If you look at the business, it seems obvious that electric guitars must be a more lucrative venture than electric bass. It would appear that instrument sales in general have steadily downtrended over the years, Part of this is due to popularity of digital/electronic music, which means fewer kids are trying to roooock (and diffusion of new leisure activities, like video gaming, have crowded other activities out, like taking lessons, practicing and being in a band). But the T-bird is such an iconic instrument, as the folks have noted above, there must be a way to expand product offerings and build upon brand equity (as opposed to cannibalizing sales via the value-oriented Epiphone).
My 2015 T-bird pretty much fell in my lap because I got a insane deal on it. But how can a 2015 model be priced at over $2k (even if the case candy included a dated photo of my Axe on the factory work bench)? And why isn't there something in between the Epi and the $2000+ American version? I know that we aren't supposed to mention F@#*er here but they offer two U.S.-made versions of Jazz and P-bass (American Standard and American Elite) with retail at a couple hundred in between (and neither close to $2k). Below that is the very serviceable Standard (MIM) and then the Squier. They also have a variety of artist models at different price points. You get a variety of choices in color, fretboard and electronics. Heck, now you can order directly from the company and mix/match things to your liking.
Now, do I want to pay $900+ for a MIM because Dee Dee Ramone and Flea (with the new roached out pink Jazz) had one? No. In fact, I don't even think of a jazz bass, when I think of Flea. I don't really think Strat, when I think of the Edge either. But it must move people to buy. And occasionally, an artist model actually improves on the tone and functionality of an instrument (e.g., new Johnny Marr Jag).
Over the years, more people have played a T-bird than Nikki Sixx. Why not try a few new signature models (with artists from different genres) and/or venture away from default color choice = sunburst. I think we would all agree that the vibe, aesthetic or cool factor have influenced our preferences for a bass or guitar at one time or another. It would seem that Gibson could simply differentiate by varying tonewoods, electronics and cases vs gigbag, to offer a greater selection of T-birds at different price points. Just because it is made in the U.S. does not mean it has to cost a couple of grand. Gibson manages to sell American-made Les Pauls for around a grand or under. Rick, F*#@er and even PRS manage to do it too and offer reasonable quality in the process.
Sorry for the rant and if I was Captain Obvious here (not to be confused with Captain Sensible of The Damned). I will go see Nurse Rached for my meds now.
