Music Man Price Increase

[PeteDuBaldo]

Pricing went up on most EBMM models at close of business on June 15th, typically by a $200 or $300 increase to LIST, Pricing on new models for 2013 stayed the same, as well as no change on most BFR models (double-neck, Gold Roller, JPX, XI, 12, 13, etc).

 

[Big Poppa]

We are still a living wage company...funny I lookk back at that and there was no formula for living wage...we had to create it...

We also are very proud to announce a scholarship program in our Coachella facility. We will help arrange all grants and programs for qualifying employees and then pay the balance of the tuition provided their parents remain in good standing with the company and the student maintains a high average.

 

[jptortor]

That's a really awesome benefit to provide to your employees. Very generous and a great way to retain talent.

We are still a living wage company...funny I lookk back at that and there was no formula for living wage...we had to create it...

We also are very proud to announce a scholarship program in our Coachella facility. We will help arrange all grants and programs for qualifying employees and then pay the balance of the tuition provided their parents remain in good standing with the company and the student maintains a high average.

 

[straycat113]

This is part of life and I honestly don't see what the big deal is? About 90% of my guitars are split between EBMM and Fenders and I own 9 EBMM guitars. If you go off the EBMM forum to a neutral forum like The Gear Page there are tons of guys laying out 7K or better for a CS Strat which I find mind boggling which is basically a 4K+ mark up for some Master Builders name and some upgraded parts. Then look at a BFR guitar, Premier Dealer, or LE EBMM model which would be equivalent to a Fender CS guitar and the price increase is only a couple of hundred bucks. When they did the Axis Tributes I honestly was shocked at how low the price was and originally thought it was a mistake, as those guitars could of sold for a hell of a lot more and no one would of complained. Another thing that has become acceptable is a lot of well known companies and builders selling guitars in the 1K-$1,500 dollar range and not even giving you a hard shell case, which to me cheapens the purchase. Keeping it real 9 out of 10 times I leave the house with a guitar it is in a Gig Bag but when I buy new I don't want to leave the store with my guitar in one. This is a family owned business who make gear and know gear and is not run by a bunch of suits around a table who are only interested in numbers on a chart. You pay what you get for in life and next to any other company I get more for my money guitars wise buying an EB axe!

 

[JayDawg]

I currently have a JP 6 BFR Roasted Neck on layaway at Bass Central that is new left over stock. From a previous post I made, I have been mulling over this guitar since they got it. It will match by BFR Roasted Neck Bongo 4 H quite nice. As soon as it is paid off, I am going to order a Game Changer HSH with piezo and tremolo bar from them. The price may be slightly more than it was when the Game Changer first came out but I don't care. I honestly thought that would be about a 4k guitar when it first came out and as we all know, it sell for way less than that even though it is the most technologically advanced guitar that I know of.
Love your stuff BP! Thanks for all you guys do.

 

[custom53]

I hate to see anything with a price increase, but look at comparable guitars.. EBMM guitars are still a bargain..!

 

[Tollywood]

We also are very proud to announce a scholarship program in our Coachella facility. We will help arrange all grants and programs for qualifying employees and then pay the balance of the tuition provided their parents remain in good standing with the company and the student maintains a high average.

Wow, very nice benefit.

 

[koogie2k]

Price increases are what they are. You can't buy materials at the same price forever and what not. Nothing unusual here.

 

[douglasspears]

so, to recap:

- EBMM prices have increased
- they're still a bargain!
- they're much cheaper here in the US
- OP states observation but doesn't want conversation to continue
- EBMM prices haven't increased in years
- EBMM prices increased on June 15
- they're still a bargain!
- leaving a store with a gig bag sucks, but leaving home with a gig bag is fine
- living wage and scholarships and EBMM are great!


I'm confused.

