Hi Frustrated,

Price may be a large part of it. Also peer [preesure believe it or don't. Lazinessw? Heard a Martin that sounded good so all Martin's must sound good so why search further.(Faulty logic there ofcourse) The thousand dollar wall may be an issue. Anything over agrand anymore is a real major outlay of cash and hand made guitars are rare within that price ceiling.

About half the working musicians I know save there nice toys to play with at home and look for road tools to take to gigs. I won't subject my 30 year old Martin or my 40 year old Guild to the rigors of road work. I will take my soulless Ovation out however.

Some people like me have very serious neck or body size requirements (Animaterra) an we could definately benefit by having a guitar made by a skilled luthier but for me cost is the issue.

I imagine the reasons will vary for everyone. Fear of the unknown may play a part in it too. How do I know a hand made $1500.00 Eversharp will last as well as a name brand of the same price like a GuildGibsonMartin which have known track records.

Regards

Don