Originally Posted by: CW14Most of the big brands have a few really famous endorsers. I wouldn't let that influence my decision.

If I was going to drop 4 grand on an axe, I'd make it a 6-string and buy a cheaper 7-string. That's just me though

Hmm... seems that Vai and Satriani are a tad "famous"... Ibanez players BTW. I sortta agree you CW. But if you’re in a position to buy any guitar at any price, as these dudes are you gotta wonder what drives their choices. Of course they get paid endorsement $$$, but these guys make a living as Guitar Slingers exclusively. My point being: they won't play on crap. Their rep is all they have.

If you buy a JS signature Ibanez (I lust after one of these) you are getting one fine instrument. I've fondled one of these (one does not merely hold a JS signature) oh, sweet!

For me, the dream machine is a Dean Caddy; I again -- fondled -- in a Fort Worth shop. Geez, I sound like a perv!

I guess if you ask 500 players “what’s the best?” you’ll get at least 200 different answers. Beauty is definitely in the hands of the player.

If money is not a constraint, I think all would agree that you can’t go wrong with any top end Iby, Fender, Gibson, Dean, Turner, etc. All played by the best slingers on the rock.

Helping put 3 kids through collage, I can only dream of owning any of the above. But I’m content enough with my ‘built-out” Mexi-Strat, and my new Epi/LP.

Another thing I think we can all agree on is that an expensive guitar will not make you a good player. I’ve been playing for almost 30 yrs and I’m about as good as I’m ever going to get. That’s reality – and age for you. I’m always learning new stuff, thus my support of this site. But other than learning some new licks, tricks, and building on my repertoire, I know for a fact that $2000 or $5000 spent on a guitar (for me anyway) will yield only differences in tonality not function.