Top End Modelers--Endgame for the average user

[Prosvetlen]

This is the end, my friends--whoever managed to buy a high end modelers in the past couple of years, good for them. Now, with the new prices of Kemper and AxeFX, and with the current economy, it's impossible for these units to be obtained by the average musician. We all hope that the producers of these modelers will make lots of money. Cheers!

 

[TheAmpFactory]

eh!?

The Kemper has risen due to the US doller vs Euro, and its only 30$ increase. - I mean really? is this _the end_

 

[Prosvetlen]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=kemper&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

 

[Unnecessary]

I didn't think they were attainable before.....I paid less for my last two cars.

That's what endless debt is for though, right? Living the American Dream!

 

[Prosvetlen]

It doesn't look to me like $30 increase.

 

[Prosvetlen]

It's clear to me what's going on. The question is why: is it because they think nothing better is coming up and they rule the market, or it's the exact opposite?

 

[Phostenix]

I don't think it's any different for the "average user" than buying a couple of boutique amps & a bunch of boutique pedals and a couple of speaker cabs. "Average users" don't do that, either. It's high end gear that has a niche market. It's what "average users" aspire to own when they can justify the expense - just like high end analog & tube gear.

 

[nicolasrivera]

This is the end, my friends--whoever managed to buy a high end modelers in the past couple of years, good for them. Now, with the new prices of Kemper and AxeFX,

Didn't know Fractal has increased the price of its Axe FX II?

They did introduced a new Axe FX II XL, but the Axe FX II is not discontinued and the price seems to be the same as before!

 

[uglybassplayer]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=kemper&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

Still $1,975 at Full Compass, Musician's Friend and GC...

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/...ign=googleps&gclid=CJ7ohqXxqLwCFe5lOgodeTAAEA

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Kemper-Profiler-Rack-Rackmount-Guitar-Amplifier-108930942-i3010765.gc

 

[nicolasrivera]

eh!?

The Kemper has risen due to the US doller vs Euro, and its only 30$ increase. - I mean really? is this _the end_

Its $158!

 

[atquinn]

"Average" musicians never bought KPA or AxeFX's in the first place. Don't be ridiculous.
-
Austin

 

[Prosvetlen]

but the Axe FX II is not discontinued and the price seems to be the same as before!

It sells for $2,199, but funny enough, if you try to purchase it, it's "out of stock". BTW, $2,199 is two hundred more than my Ultra.

 

[Prosvetlen]

Still $1,975 at Full Compass, Musician's Friend and GC...

Well, good luck purchasing it from there.

 

[Prosvetlen]

"Average" musicians never bought KPA or AxeFX's in the first place. Don't be ridiculous.

I'll take it as a joke.

 

[Der JD]

Still $1,975 at Full Compass, Musician's Friend and GC...

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/...ign=googleps&gclid=CJ7ohqXxqLwCFe5lOgodeTAAEA

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Kemper-Profiler-Rack-Rackmount-Guitar-Amplifier-108930942-i3010765.gc

Yep, but $2133 at Sweetwater, AMS, Zzounds, and SamAsh. Only a matter of time...

Pick 'em up at the lower price while you can if interested!

 

[Prosvetlen]

That explains why there is only one Ultra on ebay--the second hand units get the increase as well.

 

[Badside]

Fractal and Kemper have won over the pro market. When you see guys like Metallica, who can literally afford anything, start using the Axe-FX, you know it's serious.
It would be very difficult for a new comer to steal away this market because the initial investment is HUGE. And it's very hard to make those units at a lower price point, especially if you're expecting to see the same level of post-purchase support that Fractal is doing. So they will never sell in volumes big enough to make a sizeable dent in the prices.

On the lower end, the market is FLOODED with cheap floor units (Line 6, Digitech, Boss, Vox, Fender, Zoom, etc). Of course, these all have there issues because they are built to compete on price (cheaper materials, lack of support, inferior analog components limiting sound quality, less powerful DSP, bunch of features you don't care about because they are trying to be everything to everyone, etc).

What we don't have is a "middle-market". The Marshall DSL and Fender Hot-Rod of the modelling world. Something affordable enough for the working class musician, but with good enough quality and tone to be used as a serious gigging/touring tool.
Could be argued that the HD500, RP1000 and GT-100 are sort of that middle-market, but people are expecting more from them.

Mostly, it seems people want a big name like Line6 or Digitech to release some that is 90% of an Axe-FX for 50% of the price, based on the premise that these will sell like hot-cakes. But it's not happening... Why? Probably cause they can't...
The secret to Fractal and Kemper is their algorithms. You can copy hardware, but it's not that easy to match your competitors' software.

 

[Prosvetlen]

Badside, very good points there. Eleven Rack had the ambition to be "middle-market", but look what happened to it.

 

[Der JD]

I'd like to know what the "average musician" is.

An Axe or Kemper probably is going to be a tough purchase for someone very young without a good paying job.

For others, they're definitely in the realm of possiblities. Some people sell off gear that they've aquired over many years that they no longer use. Others use financing.
Some people save up over a long period of time.

I'm not saying the price isn't a big deal. It is a hefty price tag. But, I do think that it's at least possible for most people.

 

[Prosvetlen]

But it's not happening... Why? Probably cause they can't...

I have to tell you that I am truly surprised by the iPad alternatives. I know it sounds ridiculous, but the JamUp is something else, I like it a lot.