Well, here's my story, fairly recent. I got all excited about a Taylor T5 electric acoustic guitar. Paid nearly 3 grand for a beautiful custom model. What a bummer! Hated this guitar. Didn't like the sound or how it felt while playing. Don't know why I bought it. Sold it for a loss and got a $500 Fender, which I much prefer. In many years of gigging, I'll never again be swayed by product name, reputation, or anything else. If it plays good and sounds good (to my ear), that's alright by me, regardless of the cost, large or small. My clients don't care which instrument I play. They just want to hear their favorite tunes, with a good tempo, and have fun.