I've heard about Fender price increases from different sites.

EXAMPLE: Musician's Friend is selling the MIM Std Strat at both prices. Better hurry and get an '08 at the lower price!

+1

I just heard from the local Fender dealer in town that prices are going up "a large amount" on Feb. 1st.

I think I'll purchase what I'm looking for in January while price tags are reasonable.

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It's okay, because the ball is on a string and attatched to the cup.

I've noticed Gibson's prices are already way up. It looks like they are revamping their entire line up of electrics for '09. Doesn't seem to be a good time to be raising prices.

+1

+1. Yearly increases in prices regarding guitars are nothing new, especially when there are changes or 'improvements' from the previous model year. But I think that 2009 is the wrong year to make HUGE increases, 'cause that is definitely NOT going to help sales, NOT in THIS economic climate! Besides, I walk away from any dealer that sells new at strictly MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price), and I tend to buy used anymore--I can't remember the last time I purchased a new guitar.

In case you guys haven't realized, rumor has it, prices may go up on everything, not just guitars, but EVERYTHING, due to tough economic times based upon various domestic and international issues...

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RAMA LAMA FA FA FA

It appears Musiciansfriend has increased Fenders $50 across the board(already), per the Jan. 09 catalog.

I guess was right after all. The American Stratocaster went from $999.99 to $1,274.99. I'd say that's pretty big jump.

Still a bargain.

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

If you're in the market for a Fender guitar, I suggest checking out your local "Mom & Pop" type Fender dealers. I found one of these small shops locally that had a pretty good stock of pre-price increase Strats and they weren't raising the prices on the older stock. In fact, I just put a new Classic Players 50's Strat on layway that was priced as a "clearance" item for $549... deals are still out there...

The price may have jumped but i rather take a mia strat over a mia gibson any day, heck both guitars are cnc'd and should infact be lowered but hey..I was looking in buying a ed roman hand made guitar.

Fender will always have reasonable prices.

There is a tremendous amount of handwork in a Gibson or any set neck guitar for that matter than a bolt on neck. A lot of the Gibson's have hand carved tops and rough cut then hand finished necks.

gotcha, but isn't it the fender customs and gibson customs the ones where its hand made? I still believe that the regular fenders and gibs or cnc just like everything else these days....i understand putting in the electronics, frets inlays etc are done by hand, but the real carving is cnc...anyway all i am saying the prices from both companies should be a lil cheaper imo

but yeah set necks, neck thru set thru'd do take more time then bolt on and ins