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Jeff, I entirely agree.
It will definitely affect other countries- a lot of Chinese-made music gear is imported into Canada from US-based corporations. We are small enough that when America gets a cold, we sneeze.
Of course. I would think that depends on how long the tariffs last, especially in such a volatile environment.
Good point that it can effect other countries. I was thinking basses as of right now. Major music distribution via USA importers such as Starin/Behringer took care of this by announcing price increases across the board for MAP as well as dealer cost. So it shouldn't effect the sale of their products as long as they have something the customers want. So for many products, it is simply inflationary type cost increase. It is kinda like going to the grocery store over the last 20 years and each year we have seen the price of groceries go up a bit each year. It is only when comparing with several years that people realize the differential. I don’t think it will really have a drastic effect on Dingwall Guitars although it could have more effect on individual dealers. For instance say dealer x buys $150,000 worth of guitars while the tariffs are in place and dealer Y purchased $150,000 worth of guitars before the tariffs or after the tariffs. One can obviously see what would happen to dealer X unless they had significant resources to absorb the loss. I saw it coming but didn't have the resources to make that $150,000 purchase (wish I had of). I dont think people will stop purchasing these guitars simply because they go up in price, but remember that they have not as yet gone up in price. Currently, only the individual importer who has to compete with previously purchased guitars in the market will suffer. Once the marketplace levels out, it will be business as usual to those USA dealers who have the resources. Again, comparatively speaking (compared value to other guitars in their price bracket), IMO these guitars offer a value that exceeds it’s cost, so players are still going to purchase them, even with price increases. Who knows what will happen worldwide over the next several years. Bass players may all be replaced by direct brain synthesists - dont throw bricks at me haha - and there may be no market for basses anymore.
I have a friend who makes exotic, high-end custom acoustic instruments- a heavily optioned harp guitar with enough inlays on it can top $20K.
You may be saying that in half-jest, but these days both counties and states are offering huge tax incentives to manufacturers. Yes, labor will cost more than in China, but with the right kind of deal coupled with state/federal incentive work programs...Lots of companies have moved TO the USA. I briefly investigated a bass cab manufacturing facility, but decided I didn't want to work THAT much nor did I have proper funding.
I get it, unless you are moving guitars left and right, $10,000 seems like a killing, but if it takes you months and months to finish, you aren't walking away with much money.
