boy people, don't understand this thread and how to respond. What is the point of this thread?
Seems most posts are about one artist who already has a huge thread...
is the point I want a great piece that works like pieces costing 2-4X as much? So does than them an up comer?
I don't know. Sure you can get less expensive pieces and if you are lucky it preforms great and has quality construction.
My judgment rides not only function, but the quality of construction. The latter is very, very hard to get on low cost pieces. it takes a lot more time, effort and skillset to do that. Then there is the art form. So for me, my list would be un coming artist that deliver that quality, but are not well known. Earl Jr was a pick of mine a while back. When they are good, they get well known very quickly in these days of the internet. He is still the best bang for buck in my opinion.
Another with high quality is Pyro and Taylor Sims. There quality meets high standards . Especially with Pyro have only 4 years of experience.
I have a pretty good list of these guys from buys lately. That's my focus lately, to find a less known artist that has near the quality of an experienced well known artist. They are there, but it takes some work. Typically from local connections. Internet isn't enough to determine that directly unless it comes from a person's review from actual ownership