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Grand Wazoo
Well-known member
back to your original title, please define... average people, thanks 
paranoid70
Well-known member
I also work for a company that still does manufacturing in USA. What we have found is that despite what many think, most of the cost is in the materials and overhead and not labor. Thus, transferring assembly and test to other countries really only made sense for very high volume manufacturing. Our business is a bit specialized for electronics manufacturing (i.e. 1000s rather than 100s of thousands), and is rather complex, thus it didn't really pay for us to transfer our assembly. Phew!
Spudmurphy
Well-known member
Cursed
I guess we shouldn't go down the path of "us having to pay more for USA goods than USA residents".
That has been commented on loads of times on this forum and BP I'm sure gets fed up explaining .
In the UK (and I guess Lebanon) we pay more because EB has to set up a distribution network the cost of which is passed onto the consumer, we also have to pay for the extra shipping cost and the extra purchase tax (VAT in this country) and Customs duty. You can of course buy a second hand 'Ball which should save you a pretty penny -but you won't have the safety net of a guarantee.
I recently bought a beat up fully loaded JP 6 for a fraction of the new cost, and that included shipping costs and taxes. So bargains are there to be had, especially in this economic climate.
I guess we shouldn't go down the path of "us having to pay more for USA goods than USA residents".
That has been commented on loads of times on this forum and BP I'm sure gets fed up explaining .
In the UK (and I guess Lebanon) we pay more because EB has to set up a distribution network the cost of which is passed onto the consumer, we also have to pay for the extra shipping cost and the extra purchase tax (VAT in this country) and Customs duty. You can of course buy a second hand 'Ball which should save you a pretty penny -but you won't have the safety net of a guarantee.
I recently bought a beat up fully loaded JP 6 for a fraction of the new cost, and that included shipping costs and taxes. So bargains are there to be had, especially in this economic climate.
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bkrumme
Well-known member
Let's think about the reverse of that for a minute. There are quite a few products that we Americans purchase which come from the other side of the pond...And the same goes for us in that instance. I'm sure we're paying more for that nice Japanese or German car than the Japanese and Germans do!
It's all reciprocal...
jamminjim
Well-known member
far out in left field.....
Jim's been thinkin'
Maybe in a few years, the way things been goin', a pack of bologna is gonna be outa reach of the average Joe in America.....
At least currently, when we buy a guitar it's still the same size and weight, same materials, but the costs went up to keep it that way. Anyone notice that for some peculiar marketing reasons the size lots of items at the grocerystore have gotten smaller and smaller, to keep the price somewhat level. I'd like to know... Who are the genius' behind that idea?
Jim's been thinkin'
Maybe in a few years, the way things been goin', a pack of bologna is gonna be outa reach of the average Joe in America.....
At least currently, when we buy a guitar it's still the same size and weight, same materials, but the costs went up to keep it that way. Anyone notice that for some peculiar marketing reasons the size lots of items at the grocerystore have gotten smaller and smaller, to keep the price somewhat level. I'd like to know... Who are the genius' behind that idea?
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your are right guyz :S
yea it`s bigger than wood/plastic/metal ...it`s just that i`m 23 years old guy wasting his next 2 months salaries on the bfr :S
what about sales from time to time !
Well I don't know what you do for a living but anyhow...
try and transfer what you said earlier into whatever you're profession is.
Its all about craftmanship, experience and most importantly talent.
No matter what the profession is if someone is really good at what they do then they can demand a higher fee than your average joe. Ultimately its worth it!
When you buy an EBMM you are not buying a guitar.. you are buying a work of art, a bentley of the guitar world, an immaculately genius piece of craftmanship and hardwork whos off the shelf models would put most big name custom shop's to shame.
If its all just wood and metal, how about you take the blanks and fashion me a guitar? you would still expect paid for your hard work? yet it would no doubt be a disaster..........now in the hands of dudley..... could be something magnificent....
It is not the materials that you pay for (although it is very important) what you are paying for is the skill and talent and experience of masters in their field.
D.K.
Well-known member
A bit offtop, but NO, american residents don't pay more for the German cars or chinese/indian Jeans or japanese consumer electronics. German cars especially if we are talking Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche and other upper class stuff) are cheaper in the USA than in Germany, as are all the clothes, food, gazoline, consumer electronics - no matter where they are produced.
But hey, no envy at all - I love You all here, friends, no matter where we come from.
