Sterling by Musicmans on GC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jaywa]

In Ernie Ball's defense, they are far from the only company (inside or outside the music industry) making really bad long-term business decisions under the stress of the current economic troubles. There is plenty of panic and irrationality to go around out there, right now.

 

[In Absentia]

I totally understand your point since Squier made Fender USA go out of business.

I never realized that there was a US-made bass/guitar/otherwise called a Squier.

In this case, A does not equal B.

 

[pringlw]

I totally understand your point since Squier made Fender USA go out of business.

Different situation entirely. I'm not objecting to MM getting into budget basses. I'm objecting to them using the word "Sterling" - which is one of their premium brands - for that line of budget basses.

The point is, Fender uses the term "Squire" for their budget stuff, and only for their budget stuff. If they dropped the "Squire" brand and replaced it with "Stratocaster by Fender" - for their budget line (and still sold regular Stratocasters as well) then it would be the same thing.

Here's another example to show how ridiculous this is. It's like GM launching a new "Cadillac by General Motors" brand which is nothing but entry level sub-compact $8,000 cars. It's ridiculous.

 

[rappa29]

These are obviously made to compete with other 'budget' makes like Squier and MIM Fender.

I'm sure they'll sell a bunch of them to any kid or hobbyist who knows who Flea is (even though he doesn't play MM anymore). Heck, they'll sell a bunch of them to everyone regardless...how many people here have or once had an SX, Squier or MIM Fender bass hanging right next to their <insert boutique high end bass name here>.

Regardless of the branding, they're going to sell. How it effects the sales of USA Sterlings and 'Rays remains to be seen.

In my experience, you can get a used USA SR or Sterling for not too much more than these new Indo SbMM are going for. I've seen some in the classifieds over the past year as low as $750!

 

[Nino Valenti]

not quite the same thing. but i bet if there was a Precision by Fender budget line there might be a little bit of confusion.

Sterling is a name of someone in the Ernie Ball company... Sterling Ball.

A lot of the early Squires had Fender on the headstock. So it's Squire by Fender.

 

[Nino Valenti]

The point is, Fender uses the term "Squire" for their budget stuff, and only for their budget stuff. If they dropped the "Squire" brand and replaced it with "Stratocaster by Fender" - for their budget line (and still sold regular Stratocasters as well) then it would be the same thing.

IMO, it's the same because in the Swuire line, there is a Jazz Bass, Precision Bass, Stratocaster, Telecaster, etc.

The Squire name is cheapining the name of these models.

"Why buy a USA Fender Jazz Bass for $1200 when I can buy a Squire Jazz Bass for $200?"

IMO, of course.

 

[baba]

I'm starting to wonder if Sterling has a master plan of "any press is good press - get the people talking". Between the Bongo, Big Al, and the Sterling line, it seems that every decision he makes creates passionate debate. I don't recall any consistent buzz like this with other manufacturers.

 

[chunkstyle]

I'm starting to wonder if Sterling has a master plan of "any press is good press - get the people talking". Between the Bongo, Big Al, and the Sterling line, it seems that every decision he makes creates passionate debate. I don't recall any consistent buzz like this with other manufacturers.

good point!

(ahem) "just spell my name right."

 

[jaywa]

I'm starting to wonder if Sterling has a master plan of "any press is good press - get the people talking". Between the Bongo, Big Al, and the Sterling line, it seems that every decision he makes creates passionate debate. I don't recall any consistent buzz like this with other manufacturers.

You mean, besides the 186 (and counting) threads about the Fender price hikes?

 

[jaywa]

In my experience, you can get a used USA SR or Sterling for not too much more than these new Indo SbMM are going for. I've seen some in the classifieds over the past year as low as $750!

Yep... not sure how much longer that will last though. I anticipate prices for the used USA models to start swinging toward the upside, tracking with the price increases on the new models.

 

[Marlat]

I'm starting to wonder if Sterling has a master plan of "any press is good press - get the people talking". Between the Bongo, Big Al, and the Sterling line, it seems that every decision he makes creates passionate debate. I don't recall any consistent buzz like this with other manufacturers.

Ampeg moving production offshore;
TC Electronics Rebel Head 450;
Fender 2009 Pricing;
Mark Bass LMII; and
Octavius Squeezer.

Are just a few that I can think of that spark this kind of debate. I think the EBMM issue here is Sterling's statement that he agreed to the name he didn't like under pressure from Guitar Centre. EBMM's refreshing honesty (in a world where most brands don't discuss corporate decisions) has probably caused a lot of the debate / speculation on this issue. I do agree that all the attention can't hurt insofar as these threads make people aware of the new brand.

 

[damon106]

Any Musicman/Sterling aficionados out there know what the difference is between this budget axe and the "real" Sterling ?

Where did they cut costs ?

 

[baba]

You mean, besides the 186 (and counting) threads about the Fender price hikes?

Yeah, but price hikes will always cause controversy. Aside from them discontinuing some stuff, like the American Precision Deluxe 5, most changes from Fender seem to get positive reviews. For instance, the Squire Vintage Modified release, the new Squire Vintage Vibe release, the new Fender J's, the new P5, etc, etc.

 

[Smallequestrian]

That's absolutely ridicules. Since when does GC get to vote on EBMM business decisions. I suspect no one is buying this except the the regular EB forumites.

Well, there were at least three companies involved, including the Sterling's sons. Sterling said many times, he didn't like the name...why would he lie about something simple as that?

 

[hrgiger]

The point is, Fender uses the term "Squire" for their budget stuff, and only for their budget stuff.

When did Fender start calling them "Squire"?

 

[Marlat]

Any Musicman/Sterling aficionados out there know what the difference is between this budget axe and the "real" Sterling ?

Where did they cut costs ?

Instead of CNC machines operated by Americans, they are now made on CNC machines operated by Indonesians!

Haha - well that's part of it. Its basically offshore production licensed out to Indonesia. Its the same way Lakland Skylines, MTD Kingston and Z models etc are made.

 

[damon106]

Instead of CNC machines operated by Americans, they are now made on CNC machines operated by Indonesians!

Haha - well that's part of it. Its basically offshore production licensed out to Indonesia. Its the same way Lakland Skylines, MTD Kingston and Z models etc are made.

Thanks Mark !

 

[baba]

Ampeg moving production offshore;
TC Electronics Rebel Head 450;
Fender 2009 Pricing;
Mark Bass LMII; and
Octavius Squeezer.

Are just a few that I can think of that spark this kind of debate. .

Aren't these isolated incidents with each company? Anyway, my comment was a bit tongue in cheek, but there does seem to be a pattern with this one company. I doubt there is anything intentional going on, but the pattern can't be denied and I find it interesting.

 

[jaywa]

When did Fender start calling them "Squire"?

Chris Squire bought the rights to the name, from Billy Squier. Haven't you heard? Get with it, man!

 

[baba]

Chris Squire bought the rights to the name, from Billy Squier. Haven't you heard? Get with it, man!

That's how Fender can bring the controversy - rename the Squiers as Squires or Skwyer by Fender.