Are times a changing.

The times they truly are a changin'.  I think it's simply that the golden age of peace and prosperity in the western countries is over.  There's a lot of strife in the western world now on all levels and the people that can afford the fine things in life (eg. a Martin, Taylor or Gibson) are getting fewer and fewer.

That would be the bad news.  The good news is that we have much more available to us now that is not only more affordable but very decent quality as well.  Crafter (although I've never seen or heard one in person so can't say from any personal experience) Fender Paramount, many Cort models, Alvarez, Godin and the list goes on.  There's lots of great guitars to choose from now that won't break the bank.....at least not "too" much.  lol. 

Personally, I have yet to find a guitar that beats Alvarez for bang for the buck.  Yes, sorry Godin, I know I used to say that about you, but, ah well.  LOL.  My dream guitar is still the Cole Clark, but, heh, that's one of the "finer" things in life I can't afford right now.   

Greg Ballantyne,

 From your above comments, I have been trying to think of some British made guitar manufacture's, can only think of one or two, and they are very low volume high cost guitars.
 You get the few guitar makes, like Tanglewood Guitars that are designed in England but are manufactured in the far East,  and very nice guitars they are, have owned one or two over the years.

Greg Ballantyne ,

The only other English Guitar manufacturer that I can think of is Fylde Guitar's, yet again small volume expensive, but absolutely brilliant guitars, well worth looking at their we'd site, and vidios on YouTube.

Bought one of their, Touch Stone Mandolins, had it for many years, but sold it two years back.

Ahhhh Glastonbury!!! Land of mud and honey......and more mud! I was there in 1998 - Hopelessly unprepared. Ended up spending most of my money on a pair of second hand army boots and a poncho from the army surplus tent. Felt like I was in a war movie surveying the end of a battle after the music had died and the crowds had left.

I think tines are tight for everyone dude. This whole world has gone a bit nuts on the economic front, and there is less expendable income for expensive gear. And I agree that the stuff coming out of Korea and China is much much better than in previous years. So it's only natural that people gravitate toward the non traditional brands.

I still believe in buying quality stuff second-hand, both upper end and budget guitars. There are some killer deals out there if you know what to look for.