But hey, no envy at all - I love You all here, friends, no matter where we come from.
Smellybum
Well-known member
since we're still on the runaway train.........
If people want something they will find a way, I have a friend who recently bought an Astin Martin - he's on low money has a wife and kid, but found a way to get his dream car....
Balls are far more obtainable - even if you look at full list prices, they're still obtainable for people who really want one, as spud says in this climate you may need to adjust your life style - and then there's always the old way of doing it - SAVE UP!
If people want something they will find a way, I have a friend who recently bought an Astin Martin - he's on low money has a wife and kid, but found a way to get his dream car....
Balls are far more obtainable - even if you look at full list prices, they're still obtainable for people who really want one, as spud says in this climate you may need to adjust your life style - and then there's always the old way of doing it - SAVE UP!
D.K.
Well-known member
I can only second that, Sir!!!
Spudmurphy
Well-known member
I agree with what you're saying and I didn't really want to open this can of worms, just using my analogy relating to the circumstances in this particular thread.
I'm only 5'9"....I'd call that average....but I can usually reach most Balls. Even when they are up high on the wall, I can usually at least reach the bottom of the guitar -enough to lift it off of the neck hanger.
So to recap, I don't think I'd say that they are generally out of reach....I guess sometimes I do have to look for a step ladder or something to help out, so you may have a point there.
Oh, wait....
So to recap, I don't think I'd say that they are generally out of reach....I guess sometimes I do have to look for a step ladder or something to help out, so you may have a point there.
Oh, wait....
Astrofreq
Well-known member
Yep, I was making $3.50 an hour (BEFORE taxes) when I bought my EVH guitar. I probably bussed 10,000 tables for that guitar.
There it is....it's a question of "how bad do you want it?". I feel fortunate that in America (and most countries...I would think) we have the ability to get creative with finding sources of additional income to provide some of lifes finer things....like an EBMM.
I agree with a previous post that although it may not be easier, it is more justifiable for a younger person to spend $1500 on a guitar. As factors such as having kids, having to be more conscious of retirement, watching my 401k diminish in value, trying to pay off a mortgage and a car, etc.., come into my daily thought process - the idea of spending that kind of money on a guitar that will be played only at my house and with my friends (unless i really change my lifestyle) becomes a difficult decision to process.
I do think that saving up gradually for...say, a new Albert Lee from Dubaldos...is completely within reach of most working people...and very rewarding once the goal is accomplished. The question is... how bad do you want it?
nobozos
Well-known member
I have to agree with luv.
I owned a few guitars that were in the more than $1500 price range when I was a working musician, but only one at a time. I usually had a higher end, and a medium quality back-up guitar for gigging. Now that I don't play in a band anymore, I traded in my higher priced work horse for a higher price collector guitar. I don't make money playing music, so I can't justify paying more than $1000 on a guitar, no matter how much I love it. I would love to have an Axis again, but I've got 3 kids. Even though I could afford to buy one, it would be a selfish priority. I can however, justify buying a new Sterling Ax40. I'm certain that it will fall somewhat short of the tone, quality and playability of the EBMM version, but from everything I've heard, I'm also quite sure that I will not be disappointed in it as a fine quality instrument.
If I were to start playing in a band again tomorrow, I would without a doubt, purchase another Axis, but I would save up my gig money for it, and play the Sterling until I had the money.
The U.S.A. EBMM guitars are pro-quality instruments, and that is every single instrument they make. They sell for, what I consider to be, a very reasonable price by today's standards.
I owned a few guitars that were in the more than $1500 price range when I was a working musician, but only one at a time. I usually had a higher end, and a medium quality back-up guitar for gigging. Now that I don't play in a band anymore, I traded in my higher priced work horse for a higher price collector guitar. I don't make money playing music, so I can't justify paying more than $1000 on a guitar, no matter how much I love it. I would love to have an Axis again, but I've got 3 kids. Even though I could afford to buy one, it would be a selfish priority. I can however, justify buying a new Sterling Ax40. I'm certain that it will fall somewhat short of the tone, quality and playability of the EBMM version, but from everything I've heard, I'm also quite sure that I will not be disappointed in it as a fine quality instrument.
If I were to start playing in a band again tomorrow, I would without a doubt, purchase another Axis, but I would save up my gig money for it, and play the Sterling until I had the money.
