[bherms]

As a lifetime guitar player and owner of way too many, I think what I've seen (and keep in mind this is only anecdotal) is that boutique guitar makers are making a big comeback while traditional mass producers are seeing less interest. If I'm going to spend $2500-7500 on a top of the line guitar (that is often an art piece as well) I'd rather work with a craft builder and get something unique to my specs versus a mass produced Fender strat or Gibson Les Paul.

[cr0sh]

I can't speak to Gibson, but I know that if you have enough money, you can certainly get Fender to work with you on a custom spec guitar.

[bherms]

Yeah all of the builders have custom shops, but usually when I see "custom shop" come from big companies like Gibson, it's basically "modified les paul" with cooler wood and different pickups.

[levicole]

Bingo! I'd say it's similar to the craft beer movement.

[bherms]

Exactly... I think my generation specifically (Gen Y) is 1) starting to come into having disposable income (hitting our 30's mostly), 2) skeptical of traditional marketing, big corporations (to some extent), etc, 3) learning to value craftsmen/women and quality goods over brand names.

It's an interesting shift to watch.

[cr0sh]

I know you can't trust me because I'm just another stranger on the internet, but I worked for Fender briefly in their marketing department a few years back (as a web developer).

I can unequivocally say that they still care about valuing craftsmanship of their products. It may not be to the level of an individual craftsperson constructing a one-off instrument, but it is there.

At least, that's what I perceived while I was there. But take my words for whatever they're worth; I don't play guitar, nor did I take advantage of learning while I was there (part of me regrets not doing so, as the employee discounts were generous, but I still couldn't justify another potentially expensive hobby).

[bherms]

I definitely believe you. Both Gibson and Fender are awesome companies and do make great instruments with amazing quality control. They're as American as apple pie as well... I have zero hate for either brand, but personally for my money, if I'm spending big, I'd go for something really unique.. For example, I'd really love a Jersey Girl or a Robert de la Garza:

http://jerseygirlhg.com/composition/branches/spot/images/02....

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2b245d_55366c7247ed436480...

Those will set you back roughly $6000 each though :(

http://jerseygirlhg.com/composition