Fender Bass prices???

[Menorahman]

All of this really goes back to increasing prices along with wage stagnation and jobs being cut. This is what isn't sustainable. In 50 years a ton of jobs will be lost due to the growth of technology and efficiency. These savings, however, are not being passed down to the common folk. Think about it...the "economy" is in the toilet, yet corporations are making record high profits. Getting blood from a stone can only work for so long.

 

[Binary1]

I think you are getting ahead of yourself here. I said they were "un sustainable". That means the current sustained cash-flow will come to an end not now but in the future at some time.

Pay attention to the words used and make sure you have a clear understanding of them.

OK.

 

[Menorahman]

People don't like the thread I guess. Probably about time some will look for anything they can use to get it closed. And closing it is fine with me. I asked a simple question but everyone wants t argue the details. I don't care for arguments. I've said all I wanted to say here.

I've noticed that too...people start talking about getting a thread closed when they feel threatened in some way. Having opinions is all well and good...until someone disagrees with you. It's just human nature's propensity towards organization. It's a fatal flaw, that has caused thousands of years of war of turmoil.

 

[Metalbasspro]

I'm going to excuse myself from this thread now. I should post a new topic about how my local fender dealer quoted me a price above the Suggested Retail prices on Fender's price list and when I asked about a Maple neck rather then rosewood how the price went up an additional 100 dollars.

Probably be funny to watch people trip over themselves to defend that business practice too.

 

[Stevorebob]

Fender's obligation to its shareholders is to maximize the value of the business. They, and any business, has a responsibility to price products at a level that will generate the most profit. This ain't medications for babies or food for the poor; it's not a grave social injustice to price bass guitars high. If would-be customers don't like the price, they'll go elsewhere. Since Fender's pricing has been stable, it appears to be working for the business. And it's not far outside of similar products in the market. On the high side, maybe, but the Fender name and reputation has brand equity that should command a higher price. Might a different pricing structure work better for Fender? Maybe, but I'd think that any different pricing would go North rather than downward.

I am genuinely sorry that this capitalistic approach causes so much anguish. My suggestion: Grow a pair and cough up the cash for the bass you want or buy something from another company that suits your price ideal. Or maybe your buddy will custom make you the bass of your dreams. Peace. ✌

 

[Binary1]

Probably be funny to watch people trip over themselves to defend that business practice too.

I'm not tripping over myself; I've presented you with data. As yet, you have not addressed it.

I should post a new topic about how my local fender dealer quoted me a price above the Suggested Retail prices on Fender's price list and when I asked about a Maple neck rather then rosewood how the price went up an additional 100 dollars.

Then maybe your beef is with your local Fender dealer. And, I've never paid Suggested Retail. Ever. Plus, it was shown to you earlier that the prices are the same. Here's a reminder:

I'm going to excuse myself from this thread now.

OK.

 

[fendermademygibson]

Next time just attack me not someone who's not even here to defend themselves.

Hypocrite much? Fender is not here to "defend" themselves against your claims of exorbitant pricing so...

 

[fendermademygibson]

I had no idea this thread has been done before it should not matter.

You've been here since 2009. Really? No idea huh.

I've only been here a year give or take and I have seen a bakers dozen of this type of thread.

 

[mdogs]

People, people, people...I ask you, how many times are you going to try to explain something to someone who is clearly completely disinterested in facts? Having said that, showing financial statements that are 3 years old and only exist in the public realm because Fender was contemplating an IPO, hardly makes the case. Fender is a PRIVATE company and for the most part, their financial statements are private at least to the general public.

People who make these types of arguments are very rarely swayed by any type of factual or logical rebuttal. Sad yes, reality...unfortunately.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

People, people, people...I ask you, how many times are you going to try to explain something to someone who is clearly completely disinterested in facts? Having said that, showing financial statements that are 3 years old and only exist in the public realm because Fender was contemplating an IPO, hardly makes the case. Fender is a PRIVATE company and for the most part, their financial statements are private at least to the general public.

People who make these types of arguments are very rarely swayed by any type of factual or logical rebuttal. Sad yes, reality...unfortunately.

Logic is for idiots.

 

[Son of Wobble]

All of this really goes back to increasing prices along with wage stagnation and jobs being cut. This is what isn't sustainable. In 50 years a ton of jobs will be lost due to the growth of technology and efficiency. These savings, however, are not being passed down to the common folk.

