Well, Gibson, the most expensive guitar I played was a Martin on sale in Hanks in Denmark Street for GBP 15,000. I didn't like it.

I've played some Martins I did like, I have not yet found a Breedlove I did like, seen a couple of Collings and Froggy Bottoms and Bourgeois I somewhat liked. I quite like many Gibsons, but none really go that extra mile. You need ears. So far I have a definite impression where yours are. I listen a lot better than I play!

Best acoustic guitar I ever played - William Pint's Goodall. I believe it was very costly.

Second best (to my amazement) a Fender custom shop one.

Third was the only Lowden I ever really liked, but that one was a belter.

Second rate? My stepdaughter (who runs a lot of shit for Intel) still winds up people like you up by calling you the colonies. When you get a history, get a life. Oh, and post your real name, as I do.