About 10 years ago my son bought an Ibanez JEM7V. We went to a place in Leeds and tried one. And as ever noone knows if a 15 year old kid is serious or not. He was and can play it well. I found one on line to buy from Paris for about £1300 (he bought it with his money not mine - good paper round) but the guy in Leeds had said phone if you get a deal and I'll see if I can do it. So I did.

When the guitar arrived it had some major problems and I was glad that we could drive it down the road and get it replaced. Swings and roundabouts. Makes you realise how much you can discount a guitar.

So then he changed the pickups and the tremolo so basically it's a piece of wood with bits attached. Nice to play though.

Then bought a 7 string Ibanez on ebay from a lovely guy in Scotland.

I still like to have my old reference point (1972 Yamaha FG180 which cost £54 when I bought it new) just to check whether paying £00's for a guitar is actually sensible. I have just never really liked the neck on it as I have small hands.

I went a played a couple of Faith guitars (at a similar sort of price bracket) that a friend had recommended and may try them again. But my immediate reaction was a very bright sound and no warmth and depth. Could be wrong until I go back

And I have listened to and played friend's Lowdens, Martins, Taylors and Gibsons but never quite found what I was looking for that was worth it for the player I am that I could justify spending the money