Well... the best way to afford one of these is the old fashioned way. Work hard, spend less where you can, and save up. Don't go into debt for one- it'll end up costing you much more in the long run. In financial stuff (which a $2000+ purchase is...), patience pays off big. I was lucky enough to be able to afford one after selling all of my gear except my guitar and my favorite amp (the 64 blackface/blonde circuit Bassman mentioned in my sig), and it was absolutely worth it. However, that place in life came after 5 years of undergrad school, 2 years of grad school, and 7 years in the workforce, so I put my hungry days in, for sure. Not to be sob storyish- work hard, spend less, and save up. It'll be worth it, trust me!