Does nyone actually pay MAP for a new R9?

[NBlair930]

I m getting quoted MAP $5199 for a new R9. Dealer says this price is MAP. Sould I expect some discount off of MAP? or are the dealers truly forced by Gibson to stick to the price guidline?

[IRussell]

That's high for a run of the mill VOS R9. Is there something special about it?

This price from a forum dealer?

[Rafael]

Map is MINIMUM ADVERTISEMENT PRICE. doesnt mean that its the minimum to sell for...

[1954Gold]

MAP is "minimum advertised price", which is the lowest price dealers are allowed to advertise their products. Further discounting must follow.

MAP schemes are common and somewhat controversial since the can be viewed as a form of price fixing to create a price floor to prevent a soft market due to excessive competition. There have been some court cases over wether or not MAPs are actually legal, and I suspect as online shopping becomes more common the MAP concept will be tested in the future.

[NBlair930]

No, not a forum dealer. Rudy's Music Stop in NYC.

So what is a fair price for a new R9? (Then add the NYC "upcharge").

[kink56]

$4300

[J.D.]

+1 I agree, you should be able to pick out a nice new one for $4300 cash and carry.

[GotTheSilver]

NBlair930,

I just sent you an email about my recent experience in NYC. You can definitely get a better price than MAP!

John

[jdawg]

Originally Posted by NBlair930

No, not a forum dealer. Rudy's Music Stop in NYC.

So what is a fair price for a new R9? (Then add the NYC "upcharge").

From what I hear, this sort of thing is common at Rudy's. For some reason they get those top-dollar prices, even though they have a reputation for being A-holes with attitude unless you walk in with your wallet in your hand. A lot of great stuff there, though.

By the way: 48th street is generally the worst place in the NY metro area to shop for guitars, amps and related equipment. I like 30th Street guitars- great place that is owned and run by really good guys. They are not a Gibson dealer, but they always have a nice selection of used Les Pauls and many other Gibsons.

Joe

[Bluedawg]

In my limited experience the MAP runs about 30% off the list for Gibson,

but many dealers will take off 35% or even 40% from the list if you contact them personally and they think you are serious about buying.

If there's something "special" about a particular guitar the prices may be less negotiable.

Good Luck

[solsurfr]

Originally Posted by Bluedawg

In my limited experience the MAP runs about 30% off the list for Gibson,

but many dealers will take off 35% or even 40% from the list if you contact them personally and they think you are serious about buying.

If there's something "special" about a particular guitar the prices may be less negotiable.

Good Luck

+1

40% of list is readily available, if you shop hard. I would suspect in this market, if you laid down $4300 cash on his counter (or lower!) you would probably walk out with the guitar. But we are talking about NYC so all logic goes out the window when the next wall street knucklehead walks in ready to pay MAP after a good day of trading. It's like the Burst Brothers in LA.... they are able to pull some ridiculous pricing and find a way to get it and I've heard rich Japanese businessmen fly all the way over to see them.

[Blue Fin]

The minimum advertised price is used so that people who don't know better will pay the full price at the big online dealers. They will see everyone listing the guitar at the same price and assume that's the best price.

[mmcquain]

I paid just under $4300 for a 2007 Lemonburst R0 from a forum dealer. Talk to one of the forum dealers like Matt, Saul, etc. and you should find a new VOS R9 for the same price range.

[Browneyes]

Originally Posted by NBlair930

No, not a forum dealer. Rudy's Music Stop in NYC.

So what is a fair price for a new R9? (Then add the NYC "upcharge").

I KNEW IT!!!! TODDD YOUR BUDDY IS ACTING UP AGAIN!!!!

Rudy's is a good place to "look".

[fjs1962]

Right now is a good time to buy, dealers are more willing to deal in the soft market.

I think it really comes down to the guitar itself too. I could have bought a couple of New R9s for $3950+tax but one had a couple of dings from being out on the floor and another had one of the worst looking tops I've ever seen, almost looked like a 3 piece flame top the way the wood grew (I can't believe it got out the CS door!). I ended up giving $4500 out the door for mine, but I got exactly the top look I wanted, weight I wanted, dark board like I wanted, and the guitar SOUNDS like I wanted too (many didn't). So when spending over $4K I figure what's a couple hundred more to get exactly what you want?

[solsurfr]

Originally Posted by fjs1962

...So when spending over $4K I figure what's a couple hundred more to get exactly what you want?

Yee-eep.