On another forum, I stated I was really unhappy with the Gibson price increases--that I'd still buy a used one, though. I received a lecture on how I didn't understand the free market, capitalism, supply and demand, etc. I love how people can make so many assumptions when they know absolutely nothing about the person they are talking to. The bottom line is that a company like Gibson has the right to raise their prices, but customers have just as much of a right to register their displeasure. Prices are going to be what they're going to be depending on how much people are willing to pay for something. I don't think anything is more basic than that. But I see nothing wrong with people complaining about Gibson's high prices if they feel like it. I've always liked Gibson basses, but there is no way I could ever afford what they're charging now. It's as simple as that.