well, I think one other reason that people would buy a high priced instrument might be to show off to other guitarists. sure, no one in the audience might be able to tell the difference, but maybe just owning a gibson or a marshall or a mesa-boogie just to say that you have one may be reason enough to buy it.. now, I agree that if you don't know how to play the guitar that you should'nt buy the expensive stuff... but, if you buy the stuff and actually intend to learn to use it, then I have no problem with it... for example, I have only been playing about 8 months, but I keep hearing from several people that I'm pretty good, and I am actually looking at buying a gibson for my second guitar. I don't know if I could actually reach that guitar's potential, but I intend to learn how! I know that a gibson might not be the absolute BEST sounding guitar out there, but just cause it's not the best doesn't mean it isn't GOOD! plus, I'm an extremely competitive person, so you say that one quarter of the price is bragging rights? well, maybe that's what I want, is bragging rights! knowing that the other 3/4 of the price is to the sound! so, if these statistics were 100% true throughout all guitars, then a $1000 gibson still sounds better then anything $750 and below, which you would probably be spending on off-brands... k, I think I'm done my little speech, you all can start disagreeing with me now... :rolleyes: