Why are American fenders more expensive?

The main reason why a US-made Stratocaster is pricier is because of its superior tone and quality control. Mexican Stratocasters are of great quality as well and with enough time and patience, you’ll be sure to find an excellent MIM Strat.

How is Fender doing financially?

Privately held Fender does not disclose financials, but Mooney told Reuters it made slightly more than $500 million in revenue last year, has about $100 million in debt and is cash-flow positive.

What is a Mexican Fender?

The Mexican Fender is made from a polyester finish, and the American ones are a polyurethane finish. The polyester finish has a harder finish and gives it a more polished and shiny look, than the polyurethane finish. The polyester finish is even used on their high-end Jackson guitar, but it doesn’t look as accurate.

What is the best selling guitar in the world?

The Stratocaster is the best-selling guitar of all time and modern versions are designed to suit all budgets.

Are there more electric guitar makers now than ever before?

“There are more makers now than ever before in the history of the instrument, but the market is not growing,” Gruhn says in a voice that flutters between a groan and a grumble. “I’m not all doomsday, but this — this is not sustainable.” The numbers back him up.

Is Guitar Center going out of business?

The two biggest companies, Gibson and Fender, are in debt, and a third, PRS Guitars, had to cut staff and expand production of cheaper guitars. In April, Moody’s downgraded Guitar Center, the largest chain retailer, as it faces $1.6 billion in debt.

Are Guitar Center and Sweetwater downgraded?

In April, Moody’s downgraded Guitar Center, the largest chain retailer, as it faces $1.6 billion in debt. And at Sweetwater.com, the online retailer, a brand-new, interest-free Fender can be had for as little as $8 a month. What worries Gruhn is not simply that profits are down.