I have bought two instruments new, a 1989 Korean strat which was hand picked from a huge stack of new ones still in boxes by a very accomplished guitarist friend, and my 1994 musician stingray. They are both made wonderfully, so I have no complaints. Having spent an hour or two in a couple of excellent local guitar shops recently, for the first time in years, I do, however, agree with the comments that the quality of instrument you can construct here from Pitbull will give many of these brand name instruments a run for their money.