Postby JimPage » Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:16 pm
In marketing, what Gibson appears to be doing is known as throwing everything possible at the wall, and seeing if anything sticks.
They have probably gone as far as they can reproducing old designs and are evidently unsure of what might attract new buyers.
They might be wise to look at an old-time but still innovative acoustic guitar maker for guidance.
What CF Martin, also in the peculiar position of having their old guitars as their biggest competitors for sales dollars, did was to ask highly regarded guitar players to design their "dream Martin," and then offer limited editions of those to the public.
At the same time, though, Martin is working like crazy to develop new technology and materials to make super-consistent and cost-effective ways to make modern guitars at a lower price.
Smart strategy, that. I bet it works. CFM IV ain't nobody's fool, and he works like a fiend to make sure his company thrives and survives.
--Jim
• '99 Martin D-41
• '67 Mosrite Celebrity II
• '72 Mosrite Celebrity III
• '83 Tokai TST56
• '10 Hallmark Barris Krest
• '10 Hallmark 60 Custom
• '10 Hallmark Stradette
• '50s Tele Clone
• Basses: Ashbory, Hofner, 51RI Precision, 5-string, fretless
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