Is Nik Huber that hot a builder?

[wrxplayer]

I owned a Krautster II perhaps 18 months ago. Very nice playing guitar; no doubt. If I could I'd own several Hubers.

I've described it before as a "no frills" Huber. There's no fancy top or even visible wood grain on the top. The fancy wood goes to the Orcas, etc. This made some sense at the KII retailed for just under $3200 when it came out (yes, that's still a lot of coin for any guitar).

Now I see new KII's on ebay for $3945 and (in the blue finish that I had) for $4315, a 35+% increase over the price less than two years ago.

Are his guitars so hot that he can command a price increase like this and get it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=231152010704&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:3160

 

[atquinn]

How's the dollar doing compared to the Euro now vs. less than 2 years ago? That might have something to do with it. Increased shipping costs as well.
-
Austin

 

[DRS]

I owned a Krautster II perhaps 18 months ago. Very nice playing guitar; no doubt. If I could I'd own several Hubers.

I've described it before as a "no frills" Huber. There's no fancy top or even visible wood grain on the top. The fancy wood goes to the Orcas, etc. This made some sense at the KII retailed for just under $3200 when it came out (yes, that's still a lot of coin for any guitar).

Now I see new KII's on ebay for $3945 and (in the blue finish that I had) for $4315, a 35+% increase over the price less than two years ago.

Are his guitars so hot that he can command a price increase like this and get it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=231152010704&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:3160

If they sell for that, then the answer is YES.
Just like those stupid Klons and such. If a guy is willing to plunk down the money, it's worth it to him.

 

[+3kk!]

i just bought an orca last year, i think his prices are still ok

i mean the orca costs just as much as an R8, and i just asked for a twangmeister and its still about the price of a fender CS

 

[jads57]

Just like Johan Gustavson guitars,aand Michael Stevens, he has the eye for taste and the woodworking skills honed to a fine edge!

 

[speedemon]

He brought like 5 or 6 guitars to the NAMM show, all sold by Friday (day 2), you tell us?

 

[wrxplayer]

He brought like 5 or 6 guitars to the NAMM show, all sold by Friday (day 2), you tell us?

Wow. Pretty damn good in any economy. Outstanding in this one.

 

[derekd]

Toss in the fact he's a super nice guy and will talk with you about what you want and there you have it. Super product and great to deal with.

 

[XKnight]

Some builders gain popularity and see their prices go up while others go out of business. Huber does make great guitars.

 

[+3kk!]

Some builders gain popularity and see their prices go up while others go out of business. Huber does make great guitars.

i think the prices are going up not because of huber himself, nik huber has a long wait time. the time i was hunting for a huber if i ordered my guitar will only be produced 1-2 years from teh said date of order.

 

[btdvox]

Love my Orca. That hot

 

[cosmic_ape]

Nik's guitars are all they're cracked up to be. My Orca '59 is going nowhere! Best guitar ever!

 

[Deathmonkey]

He brought like 5 or 6 guitars to the NAMM show, all sold by Friday (day 2), you tell us?

I wish I'd seen that LP he had first. It was sold by Thursday at close. It was beautiful.

 

[rburkard]

After I bought my first Orca I got a second used one offered and didn't blink for a second and bought it too. All my Gibson Historics Les Paul's are sold now and I don't feel an urge to look back. The Hubers are unbelievable great playing and awesome sounding guitars.

 

[speedemon]

I wish I'd seen that LP he had first. It was sold by Thursday at close. It was beautiful.

I played one at the Mad Professor booth next to him, having trouble sleeping.

 

[Porrig]

This shop is a ten minute drive from where I live. I fear for my wallet everytime I go in and they always seem to have a few astonishingly good Hubers in. They are really, REALLY good instruments.
http://www.maxguitarstore.com/products/?filter_product_brand=164&query_type_product_brand=or

 

[ef_in_fla]

Oh my.

 

[chrisrocksusa]

I think he spent the 90s being an underwear model for calvin klein if that helps.

 

[django49]

My opinion is that they are that good. However, the rapid increase in costs since I first got interested make me reluctant to jump into any more of them. Glad I got what I did, WHEN I did.

 

[C-4]

I don't feel that Huber guitars are any more expensive for what you get then other companies.
Look at what Gibson is asking for R9's, Historic 335's, et.al. And Fender for their relics and custom shop stuff, PRS for their Wood Library and Private Schtick guitars. Some of these prices are hysterical. Yes, you are getting the top quality product, but the people who mostly can afford them are not playing them out. To me, that's a crime. They are still guitars meant to be played, like the players who own really expensive violins.