you fine folk could enlighten me as to why this is. I'm not trying to offend or upset anyone I just genuinely would like to know.

 

Because people see value in them. Like anything else.

 

I only know of Ron Kirn's work, and from what I've seen I think that exclusivity plays a role in the value. When you get a guitar from him, you can get something that no-one else has. You can't order a completely personalized guitar from Fender, but you can from Ron Kirn.

 

Sure you can.

 

Really? I thought the options were more limited from Fender.

 

My Telecasters are far better than anyone elses Telecasters!

 

Also, can you get the range of finishes that Kirn does?

Tell me where you can find the mass-produced guitars from which these are copied?

 

I believe Billy Lee Riley summed it up best in 1957...

 

In theory, the more expensive guitar is more expensive because it is of better quality. It is more expensive because it is a better guitar. Some don't want to spend that kind of money so they go cheaper. Then as WP4 said they consider it better than the more expensive guitar so that they can cope with not having the nicer guitar. But really in theory, the argument that the cheap guitar is nicer is just nonsense as it is cheaper for a reason/many reasons...

 

As far as I know the Custom Shop will do whatever you want, I don't think they'll make a Les Paul but...in any event there's a wide range of custom guitar builders out there and obviously people think what they do is worthwhile. All the Fender products I've seen and played have been very nice. So are the PRS guitars, they're crazy nice. I doubt I'll ever get one, but you never know.

 

Yeah. But, we would need to see pictures.

 

They cost more to purchase because they cost more to build, but that doesn't always translate into quality. A Chinese master luthier can turn out a very high quality product that rivals anything made anywhere in the world, but his labor rate is going to be significantly lower than that of even an apprentice luthier in most western countries.

 

Ah, but are there any Chinese master luthiers actually doing that?

 

I'm sure there are, but their work probably never reaches western markets. That's what the sweat shop factories are for.

 

This might explain why the neck on my CV Thinline was so slippery when I got it.

 

They used it as an oar on the way over here.

 

I personally enjoy NGD threads that tell a story, or include a quality photo or three of a guitar-especially a Telecaster!

Point 1: Snobbery? Some of those responses are simply opinions with no ill intent to others posting on the thread, IMO.

Point 2: A buyer driving a new car off the lot goes through a process/rationalization (generally). This may, or may not be the way they think after a guitar purchase.

Here's the rationalization:

1. Convincing one's self that they are satisfied with the car, truck, or SUV.
2. Convincing one's self that the value is equal or higher to the agreed price.

The part I can't explain is about 'new car' bragging rights with a neighbor, or buddy.
Many of us that are comfortable in our own skin do NOT feel the need to brag about a new vehicle. The guitars I buy have a cost less than one car payment, so there's no comparison between the price of the two.

 

There are a lot of mid-range American made guitars that deserve honorable mention somewhere within the snobbery scale (Fender USA Nitro Satin Strat, American Standard Teles, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Martin GPCPA4, Taylor 414CE, Gibson J-35, etc.).

You can really sing (and stretch your pocket book) without all the bling!


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