Originally posted by the fool
.... Now, I'm thinking- maybe the reason why Gibsons are more expensive is because nitrocellulose is more dangerous to apply than polyurethane. Does my theory make sense? ...

Gibson guitars are expensive because people are willing to pay a lot of money for them. It's as simple, and as complicated, as that.

For all their fussing about being inventive and innovative about musical styles and techniques, guitar players are among the most anal, change-fearing bunch of wimps on this planet when it comes to the guitar itself.

Gibson commands high prices based on a long-standing perception of musical excellence that, frankly, it rarely lives up to. And as long as there are people willing to pay inflated prices for Gibson guitars, there's no motivation for Gibson to improve their quality control.

Bottom line:

Find a guitar, from any manufacturer[/i], that you want to own, for a price that you're willing to pay.

Even a Gibson, if that's what you really want.