The internet has certainly changed things, that's for sure.
It's allowed people to find things they otherwise would not have, and altered the dynamics of how things are bought and sold. At lest to those who choose to leverage and take advantage of the open-communications market.
The isolated village is a thing of the past. It shall remain global.
At least for those...
Way back in the day, most of us used to purchase our instruments, and what have you, locally. Not any more. At least not me. My local dealer believes they can get $1,800.00 plus tax, for a brand new 4003. I suppose there are some that might pay that. Not I. Perhaps not you. Just got one for $1,375.00 delivered. I shopped around, got written quotes, and made the most of the info I collected. Why not. It's a competitive market. Dealers who want to stay in the game will need to adapt. It's that or they will go under. That, or they will stay afloat by buying vintage instruments really cheap, and then marking them as high as they can - whatever they believe they can get for it on the open market. So, buyer beware. The uninformed will overpay. The prudent will latch onto things at a reasonable price. Everything will equalize in time.
I'm not sure that we'll see the vintage boom of 2007 (or whatever the experts claim the year was). Dealers that believe those days are still in tact will price themselves out of the market. Sure, they may be patient and wait for the uninformed buyer to come along. But that bread of consumer is quickly vanishing.
It's great to have discussion communities such as this one where people can express both sides of the debate, and allow readers to decide for themselves what's most applicable or relevant to their situation.
So, who here is seriously thinking about purchasing one of the basses I detailed above.
If Mozart were with us today, he'd play a Fireglo 4001C64! ~~~*~~~ Beethoven, on the other hand, would play a Matte Jetglo 4001C64S!
