Prices Rising in Japan

[Pegcityrocker]

Looks like vintage Tokai prices are on the rise in Japan. I just saw this 1981 LS-120 on J-Guitar for 280,000 yen. I'm pretty sure you could have bought this guitar for about 25% less a year ago (if you were buying in Japan).
Or maybe this seller is asking too much?

http://www.j-guitar.com/sp/sea/view_detail/s17230352.html

With shipping you could probably get it for 300,000 yen (if he sells internationally). That's about $3,500 CAD plus 21% for Customs , duty and taxes here in Canada and you have yourself a $4200 guitar. Ouch!

 

[marcusnieman]

Looks like vintage Tokai prices are on the rise in Japan. I just saw this 1981 LS-120 on J-Guitar for 280,000 yen. I'm pretty sure you could have bought this guitar for about 25% less a year ago (if you were buying in Japan).
Or maybe this seller is asking too much?

http://www.j-guitar.com/sp/sea/view_detail/s17230352.html

Well, I think alot of that has to do with the crashing financial markets and plummenting currency rates. It takes alot more yen these days to make up the shortfall in value - problem is that he's trying to keep the net value of the guitar the same by adjusting the current yen value.

No doubt that prices are going up on vintage Tokai's but the spikes I've been seeing lately (including new guitars from makers such as Edwards) I think are artificially inflated as a hedge against dropping rates.