I would disagree with your last line to the extent that machining does in fact result in lower price point for bass consumers in the form
of SX, Squier and other excellently made budget basses.

I don't dispute, however, your overarching contention that in the long run, wage stagnation will kill low-tier luxury items ("USA Fender") once purchased by the "middle class" because there will simply be too many other expensive essentials demanding one's money. Such as food.

 

[mdogs]

Logic is for idiots.

I resemble that remark!

 

[Binary1]

People, people, people...I ask you, how many times are you going to try to explain something to someone who is clearly completely disinterested in facts?

People who make these types of arguments are very rarely swayed by any type of factual or logical rebuttal. Sad yes, reality...unfortunately.

Agree.

I'm out of this one.

 

[Son of Wobble]

What's with all the "take my ball and go home types" in this thread.

Over-strident followed by noble rage-quit. As if anyone cares about your precious opinions in the first place -- the real issue, presumably?
Work it out with the wife, guys.

 

[Eric66]

Then how is it Fender can offer the Fender American Special Precision Bass for a reasonable 799.99?

What's the difference?

Cheaper hardware.

 

[fendermademygibson]

That means the current sustained cash-flow will come to an end not now but in the future at some time.

Are we talking about Sears & Robuck here or what? I'm confused.

What if your favorite bassist sucked? Would it matter if they played another brand? What if it wasn't a P-bass? What if nobody gave a s**t about your opinion? Seriously get to your end game here and be done with it.

...no one is going to make me "mad" here.

I've said all I wanted to say here.

Hmm.

 

[Metalbasspro]

Like I said folks I am done with the thread. You can address any pointed questions to me via PM.


Look for my two new basses and photos post in the next day or two.

 

[GBassNorth]

You know just because you are butthurt and don't like me does not justify calling someone you don't even know a crook. Maybe you were hoping to make me mad with that comment on my buddy but all you have done is show that you don't have any class.

Next time just attack me not someone who's not even here to defend themselves....

You know, you're probably right about the crook comment, not about being butthurt or attacking you.

I was merely sharing a legitimate observation based on your insightful post about your inside knowledge of a pricing scheme from your friend that involved doubling the price of his product to create the perception of higher value and achieving the desired end result of increasing sales. To equate that practice with being a crook was a bit harsh considering I don't even know the guy - consider my crass "crook" comment out of line and retracted. I'll go back and edit my original post.

So how about you call you're buddy up and have him join us to explain your quote about his interesting pricing methodologies?

I don't know. When KXK guitars started making guitars they were charging about 1,500 per guitar. After about two years of lack luster sales he raised his prices to about 3,000 per guitar. The price raise had zero to do with costs but all to do with perception of the product. Once prices raised the guitars started selling more....

I'm sure the guitar manufacturer friend of yours (whose company name I wont mention because he's not here to defend himself) would love to explain something that he probably wishes you had never posted on a public forum.

 

[Menorahman]

I would disagree with your last line to the extent that machining does in fact result in lower price point for bass consumers in the form
of SX, Squier and other excellently made budget basses.

I don't dispute, however, your overarching contention that in the long run, wage stagnation will kill low-tier luxury items ("USA Fender") once purchased by the "middle class" because there will simply be too many other expensive essentials demanding one's money. Such as food.

Fair enough. Like I said, Fender is one of the best when it comes to modernizing with a great cost / quality ratio. Rondo / Agile is another one, but from my perspective, most take too much advantage of the situation. For example, my Agile Les Paul with inlay blocks cost me $500. Many people have told me it looks, sounds, and plays as good or better than a Gibson, and if it wasn't for the name on the headstock they would have thought it was one. Yet, an equivalent Les Paul Standard would cost 6 times as much at $3000.

As technology advances, prices should be going down, not up. Especially when wages (excluding CEO's) are wayyyy below what they should be.

 

[Gorn]

Like I said folks I am done with the thread. You can address any pointed questions to me via PM.


Look for my two new basses and photos post in the next day or two.

Before you quit, please, pretty pretty please with cherries on top, please tell me how much the Fender American Standard precision bass, currently priced at $1349, should cost. Please?

An answer containing a dollar figure would be the most informative, please and thank you.