SD pickup price differences.

[CaptainWhizz]

I was looking at prices the other day, and noticed that I could get some of the humbucker sets (Mayhem, Hot Rodded, Vintage Blues) for close to half the price of some of the others (Saturday Night Special, Pearly Gates), as well as other variation. In fact, in some cases I could get a set of one type for less money than a single pickup of a different type.

I understand that there would be differences in manufacturing costs (and sometimes I was comparing covered pickups to open coils), but surely that alone can't explain the price difference? Is it that 59s, JBs, Jazzes, and Distortions are just made in much higher quantities, so it's economies of scale?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ICTGoober]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Supply versus demand.
Simple economics.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

I don't have any info as to why some things cost more than others. I would think (this is not specific to SD) that some sets are made in bigger batches and sets minimize the packaging. Other than that, I am guessing, like any company, they are aware of what the market can bear.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

I thought some had royalties.

Others, think of how many 59s and JBs there are in the world. If prices rise too much, it'll force customers into used or other brands. I feel like the newer products are trying to break into the market of makers like BKP, etc.

The shame is that while the market is demanding new stuff, the standbys like the SSL-1, SSL-5, 59 and JB are still awesome pickups.

 

[chadd]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

If they raised prices on the old stuff, there would be a lot of complaining. With new stuff, there is no legacy of lower pricing, so they can charge more. I'm sure Duncan would love to charge more for the old pickups as well, but they know the market is somewhat price sensitive.

 

[dave74]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Not much difference when you compare model vs model of the same general specs, maybe 20%, and it does cost additional $ to bring new products from concept and design to the shelf.
Artist sigs are an exception since they have to share part of the profit, and then we have to cover that extra expense.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Thanks everyone

 

[AlexR]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

New pickup designs can generally be a little higher when first introduced.

But not all pickups share the same material costs. Some bobbins are more expensive, maybe the wire price varies, covers also cost to produce etc etc.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Are the Pearly Gates worth the extra over the Whole Lotta Humbuckers? In people's opinions generally, and in a LP studio wanting to play stuff from hard rock to maybe some hardcore and metal? Nothing super tight, open-sounding and gritty bridge. A 55w 2x12 combo tube amp with a decent amount of gain available, and a chunky bottom end.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Are the Pearly Gates worth the extra over the Whole Lotta Humbuckers? In people's opinions generally, and in a LP studio wanting to play stuff from hard rock to maybe some hardcore and metal? Nothing super tight, open-sounding and gritty bridge. A 55w 2x12 combo tube amp with a decent amount of gain available, and a chunky bottom end.

What is the price difference where you are?

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

What is the price difference where you are?

WLH around £185, PGs around £200, uncovered plain black.
A2 pros and Slash set around £160, Hot Rodded, Mayhems, and 59s around £125, and those three seem easier to come by second hand.

Then I have Iron Gear and Tonerider as options too, no worries with postage, for around £65-80 a set.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

My guess is that the really popular sets (Blues, Mayhem, Hotrodded) are bought in bigger quantities and sell quicker. Here in the US, most stores only carry the popular pickups, and they will give you a deal on them. The rest are 'special order'.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

I think that must be it, more popular pickups are made in larger numbers, so cost per item is lower.
Thanks everyone!

 

[Clint 55]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

I doubt a Ant has $60 more of wire on it than a 59. Maybe $0.60 more. They just charge more because they feel like it. The more "boutiqueness" a pup has, the more they charge. There's no such thing as supply and demand in 1 company either. Revenue is revenue.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Well, an Antiquity has more work done to it- it is aged, and made in the Custom Shop. It takes longer to build.

 

[jeremy]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

i think the "made in the custom shop" is probably a big part of the reason for ants to cost more

 

[Davii]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Diamonds hath no value, other than that which is placed upon them (or whatever the phrase is, innit) :15:

 

[Clint 55]

Re: SD pickup price differences.

Yes. A better example would be a PG vs a 59.