Originally Posted by: PonyOne but the honest to god truth is that there are numerous luthiers and smaller-volume manufacturers (read: Gretsch, Jackson) that make guitars that are superior at comparable or soemtimes better prices.

Exactly

Years ago, the only two decent guitars to choose from were Fender and Gibson and thats what made them legends. But now, they only make money on a legacy, not extremly top of the line guitars.