SR5 20th Anniversary Pricing vs. Standard SR5

[Baird]

Folks,

I know pricing discussions are frowned upon here but I wanted help clarifying something and I won't name names or use exact dollar figures.....



I went to order a fretless 20th SR5 today and was suprised at the price delta between the 20th and the standard (still loaded up though) SR5. Without getting into exact numbers, it was around the 4 figure mark more expensive than the regular SR5.

My question is this..... does this sound fairly accurate or is my supplier out to lunch?

I live in Ontario, Canada if that makes any difference.

Beautiful bass, but I don't think I can justify the difference.

 

[adouglas]

That seems about right to me.

Go price some high-end basses...Fodera, MTD American, Zon... That's the target market.

BP is no dummy. He's not going to price something out of line with the competition.

 

[Baird]

That seems about right to me.

Go price some high-end basses...Fodera, MTD American, Zon... That's the target market.

BP is no dummy. He's not going to price something out of line with the competition.

I agree that the MM basses should be priced at the same level as the other higher end manufacturers. I just personally can't justify (read: afford!) the price delta for the 20th with the few upgrades that differentiate it from the standard SR5.

I will be playing this bass regularly, not buying it as an investment to sell down the road.

I think an off the shelf SR5 fretless is the way I will likely go.

 

[tombboy]

I think one has to take into account the fine quality quilted maple top and the huge price difference this makes to the overall product. It takes the exceptionally high quality that EB are renowned for and consistently strive to achieve and notches it up a gear. Plus... although it's a SR5, it's not mass produced. There is a limited order and the setting up of machines for such a limited run costs money which has to be recouperated to pay for staff/materials/overheads etc.
Personally, if I was a 5'ver I'd pay the extra to own such a beauty. Didn't mind paying the extra for the SR30th and very glad that was the case.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I agree that the MM basses should be priced at the same level as the other higher end manufacturers. I just personally can't justify (read: afford!) the price delta for the 20th with the few upgrades that differentiate it from the standard SR5.

I will be playing this bass regularly, not buying it as an investment to sell down the road.

I think an off the shelf SR5 fretless is the way I will likely go.

The "few upgrades" include a highly figured top and neck, custom fretboard inlays, additional routing for a tone block and multi-wood body, accent line, custom burst translucent finish, 20th anniversary labeling and inlays, unique body stylings, limited edition status, and a custom case.

Like it, or not, those things cost money. If the difference isn't worth it to you, the standard offerings are amazing, too.

 

[tombboy]

The "few upgrades" include a highly figured top and neck, custom fretboard inlays, additional routing for a tone block and multi-wood body, accent line, custom burst translucent finish, 20th anniversary labeling and inlays, unique body stylings, limited edition status, and a custom case.

Erm.... yeah! And all them other bits too!!! That's what I meant to say in my previous post!!!

 

[Big Poppa]

dont forget the small run of alnico

 

[SteveB]

Plus, Poppa needs new shoes!

 

[Randracula]

dont forget the small run of alnico

I heard Ed Friedland rocking the alnico at NAMM and it sounded amazing!

 

[PocketGroove82]

It should also be noted that for months and months now 2007 has been mentioned as the "EBMM Price Increase" year. Most dealers have been advertising that prices on the standard Ernie Ball basses/guitars would be going up.
So ya gotta factor that into the equation, also.

 

[Slim]

I don't really know the price of 20th SR5 but compared to guitar market bass price is still very low. People are spending over $5000.00 for used Gibson custom shop 59 Les Paul replica. I used to collect many guitars but now I am holding on to my main guitar and bass for everyday playing. When you own a pretty instrument you will be afraid to play to mess it up and it ends up not being played at all so if you are player you should consider standard SR5

 

[brooklynfall]

dont forget the small run of alnico

For me the alnico is the main selling point. If there was a production SR5 with an alnico option, I'd be a happy camper. The 20th is SO FREAKING GORGEOUS, though, and it looks like the production quality is even higher than the stock stuff, if that's even possible ... problem is that I could buy two standard SR5's for the price - maybe three if I went the used route. Man, it pains me to think about it - I want one so bad ...

The thing is, the 20th is absolutely worth the upgrades, no question - probably worth more than the upgrades add to it, actually. Unfortunately it doesn't matter if it's worth it or not when you don't have the cash!

 

[eddybomb]

These are exceptional instruments, built by exceptional craftsmen, and offered by one of the best design teams in the industry. If I were in the market for a limited edition bass, I would put in an order for one, no matter what the cost. I'd put it right next to my imaginary Ball Family Resurve. At this point however, I'd be happy with any SR5 bought off the wall from the local GC.

The SR5 20th's are worth the price asked. If you seriously want one...you will find a way to get one. If not in this production run, then at another time when you find a hidden jem or ebay offering (this is how i will most likely aquire mine)

 

[0557]

who has MSRP on 20th SR5's

Is the retail listed online somewhere?

 

[Baird]

Is the retail listed online somewhere?

The SR5 20th fretless with matching headstock that I looked at was $3099USD from what I can gather.

 

[adouglas]

To put that in perspective, visit Welcome to G Guitars, Dealers in Fine Guitars, Basses and Amplification

and check out the MSRP on their new bass stock. I won't step on BP's toes by showing any of them here.

EBMM prices are a bargain by comparison.