I took my 1988 J45 Gibson in for some minor work, which was done promptly and reasonably I thought.
While waiting for the luthier, Sherlin Gerhart, I browsed the selection of acoustic guitars. I wasn't really a serious buyer, but did ask to play a Taylor 814ce. The owner took it down and it played and sounded OK but I wasn't thrilled. He pointed out the major repairs that had been done to the instrument which was priced a few hundred under new retail. Honest, but expensive I thought.
Running a small business is tough, with fragile instruments all over the place and all kinds of folks wanting to test drive, whether they have $$ to buy or not, and he has to pay the rent.
So I thought the place was pricey, but I'm glad he's in business.
Here is an update:
Sherman has done work on three of my instruments now and , ha! , he showed me one that was in their shop he knew I would like, and I bought it!