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Fender pushing prices?!

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
by conkerandco
So whilst shopping for a new strat i've noticed that almost every dealer has their fenders pushed very close to their RRP. Some being quite a few bob more than i know i've seen them going for in the last 6 months or so.

Is this something permanent that's being caused by the current economic situation and should we expect to start paying more for guitars from the likes of fender? Or alternatively, is it a seasonal price-rise? are dealers more likely to push their prices nearer to Christmas and new year when they know people will be buying anyway?

Just wanted your guys two thoughts before buying my Tele a buddy this month.

Re: Fender pushing prices?!

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 8:43 pm
by jangle
Nothing FMIC or its retailers do would surprise me and only the gullible should take their excuses/reasons at face value. They've cast their lot in with the big-box retailers (at least in the States) so the corporate mentality reigns.

I'm sure that NAMM season and the new product year are pushing some of the increases but the usual cycle of NAMM-related hype will see the usual ask-for-the-moon-now, deep-discount-later cycle.

Without being critical, I find it very hard to justify buying brand-new gear given the almost infinite used market with its steep depreciation. In addition, the market is the ultimate beta tester i.e. products that aren't up to scratch will soon settle to the bottom of the price scale. Fender fiddle around the edges (literally and figuratively) but how different can/will a Stratocaster really be? Let's say a new one is £1,700. Might a used one be found for £1,200 and the remaining £500 stay in pocket or be used to purchase just the right pickups, replacement nut, etc. to make it a dream machine?

The dirt/grime/sweat/dings = 'mojo' theory may have some merit but it's also used to blunt any objection to a less-than-mint guitar. I freely admit that I have purchased used relic/VOS instruments (does that make them doubly used?) as well as proper used guitars from private parties.

I dunno. I love to look at shiny new guitars but I'm always ambivalent about playing one as an everyday instrument.

Re: Fender pushing prices?!

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:14 pm
by Les Paul Lover
I agree with you Jangle... Buying 2nd hand makes a lot more sense. However it never gives you that miss a beat/heart sinking feeling when you put your 1st proper ding in it..... :shock:

More seriously, you take such a hit when buying new, it does put me off. But sometimes something steals your heart and you have to have it. I never meant to buy my Vigier new...!!!! But I'd like to think I had little choice.... :oops:


Not too sure about Fenders, but there are some pretty good deals for gibsons at the moment.

Conkerandco, are you after something specific?

Re: Fender pushing prices?!

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:41 pm
by conkerandco
Yeh i've seen the gibson reductions and am surprised fender haven't retaliated with some knockdowns of their own.

At the moment i'm looking at the Simon Neil squier and having a fun project for the next few months to upgrade and 'maybe' relic.

OR getting the 60's road worn model and having my perfect strat right out of the box.

Re: Fender pushing prices?!

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:18 pm
by Les Paul Lover
Big difference in price indeed...!!!

You could try to track a MIA strat on gumtree and then improve that one?

It's a great time for 2nd hand buyer - not so much for sellers though! So you could get a strat with good hardware, and still upgrade pick ups?

Re: Fender pushing prices?!

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 9:13 pm
by nedcronin
Something else to keep in mind. Fender had instant rebates on a lot of their gear until 12/32/2012. Like USA strats were $100 off and all the retailers reflected that in the price. Basically everything over a certain amount was 100 off. I too noticed everything went back up. I think you can still get the deal if you have cash in hand and you are working with a good retailer. I'm looking for a strat too and am shopping the used stuff. Although USA fender guitars don't depreciate all that much if you buy them in a store. I agree that since you will probably have to invest in a pro setup with a nut job, buying used makes perfect sense. I kind of want an Eric Johnson strat, and I was able to find a couple used ones in perfect shape for the 12-1300 range. I haven't started playing any yet as I typically wait till cash is in pocket to really shop, especially with used gear. I do want to check out the new 2012 standards though as they have almost no finish on the neck, which I really prefer to gummy lacquered up necks like the EJ has. But after a few months of playing that goop wears off and also I guess you can hit them with super fine sandpaper and pull off the gummy stuff.