Let's get this out of the way: you can get the same feel and sound for way cheaper. Basically, half of the price is a markup so your guitar looks like an old crappy one from decades ago. But it's done in such a perfect manner (and it smells so nice too !).
I guess you could call it a snob thing, a whim, a toy for spoiled children... But the pleasure of owning a unique guitar is part of the overall experience, looks like it has an ancient history to reveal (if that makes sense). It's as much an art object as an instrument.
I love the fact that only people in the know can really appreciate it. That's the epitome of luxury, a rare object that is discreet and doesn't scream prestige in everybody's face.
I now own a high-end Les Paul Custom shop, a high-end luthier-made Telecaster, this high-end relic Stratocaster and soon a gorgeous koa acoustic guitar from Taylor. The perfect collection for me, the one I used to dream about when I was 18.
If that's not your thing and you're rather on the functional/pragmatic side, I totally get it. But I guess in this case you're not even considering that relic anyway... If you do, though, that guitar is a treat on every level. I used to find Strats a bit dull looking, almost insignificant, with all the plastic around (pickguard, knobs, switch tip). Now I can't stop looking at it and smile.
