I think it is also important to note that Ebay itself has changed a lot in the past few months. I absolutely deplore ebay, and it's current business tactics. Fees are through the roof, and sellers have zero rights now. I think there are a lot of guys who are steering clear of ebay, and selling via other outlets like Craig's List, online forums like HC, etc.

I think it might be a bit off to try to figure out the entire Fender market just by looking at parts on ebay. Besides, the price increase JUST took effect, and there are still places like Guitar Center that are selling American Fenders at the old prices (bought one on Saturday). Until the market adjusts (as it will), you will probably not see a big change in used gear prices. I think you will see it a lot more clearly in 6-8 months.

Trust me, i'd never accuse you of such particularly here mate.
If you want UK citizenship you can have mine.

Now on the subject of fender guitars on ebay i didnt realize you were limiting it to ebay pricing only. Truth be told there are some cracking deals but prices vary so wildly its untrue. Particularly in the UK. Custom classic for £1k ($1380), same guitar from a different seller £1.9k ($2622). You can tell which one i opted for. As far as i can tell all aftermarket parts in the uk worth having include a stupidly high surcharge. AxesRus is the one fair online seller that seems to be apart from the rest of the crowd. If you convert their prices you'll find them far more inline with US prices.

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Hi Big Jay:

Couple of things.



Absolutely no need for any of that. People can choose to read or not read posts/threads. Write what it interests you to write - that's your only duty here.

We all have our own areas of interest and knowledge and we need everyone's contribution to get the widest possible view. Keep at it, if you please!

Second thing: just as a point of information, nothing else. The USA is obviously Fender's home market and the place where they are most strongly represented. However, Europe is a huge economic zone (the single biggest) and Fender and their parts are very widely available here too.

There's discrepancies between the two zones. Traditionally, American guitars have always been distinctly cheaper in North America. For a couple of reasons, by last summer we actually reached the point where many models (the mainstream parts of the MIA/MIM catalog) were actually cheaper in the UK than the States. Can't remember that happening before - and sadly for us the old order has now reasserted itself!

'Course, we often hear here from people in various parts of Europe having trouble getting a particular model. Though privately I tend to suspect they are those who haven't investigated the various options for ordering. Fender UK and Fender Europe are very big operations: there's seldom items that can't be sourced in a week or two if not instantly available.

Nikininja had a long story finding a particular Hotrod Strat he wanted to try before purchase - but then we read those kind of problems from guys in the States too. Anyone remember how long it took Forum user Jesuscares to finally get his Strat...?

And I've spent six months (and counting) failing to get my hands on a certain Japanese Fender - but that's a different issue!

Cheers - C

Jay please email with you currency insights. If i'm correct now is the time to buy Yen not another couple o strats.

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Here in the U.S. just think Municipal Bonds and world wide you have to look at the Yen for shure there trade surplus is bringing in lots of Cash and they are doing it in a stelth way.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I've been looking at the yen a fair bit recently. Never mind on a share basis i was just thinking of changing currency and waiting about 6weeks. The far eastern markets seem to be suffering a lot less than the west. CV as you know i deeply respect your opinion on politics but have never heard too much from you on a international trading basis. Please feel free to email me any insights, hunches, or dead certs you have. All will be wheyed with care and respect.

If that isnt far removed from strats i dont know what is.

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My info comes from our investment brokers that we use for our accounts they have told us about the the Yen a few months ago and the large surplus in trade is good for the Yen giving a edge over the other currency. I sold much of our gold back in August it then drop about 200 over the next 3 months we then bought more at the lower price. Of late we have been looking at Muni bonds. I watch what I do now that I am out of work.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I happened upon the same kind of thinking in early 08 and put it down to the bejing olympics drumming up buisiness. I didnt think it would last. Perhaps we could be seeing a shift of financial power.

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