Jackson USA raising prices?

[Grim]

But see this what I diagree about. I'm saying that I get the same or better quality from Jackson for much less money than a $10K PRS. My experience is owning over 50 Jacksons and never had the issues you or others are talking about. the only time I saw something bad come out of Jackson was a few years back when they introduced the silver/black dragon and my local store ordered a KV in that finish. They knew I wanted one so they got it in the store and I personally unpacked it from the shipping box. It had no serial number stamped in it although it was on the hang tag, the paint around the trem cover was chipped up bad, and someone repaired a piece of broken binding. Not sure what the story was with that guitar but the store sent it back to Jackson, I never actually bought it. Other than that I can honestly say I've never had a bad Jackson.
And as for the custom shop upcharges for things you mentioned, you still come out cheaper than a similarly optioned PRS. Again, I'm not knocking PRS but if people think Jackson prices are too high, PRS is downright absurd! Ever try a custom graphic or inlays on a PRS? How much was the upcharge on that? With PRS you can have any finish you want as long as its a quilt or maybe a solid color and thats about it. Birds are as fancy an inlay as you can have or, if you are willing to shell out $25K+ you can have a Dragon. Thanks but I'll stick with Jackson
That rotary knob btw may give you a lot of tone options but I've tried it and its just not practical. Its very difficult to switch quickly on the fly during a song. I'd have to rip that thing out and just replace it with a 5 way blade switch or something.
And finally, let me tell you how much I believe in my Jacksons. I've bought a lot of them over the years but I've NEVER sold one. They all remain with me. I wouldn't do that if I had duds

The rotary works fine with be, but I'd rather have mini-toggles.

[deviltronix]

I'd still rather have a les paul than a paul reed smith....thing is with Jackson it seems like the possibilities are endless...with PRS they are almost all exactly the same.

[TheShadow]

I agree that the USA select line is "the old neglected dog". it really is. They have reduced the solid colors to some shitty options, not introduced any new trans colors, and raised prices. I dont get it. its a great line, but they just let it sit there. I mean damn, how do they expect to make it grow if they dont put any effort into it? think about this......they pump out the 4 to 5K NAMM stuff for the show, fine and dandy, but who can afford it? I mean its fine build brand enthusiasm, but they need to embrace the line that people will actually buy. the high end stores basically only want to stock custom shop stuff, and imports. they dont carry much USA stock, if any. Drum City dont stock ANY USA's anymore. so its a bummer.

And, sadly, this year's NAMM builds were, um, not very nice with the exception of one or two....

[Spivonious]

IMO the prices were already too high. Maybe Jackson USA will become a custom-only shop in the near future. With the 5FR models out of Japan, there's really no reason to buy USA anymore.

[Nightbat]

Now I'm not that good in math and economics, so maybe you guys could help me understand this:

If people can't afford a $2k guitar and shops are complaining that they aren't selling

What makes them think increasing the price wil suddenly have people lining up for them?

[Chad]

Yeah, like I mentioned in a previous post, I don't think Jackson USA is producing a whole lot anyway. And with increased pricing, I don't think it would improve. Maybe they just don't care and figure a certain segment will pay the price regardless.

Seriously, anybody know how many USA Jacksons are made in a year? I'd venture to guess it's surprisingly low.

[guitardudeluke]

im geussing it cant be a lot considdering their made in the same place as the custom shop #

i think if jackson usa lowered their prices a little theyd smoke the competition but thats not up to me thats up to jackson or fender who calls the shots most probs
it annoys me that jackson are such an awsum guitar company with great potential its just they alllways seem behind on things shame.

[The Rossness]

OP- I believe FMIC raised all their prices.

[Gibsonmac]

That top is almost overwhelming.

WOW!!!, Private Stock or after market? in either case, that is gorgeous!!

[potatohead]

Now I'm not that good in math and economics, so maybe you guys could help me understand this:

If people can't afford a $2k guitar and shops are complaining that they aren't selling

What makes them think increasing the price wil suddenly have people lining up for them?

It's simple, either them or FMIC, whoever makes the decisions, has decided to sell less guitars, at higher profits. Problem with this is it's easy to price yourself out of the market. It's hard to spend $2200 or whatever for a basic USA when you can get a decked out Carvin for $1600 or so or even a 5 series Japan model, or something like an Ibanez Prestige or LTD 1000 series for less than half. The only people buying the USA's at this price are people who are totally loyal to Jackson and won't play anything else. Ibanez even has an Indo premium line now for a bit less than the Prestiges which are apparently very good, designed to compete with the 1000 series LTD's.

The only thing I can figure on the USA's is that is some things are sourced out of the US, such as wood, the price has probably skyrocketed because your dollar isn't worth so much compared to a few years ago.

[Chad]

It's simple, either them or FMIC, whoever makes the decisions, has decided to sell less guitars, at higher profits. Problem with this is it's easy to price yourself out of the market. It's hard to spend $2200 or whatever for a basic USA when you can get a decked out Carvin for $1600 or so or even a 5 series Japan model for less than half.

Yeah, and especially when the USA stuff sells on the used market for about half of the OLD pricing.

[tonemonster]

I remember about 10 years ago, I could buy NEW Jackson USA soloists all day long for $1200 out the door. damn I miss that.

[LouSiffer]

They are just pulling the old Gibson tactic. When Gibson was purchased by its recent owner, he even said that he artificially inflated the prices to make people feel they were the pinacle of guitars and therefor turning the " Have to have it" switch on.

Overpriced stuff any more. Hence, while I am starting to build my own. Get what I want for a whole lot less money. If the quality sucks, which it won't as I am anal about fit, finish and quality, I have only me to blame.-Lou

[Chad]

They are just pulling the old Gibson tactic. When Gibson was purchased by its recent owner, he even said that he artificially inflated the prices to make people feel they were the pinacle of guitars and therefor turning the " Have to have it" switch on.

I don't think so. That might have worked for Gibson during a time when the economy was a lot different. But not for a company like Jackson who is known for pointy guitars made in the 80s and played by hard rockers and metal heads. Not in this economy....or any economy. Totally different guitars. Totally different history. Totally different demographic.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

They're going to cut the volume all right, it sounds like. When it comes to "metal" guitars, I am a die-hard Jackson fan and won't really play anything else but I don't know how many other guys there are like me who won't let a price hike turn them towards some other brand.

If Jackson is going to make this work, they need to make sure that every guitar they ship is high quality. Don't be Gibson... Don't become the "joke" of the pointy guitar market with overpriced hit-or-miss garbage.