This really hits home. I've purchased many instruments, and i've only bought two new as far as I can recall ( inexpensive intermediate guitar/ukulele I can lug around without dragging the good stuff to outdoor events). I love buying used, that broke in feel, value like you stated, and I just like the idea of repurposing instead if buying brand new (plus modding is relatively guilt free). My favourite guitar is a DeArmond that isn't made anymore that I traded to a good friend for a piece of gear he needed, can't buy it be in a store anymore. Sorry for the paragraph, just really dig this read, cheers!