My guitar is the 2nd I've ever owned (my first was a 'Pan' and I smashed it in a drunken rage haha) and after 10 years it's hurting - strap attached by pulling the patch chord through it, fretboard's messed etc. I barely own an amp. I play live and I have nothing to hide behind. I'd rather it that way because generally people can tell the difference. Studio people will make anything sound good but who cares if the musicality isn't there.