In a recent discussion with MusicRadar, Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash shared his thoughts on the guitar market, particularly criticizing the trend of overpaying for musical instruments based solely on brand prestige. The renowned guitarist, who boasts a vast collection of electric guitars, argued that buyers should focus on practicality and usability rather than the allure of a specific brand or model.
According to Slash, extravagant purchases in the realm of guitars are often unwarranted. "There is a line there that you cross where you are just spending money for the sake of the name or the label," he remarked. He emphasized that while quality is important, it doesn’t necessitate exorbitant spending. "You can get an excellent guitar that doesn't cost an arm and a leg," he suggested.
Slash added a comparison that drew attention: "People who buy million-dollar guitars are the same as people who buy Rolls-Royces." He expanded on this notion, stating that some buyers are motivated by the instrument's historical value or prestige rather than its usefulness as a tool for making music.
The musician highlighted his own journey to building a connection with instruments, recounting his experience with an ES-335 that he initially found challenging to appreciate. It wasn't until he worked on his blues-oriented solo project, "Orgy Of The Damned," that he learned to value the instrument for its true qualities.
Echoing Slash's sentiments, fellow guitarists like Joe Bonamassa have noted that classic tones can emerge from much less expensive gear. Bonamassa stated, "Some of the greatest sounds were created on junk," pointing to legendary sounds spawned from budget guitars of their time. Additional anecdotes from artists like Scott Poley reveal that even high-profile performances can be successfully executed with literally inexpensive instruments, such as his experience touring with a $40 Harley Benton Strat copy.
In conclusion, Slash's perspective reinforces a growing conversation around the value and accessibility of affordable guitars. As reported by MusicRadar, his insights encourage musicians to prioritize their personal connection with their instruments rather than getting swept up in marketing or brand prestige.