Why Are New Guitars So Expensive?!
By DarlingGirl
@DarlingGirl (745)
United States
April 16, 2007 7:41am CST
I have a small eBay business and I sell electric (and soon acoustic) guitars and parts.
Recently I received the catalog from Guitar Center, and nearly had a fit when I saw the prices of new Fender guitars. For a new "vintage" Strat they were asking $749.00 USD!!!!!
What the heck?!
See here - the body is worth about $100, the neck about $75, and the rest of the hardware - barely $60. So why the tremendous markup?
Is it simply for the logo on the headstock?
We all know by now that Fender does not "make their guitars" in the USA anymore, even though the logo says so. All the parts are manufactured in Korea or India, and assembled in the USA. I know for a fact that the prices I've quoted above are true.
Why do we guitarists put up with this kind of markup?
I also play the violin, and have shopped around for nice German Spruce mid-century models. I can usually find one that is quality in every way for around $350.00 USD or lower. So tell me, why isn't there a bigger markup on older violins - something akin to the kind of markup on say, a 60's Strat? Why do we tolerate guitar manufacturers who are obviously bleeding us dry?
I'm of the opinion that putting together your own signature guitar is the best idea. I can literally get parts and make a guitar to my specs for around $350.00 USD, the same that I'd pay for a quality violin.
Are any of you frustrated by high prices, cheaper quality, brand name guitars that cost too much, and stores that take a 50% markup?
How do you get around it to afford the instrument of your dreams?
Do you plan on making your own guitar from parts? Have you ever done so? Give us all some info! Thanks.
5 responses
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
21 Apr 07
Fender's suffer a huge mark-up, and it's the name you are buying plain and simple. Honestly, I don't think that they are that great of a guitar for the money. Especially when you can buy an Ibanez for far less that is in my opinion a much surperior instrument. If you spent the same amount dollar for dollar on a fender and an Ibanez, the Ibanez would be an astronomically better guitar for the price, and in general.
I've been playing guitar (professionally) for a very long time. Both classical and rock music. However I am very leary of trying to buy parts and build one myself, I would rather spend a bit more for a name that I trust so I know it's put together correctly, can be repaired easily and that parts will be available for it. Plus, I like the fact of having a company I can go to, who will stand behind their product should the need arise.
1 person likes this
@DarlingGirl (745)
• United States
21 Apr 07
Really?! Does Ibanez do that? I've never heard of a guitar company accepting damaged goods or doing repairs or replacements for free.
Please tell us about it - I'm sure there are lots of people out there (including me) who really do need to know. We're all poor, starving musicians, from one time to another. ;)
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
16 Apr 07
Both my son and husband play guitar and I am also shocked at the prices of some of these guitars and wonder how they can command such prices. It's all about supply and demand. Fender may only produce a certain amount of guitars a year and since they are one of the most popular brands, they can demand a higher price and know that people will pay for it. On the other hand, if you purchase a Fender guitar, you could probably re-sell it a few years later and recoup most of what you spent on it.
1 person likes this
@KrazyKlingon (5005)
• United States
2 May 07
I've seen electric guitars that end up selling for $2,000 thru $3,000 - brand new. Particularly if you wanted to purchase a Strat.
The vintage guitars are also expensive because many of them are considered to be collector's items. WHile I am unsure what is what, a 60's strat may be a collectors item that raises the price.
I am unsure of this, but if you're a reasonably popular band, & you buy more than one guitar & plan to put out a full-album CD, I heard that they may give a discount off the price if you mention on the CD literature, "(guitarist A) uses (brand name of guitar)" & (guitarist B) uses ..." Even then, being that these big-name guitars are used by popular musicians, I think that's also why the prices are so high. They can afford it.
@mcthawk (48)
• Australia
31 May 07
Well perhaps the reason theres a greater mark-up on guitars is that the ratio of new guitar players is higher in comparison to new violin players. I also play the guitar, but there is I believe a different mindset here. People who take up the violin are generally more serious, what I mean is that any young music fan can have a go at playing the guitar so there is potentially a bigger market for guitars -v- violins and I think that is what the manufacturers/retailers take advantage of.
Now regarding a 60/70s strat...it's all about ego I think, if you got the bucks why not. However I reckon an 1820's violin will outsell an old box guitar anyday.
My 2cents worth
@dineskie (155)
• Philippines
23 Apr 07
i think its because of the better quality.. and of course.. brand really matters.. but there are still cheap ones.. but it doesn't sound that good.. better buy a more expensive one.. it will have a better sound.. and it's strings are softer i guess.. that depends..
