Are Instruments Actually Affordable in 2026? | TAS Knows Things Podcast

John, Jeremy, and Jason tackle one of the most debated topics in the acoustic world today: instrument affordability in 2026. With high-end boutique builds reaching new price heights and "entry-level" gear shifting in quality and cost, the crew discusses where the market is headed. Is the dream of owning a professional-grade instrument still attainable for the average player? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👕Get Your TAS Merch!: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/shoppe-branded-merchandise 🪕Instruments At TAS -- ⌁Guitars: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars ⌁New Arrivals: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/new-arrivals ⌁Mandolins: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/mandolins ⌁Banjos: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/banjo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 - The Chapman Kids 04:42 - Today's Topic 05:56 - Are Instruments Too Much? 07:41 - Comparing Professions 11:18 - Bluegrass Mindset 16:16 - Do You Judge The Product? 20:38 - Is Music Undervalued? 27:08 - Opinions on the Internet 33:14 - A Working Man's Guitar? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShoppe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacousticshoppe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theacousticshoppe TAS Knows People Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64DROnRmg9FfWnmNY?si=b76e9b34d9ab4694 Our Website: https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/ Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-shoppe 🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you Ear Trumpet Labs! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ 👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below! #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews