do we think prices will come back down to some semblance of reality?

[Larsongs]

But I suppose for some folks who like haggling <in general> it may be a way to pass time- especially during the pandemic where there is maybe less to do otherwise?

There's haggling, then theres lowballing. Lowballing is a fine line and WAY too many people have lost all sense with how to start the haggling process - or even read ads in general.

"What's your lowest price?" (Like I'm gonna tell you my lowest price at the start)
"Will you take <insert offer of half the asked price>?"
"I know it says no trades, but..."
"I've only got ... So can you do me a deal"

None of these are acceptable ways to deal with someone, and mostly are pretty rude. I don't waste much time with people like that anymore and go instantly monosyllabic or send screenshots of the advert with whatever dumb thing they've asked circled in red.

I hate FB marketplace but there are definitely the better deals to be had and it's free to list and sell

Many Sellers have fallen in love with their Gear & for all kinds of reasons in their heart & mind. They think it should sell for twice as much as it’s worth. Ever met a Dealer who offered Retail? Why shouldn’t anyone else who has Green $$$$ try to buy at the lowest Price possible.. That’s just part of buying’ & selling’…… There’s an old saying, “You don’t ask, you don’t get”…..

That said, there are tactful ways to communicate….

[tamerofbantha]

LOL ike & ike's guitar barn just listed a fucking 62 jag for 20k USD

don't believe me? check the verb

are they going to start marketing NFTs next? serious question

[seenoevil II]

I am starting to think that we're seeing a bit of a "sell off" letting prices fall again. I'm seeing a lot of "asset" type guitars being listed at competitive prices.

The cost of living and people losing in the markets and/ or crypto might mean the 3rd or 4th Gibson has to go and go fast. And of course this creates a more competitive buyers market.

Plus, the supply chain is catching up a bit so the speculative pricing on new and desirable models is easing a bit.

Could be my imagination.

[sal paradise]

A global recession might bring down the low end of high-end guitars. But it will probably push the price of 60s guitars even higher as people invest in them over markets or buildings. Maybe.

[luau]

I am starting to think that we're seeing a bit of a "sell off" letting prices fall again. I'm seeing a lot of "asset" type guitars being listed at competitive prices.

The cost of living and people losing in the markets and/ or crypto might mean the 3rd or 4th Gibson has to go and go fast. And of course this creates a more competitive buyers market.

Plus, the supply chain is catching up a bit so the speculative pricing on new and desirable models is easing a bit.

Could be my imagination.

Maybe, but the people that buy like that don't care about cost of living stuff. Nobody uses 500 gallons of gas or drinks 1000 gallons of milk a month so at normal scales it's not even a blip on their radar. People buying expensive guitars that are being hurt in a meaningful way by what's happening with the stock market or inflation need their heads examined. My guess is there aren't that many of them.

[seenoevil II]

. People buying expensive guitars that are being hurt in a meaningful way by what's happening with the stock market or inflation need their heads examined. My guess is there aren't that many of them.

Really? I feel like plenty of folks who aren't kajillionaires own expensive guitars. I don't disagree that we need our heads examined, but isn't owning ludicrously expensive gear kinda the whole foundation of guitar culture?

To that point, I'm seeing a lot of postings out of Nashville which supports my hypothesis that a goodly portion of these are working musicians. That and the highly play worn appearance of some of these guitars.

But then I'm referring to 1-4K guitars. If you're talking about 10K+ vintage guitars, then you're probably correct. Although, I'd argue that they really need their heads examined to pay that much at all.

[luau]

. People buying expensive guitars that are being hurt in a meaningful way by what's happening with the stock market or inflation need their heads examined. My guess is there aren't that many of them.

Really? I feel like plenty of folks who aren't kajillionaires own expensive guitars. I don't disagree that we need our heads examined, but isn't owning ludicrously expensive gear kinda the whole foundation of guitar culture?

To that point, I'm seeing a lot of postings out of Nashville which supports my hypothesis that a goodly portion of these are working musicians. That and the highly play worn appearance of some of these guitars.

But then I'm referring to 1-4K guitars. If you're talking about 10K+ vintage guitars, then you're probably correct. Although, I'd argue that they really need their heads examined to pay that much at all.

I'm thinking 2.5k - 10k, vintage or otherwise, but maybe it doesn't really matter that much. It just struck me that enough selling for these reasons to push the market down a bit implies a lot of previous buying that was really pretty economically risky for the buyers. It's entirely possible I'm giving people more credit then they deserve when it comes to reasonable spending and you may well be correct in your general assessment.

[seenoevil II]

I'm thinking 2.5k - 10k, vintage or otherwise, but maybe it doesn't really matter that much. It just struck me that enough selling for these reasons to push the market down a bit implies a lot of previous buying that was really pretty economically risky for the buyers. It's entirely possible I'm giving people more credit then they deserve when it comes to reasonable spending and you may well be correct in your general assessment.

Hmm. Yes. At 2.5k you're certainly reaching the flat part of the diminishing return on investment chart. At least in terms of a tool for music making. Too much more than that and you're shelling out dough for intangibles that you just really appreciate (rarity, vintage etc.).

Although I'll add the nuance that the risk of buying expensive gear when not overly well off isn't so much a risk. Certain brands and models depreciate a little, then more or less keep up with inflation through the years. Not as safe as an EE bond, but a Gibson SG can be sold for rent in a pinch. If you're gonna have a guitar anyway, y'know.