Riffster Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 A lot of folks complain about Gibson guitars being expensive, and they are. I am not all that familiar with PRS but I was looking at a catalog and noticed they are also up there in price even for simpler looking American models. I assume the $500 range line is made overseas? Do folks complain about PRS prices? or does the fact that they make a line of guitars overseas at a lower price but with the same logo save them some flack? NOT suggesting it at all but if Gibson was to make guitars overseas using the Gibson logo and headstock so more people could afford one would make Gibson less of a "evil company" in some people eyes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shnate McDuanus Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 The thing about PRS is that I think a lot of people buy PRS with the consideration that they're rather expensive. In fact, I think they retain sort of a "premium, untouchable, not-to-be-fxcked with" status, and that people who buy them generally do so because they want it, and they don't complain because it's something they want and it's something they'll have if they have the money for it. Also, they're not exactly essential pieces of equipment, where I think a lot of guitarists complain about Gibson prices because Gibson has, for so long, been one of the two essential brands. Then again, these are just musings of mine, and looking at them now I'm not sure if I can make much sense of them. I hope you understand what I'm trying to get across. I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantha Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Well I know that *I* complain about the price.. but only because I can't afford one. I suspect that the people that CAN afford one don't complain much, and some probably even enjoy the fact that they are pricey.. it's just another club to belong to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AXE® Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 In hear some complaints about pricing. Be VERY rarely about quality issues. If Gibson's rolled off the line ready to play there would be fewer complaints about the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted December 19, 2009 Author Share Posted December 19, 2009 I see. I just had to ask since I saw a Santana IV for like $4,000 and some simple-looking models for $1300. At the same time you can have an actual PRS for much less even if it is an import i am sure it has quality and the PRS logo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Like Gibson, people complain about the price, because they can't easily afford it! And, there's the "Status" symbol aspect, too. Why do people buy the CS R6, 8, 9's etc...when the standard line LP's will "work" just fine. They like the exclusivity, and "snob factor," if you like...as well as the "more attention to detail," and classic "feel!" PRS are beautiful instruments (except, for that God Awful (IMHO) headstock...LOL). The Asian variety, are for 90% of the "Look," without the high dollar cost. Much like Epi's and Gibson. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 I don't think the ones made over seas are on par with US made ones and those imports (maybe not all) have bolt on necks. I'm sure it's the same deal as with Gibson where if you buy a Gibson product (Epiphone) from overseas, you get cheaper everything - wood, electronics, craftsmanship, etc. PRS are expensive, that's for sure but I think their USA line is on the same level as Gibson Custom. Maybe I'm wrong. I don't complain about PRS prices and I don't complain about Gibson prices...especially Custom Shop. They're all damn expensive but you get what you pay for. They cost what they cost...and if you want them, you either fork over the money for a new one or save 50% and buy used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanMan Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Dude... people complain. About EVERYTHING. Seriously. I'll bet you know some one right now that, if they didn't complain about something, they'd just burst.... I rarely see anyone complaining about PRS guitars on the Gibson Forum though. Might try here and ask the same question: http://www.prsforums.com/forums/ Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIANTRobOT420 Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 I used to have PRS SE that was made Korea and it was one of best asian made guitars ive played. The pickups were junk but it played like butter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted December 19, 2009 Author Share Posted December 19, 2009 I understand, I do not participate in a lot of forums so I don't know if people especifically complain about PRS prices or not. I don't need an answer bad enough to join the PRS forum. I was just asking, in general, do people complain like they do with Gibson but I do see your point, complaining is everywhere. I know I do my share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 The SE series, which is the import line, is also slightly different than the American series. Not in the way Gibson and Epiphone are different, but designs, also. I'm a huge fan of the way the SE Custom Semi-hollow looks, with a Rickenbacker-esque "F" hole, while the American semi-hollows all have traditional F-holes. Not as nice, in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AXE® Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Gratuitous PRS live shot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepblue Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 They're all damn expensive but you get what you pay for I dunno...I paid $2000 for a piece of flame maple no bigger than a seat cushion. I happy with it and all is well, but can you really say Gibson wasnt milking me? I agreed on the price thats true, but when the only diff between an R8 and an R9 is waves in the wood well I think the 2K is a little steep. No one plays the nostalgia card better than Gibson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 -Not the same logo. -They are consistent (lets face it, gibson isn't). -The overseas line is a little better than EPIPHONE and retains the brand thing, while epiphone doesn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanMan Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 I dunno...I paid $2000 for a piece of flame maple no bigger than a seat cushion.I happy with it and all is well' date=' but can you really say Gibson wasnt milking me? I agreed on the price thats true, but when the only diff between an R8 and an R9 is waves in the wood well I think the 2K is a little steep. No one plays the nostalgia card better than Gibson.