Sorry - double post (I haven't done one of these in a long time)  
 
Bill, tgo
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on October 10, 2012)

All I know is I have a lot more fun when I hold one of my Alembic guitars than when I hold my money.  Considering the fun, satisfaction, and spiritual vibe I obtain playing music, all of my guitars are extraordinary investments.
 
Bill, tgo

Agreed

Thumbing a stack of Frankins makes an interesting sound, but it doesn't cut through the mix as well as thumbing an Alembic...

Buying new, Id say absolutely not...
 
Buying used, as long as you didn't spend too much to begin with, you should at least get what you paid out of it.
 
Also, as someone who has a significant amount of money invested in collecting material items (guns, specifically US WWII era weapons), putting money into assets that you can hold in your hands is fun, but  unless you also have cash reserves laying around I can't recommend it...
 
There are always going to be emergencies (house repair, car repair, medical etc) that you will need cash instantly for, and if you don't have that cash you will be forced to sell your collectable gun, guitar, etc...quickly, and oftentimes at a loss.