How is the mandoconomy ?

[jimbob]

I have not been able to spend much time keeping up with the 'café for the past several months....trying to catch up a little...
What is the current state of the mandoconomy...are prices up....down ...flat ? I use the Gibson F5G standard to gauge the market...if they are over $ 3K ( used), not much has change...if under $ 3K...the poor economy has impacted the mandolin market. I still want a Gibson Master Model...hoping to find one more deal....

[Tobin]

Hmm. Interesting question. I don't have an answer, but I think it may warrant further thought on what defines the mandoconomy. The current price of one particular model doesn't seem like a particularly accurate way to gauge the overall market. Maybe we need to create a mandoconomy index, similar to the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&P 500? Taking current market prices of different models to define an average for the overall market trend?

For that matter, it begs the question: is there just one mandoconomy? Or are there actually several? Maybe one for the lower-end entry-level instruments, another one for mid-price mandolins, and a different one entirely for the top end? I could see how they would all fluctuate very differently.

[GTison]

Seems down. Gibson F-4 s can be bought for less than $7000. I see other prices backed up a bit from a year or two ago. Seems that way to me anyway.

[mandroid]

Player pay remains flat lined. with notable stars as exceptions ..

[Jack Roberts]

Seems down. Gibson F-4 s can be bought for less than $7000. I see other prices backed up a bit from a year or two ago. Seems that way to me anyway.

F-4s are still a bargain now. Where else can you get something so beautiful to behold, so enjoyable to play and so historic for so little.

[DataNick]

A lot of high end inventory at the usual suspects (Elderly, Carter's, etc.) is just sitting; same classifieds sellers keep reposting ads with slightly lower prices; I think it's a buyer's market...someone mentioned in another thread that a lot of boomers are trying to cash out expensive instruments to help pad the retirement, etc.

[Mark Wilson]

Maybe we need to create a mandoconomy index, similar to the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&P 500? Taking current market prices of different models to define an average for the overall market trend?

That would be interesting. A study of new and used prices over the last 4-5 decades. Like a cost of living index for pickers.

I was at the coast recently talking to an owner of a up scale bar and grill that features bands. He pays the same rate today that my band was getting in the 80's.

[allenhopkins]

Very limited number of data points to do a comprehensive analysis.

Still some high dealer asking prices, more reasonable auction site sales.

I buy locally, almost exclusively, and don't notice major fluctuations. However, haven't been in the market since I picked up the Weber "sopranolin" in January.

[Relio]

Earlier this year when I was looking at mandos in the $10k range, my top five favorites that I played sold before I had my funds ready. I also recently sold a Collings mandolin and guitar for my asking price in less than a week.

[M.Marmot]

I heard that the markets for mandolins have been opening up with time

[Cindy]

Player pay remains flat lined. with notable stars as exceptions ..

I get paid in pies. Their deliciousness has not decreased.

[F-2 Dave]

I get paid in pies. Their deliciousness has not decreased.

I want to work where you do.

[BJ O'Day]

Seems down. Gibson F-4 s can be bought for less than $7000. I see other prices backed up a bit from a year or two ago. Seems that way to me anyway.

Cool,
Now within $6500 of my top-end budget.
BJ