Re: Mandolin Pricing?
Economics 101. In a commodities driven market supply and demand will determine prices. Gasoline becomes unavailable, but demand stays the same prices will go up. A surplus crop of soybeans results in lower prices due to weaker demand. Mandolins (and most musical instruments) aren't necessarily a simple commodity. It could be argued that they aren't even a necessity. (Oh I bet I'll regret saying that on this site!).
So now the pricing equation becomes more complex. Much like the automobile market you have many products over many price points. They all do the same thing. Move you from point A to point B. However there are obvious differences. What is the market willing to pay for those differences?
Getting there in a simple Chevy versus a BMW is a different experience. Going from a BMW to a Mercedes-Benz well I wouldn't know because I own a Chevy. And I'm quite content with it. Likewise I'm quite content with my mandolins.
Remember mandolins are a very small niche market. The factors of supply and demand, quality (or perception driven by marketing or brand name) and the current economy with many people looking to spend their suddenly released resources has created a crazy pricing situation in many areas.
Thanks to the OP a great comment!
Ratliff R5 2007, Capek A5 2003, Washburn M5S-SB Jethro Burns 1982, Mid-Mo M-2, Epiphone MM 30 Bk mandolins, Harmony Batwing 1970's, George Bauer bowlback early 1900's Philadelphia.
"Don't cloud the issue with facts!" Groucho Marx
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