The U.S.A. EBMM guitars are pro-quality instruments, and that is every single instrument they make. They sell for, what I consider to be, a very reasonable price by today's standards.
edrod
Well-known member
Cursed,
I was in the same boat you were. I am 23 years old, full time student, and work at a place I hate. I also got a lot going on besides that.
This was just a decision I had to make. I had wanted a JP for a very long time and it was finally available. Like others said, "How bad do you want it?" If you are concern about "wasting" your salary on a guitar, than maybe you don't "need" or "want" the guitar that bad.
I don't have any regrets. I love my JP and I will order another one by the end of the year. This is a big decision you will make and I wish you luck.
eddi
I was in the same boat you were. I am 23 years old, full time student, and work at a place I hate. I also got a lot going on besides that.
This was just a decision I had to make. I had wanted a JP for a very long time and it was finally available. Like others said, "How bad do you want it?" If you are concern about "wasting" your salary on a guitar, than maybe you don't "need" or "want" the guitar that bad.
I don't have any regrets. I love my JP and I will order another one by the end of the year. This is a big decision you will make and I wish you luck.
eddi
RocketRalf
Well-known member
I bought my guitar as a lifetime investment. I wanted a quality instrument with quality features that was good bang for money and would most probably outlast me. I was thinking of a single guitar for a lifetime, thus I went for a very versatile guitar that I can mod to my liking. And I got all of that for little more than 1000$ a few years ago, new in stock. I think it was a bargain.
bkrumme
Well-known member
I understand everyone's viewpoints here. I can totally sympathize. I'm blessed to have a good day job in this crappy economy...and even I have to save for a while to get my next EBMM guitar...or sell old gear that I'm not using any more (as long as it's not an EBMM guitar...those stay forever).
It's easily going to be 6 months before I can get my next one...it takes a while when you have a mortgage, 2 car payments, gas & electric, phone, etc. to pay. Not to mention groceries to feed your wife and kids and tuition for your kids school since you live in a crappy neighborhood and want them to get a good education...
I totally sympathize with you, Cursed. Guitars are a mean drug. Thank God they don't have any bad side effects...except maybe getting girls who end up getting pregnant...
It's easily going to be 6 months before I can get my next one...it takes a while when you have a mortgage, 2 car payments, gas & electric, phone, etc. to pay. Not to mention groceries to feed your wife and kids and tuition for your kids school since you live in a crappy neighborhood and want them to get a good education...
I totally sympathize with you, Cursed. Guitars are a mean drug. Thank God they don't have any bad side effects...except maybe getting girls who end up getting pregnant...
Big Poppa
Well-known member
ITs all good except for that pregnant part
WilliamMunny
Member
As someone who works at a music store I will say this...There are two types of customers...those who are on a budget and those for who money is no object (and this rarely has anything to do with how much money they have).
If you love guitars and are at a point in your life where you have experimented and tried everything you eventually find a way to justify any expense if you feel it is the tone you have been searching for...(this was my case)...
If you are just starting out or are in a situation that leaves you strapped for cash then price "has" to factor into what you are looking at...
I would personally rather pay more if it is in knowing that an american facility with american jobs is going to benefit...but when I was 19 I could have cared less....and neither position is necessarily right or wrong...
People who are really into cars that I know spend wayyyyyy more on their hobby than I ever will on mine...so it's all in what you like and what's important to you....
Finally....I will say that musicman guitars and as a company are unparalleled. I unfortunately do not carry musicman products.....yet! But whenever I have talked to them or had to deal with the company personally it has always been simply a pleasure! Even the dealers (Dubaldo!) are awesome!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have never played an instrument that has felt more heavenly sent than my JP!
If you love guitars and are at a point in your life where you have experimented and tried everything you eventually find a way to justify any expense if you feel it is the tone you have been searching for...(this was my case)...
If you are just starting out or are in a situation that leaves you strapped for cash then price "has" to factor into what you are looking at...
I would personally rather pay more if it is in knowing that an american facility with american jobs is going to benefit...but when I was 19 I could have cared less....and neither position is necessarily right or wrong...
People who are really into cars that I know spend wayyyyyy more on their hobby than I ever will on mine...so it's all in what you like and what's important to you....
Finally....I will say that musicman guitars and as a company are unparalleled. I unfortunately do not carry musicman products.....yet! But whenever I have talked to them or had to deal with the company personally it has always been simply a pleasure! Even the dealers (Dubaldo!) are awesome!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have never played an instrument that has felt more heavenly sent than my JP!
