The increase in prices should not be seen as good. The demand vs supply for tube amps is not high enough to support the idea that this is a product of that metric. The price increase is not even really due to scarcity in parts. It is inflation, greed, and bottom lines personified. Labor challenges are a very real thing. And when you don't have the labor to do the job, it takes longer to produce, which eats into your bottom line. When you have to pay more for the labor you have, it eats into your bottom line. A 2-3% increase in price is not too alarming. Keep in mind that a 2% increase on a $2000 amp is only $40. To see a $300-$600 increase in price is part greed and part bottom line increase. There is not enough demand to sell the amps at the old price and make money, so you have to sell the same number of amps at a higher dollar amount to meet your goal.
True!
The rumor is the only parts lack was in transformers and finding a company to now make them and have them be as similar to the original ones as possible. Regardless, a couple hikes without having available product is a big pill to swallow on a dry mouth. You have other companies like Revv who have discounted their amps $500 bucks for a season or with incentives for other products. Two different business models obviously. No matter what season or plan, I learned long ago in the value of a quick turn and the speed of a sale. When used items on many brands are selling above MSRP of new on said item it doesn't help. That won't last forever and when it does it could very easily bounce back and bite them. If so, will they lower their retail prices in a parts abundance/strong economy? Hell no they won't...lol.