Quake3World

Eraser wrote: Gotta set that against revenue numbers as well though.
I don't doubt Nike spends more on R&D (even as a percentage of their revenue), but I think you're still paying for the brand as well.

I have another example. I own an Ibanez JEM guitar. I could buy pretty much the same guitar as an Ibamez RG model for significantly less money, but the JEM is Steve Vai's signature model and the subtle differences between the RG and JEM are what I think makes the JEM cool, so I got a JEM (granted, second hand because new is too expensive for me. I could probably get a new RG for the price I paid for the JEM).

If I'd follow my head, I'd have bought an RG, but my heart told me JEM. It might be a stupid decision, but I never regretted it once.

I bought an RG several years ago. Absolutely one of the best guitars I've owned. But it's the little tweaks that make the difference. This is what I'm trying to convey as well. It's what makes the product for you. I would have loved a JEM but didn't happen. I was very happy with my RG and that was that. With the bike, I obviously had a choice and went with the Harley. I could have had any bike I wanted and that is what I chose. Would I be happy with a Vulcan or Raider? Maybe, but I doubt it.

On that note, my current guitar is a Washburn Stevie Salas signature model. That had no bearing on my choice. I actually think I like it as much as the RG I had. Very decent action and comfortable. Not sure what went wrong between Salas and Washburn, but they act like this model doesn't even exist. Might work to my advantage in the future.

When it comes to Fender guitars, I really can't find a difference in tonality and playabilty between Standard Strats made in Mexico or the US. Never owned a Jap one but heard they are just as good. If Trump sanctions Fender MIM or MIJ imports into the US it would be a stupid move, imo.
If it comes to acoustic guitars, I guess you should support your local market, if possible.
But I have to say Taylors are just really good guitars. Saying that although I am aware of the Scientology-angle.
With Gibson, who knows .
Other than that, I think I found the perfect guitar for my fingers. It's a Deimel Firestar from Berlin in it's default shape. It has just the right measurements, fits me very well.