 

[coldsummer]

so, to recap:

- EBMM prices have increased
- they're still a bargain!
- they're much cheaper here in the US
- OP states observation but doesn't want conversation to continue
- EBMM prices haven't increased in years
- EBMM prices increased on June 15
- they're still a bargain!
- leaving a store with a gig bag sucks, but leaving home with a gig bag is fine
- living wage and scholarships and EBMM are great!


I'm confused.

That's about the the size of it, no reason to be confused

 

[Sweat]

so, to recap:

- EBMM prices have increased
- they're still a bargain!
- they're much cheaper here in the US
- OP states observation but doesn't want conversation to continue
- EBMM prices haven't increased in years
- EBMM prices increased on June 15
- they're still a bargain!
- leaving a store with a gig bag sucks, but leaving home with a gig bag is fine
- living wage and scholarships and EBMM are great!


I'm confused.

You stay confused and are pretty much always a Debbie Downer

I never stated not to continue conversing, only that many have misinterpreted what the intent of my OP was. Man I hope you find some happiness soon!

 

[Big Poppa]

so, to recap:

- EBMM prices have increased
- they're still a bargain!
- they're much cheaper here in the US
- OP states observation but doesn't want conversation to continue
- EBMM prices haven't increased in years
- EBMM prices increased on June 15
- they're still a bargain!
- leaving a store with a gig bag sucks, but leaving home with a gig bag is fine
- living wage and scholarships and EBMM are great!


I'm confused.

Im just trying to figure out the point herre....it is a selected summary of opinions...But to help you out I hate to raise prices....you try to hold them as long as you can...you know that it will cost you customers but if you dont you lose money on the part and so when it hits that line you are forced to either discontinue the model or raise the price.

 

[DrewH]

No problem with the price increases. People have to eat. Materials, especially tone woods, are getting ever so expensive. Even with the increases, the guitars are still a bargain when compared to other boutique USA made stuff. I can still buy almost 2 Balls for what I'd pay for one of the other comparable offerings out there.

 

[douglasspears]

You stay confused and are pretty much always a Debbie Downer

I never stated not to continue conversing, only that many have misinterpreted what the intent of my OP was. Man I hope you find some happiness soon!

thanks, I'll be fine.

Im just trying to figure out the point herre....it is a selected summary of opinions...But to help you out I hate to raise prices....you try to hold them as long as you can...you know that it will cost you customers but if you dont you lose money on the part and so when it hits that line you are forced to either discontinue the model or raise the price.

thanks. My point (admittedly using a little sarcasm) was highlighting the conflicting info that I saw on a few topics, accented by some of the typical comments that we see in most any thread, and capping it with kudos to you and your company, regarding the living wage and scholarships...which is really awesome. And yeah, I understand supply and demand, and truly appreciate the work and fine products you produce...and your efforts to keep them as affordable as possible.

 

[Big Poppa]

thanks...its sort of hard to explain but everything is going up...insurance..you name it....scares me.

 

[GoKart_MoZart]

...the guitars are still a bargain when compared to other boutique USA made stuff. I can still buy almost 2 Balls for what I'd pay for one of the other comparable offerings out there.

Guitars generally are a good bargain. Son #1 plays trumpet, son #2 trombone, son#3 sax... At "high school" level each of those is more than a new EBMM. I just hope none of them wants to play oboe!!

(They all play guitar better than me, BTW. )

BP, I think that living wage and all is a good thing, to be sure. But I want you to know that I bought my EBMMs first and foremost because they are outstanding instruments.

 

[koogie2k]

thanks...its sort of hard to explain but everything is going up...insurance..you name it....scares me.

Insurance rates are a pain to get the best deal possible as well as taking care of the employees to boot. Self employed - taxes, insurance, bonding, etc certainly makes the stress levels go up. I get an increase I have to pass that on or, like you said, be out of business.

I still think EBMM are a great product for the price point - even with the increase. The "customer" never wants to pay more, but, for the business to continue they will have to put an increase in the product pricing due to many factors that us "hardcore fanboi's" really don't understand without being in your shoes. I get it.