Fender Price Increase Chart 2016-2026 for Six Popular Artist Models

[LowEndLobster]

I'm going to be doing a video soon analyzing the price increases of these particular artist models. The data is pretty interesting. Before the big Feb 2026 increases, the pricing had been in line with inflation. An average of 32% increase in price for 2026 is pretty insane. The Mendel P went up $600! Yuck. Curious to hear what you all think.

 

[MovingPitchers]

The absurd price increase on signature models entirely put me off them forever. As much as I would like to own a Geddy Lee Jazz or a Dirnt P, the CAD prices are stupid.

 

[hvymetallurgist]

I kinda had an inkling things were spiraling with respect to some of their prices of late - very cool to see this backed up with data, appreciate you doing the leg work.

It's a great time to not be in the market for a new bass!

 

[DrBnz]

All true.... but is it more than all the other absurdities in life that we endure on a daily basis? If they're in a business, they have overhead costs, employees, materials .... all of which costs a LOT more money than it did years ago. Heck, I'm working on a bag of Ruffles chips that cost me $7.29. I could swear they used to be less than $3.

 

[No such thing]

Reality is what it is.

Hopefully wages for most people have also gone up.

Isolating one cost as a study point is largely useless and somewhat just sensationalism on a small scale.

 

[Docduval]

Reality is what it is.

Hopefully wages for most people have also gone up.

Isolating one cost as a study point is largely useless and somewhat just sensationalism on a small scale.

Literally everything is more expensive. Gonna be a long list if we have to post it all for you.

 

[No such thing]

Literally everything is more expensive. Gonna be a long list if we have to post it all for you.

I didnt ask you to post anything for me.
Thread is about Bass guitars, specific ones.

I did however question the point of the OP's comparison.
Sorry if that wasn't clear.

 

[TDR1138]

I can’t imagine spending $1600-$2000 on any of those basses.

In 10 years, we’ll be saying “I should have bought one when it was only $1600-$2000…”

 

[MovingPitchers]

I can’t imagine spending $1600-$2000 on any of those basses.

In 10 years, we’ll be saying “I should have bought one when it was only $1600-$2000…”

We’resaying the same thing now when they were like $800-1000 ten years ago

 

[T McClure]

Reality is what it is.

Hopefully wages for most people have also gone up.

Isolating one cost as a study point is largely useless and somewhat just sensationalism on a small scale.

This one was interesting to me because all of the MIM road worn signatures got the same big price jump at the same time recently.

But I don't believe the Geddy Lee or Steve Harris are road worn.

So I was curious before if there was something about the nitro road worn series causing a price jump larger than others made in Mexico.

 

[DTF]

would be better if they didnt raise prices so drastically without adding any perceived value like a hard case or something ,they need a lesson in frog boiling , inflation figures are a useless metric but if something doubles every 10 years its about 7.2 % annualized these instruments are increasing probably 5-6% annually which is probably an easier pill to swallow for most people ,instead of 20+ % every few years

 

[Chris Chong]

Thanks for tabulating this data.

I monitored the prices for an entry US jazz bass for a few years, concluded that if you really want that bass/amp/pedal etc., and can afford it at the time, just buy it already. Wait another year, and the goal post shift further.

This applies to everything subjected to inflation, including Rolex watches.

 

[atquinn]

Phew, I don't care about any of those basses

 

[ghostdog93]

It's a great time to not be in the market for a new bass!

I'm currently unburdened by an excess of discretionary income, so I feel the same way.

 

[pfschim]

phew! sure glad I don't want/need a new bass

 

[burgerdj]

All the more reason to make do with what you have and to make the most of the used market. I see this is someone who has played for over three decades and has never bought anything brand new.

 

[DTF]

Phew, I don't care about any of those basses

Doubt it will only be those basses unless they increased artist royalties substantially

 

[Low Main]

I think that people who watch the video are going to start being nicer to Aaron from Warmoth.

It would be great if the world was swarming with DIY FSO's with no headstock logos. Regardless of where the parts came from.

There's no reason why Fender USA has to manufacture in California. Pricey place to do business.

I would tell Fender the same thing I would tell Fodera: move your operation to Kansas, re-do your math, and I'll buy a bass at that price.

 

[Flaked Beans]

Those black beans were 1 dollar a can and now it's 3 bucks yuks

 

[Flaked Beans]

I think that people who watch the video are going to start being nicer to Aaron from Warmoth.

It would be great if the world was swarming with DIY FSO's with no headstock logos. Regardless of where the parts came from.

There's no reason why Fender USA has to manufacture in California. Pricey place to do business.

I would tell Fender the same thing I would tell Fodera: move your operation to Kansas, re-do your math, and I'll buy a bass at that price.

My Warmoth Gecko 6 is awesome!