glp2012 Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 At least one person called me a troll...but, Gibson makes their Melody Maker for $389. Here is their narrative: "The Explorer Melody Maker is one the Limited Run Series as Gibson USA re-introduces the Melody Maker as the budget-friendly entree to Gibson solidbody electrics." Here's the link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Limited-Run-Explorer-Melody-Maker-Electric-Guitar-106555832-i1774369.gc Looks like a nice entry level guitar to me. My entire point was about profitability. You see, everybody needs to take their slice of the pie before it gets to the retail market. I would guess the Melody Maker is comprised of less than $100 worth of wholesale parts and labor. I assume these are made in American... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dem00n Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I played all of those MM, the SG is the best one if you ask me. It's so cute, great for modding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 It is an interesting point (as far as it goes) The Melody Makers are built down to a price and often need 'tweaking' to upgrade But are nevertheless a fun way into the Gibson world There are vast numbers of $300 guitars around...mostly Oriental, some labelled Epiphone even It all depends, as already intimated, on wage levels and degree of mass production Select woods and hardware/electrics quality are important factors too V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I usually assume dealer mark up at 40% on guitars, that is what I was told by one, you can back into an estimated cost for Gibson. Trying to discern what is parts and what is labor gets tricky. When it comes to guitars under $1,000 frankly I think Gibson makes more money out of an Epiphone guitar. If you go to the Gibson factory you will see that binding, finishing and buffing takes most of the labor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 At least one person called me a troll...but, Gibson makes their Melody Maker for $389. Here is their narrative: "The Explorer Melody Maker is one the Limited Run Series as Gibson USA re-introduces the Melody Maker as the budget-friendly entree to Gibson solidbody electrics." Here's the link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Limited-Run-Explorer-Melody-Maker-Electric-Guitar-106555832-i1774369.gc Looks like a nice entry level guitar to me. My entire point was about profitability. You see, everybody needs to take their slice of the pie before it gets to the retail market. I would guess the Melody Maker is comprised of less than $100 worth of wholesale parts and labor. I assume these are made in American... I don't think anyone called you a troll did they? I think the new MM guitars can be built for less than $100 in parts. But those guitars have rough finishes and no frills. Is that really "Gibson Quality " ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Nowhere in the info about this guitar is where it was made. My guess is it's not made in Nashville or the USA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest farnsbarns Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 I suspect it's a loss leader. You've been able to buy a guitar with Fender on the headstock in that price range for years. I think Gibson are giving teens an entry point to the brand in the hope that brand loyalty means future sales. People like labels, especially teens, so give them access and avoid loosing them to misguided :P Fender brand loyalty. Companies do this a lot, thinking if the lifetime value of a customer, it always starts with a single purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 The Melody Makers are made in the U.S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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