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Because everyone knows that it's still a mass-produced bass that won't be as good as that Boutique bass. THAT'S why folks pipe up.
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
That's, like, just your opinion, man.
When you try some of the others like Sadowsky and US Lakeland you realize why they cost that much. The reason why I complain about the price is the Deluxe basses were way overpriced. The electronics were subpar and the QC was not great. I recently picked up the Geddy Lee USA bass and the custom shop neck is amazing. If that was on the new Elite bass and the pickups are on par with the best then I would say it is worth the price.
But you were comparing used to new pricing to make the point that a boutique bass is a better value. If you compare new pricing, these fit nicely between the passive MIA and the bottom end of boutique basses. Yes, they cost more than they used to, but so does everything else. I think these will sell well.
I own a US Geddy, as well as a US Deluxe, and have no problem spending premium boutique prices for any bass I connect with. I've played Lakland and Sadowsky and the question still stands - what in particular about this price point for this bass is the issue relative to the entire spectrum of price points? It's a slightly better bass than the Deluxe at a slightly higher price. Why are people using this as a vehicle for expressing their negative feelings about Fender? It's just $100. The change in the stock market or the price of a gallon of milk makes a bigger difference in ASP.
Good time for getting a deal on a closeout Deluxe. The Elite are taking their place but its like "next gen" Deluxe with a bunch of changes. So many changes, I guess they figured it was time to change the name.
When a custom maker becomes known for quality work they can command a much higher price than $1700.
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then you buy your overpriced fender and "custom"
I will buy my custom from a maker I trust
good luck
I'm sorry, but your friend Murray from Hoboken who makes basses in his mom's basement isn't a significant factor in setting open market prices.
I know a thing or two about economics. Fender sets the upper realm of the equilibrium price for American made basses.
Custom makers filling supply and demand at the lower end of the same equilibrium price will be found. They will be good ones also.
She is! I heard they moved to Montclair because the local kids were hassling Murray. Poor Murray.
What you don't seem to know is the number of transactions the low end custom (one-off) builders are actually involved with. For all your economics knowledge you should be aware that a group representing a fraction of one percent of market share isn't going to move the needle.
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My 2011 Fender American Deluxe Jazz is without question the best Fender I have ever put my fingers on. I too balked at the price back then, but I got a "blemished" one for more than 25% off street price. The "blemish" was a bad pot - very easy fix. Now that I have it, I think the street price is actually pretty reasonable for the quality. And if you apply inflation calculators to the 60's prices of pre CBS American made Fenders, the price is right in line. Good stuff costs money. Always has and always will.
