LeftyBassist.com

I know this happens on a regular basis, but the prices of American Professional II basses have gone up $200USD

Absolutely absurd. Feels like prices just went up only a couple of years ago. $1800 for an assembly line P or J?! That's nearing boutique pricing now, and I personally haven't liked any of the MIA stuff since they were Am Stds. (Which you should snatch up now if you can find them, 'cause they're still a bargain, IMO). The Am Pro I P Bass I had was so mediocre. Sharp fret ends, sterile, uninspiring tones, unwieldy neck, etc. I really think the cheaper Squire Classic Vibes and MIM stuff has gotten a lot closer to the Am stuff in recent years, and at least if you invest in some upgrades and mods you'll still be ahead of the game. My Squire Classic Vibe P bass is SO close to the Am Std P I own, right down to the neck profile, which are so identical in feel, radius, profile, etc that I can't tell them apart. Only the pots, PUP, and tuners are lacking, but certainly not unusable.

I posted about Fender's previous price hike. I believe that was only back in August of 2021( Leftorium section.)
Prices are totally out of control. New MIM Player basses are now $849. and still no case or bag.
Buy used basses, there's plenty out there.

I remember when Ric's were $500 and Fenders were $350 that was around 1980!

I agree yes prices go up but Fender has done too many price jumps in the past 5 years.

I remember when a dime bag cost a dime!

But seriously it is absurd. I was on the fence on paying $1550 for a new P. I'm off the fence now.

I can't sing high enough praises for the Classic Vibe P. One should come with every membership to LB. They are unbelievably good. So good I bought one and then sold my '76 P.

I’m quite amazed that there is still enough of a market for these new Fenders/Gibsons etc considering just how many used ones are out there. Some models have been rolling off assembly lines for 3/4 of a century at this point