[/quote'] Actually, for me, it was the Les Paul sound I was after. $2k was just the price tag associated with it. It's like wanting the tone you get from a Marshall stack... the $$$$$ is just the price of that tone. I played lots of guitars when I was shopping. The PRS guitars didn't do it for me. They were not inspiring, ergo they were not worth whatever money they were asking for them. My LP... it still makes me go "Wow" when I look at it and think "That one's mine..." I do kind of wonder if the folks who buy other top end guitars find sawdust and wood chips in them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepblue Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Actually' date=' for me, it was the Les Paul sound I was after. $2k was just the price tag associated with it. It's like wanting the tone you get from a Marshall stack... the $$$$$ is just the price of that tone. I played lots of guitars when I was shopping. The PRS guitars didn't do it for me. They were not inspiring, ergo they were not worth whatever money they were asking for them. My LP... it still makes me go "Wow" when I look at it and think "That one's mine..." I do kind of wonder if the folks who buy other top end guitars find sawdust and wood chips in them... I agree with you. I was bored one day and tried out a few PRS's at a shop in Mississauga and wasnt really impressed at all. They didnt sound bad or anything, but id still take a Les Paul any day over a Smitty. To me it boiled down to how it felt in my hands and pressed against my body....there was no connection between us at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanMan Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 To me it boiled down to how it felt in my hands and pressed against my body....there was no connectionbetween us at all. Exactly this for me as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPhillips Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 I don't know guys. Seems Gibson does make a "cheaper" line of guitars for the non-professional, student, or hobbyist. The LP Studios and SG's can be had for less than 1K if you shop around. I have always considered the Standards, Customs, Signatures, RI's, to be more of a professional's instrument, or at least specialized. I know many of Gibson's products are out of many people's price range (most that I want are out of mine), but so are the top of the line Martins, Taylors, PRS, Benedetto's, D'Angelico's, etc adn so on. American made Strats and Teles aren't cheap either, but don't cost anywhere near as much to manufacture. Same goes with cars, houses, pianos, whisky, guns, etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIANTRobOT420 Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 ^truth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillybilly Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 PRS seems more consistent in their construction than Gibbies, which eliminates all the "i paid $xxxx and look what i got!" crowd. but i find PRS guitars, even the expensive ones, to have no soul. i'll take my orange-peel gibson over a PRS every single time. obviously ymmv. play what ya likes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketman Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Just to echo what's been said here. I've played countless PRS and Gibson guitars. I have never once found an issue with a PRS guitar in terms of quality, not even a minor issue. Taylor is the same way. This is certainly not true for Gibson; paint bleeding is the most common I see. It took my a very long time to get my Gibson guitars because I wanted the perfect look and sound. The good news is that if you look around enough you'll eventually get it with Gibson. I didn't complain about the price of my Taylor and I won't complain about the price of a PRS. Someday I may actually buy one too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwness Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 It's about the quality that goes into the PRS. I love mine and they have plenty of soul. Sometimes brand loyalty has to be given up to see the benifits in other guitars. I used to be a Gibson person but it was limiting my choice. Now I see the good in all brands. As far as price goes I got mine on CL for some smoking deals. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdntac Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 I've had a PRS Custom 22 for three weeks now. I'm one of the few who actually bought a guitar with a QC problem --- mine was missing a ground wire between the tone and volume pot! How does THAT happen?! Once I realized why I was getting some odd noises and why the volume wouldn't turn completely off (you could just barely hear it when the knob was off and with all the noise in the store it couldn't be heard) it was pretty simple to solder a piece of wire between the two pots. I contacted PRS and they were apologetic. Why wasn't I more angry? Well, I got this new Custom 22 for quite the deal so this wasn't that big of a matter to me since it was very easily fixed. Three weeks ago I went into a store in Missisauga (perhaps the same store as mentioned in a previous post?) at about 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday and got talking to the owner. I related some stories to him about how I give a couple of young kids lessons as long as they maintain a certain grade average and never get in trouble at school. After a few other stories about the guitar club my wife and I run at her school he looked at me and knocked off a significant $$ amount off of the price. Walking out of the store with a beautiful Custom 22 for $2500 (tax included --- and keep in mind our federal and provincial taxes add on 13% here) I was on cloud 9. This was the first PRS that I felt spoke to me. I've been looking for one for a while and this one had me hooked as soon as I started playing it. It's feel, tone, colour and comfort just grabbed me. Granted, learning how to set up the floating tremolo was a bit of a learning experience. I actually recently ordered a Tremol-No and hopefully it will be here by the 24th. IMO, though PRS guitars play very nicely it seems to me that aesthetics are a very important part of their guitars. With their vibrant colours, standard and 10 tops that come in flame or quilt patterns, they put a lot of effort into making their guitars into eye candy. But no, I can't complain about the price of PRS --- at least my PRS. :) One thing I've noticed about PRS tops is that they take on different appearances under varying lighting conditions and if viewed on different angles. This pic actually makes my top look like it has less of a pattern than it really does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted December 19, 2009 Author Share Posted December 19, 2009 -Not the same logo. -They are consistent (lets face it' date=' gibson isn't). -The overseas line is a little better than EPIPHONE and retains the brand thing, while epiphone doesn't. [/quote'] Yea, still PRS brand though, an Epiphone is not a Gibson. A lot of their models are seen as a copy because they are, I am not sure that import PRS are seen as a copy given the same branding. Know what I mean? Gibson does have the studio and faded series that are priced lower but I personally still seem to hear more complaints about Gibson prices in general hence my original question. I have only played one PRS and it did not connect with me, I see good features but don't care for the overall package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 I haven't played that many PRS guitars. Maybe I just got lucky with mine 'cause it's a great guitar but I must say, I love the "PRS has no soul" remarks. Honestly, I've played A LOT of Gibson Les Pauls that I could say the same thing about. I dunno...I paid $2000 for a piece of flame maple no bigger than a seat cushion.I happy with it and all is well' date=' but can you really say Gibson wasnt milking me? I agreed on the price thats true, but when the only diff between an R8 and an R9 is waves in the wood well I think the 2K is a little steep. No one plays the nostalgia card better than Gibson.[/quote'] You're absolutely right and this also applies to PRS. You can buy a (whatever) PRS guitar and you can also buy that same guitar with a 10 top. Again, you pay a premium for a piece of maple with more figure. When I said you get what you pay for, I was mainly referring to quality. As for the flame top - yeah, you get hosed. Yea' date=' still PRS brand though, an Epiphone is not a Gibson. A lot of their models are seen as a copy because they are, I am not sure that import PRS are seen as a copy given the same branding. Know what I mean?[/quote']What's your opinion on Mexican made Fender Strats? Do you see those as copies? Do you think their quality is on par with US made Fender Strats? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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