Do Expensive Guitars Really Make A Big Difference In Tone?

[Newbie]

There’s always debate about whether high-end guitars significantly improve tone. What’s been your experience?

[BluesGuy]

I’ve played affordable guitars that sounded great with good setup and pickups.

[MetalPlayer]

I think consistency and build quality are usually better on expensive instruments, even if the tonal difference isn’t huge.

[sam54]

Higher-end guitars often feel better to play, which indirectly improves tone.

[Solarflares]

A £2m ‘59 Les Paul would not make me get out of bed. But neither would a £100 Yamaha Pacifica.
Just choose the best instrument that can fulfil your needs, at the price you can afford.
There’s never a situation in which you couldn’t throw another month’s wages at an intended purchase, and get what you really want - which is the guitar that has no limitations, or vices.
Buying a guitar is a big deal. Do your homework, and play lots.
When you finally decide, then search for a well-loved, used bargain. You might play it, and find it’s not right. But then you would already have a list of possibles, and know where you can pick up a great new one.

The time-old golden rule for gear.
If you want something of quality and lasting.
3 months wages for a guitar.
2 months wages for an amp and speaker.
1 months wages for cables, covers, cases, and spares.
That will get you to semi-pro level and beyond.