just think about what you will pay for your car and ask yousrself where will your car be in 15 years time or your computer or tv ect then look at your guitar ...buying a quality musical instrument is an investment...if i had the money to invest id buy as many as i could...as it is im married with family morgage kids ect...hey its been my choice but i can say that ive never regreted buying any guitar ive ever had, even if like in the case of the les paul saving 2 years for it ...my only regret is selling it to pay for some $@!&#* household bill ill never make that mistake with my USA srat deluxe...the bill will still be there when i next get my wages and so will the strat ive worked so hard for.....there is hope however ive just quit smoking so in four years i will have enough to buy another that is recession willing and hoping gibson dont keep hiking the prices quiker than i can save LOL!!!

Guitar prices will continue...and continue...and continue...to rise. Inflation.