Buy the iPhone 12 or a New Guitar? | Which is the Better Value?



Chris McKee is back with a topical question: at the price of around $699, should you invest in a new iPhone 12 Mini or look for a new guitar? Coming from our resident guitar AND tech addict, there’s a compelling case against the inherent obsolescence of technology that needs to be discussed… but does that also extend to the world of guitars? Let us know your thoughts, considering the lasting value and impact on your life that a new instrument or a new phone could impart– which would you…

42 thoughts on “Buy the iPhone 12 or a New Guitar? | Which is the Better Value?

  1. I just put the second screen on my G6 I bought years ago and it still rocks. If I could just stop leaving it in my lap when I get out the car… I've also had the same crappy looking Fender stickercaster I bought in a pawn shop in the 90's and it sounds better than ever, or maybe it's the amp.

  2. My 1st guitar, 1967 Airline, (HH6600) catalog price of $79. Still have it. 1994 a $400 Washburn with a value today of $400 w case. Dad's 1st & only 2007 Motorola flip cellphone won't work on Verizon network anymore. Sad cause he's not with learning new. He still played guitar since the 1920s. Yes get the guitar.

  3. I get it. A phone will help you communicate with family and loved ones, help you get where you need to be with its gps, find a new job over the internet, etc.. A guitar won’t “expire” per say though.

  4. I am a huge apple nerd- Ive owned every iPhone since the very first release. Did I buy the new iPhone 12 Pro- yes. Did I also just buy a mocha burst Jazzmaster Ultra – also yes!! Which will I get more fulfillment from – the guitar of course!

  5. Ironically, Fender seems to be following the Apple model, now they have an American Profession II. I’m afraid in ten years they will have the American Profession 12 with updates and price increases every year.

  6. Buy the guitar. Obviously. Chris, off topic: can you review Furch Yellow MC (Cedar/Rosewood) to most recent (2019?) Taylor 314ce Limited (also Cedar/Rosewood) – I love Taylor brand, but they don't normally have this tonewood combo, certainly not at a 300 series price. Both guitars are very hard to find so I can't play either of them to see/hear for myself.

  7. Just ordered a new $18 battery for my 3-y-o $80 Doogee android phone. This year I've spent less than $170 on gear (ext cabinet and tube preamp from me, bass combo amp for my son). My last two new used guitars came as exchange and trade-in, and will not scratch my itch for a Gibson SG for some time. I love your message, man; still, happier when resisting GAS of any kind.

  8. I needed to upgrade my S7Edge phone but I ended up picking up an electron green player tele. I rationalized it by saying since Fender only made 200 of them it would be a collector's item. Yes…a…collector's item indeed…

  9. Boy, you hit the nail on the head. It's a matter of priorities and need. If you've got a relatively new phone, unless you're going to make movies, a new one isn't necessarily needed. As you pointed out, there is the eventual obsolescence in today's technology. However, if you need a guitar, and who doesn't need another guitar, guitars do not go obsolete. A guitar is forever.

  10. I have a iPhone 8 and it about time for a new phone it doesn’t hold a great charge and has almost lived it’s life! I Need a Taylor!! I have a Strat. So I’m going with a guitar💯….! I need a Taylor!!!! It is a better investment and it won’t lose charge!!

  11. That’s what I tried to explain to my wife when I bought a 324ce builders edition. I’ll get years of enjoyment out of it and then it will get passed on to one of the kids when I’m gone

  12. Chris, this is a phenomenal video idea. I love guitars. In fact, it could be said I have a problem with GAS. However, the concept that a quality instrument is a MUCH better investment than a new phone or computer that will be obsolete within 3 years is genius. Well done, sir. Even my wife agrees.

  13. Learn to play music on the phone: Easy; push the Spotify button. And the tone will always exactly match your guitar hero.
    Learn to play music on the guitar: Takes the rest of your life. But it's way, way more rewarding than just listening to a stream.

  14. Well, if you don't need a new phone, then a new phone is a terrible value because most of what a new phone offers simply duplicates what your old phone did. But… the same can be said about a guitar. If you already have a phone and guitar, then buy lessons. Or, just show some discipline just like a real adult and save it.

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