Price watch (57)

How much is the most affordable American Fender Stratocaster today: Answer: $2,149. Its previous listing was $1.7K +/- This had to happen because the Mexican prices went up a few notches & getting pretty close to the American mark. The price psychology is such that the Mexican stuff must be made to look affordable & being close to the American price is not gonna make it look as such. Why can't they just keep the Mexican prices down? If you've been keeping up with Fender lately, you'll see the Mexican models were progressively revved up in terms of specs, colours, etc & this gives the manufacturer a reason to hike prices. Yes, it also gives the manufacturer a reason to push the American Performer prices up as well. In this case, I personally feel that the American Performer revised prices were unjustified; these instruments did not get any major revisions in features so why should prices change?

How much is the PRS Silver Sky today? Answer: $3,399. Its last listed price was a sub-$2K figure & it's now marginally more affordable than the Fiore with the latter observing a more stable listing over the same period of time. 

This is a Jackson DK2XHT, listing for $929. Its higher tier sibling (from the same X-Series), DK3XR, lists for $859. Price anomaly? Nope. The DK3 was from a previous shipment when prices were lower. Implication - don't expect the DK3 to list for as much come the subsequent shipment.

Prices are getting crazier & there's not gonna be a downward revision any time soon. This is especially more pronounced in the Fender camp, together with its other umbrella brands (Jackson / Charvel / EVH). Very soon, players will only consider buying during SALE season & trawling the after-market would also be preferred.

Pics: Muga Music