String pricing... how does this make sense?

[Diggler]

Why are string companies gouging 6 string players?

I am restringing my basses... I have a 4, 5 and a 6. I decided to go with the same make and gauge for each so that they are interchangeable, and to keep my sound consistent. I picked up a set of Ernie Ball Slinkys (Regular) for my 5 string at a local shop. My plan is to keep one 6-string set around in case I break one, and then replace the single string so I always have a full set as backup.

So I figure I'll go online and look around for strings for my 4 and 6 strings. Musician's Friend pricing...
4 string: $16.49
5 string: $19.99
6 string: $29.00

So... adding that big B string only costs an extra $3.50 over a 4 string set, but adding that thin little C string costs $9.00??? That's ridiculous.

[vindy500]

otherwise it wouldnt be profitable for the company. they dont sell enough 6 string sets to have a lower price would be my thinking, its all about the break even point

[tplyons]

Economics, supply vs. demand. It costs money to stock those strings, overhead, and paid taxes, money that they don't make until they sell it. They just don't sell enough of them to be able to sell them cheaper.

Why not just get some spare C strings and buy the 5 string sets?

[slap_happy]

All the Ernie Balls I've bought at stores were 19.99 for 4 strings and 29.99 for 5 strings. Still seems a little ridiculous to me but what are you going to do? Buy some cheap-o brand? Not me, I'm willing to pay 35 bucks for a set of DR's.