One of the things missing from this thread is the way all this consolidation in the musical instrument manufacturing business affects musicians. By reducing competition through the merger and acquisition process, the single-unit price on all items rises... because there's no competition to drive it down. Somebody once told me that the first $200 you pay for any Gibson or Fender guitar is just for the name on the headstock... and that's made necessary by the bond issues floated by these companies to finance all their acquisitions.
It might make good business sense for the owners, but it's a terrible development for the consumers.
Last edited by zabdart; 07-25-2011 at 09:09 AM.
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