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Price increases - it's not just Fender

jaywa

jaywa

May 5, 2008
7,702
283
Iowa City, IA
#1
Apparently Ernie Ball has raised prices as well. I talked to my local EB dealer this weekend and found out the StingRay I have been saving for is now going to cost at least $200 more than it would have this time last year.

Guess I will be buying used...
 
#4
It seems like a counter-intuitive reaction to the economy to me. If a company raises prices when times are bad and money is short, people might delay purchases altogether or, as the OP has indicated, buy used.

If material costs are the problem, companies like Fender and EBMM should focus on reducing them or maybe only raising prices on the highest end models.

I for one am making a point of not buying from any manufacturer that is raising prices right now. I don't want to support this kind of behavior.
 
#6
Prices have gone up but in my experience, you can talk em down a lot. My friend talked down a Les Paul from GC like $600 off what they wanted for it. Same thing with a cab. If they think you are going to buy it, you can talk em down. Stores aren't selling enough product right now, they will negotiate if you have the patience.
 
#7
I just got back from my local music store and they have raised the prices on all of the old stock of Fender's and MM. Not buy much all did get a raise.
Example the OLD stock MIM's up $50 each
OLD stock MIA's up $100 each
OLD stock MM's up $150 each.
 
#8
Believe it or not, the price increases have not affected the industry as much as one might think. Folks are still buying new gear. In fact you can bargain down a shop to sell it to you at pre increase prices just so they can move the instrument. If they dont want to deal then it sits on the shelf longer than they want it to. Is buying used saving you money? You bet. All depends on what's in your wallet and how impulsive you are. What was a $3300 Ken Smith last month is now $4100 for the same bass. Next year you can add another 4 or 500 to that. Take care of what you have brothers.....
 
#9
SRP for a Modulus Q5 is about $5,000, street about $3,200. I just bought a used on for $1,600 so I'm feeling pretty good.

Prices on many things have gone up. Bryers ice cream has stayed the same, but the container is about 30% smaller. Maybe they could do that with gear.
 
#10
heavyhitter said:
I just got back from my local music store and they have raised the prices on all of the old stock of Fender's and MM. Not buy much all did get a raise.
Example the OLD stock MIM's up $50 each
OLD stock MIA's up $100 each
OLD stock MM's up $150 each.
Click to expand...


And that my friend is a rip off because they raised the price on an item they had way before the price increases on the newly acquired gear. :ninja:
 
#11
Vakmere said:
And that my friend is a rip off because they raised the price on an item they had way before the price increases on the newly acquired gear. :ninja:
Click to expand...

+1,000. They are trying to hose you and you are perfectly in your rights to call them on that. Of course they are perfectly in their rights to tell you to take a hike, but at least they will know someone noticed their game.
 
#15
I dunno I thought these manufacturers raised their prices every year anyway.

I mean some of us remember when you could buy a Geddy Lee for $699, and MIM Fenders were around $350.

Even StingRays were priced around $1000 a few years back, then they went up to $1200, and now they're more.

I agree that it does seem silly to raise their prices given the state of the economy but if they notice a total drop in sales in 6 months, I'm sure we'll see prices slide back down.
 
#16
it isn't a price increase alone. it's the only course of action companies really have in this situation. costs on EVERYTHING go up, because the value of the dollar, and indeed just about all currencies, are dropping.

if you're going to complain, complain about something that matters and draw attention to the mishandling of absolutely ridiculous amounts of money. these are some of the effects.

still, we're not doing as badly as germany after the first world war. yet.
 
#17
I think these price increases are slowing down my GAS alot because I know that if I let go of a good bass, it will end up costing me a whole lot more to replace it. Heck, I was looking at Perfect Bass, and even stuff like MTD Heir fives are now $1,069 street! At those prices, it is foolish to casually flip instruments on a whim. I think the economy is doing for me what common sense could not.:hiding::p
 
#20
Dr. Cheese said:
Wow! Those prices on Perfect Bass are scary! An American Standard Jazz V is $1,590 and a American Deluxe Jazz V is $1,960! I will hold on to my Jazz for dear life!:hiding:
Click to expand...

My American Dlx Jazz (not a 5er, but a Dlx nontheless) was one of the nicest basses I've ever played or owned. However, as much as I liked it, I would really hesitate to lay down that much cash for a Fender when those prices are getting into Lull/Sadowsky land.

EDIT: Of course, this point is moot if those other companies raise their prices as well.
 

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