Well Mr. Crowley, you heard all about components such as wood, pick-ups etc, needless to say that top of the line stuff, cost top money, but there is more than just material costs involved, the experience of the builder is the most important ingredient, the man that knows good wood from so so, can do that fancy abalone/ gold inlay , build the perfect feeling neck, can spray the perfect finish, who can build the customer the perfect guitar that sounds great now and will sound as good or better in 30 years and still play great, like you he built his own guitar, 30 or 40 years ago, and he kept building and learning, and if he can sell guitars now for $3000, its probaly because they're worth it, Craftsmanship, if you ever get a chance, take a look at a custom built Archtop, some of which can make $3000 look like small change, those things are as much a work of art as a guitar,,, peace, love, happy motoring....