This thread is like a microcosm of the Mudcat, it has so many different directions.

Sure some 60's "folksingers" made lots of money, and some of them still have it. Both of those clauses would apply to any other profession. What that has to do with deciding whether to pursue a career in what is loosely referred to as folk music in 2004, I don't have a clue. Unless you are thinking of starting a tribute band and must choose between Dylan and PPM. (I wouldn't go this way myself, A Mighty Wind was hilarious but died a thousand deaths at the box office).

Matt (S, not R, let's note), meaning no disrespect, I get the impression you have this kind of "American Idol" concept of "folk music" as a route to make yourself a star. Makes me wonder, what if we told you all those 60's folk idols live in shacks now? Would you be checking out the earnings of 70's rock musicians or 50's doo-wop singers? If you are actually interested in the music, as you can see there is considerable knowledge here, and willingness to share it, from many who have pursued it as a vocation or avocation for several decades. If you are just looking for wealth, there are better ways to pursue it (start by going to business school) and then you can buy better guitars than most of us can afford.   

Warning: in folkie quarters such as this one you will find a certain resentment of the self-obsessed mindset of so many self-styled "folksingers" or singer-songwriters who have a single-minded ambition to climb to the top of the heap. "That's not where it's at." Perhaps you have already sensed this.

But if folk, blues and acoustic music interests you for itself, join the Mudcat and hang around. We also get together in person now and then here and there in the widely scattered folk music universe Mudcatters are in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and God knows where else)--those meetings are always fun for sharing.

Best
Willie-O
acerbic Canadian Catter