The guitar industry has been experiencing significant price increases in recent years, as musicians and hobbyists alike are willing to spend big bucks on the instruments of their dreams.
However, KDH, a notable YouTuber, is igniting a debate over what he sees as bewildering pricing strategies from leading guitar manufacturers.
Pricing Smokescreens
In his latest video, *Why Guitar Prices Have Lost Their Sense*, KDH examines the sharp rise in prices that has marked the 2025 guitar market.
He links these increases mainly to ongoing inflation and supply chain difficulties.
Despite these economic factors, KDH urges viewers to question whether such hikes are justified, particularly when the improvements in quality or features seem minimal.
One striking example he highlights is the pricing of Marshall amplifiers.
The new JCM900 Mini Head, listed at €1,179 on Thomann, stands in stark contrast to previous mini models like the Mini Silver Jubilee, which retailed for around €839, despite having similar specifications.
This leads him to ponder the reasoning behind such a steep price jump.
Brand Confusion
KDH finds it particularly curious that certain brands are hiking their prices to levels that don’t seem to match consumer expectations.
He points specifically to ESP, a Japanese manufacturer, and notes the confusion created by the overlap between their affordable and high-end models.
While he acknowledges that pricing is climbing across the board, he is baffled when budget instruments surpass those in the standard tier.
He elaborates on how the once clear distinction between ESP’s budget-friendly LTD series and their premium guitars has become muddled.
Today, some LTD models are edging toward the $3,000 mark, complicating consumer understanding of the pricing reality.
Astonishingly, certain LTD signature guitars now cost more than their E-II counterparts—ESP’s Japanese-made line.
This shift in pricing strategies not only challenges traditional perceptions but also raises questions about the value proposition of these instruments.
For many players, the line between entry-level and high-end gear has blurred, reminiscent of discussions in the recent Gibson Les Paul Studio Session review, where nuances in quality and craftsmanship were highlighted.
As consumers navigate this increasingly complex landscape, discerning which model truly fits their needs has become more essential than ever.
Shifting Brand Identity
KDH brings to light the LTD Alex Skolnick signature guitar, priced at €2,333, which aligns with a Japanese-made E-II seven-string model.
To add to the intrigue, some LTD guitars even surpass the €2,750 price point, outpacing similar offerings from esteemed brands like Gibson and Fender.
He expresses his concern that ESP might be drifting away from its roots in high-end guitar production.
In his view, outside of ESP artists, it’s rare to see live bands featuring guitars with the ESP logo.
KDH believes that the LTD brand has morphed beyond its original goal of providing budget-friendly options; it now spans a wide spectrum that includes everything from entry-level models to high-end instruments nearing three grand.
For a deeper dive into KDH’s insights on these pricing trends, be sure to watch the full video below!