What’s your threshold?

[Panhead5]

I have no financial threshold really but I do worry about the theft issue and definitely the condition . I bought a 5K Suhr that was everything I wanted color and spec wise but returned it because it was too perfect to get scarred up . I actually like beat up and relic guitars --I just don't like beating them up if that makes sense !

 

[thenine]

I’ve gone back and forth on this and can identify with both sides. I’ve decided for amps it doesn’t matter. I choose those, and pedalboard, for what I’m doing. But guitars I feel a bit different about. For some reason I think I play and sound better on middle grade ~$1000 - $1500 guitars, or even a little lower. My mexi strat and partscaster are #1 and #2. I don’t think I hit as hard, dig in as much or are as care-free with a + $3500 guitar. I guess that makes me agree with the OP.

 

[rsm]

It would depend on where, i.e., the type of venue, etc. Back in the day I played in some larger clubs, with backstage entrance, dressing/band rooms, door and venue security etc.. If I was playing one of these larger venues, I'd bring my more expensive guitars if I needed them.

if I'm playing dive bars, no security, band at floor level, or up less than 5' from the floor, etc., $1000 or less,...focusing on the less. I happen to like my cheap guitars, under $500. I'd also eliminate anything on the floor or move it back near the drums.

 

[DrewJD82]

Edit, I read the OP wrong, but this more less holds true regardless because it’s all I own. I’d gig any of my guitars.

$1500.

My partscasters cost me right about $1K and I love ‘em.
90’s MIJ Ibanez stuff can be found for under $1K
Solar guitars fills in the gap Ibanez left behind for me, fucking killer guitars
MIJ Les Pauls can be found for under $1500 all day long

I spent $1500 on my Orville and that’s the highest priced guitar I own aside from my JEM, which was $1650 in ‘97. I just can’t justify anything over $1500 when the above list remains true. At this point I just plan on putting together partscasters while grabbing an occasional Edwards or Solar.

Last year I had sold my house and was going through a divorce, I was going to treat myself to one really nice guitar. I went to GC that has the higher end guitars and asked to take a EBMM Majesty down, I was in my work clothes and not looking like I had a ton of money to my name because it was a busier day, but I had $5K in cash I was ready to part with in my pocket. Dude blew me off and told me the sales manager had the key but was on the phone. If it wasn’t that important for him to make the sale because I wasn’t wearing a button down shirt and spent the day in the sun, fuuuuuck you buddy. I brought 5 guitars with the money instead and am MUCH happier as a result. It’d take something really special for me to go higher than $1500. Some day I’ll own a JEM10.

 

[DanTravis62]

Last year I had sold my house and was going through a divorce, I was going to treat myself to one really nice guitar. I went to GC that has the higher end guitars and asked to take a EBMM Majesty down, I was in my work clothes and not looking like I had a ton of money to my name because it was a busier day, but I had $5K in cash I was ready to part with in my pocket. Dude blew me off and told me the sales manager had the key but was on the phone. If it wasn’t that important for him to make the sale because I wasn’t wearing a button down shirt and spent the day in the sun, fuuuuuck you buddy. I brought 5 guitars with the money instead and am MUCH happier as a result. It’d take something really special for me to go higher than $1500. Some day I’ll own a JEM10.

This hasn't ever happened to me, but I've heard about it happening to a lot of other people, and it's insane

Like seriously, just because someone got off work or was out hiking before they came into the store doesn't mean they don't have cash to spend?

Shit is wild

 

[Giblesoqul2001]

I gig all my equipment guitars & amps. When I purchase any musical equipment I have gigging on my mind. Now I don’t have any REAL Vintage equipment. I have some sorta expensive R9 & R7 and just went all in on a 2018 LP 68 RI Custom with all plans on having it out at the shows next weekend. Forget the VOS and aging my stuff gets it done the natural way and don’t cost extra. . Also I want
Leave any of my guitars unattended and always in eye sight.