I'm not going to $@!&* about the new prices, but I'm not going to buy a new Fender either. How's that? I think that's what most people are trying say. What about the people that would rather do without than deal with the retards at GC? Just sayin'...

I bought a 2008 American Deluxe Strat in 2008. I love my guitar and would love to have another, but I will build my own before I'll heap a stupid amount of a price increase for one. I believe the 1200 bones I paid entitles me to my opinion regardless of my right to speak my mind. A person who accuses me of "Bitching" has the perfect right to be a douche as well. Cheers!

Yes

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The mind is like a parachute; it doesn't work unless its open-FZ

Gibsons cost $500 and more back in the 1960s. So did Fenders. Maybe a little less. SG's were a little cheaper because they have a bolt on neck.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

My sentiments exactly polski!

All Gibsons are made in America not Mexico or Japan. could it be thats why the higher price. you get what you pay for!

Definitely true at least here in LA. I got a catalog at the end of February announcing 08 pricing still in effect on Fender green tag items. I haven't yet walked into the store so I don't know what selection they have. However, the green tag prices applied to at least select AmDeluxe, AmStd and MIM Fenders.

SG necks are glued in just like Les Paul's, Flying V's and Explorers. Always have been.

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The mind is like a parachute; it doesn't work unless its open-FZ

I own an epi it's made in indonesia and they ruined a "decent" guitar with garbage tuners. Owned it 1 week before I got disgusted enough to upgrade them. I thought it would have been made here being a division of Gibson. It was a rude awakening when I got it home. Since I got my MIM Strat (Bought it used) I hardly play it now. As for made in America, I would (and have) gladly pay more for anything made in this country. American made products are getting harder to find. My co-workers laugh at me because I check the labels when I buy things. There are some countries I refuse to give my money to. I agree with you 100 % you get what you pay for. I wonder if the average guitar enthusiast though can appreciate the difference spending the extra $ will bring other than knowing you bought an American made product. The quality in a product isn't always in the feel but in the materials used in construction. Can anyone tell me if Gibson or other makers had similar increases? I truly don't know. As for the GC holding the 2008 prices I have to say at least someone is trying to help keep buying a Fender affordable.

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With every mistake we must surely be learning..

Music is the space between the notes.

Look at the catalog...

http://gc.guitarcenter.com/view-our-catalog/

Strat prices are on page 6

I called several GC stores to see about stock availability. The $999 price is good on in-stock guitars, only. If you order one from their warehouse, you have to pay the $1250 price...

Also, if you take your green tag sale catalog in, use the coupon on the back of it. I bought this on Saturday:



With the coupon, it was $899. Great price...even better guitar! But if you want this pricing, you better hurry up and get in there. Again, prices are good on in-stock guitars, and many of the GCs I talked to were down to a handful of Strats. There were only 5 for me to look at in Amarillo. Now...there's only four...

Good for you steve_man. enjoy it.

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With every mistake we must surely be learning..

Music is the space between the notes.

Oh...I already am...

I bought an 08 sunburst strat hss from sam ash last week for 349+tax 379 out the door with a great guitar .they beat g.c price.that guitar online is 599!!!no way you could by a nice mia standard fort around 600

Wildwood has some Sienna burst HSS American Strats on sale for $899...check them out...

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/fender/american/

I've had GC match lowest prices between their online and stores. I once walked into GC near me, and told them an amp was $50 cheaper online. The salesman, went online checked it out.....then gave me the lower price without any hassles.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne