Price Point Definitions

[Gearjoneser]

I figured we could have a topic about Price points and how manufacturers label their pricing. For guitars, here's my definition, whether it's accurate or not.
I'd consider $150 - $250 "entry level"
$250-$500 low line
$550-$1200 mid line
$1300-$2500 high end
$2500 + "investment grade"

Also, any input from guitar store employees would be helpful, regarding "A stock, B stock, C stock. Basically, the percentages between wholesale and retail. Especially, if you know which brands have a low cost, and which have a high dealer cost....ie Mesa Boogie, Gibson etc.

[Benjy_26]

Re: Price Point Definitions

Good stratification, GJ. The only difference I would make would be to end the midline at $1000 instead of $1200.

Maybe cut the midline category in half, i.e. lower midline and higher midline.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Price Point Definitions

Hehe ...
Under $2k, don't bother
$2k +, should be okay ...

I'M JOKING!!!!

[mrfjones]

Re: Price Point Definitions

i would bump up entry level too cause of what i paid for my first guitar which was a fender standard strat at 300 dollars. otherwise i like it.

[aleclee]

Re: Price Point Definitions

For me, it's more like this:

Guitars
< $400: Budget
$400-1000: Midrange
$1000+: Top Shelf

I have fewer classes of guitars for a couple reasons. First, that's just the way I look at guitars. They're cheap enough that I don't worry too much, I worry a little, or I'm looking for something very nice. These days, I don't look too much in the midrange 'cause if it's worth spending that much, I'm generally willing and able to go top shelf. I have a couple of instruments whose price tags put them in GJ's "investment grade" category but I schelp 'em around in gig bags just like anything else. I just don't think of any of my gear as an investment that might yield financial returns.

Amps
<$200: Entry Level
$250-400: Budget
$400-1200: Midrange
$1200-2400: High End
$2400+: Booteek

I see a bit more stratification in amps than guitars. For entry level stuff, I think of amps like the Roland Cube 15: definitely not bad but low power and somewhat limited in features. Budget amps have more power and features but may or may not be gig-worthy. Midrange amps for me have enough power, tone, and functionality for them to be effective in band situations. High-end amps have additional functionality or at least premium branding (e.g., Rivera or Soldano). Booteek amps are just that: limited availability units, often using more exotic construction or materials.

[ArtieToo]

Re: Price Point Definitions

I think I would lean towards aleclee's classifications more. I would consider a $400-$500 guitar midrange. Especially with the quality that some inexpensive guitars are hitting these days.

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Price Point Definitions

I'm trying to remember the clear definition of A stock, B stock.....it has to do with what percentage of retail the wholesale price is. Anyone know this scale?

[bert123]

Re: Price Point Definitions

And the $50 to $75 Chinese S*caster copies you get on eBay - Fancy Firewood

A fwe reviews I found about them at Harmony central said: even once prperly intonated that fretted notes were not in tune thus chords sound awful.

[lastwinj]

Re: Price Point Definitions

$150 - $250 "entry level"
$250-$699 low line
$700-$1499 mid line
$1500-$5000 high end
$5000 + "investment grade"

thats the breakdown for me.

germ

[mrfjones]

Re: Price Point Definitions

$150 - $250 "entry level"
$250-$699 low line
$700-$1499 mid line
$1500-$5000 high end
$5000 + "investment grade"

thats the breakdown for me.

germ

wait a second, you can get an american strat for $699 new some places around here, not many, but that is your low line? and i just had a custom guitar made that is in your midrange. That breakdown just seems a little odd to me.

[Grandor]

Re: Price Point Definitions

hmm.

$150 - $300 - Entry Level
$301 - $500 - Low Line
$501 - $1000 - Mid Line
$1001 - $2000 - High End
$2001 + - Investment Grade

Thats My breakdown

[ArtieToo]

Re: Price Point Definitions

One quick note: I'm not sure why folks are starting at $150. You can get a Squier Strat for $99, a Kramer Focus for $80, and a wide selection from Rondo Music in the $100 range, all of which are "decent" guitars. At least, "entry level".

Artie

Edit: Almost forgot, my beloved Johnson Strat in my sig. ($98 - $120)

[Imp]

Re: Price Point Definitions

guitars... im in UK:

anything below £200- entry level
£200-400- lower midrange
£400-650- upper midrange
£650-1400-top-end
>£1400- investment/high end custom

[strat_master]

Re: Price Point Definitions

HOw would that apply to gibson though? For me a LP studio costs honestly 1500 in canada. So can i consider the studio to be a high end guitar? I actually do agree with your price ranges though gearjoneser. Most entry level guitars are at the most 500. Anythign exceeding that is a mid level guitar. Speaking of which all i own is low line guitars haha

[Grandor]

Re: Price Point Definitions

HOw would that apply to gibson though? For me a LP studio costs honestly 1500 in canada. So can i consider the studio to be a high end guitar? I actually do agree with your price ranges though gearjoneser. Most entry level guitars are at the most 500. Anythign exceeding that is a mid level guitar. Speaking of which all i own is low line guitars haha

err. I was talking in USD.