Music Man MSRPs

[g_man]

Hi,

Is there any where posted on the internet a list of official MSRPs (suggested prices) from EBMM? I know that we are not to post store prices, so I won't say anything specific, but is there an official list?

What got me to wondering is that there is a HUGE difference in prices from my native country of Canada compared to where I live in Europe now. It is well beyond import taxes and shipping costs. So much so, that although I am all for supporting my local store, and I do know the benefits of doing so, I cannot justify it and would rather deal with a store that I can only visit twice a year.

And this is based on 2 stores in the country I live, in different cities, so it isn't just one store who is giving me a high price.

Any insights would be welcomed.

 

[jazzbo jim]

I assume Canada has the cheaper prices?

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

The posting of prices is pretty much frowned upon on this forum.

Mind you, I know how much EBMM guitars cost in Europe. Normally they are same amount in £'s as they are in US$, bearing in mind there is nearly $2 to £1.

I suppose they are priced to the market, as well as shipping and taxes in Europe.

 

[g_man]

I assume Canada has the cheaper prices?

Yes, they are.

 

[g_man]

The posting of prices is pretty much frowned upon on this forum.

Mind you, I know how much EBMM guitars cost in Europe. Normally they are same amount in £'s as they are in US$, bearing in mind there is nearly $2 to £1.

I suppose they are priced to the market, as well as shipping and taxes in Europe.

Yes, I know about the pricing issues, I wasn't trying to get into specifics, or dealer special prices, etc.

This is what I am finding too, just about double the cost, before taxes and shipping are figured in. Even high European taxes and shipping does not make up the difference however.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Its probably down to the market. Pricing I would imagine takes into account, market pricing of top end guitars, cost of living, average wage etc.

Making a direct comparison is difficult with the USA and the UK, as the dollar is weak against the pound at the moment, the average wage is less in the US, and the cost of living in the USA is cheaper than Europe.

 

[edensdad]

When you order the catalog from EBMM, there's a price list of guitars and options included (or at least it was in 2004 when I got the catalog I have)

I think the guitars are worth MSRP, but I didn't pay anywhere near that much.

>^..^<

 

[beej]

Yeah- this issue has come up a few times. The prices are considerably higher outside of North America, but it's not EBMMs fault- the dealers set their prices to suit

 

[kbaim]

<cheering>

U-S-A, U-S-A

 

[DaveB]

Yeah- this issue has come up a few times. The prices are considerably higher outside of North America, but it's not EBMMs fault- the dealers set their prices to suit

But doesnt this destroy their target market?

An EBMM guitar that I saw in the USA for $1239 is over £1300 here and remember at the moment the exchange rate is now around $1.76 to the pound.

If the distributor and dealer in the UK have "decided" on the price at such a high level then they arent going to sell many. Surely it would be better to cut back on the margin a bit and sell lots of them. Once the ball (excuse the pun) gets rolling they would actually start competing with the F*nders and Ib*nez filled shops in the UK.

Just my 2 pence.

Dave

 

[g_man]

but it's not EBMMs fault- the dealers set their prices to suit

I don't think it is the dealers...as I said, 2 different dealers here have the same "list price", and another member said it was basically the same in the UK - double the price. And from what I can tell, there is not one European distributor, each country has their own

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Didn't Beth talk to a few of you guys from across the way on Saturday night @ the Open House about how the dealers priced things?

From what I overheard it was "T.S. but yes it sucks" because the importing company pays duty, then gets their cut, and then the dealer gets their cut, etc etc?

 

[beej]

Someone needs to sideline as an "importer" ... ferrying US guitars to foreign countries ...

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

I believe the term is "mule"

 

[beej]

I believe the term is "mule"

Hahaha! Right you are Pete!

(Now I just need to start getting paid for my overseas trips ...!)

 

[skabassist13]

So what about this catalog? Where do you order such a thing and how much is it?

 

[Luiz Gustavo]

Pete is right beej, I did this.

He sold to via my cousing that came with the guitar to me to Brazil.

Import taxes here are high as 60%.

And the risk to be blocked is high too.

 

[beej]

Yeah, that was a bit of an inside joke Luiz- I've done this too! (Most recently with DaveB's Axis that had to get to the UK).

I'll be picking up my own Y2D in the states and bringing back to Canada as soon as it's ready

 

[phatduckk]

I'll be picking up my own Y2D in the states and bringing back to Canada as soon as it's ready

i told ya, just have pete ship it to me dude. i dont mind taking care of it for a few weeks till you get youre arse back in San Mateo

 

[beej]

i told ya, just have pete ship it to me dude. i dont mind taking care of it for a few weeks till you get youre arse back in San Mateo

Ah yes ... a man I can trust with my Y2D! ("Dude- what Y2D? Never saw it? ...")