charlie brown Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Well, boys and girls...I guess I'm denegrated to the purchasing of "used but not abused," amps and guitars, from now on! Just got my newest Musician's Friend catalog, and MY God, things have really gone up. A Fender "Deluxe Reverb (reissue) is up 200 dollars, alone. That's a 400 dollar increase, in 2 years. Epiphone seems to be less prone to that large of a price increase, but Gibson, and Fender don't seem concerned about the coming (already here) economic crisis, and how that will effect their consumer base.... I guess???! So...if you have any last minute purchases, and can find them at the "old" prices...DO IT, NOW! It Ain't getting any better/cheaper, seemingly. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I was looking at the American Deluxe Telecaster, and it went up $500... I was hoping to make that my next (and biggest) guitar purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lpfan Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 This might sound kind of stupid but I think theres a reason that Gibson and Fender are not worried about the economy. You see during the Great Depression tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and music flourished. I do not know if it is because these vices are a stress relief for some but if these companies looked at the statistics then that might be the reason why they are not concerned about our struggling economy. My friend is a manager at the shop where I just got my epi gold top and he said that right now business couldn't be better. Its strange but true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Well' date=' boys and girls...I guess I'm denegrated to thepurchasing of "used but not abused," amps and guitars, from now on! Just got my newest Musician's Friend catalog, and MY God, things have really gone up. A Fender "Deluxe Reverb (reissue) is up 200 dollars, alone. That's a 400 dollar increase, in 2 years. Epiphone seems to be less prone to that large of a price increase, but Gibson, and Fender don't seem concerned about the coming (already here) economic crisis, and how that will effect their consumer base.... I guess???! So...if you have any last minute purchases, and can find them at the "old" prices...DO IT, NOW! It Ain't getting any better/cheaper, seemingly. CB[/quote'] The price of the Fender Jaguar has already leaped about $500 at Sweetwater. MF still has it at the pre-sticker-shock price of $1500. And how much is the price of a Rickenbacker 325 these days? About $5,000? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I was lucky to do well on all three of my 2009 Gibson guitar purchases.... I acquired all three for under $2000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 This is one of the things I feared would happen. Sigh, This really sucks. I'm glad I got mine while I could. I didn't believe it when I read Pohatu771's post and I went and saw for myself. $500 indeed. I'm playing my Cherry Tele Deluxe right now and it is a great guitar but man, 1800!! wow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 The Eric Johnson Strat is now 2500!! Wow, looks like my collection is complete! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I guess I should look at the bright side of all this. For instance, from an investment standpoint my two Tele's combined now retail for 1k over their previous listed price on MF. That former price was still inflated and far more than I actually paid but I guess If I was in a bind and I had to sell off some guitars I could theoretically break even or turn a profit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 I guess I should look at the bright side of all this. For instance' date=' from an investment standpoint my two Tele's combined now retail for 1k over their previous listed price on MF. That former price was still inflated and far more than I actually paid but I guess If I was in a bind and I had to sell off some guitars I could theoretically break even or turn a profit![/quote'] Gosh...my Ricky's are worth a small fortune, now...I guess? LOL! But, it still amazes me, how they can raise the prices, SOOO much, when everyone knows our "wages" don't even keep up with cost of living, anymore, in most areas. And "Music," HA! Everywhere I go, they want it as close to "Free," as they can get it..."we just don't have the budget for 'live' music, anymore...but if you'd like to set up and play for Tips, maybe...then maybe we could work with you!" Plus, a lot of places expect to have 5 or 6 bands a night, for 1/2 hour (maybe 45 minutes) each?!! What's with that?! Takes longer to set up/tear down than it will to play! I don't get it, anymore! Guess I'm "too old,"...but Not because it's "too loud!" LOL! Arrrrrgggggggggggghhh! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubstar Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 "This might sound kind of stupid but I think theres a reason that Gibson and Fender are not worried about the economy. You see during the Great Depression tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and music flourished." I don't really think it's possible to draw an analogy to the Great Depression, mainly because of prohibition, the dominance of radio, (which required live musicians), the absence of television, and differences in how popular music was listened to and consumed (big bands, playing popular and swing / jazz music, no longer exist in the same ways they did)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I don't get it either CB! Perhaps we ought to stop playing these guitars because at this rate who knows what they'll be worth in 10 years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 What would happen, if any of us went to our bosses, and demanded the same "percentage" we're talking about, in a Raise?! HA! "There's the door...don't let it hit you in the A$$, on the way out!" ;>b CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acewarslave Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 hey cb..you dont know what pain is untill u live in australia...ie list price for say a martin in america is say 1799.00 in australia same guitar try 3499.00 ouch..btw svet put a bid on swomgt martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 hey cb..you dont know what pain is untill u live in australia...ie list price for say a martin in america is say 1799.00 in australia same guitar try 3499.00 ouch..btw svet put a bid on swomgt martin Whatcho talkin bout Wilis? Are you serious Ace? I don't have any bids on anything; I swear! There's no GAS in Svetland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexygibson Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I just noticed today that MF went up on the Epi V.J. to $199 while other online retailers still have it listed for $149. