Custom Shops Merge Within FMIC

[petedz]

I'm guessing this means better guitars; higher prices; less options. If I'm right, we'd lose the last "do anything" custom shop. It's been headed that way for a while, I suppose.

edited to add: The only thing that could prompt me to buy another electric guitar...ever...would be to spec out some crazy custom shop work, so this could mean I've bought my last electric.

[hippietim]

This could be really cool. Both the Fender CS and Jackson CS folks can build some awesome stuff. Some truly legendary builders in both camps.

I know a lot of guys are down on Fender around here but I've never played a CS Fender that was not a great guitar - not always the right guitar for me but still extremely well built. I've always been a fan of Fender stuff. I also think they've done a great job with the other brands they've brought under their wing - particularly Gretsch.

Other than price (and that will always be a concern), the only beef anyone really has with J/C guitars is the QC issues of late. Restructuring their manufacturing process could certainly help that.

Just a thought...

[gort]

That Kellocaster doesn't look half bad.

[Soloist1]

Fender done many neck thru guitars? Personally I find this news very depressing. Charvel was built on the fact that it was an alternative to Fender and Gibson that was more affordable for players. Jackson was pretty similar but had their own thing going on with the neck thru axes. Still very affordable considering the construction and build techniques used. I know this isn't confirmed yet. But as I read it I have to make a fucking appointment to buy a guitar they spec'ed out. How the hell is that custom? It also adds credibility to another rumor I read regarding $7999.00 starting base prices on all customs. That isn't the Jackson/Charvel I remember at all.

[shreddermon]

From the press release, I get the impression this is more of a sales and marketing/organizational-type change. Perhaps not necessarily having a big impact on how J/C's custom shop builds guitars, per se. i.e., Marketing efforts and decisions for each of the custom shops would now be made more centrally, rather than through the respective Fender, Gretsch, J/C, etc. company operations. I wouldn't be surprised if this leads to things like very high-end Guitar Center exclusive runs, like Gibby does, etc. Think 25th Ann. models & prices, but limited edition exclusives through the large chain dealers.

I suppose it could have many different impacts, though. If that press release is real, we now know what's been going on with trying to place new custom shop orders and why prices are being re-evaluated. Transition period - changes are in the making.

But that's just how I interpret the press release. Not much you can gather in the way of real details from a quick press blurb like that.

[Carbophos]

The date is a bit old, because the date of the announcement was shifted, it's just copy-paste from what Fender have sent recently to the European distributors.

It also means that Dan Lawrence or Mike Learn can put graphics on Fenders etc... I doubt that production teams for US Select or Fender CS catalog team built items will merge. But as for unique instruments there will be a lot of possibilities for joint contribution. It was not available before because of corporate bureacracy only.

[hippietim]

From the press release, I get the impression this is more of a sales and marketing/organizational-type change. Perhaps not necessarily having a big impact on how J/C's custom shop builds guitars, per se. i.e.,

it's hard to say but the press release does make a point of mentioning merged manufacturing quite a bit. the fact that they talk about Guilds being built at the Tacoma facility in WA indicates to me that they are planning on doing more cooperative building. just my interpretation. only time will tell.

But that's just how I interpret the press release. Not much you can gather in the way of real details from a quick press blurb like that.

no doubt, but it's fun to speculate

[YetAnotherOne]

This has a good side really. For example, this means that Yuri Shiskov (currently Senior Master Builder for Fender CS) will be available for making custom Jacksons too.

The limited run of "Russian Strats" Yuri did are just the shit. I'd do just about anything to get my hand on one.

[zaphod]

Source??? I can´t find this anywhere else but here ...... considering that the "Press release" is a month old, you´d think that someone else would know about it....

Not because I don´t trust you in specific, but peopple have been spewing SO much utter bullshit these last few weeks regarding JCMI/FMIC that I no longer believe anything some player says if I can´t research and verify it myself

+1

[withmyshadow]

does this mean we are gonna see the new price list for CS soon?

[cookiemonster2]

The unknowns are killing us all so...

I think we should pool our funds and hire a private investigator who could get hired at Jackson as, I don't know, say the janitor and find out the answers to all of our questions.

[quiksilver]

I have no doubt that the Charvel, Fender & Jackson CS guitars will be amazing, as always.

On the other hand, the notion of "high end consumers" making appointments to check 'em out makes me want to hurl.

[cookiemonster2]

Added Eldred, “These are private, by-appointment-only lounges where artists like John Mayer are welcome when they are in town.

Holy shit! They are going to sell Jacksons in gay bath houses.

[Sanctuary]

Holy shit! They are going to sell Jacksons in gay bath houses.

:ROTF:

[Newc]

Charvel was built on the fact that it was an alternative to Fender and Gibson that was more affordable for players. Jackson was pretty similar but had their own thing going on with the neck thru axes. Still very affordable considering the construction and build techniques used.

I recall an interview with Grover way back in the day where he stated the reason for Jackson's high prices at the time was to let people know they were buying a quality axe. Something along the lines of people see a high price and instantly think it's better than anything with a lower price, including a Gibson Les Paul Custom.

That's why folks around here remember seeing brand new LPCs for $800 new and neckthrough Jacksons going for $2500 new back in the early-mid 80s.