I was talking to a guy behind the counter of guitar shop yesterday about high end guitars. He had some interesting thoughts on guitar manufacture. He made a number of interesting statements such as:
1. High end, mainly American guitar manufactures aren't making guitars for musicians anymore, they are making them for investors.
2. For the investment market, the looks, exotic materials and brand are more important that the performance of the instrument so don't expect an expensive high end guitar to out-perform a cheaper bass that has been built to play.
While things aren't as black and white as he suggests I can see where he is coming from.
Flame suit on