Why are boutique guitars so expensive?

Why are boutique guitars so expensive?

They are expensive for manufacturers to source because preserved species, like Ebony or Brazilian Rosewood, are only available in small commodities. Companies buy for a high price, therefore only use them to build premium guitars.

What is the point of expensive guitars?

Expensive guitars are made with higher quality parts, better construction, and more skilled craftsmanship. Cheap guitars are mass produced in factories, typically with unskilled labor and lower quality control standards, and will have cheaper components that may inhibit the playability or the sound.

Do expensive guitars play better?

Do Expensive Guitars Sound Better? The answer is yes, expensive guitars will most likely always be of better quality than cheaper guitars. The detail in which the guitars are made, the type of materials used and how well the adjustments are made is what increases the quality of a guitar, therefore the price.

Do more expensive guitars have better action?

Higher end guitars are usually built better. This means that you’re less likely to experience fret buzz, even with a lower action. More expensive guitars also generally sound nicer, so it can give you the impression that it’s easier to play.

Are boutique guitars worth the price?

however, boutique guitars are overpriced. from a mathmatical standpoint (that is, accounting for parts and labour) they are disproportionately expensive as compared to higher end mass-produced guitars. that being said, they are worth it if you desire the quality.

What is a boutique guitar?

Defining Boutique. As a rule of thumb, a boutique guitar company would be one that does not mass produce instruments in large quantities. Typically, these builders are making guitars one at a time, or in very small runs.

Are expensive guitars harder to play?

Expensive guitars tend to be built with higher quality components and have fewer manufacturing flaws, which make them easier to play than very low end guitars. However, due to advances in manufacturing and other factors, differences between mid-level and high-level guitars are often unnoticable to most guitar players.

What is dealer cost plus 10\% for guitars?

Cost plus 10\% is pretty much how all retail works, meaning there is a 10\% mark up on just about everything in the store. This way the store guarantees themselves a little profit on virtually every sale. As far as guitars go (keep in mind this is a GENERAL overview) there is ‘A’ mark and ‘B’ mark. ‘A’ mark means dealer cost is 50\% of retail.

How much does it cost to buy a B Mark guitar?

They will not sell below that number unless they are willing to take a hit and clear inventory. ‘B’ mark is usually the more ’boutique’ gear like PRS, Gibson etc. and has a dealer cost of 60\% of retail. So a ‘B’ mark retail $1000 guitar has a dealer cost of $600 plus their 10\% of $60 making the store cost of $660.

What does the ‘a’ mark mean on guitar prices?

‘A’ mark means dealer cost is 50\% of retail. These would be large manufacturers like Fender, Epiphone, Ibanez etc. So a Strat that retails for $1000, cost to the store is $500 then add their 10\% of $50 and we are at ‘dealer cost’ of $550.

Does Guitar Center have a discount on instruments?

A friend of mine recently joined the crew at Guitar Center, and the discount deal with instruments, according to him, is cost + 10\%.