The brand new LS186 I tried lately is close to my 1980 LS80 but not quite up there, so my guess is that from a LS250 onwards it will be very close. Plus you don't need to alter things on it, like a refret or a new bridge because the old one. But you'll properly be spending a few hundreds euro/dollar/pound more for a new guitar than for the old one...
That being said, the Eastman SB59 I tried the same day was right up there.
Other features that show up in higher models are long tenon, lacquer finish, better looking inlays, CTS pots, hard case included, then up to brazilian boards and fret edge binding.
Other features that show up in higher models are long tenon, lacquer finish, better looking inlays, CTS pots, hard case included, then up to brazilian boards and fret edge binding.
I'd say not very much. From my experience the sound of a guitar is usually down to the luck of the draw from the woodpile because how the body, neck and top work together is probably the biggest factor for a nice tone and sustain, and that combination is generally pretty random. I've had cheap Grecos and Tokais that were exceptional instruments and some expensive ones that just didn't sound or play up to their price level. Just my experience.