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidg3333 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Making a partsocaster sounds better every day. I might go to Warmouth or MusiKraft for a body. Still thinking about a neck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Making a partsocaster sounds better every day. I might go to Warmouth or MusiKraft for a body. Still thinking about a neck.I was pricing out an American Deluxe Telecaster equivalent with Warmoth parts, and it only came in at $1200... I figured I'd pay the $100 extra for the privelege of having it pre-put together... For a $600 savings, I might as well build it myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidg3333 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 One thing that has bugged me about MusiKraft and Warmouth is that the truss rod is adjusted at the heel. At least if I remember correctly. I can't see that I would be adjusting this too often but taking the neck off to make modifications sounds like a major pain. So I may get a neck from Stratosphere on ebay and pay a bit extra. It is still in the what if stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 A Fender "Deluxe Reverb (reissue) is up 200 dollars' date=' alone.That's a 400 dollar increase, in 2 years. CB[/quote'] I was in Best Buy 10 days ago and noticed that the Fender Blues Jr. was priced at $599. I've been planning on getting one of these later this year, but not for that price! Went home & checked online pricing. MF & GC were still at $479, but Sweetwater was at $599 too. I emailed my SW rep and he matched the lower price so naturally, I just HAD to buy it!! Loving it so far. And ya gotta love Sweetwater!! The BB music dept manager told me that Fender raises prices every year. I think the 25 - 30% average hike is a bit much, given the (lack of an) economy, but... It certainly is going to make my future search for the "perfect Strat" to the used, but cared for, market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizzyFingers Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Well' date=' boys and girls...I guess I'm denegrated to thepurchasing of "used but not abused," amps and guitars, from now on! Just got my newest Musician's Friend catalog, and MY God, things have really gone up. A Fender "Deluxe Reverb (reissue) is up 200 dollars, alone. That's a 400 dollar increase, in 2 years. Epiphone seems to be less prone to that large of a price increase, but Gibson, and Fender don't seem concerned about the coming (already here) economic crisis, and how that will effect their consumer base.... I guess???! So...if you have any last minute purchases, and can find them at the "old" prices...DO IT, NOW! It Ain't getting any better/cheaper, seemingly. CB[/quote'] CB things aren't getting more expensive...our money is devaluing...I know sort of the same thing but our money is going to be good for fire starter soon at this rate...sort of what happened in Germany... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidg3333 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Devaluation of a currency is a symptom of inflation. All indicators are that we are going through deflation yet certain prices, such as food and musical instruments, keep rising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floydpink7 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 This might sound kind of stupid but I think theres a reason that Gibson and Fender are not worried about the economy. You see during the Great Depression tobacco' date=' alcohol, gambling, and music flourished. I do not know if it is because these vices are a stress relief for some but if these companies looked at the statistics then that might be the reason why they are not concerned about our struggling economy. My friend is a manager at the shop where I just got my epi gold top and he said that right now business couldn't be better. Its strange but true.[/quote'] I think you hit the nail right on the head. I know the situation we are in now can't be compared to the great depression, but it's true. Also, Gibson/Epiphone/Fender aren't producing as many guitars anymore. So what happens? Quantity goes down, so prices go up. Because some people (but not all) are still going to buy guitars anyway, they make more money per guitar. So they don't have to sell in bulk, and they don't have to spend money building more guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 CB things aren't getting more expensive...our money is devaluing...I know sort of the same thing but our money is going to be good for fire starter soon at this rate...sort of what happened in Germany... Way too many parallels, to 1930's Germany, for me! And, not in just the "money" area, either. BUT... that's another thread/Rant! ;>b As to the money devaluing products being more expensive...Yeah, maybe... but the result to us, is the same! Nothing new, I guess...but the percentage, this time...and in the last few price hikes, was WAY out of line...IMHO. The Gibson '61 SG has more than doubled in price, in less than 3 years...just using MF prices, as a guide. That's NUTS! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 "This might sound kind of stupid but I think theres a reason that Gibson and Fender are not worried about the economy. You see during the Great Depression tobacco' date=' alcohol, gambling, and music flourished." I don't really think it's possible to draw an analogy to the Great Depression, mainly because of prohibition, the dominance of radio, (which required live musicians), the absence of television, and differences in how popular music was listened to and consumed (big bands, playing popular and swing / jazz music, no longer exist in the same ways they did)...[/quote'] Not exactly. Gibson actually turned to making wooden toys during Depression to survive. Martin began churning out violin parts and wooden jewelry. Epiphone, on the other hand, went gunning for Gibson and released a line of 9 carved top archtops. Martin later rebounded by introducing the 14 fret dread and Gibson countered with its line of jumbos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gashole Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I think we're closer to something more akin to the collapse of the USSR rather than the Great Depression. I think the other shoe dropped finally. Whatever it is though, it's depressing in and of itself. Too much anxiety brewing in the lands... Glad I have the guitar bases largely covered. No way can I afford any of what I'm seeing at this point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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