Gas prices

sevycat · March 13th, 2009, 08:25 PM

I was reading several other posts today, and got G.A.S. So being that I had some time, I went shopping at a few of the local stores. I have a taste for the high end toys and being Friday the 13th. What the hell, let's get a new telecaster.

In the past, I did not mind shelling out big money for what I wanted. But with Fender's price increase, that is no longer the case. I feel that you will no longer get the bang for the buck. I am strongly considering going the partscaster way.

If anyone is into doing the partscaster thing, please let me in on what is out there that will give me that bang for the buck. I think it's time to give this a go. Thanks for your time!

Jefro · March 13th, 2009, 08:31 PM

Well I recently finished my first Partscaster and I was able to build it for approx 270usd using all quality fender parts and I'm extremely impressed and quite amazed that I was able to put together a quality piece for such a low cost.

I'm also put off at Fenders price increase as am purely looking to buy used now and score what deals I can find and perhaps mix and match parts or buy whole cheap and upgrade.

I'd also consider having a Neck refretted for $200+ due to price increase as I previously bought my CV60 to have a whole guitar vs just getting a refret.

Shades of Blue · March 13th, 2009, 08:37 PM

There is an Ebay Store called The Stratosphere. I buy most of my pickups and parts from them. The auction seller for them is called reliablefender.

I only buy in auction format because their buy it now prices are high.

elementlax · March 13th, 2009, 10:50 PM

+1 ON THE stratosphere, i got all parts of mine off there as well. really cheap, when i need genuine parts. otherwise, its guitarfetish.com

Intonator · March 14th, 2009, 08:57 AM

Me and power tools, spray guns,...ect, do not exactly play well together.
If I were to try building a guitar, by the time I was done, I would have more frustration and money into it than if I had purchased one.

For me, unfortunately, buying a guitar is about the only way I can have one.

And honestly...would anyone felt as bad about the price increase had they done it $75 a year instead of all at once?

Jefro · March 14th, 2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intonator

And honestly...would anyone felt as bad about the price increase had they done it $75 a year instead of all at once?

I would prefer a gradual increase over time yes as its easier to get use too but the bigger part is fenders excuse for doing it is because they haven't done it in so long... well regardless of how long its been since their last price increase, most companys increase prices for a reason, not just because and it seems fender only did it because they haven't done it in a while.

But for them to raise prices 30-40% when the economy is already hurting is just ridiculous.

Zman · March 14th, 2009, 09:19 AM

Sevycat: I just thought I would point out that there is a little thing called a recession going on. I have been lurking on the Craigslist and our local one Kijiji. There are some amazing bargains from some very motivated sellers. (they want to be able to eat).
Once they realize their guitar is NOT worth what they paid for it, and it sits for a while, you can get them for half of the price of a new one, and less. Usually they are in great conditon and there are lots of them out there.

bowhunter · March 14th, 2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefro

I would prefer a gradual increase over time yes as its easier to get use too but the bigger part is fenders excuse for doing it is because they haven't done it in so long... well regardless of how long its been since their last price increase, most companys increase prices for a reason, not just because and it seems fender only did it because they haven't done it in a while.

But for them to raise prices 30-40% when the economy is already hurting is just ridiculous.

I agree 100%

KRamone27 · March 14th, 2009, 09:40 AM

I just don't see why they raised the prices on them any way, it's not like they made any changes that would add extra production cost.

sevycat · March 14th, 2009, 10:24 AM

Thanks to all who posted info and idea's. I for one don't know the reasons why Fender did what they did. What I do know, is this. It's going to be a partscaster or used, cause buying new Fender American made or Custom Shop is out.

Last year I bought a Fender 60's N.O.S. Stratocaster. I am very happy with the guitar. This year I was planning on getting a Fender 52 reissue. I could have got one for around $1,200.00 or so not to long ago. Now, they want
2k with tax for the same guitar. Is there something I am missing? Bang for the buck is not there.

REDSTRAT · March 14th, 2009, 10:29 AM

I was in a store the guy didn't even know fender was raising prices 20 percent.

Intonator · March 14th, 2009, 10:49 AM

The one thing that their price list will hurt me with, is purchasing a new amp.

I have wanted a Twin Reverb for a long time. Almost a $500 jump.

I will still get one, but will now be a used one.

PeteG45 · March 14th, 2009, 09:29 PM

I have to question Fender's wisdom in upping their prices in this economy. Maybe if they have a bad enough year they can get in on some bailout funds. I'd be willing to bet that they were told that they were too affordable and that reasonable prices made their brand less valued. I'll bet they paid some consulting firm a lot of money to come up with this gem. At least I'm not bitter about it.

Apologies to anybody working for consulting firms. There are good ones and bad ones just like anything else.

Jefro · March 14th, 2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intonator

The one thing that their price list will hurt me with, is purchasing a new amp.

I have wanted a Twin Reverb for a long time. Almost a $500 jump.

I will still get one, but will now be a used one.

Tell me about it...

I wanted to get a Blues Jr but waited to long and now they want something like $680cdn + taxes! So I'm trying to find a Champ 600 used but worst case have found it new for $199 so I'm probably going to get that next week while I can.

rhh7 · March 14th, 2009, 09:38 PM

I would buy a used Fender Squier Classic Vibe, either Strat or Tele, I have the Tele...would buy a Strat if I could find one.

Just this week in Calgary, a used Classic Vibe Tele sold for $250 Canadian, or about $195 U.S. The Classic Vibe is worth at least twice that, in my opinion.

I prefer the Classic Vibe to the MIM Standard.

PeteG45 · March 15th, 2009, 07:43 AM

Unfortunately this price increase is going to have two impacts, both negative, on the re-sale market. One, people will expect suddenly that the value of there used gear has gone up and used prices will become even more ridiculous. Two, people will hang on to their gear longer so there will be less used gear on the market forcing prices higher.

Maybe Fender is in cahoots with Exxon.

sevycat · March 15th, 2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteG45

Unfortunately this price increase is going to have two impacts, both negative, on the re-sale market. One, people will expect suddenly that the value of there used gear has gone up and used prices will become even more ridiculous. Two, people will hang on to their gear longer so there will be less used gear on the market forcing prices higher.

Maybe Fender is in cahoots with Exxon.

They have to pay those billion dollar top execs somehow...

Intonator · March 15th, 2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRamone27

I just don't see why they raised the prices on them any way, it's not like they made any changes that would add extra production cost.

No, but just to play devil's advocate for a minute......

I'm sure that in 3 years, material costs have gone up. How much...who knows.
I'm also sure that in those same 3 years, employees have received pay increases, not to mention sky rocketing health insurance costs.

So yeh...I can see an increase.
Was an increase that large required?
Maybe...maybe not.