DR Fat Beams price anomaly

[SisterAbdullahX]

DR Fat Beams, with picture of Marcus Miller on packaging, £45 from Bass Direct. Without picture of Marcus Miller on packaging, $20 from Bass Strings Online.

Discuss.

[Cato]

Didn't he switch his endrsement to Dunlop Super Brights?

Maybe the Fat Beams with the photograph are 'vintage' stock.

Or maybe he endorses both and I don't know what I'm talking about?

[SisterAbdullahX]

Yeah, he switched to Dunlops, still don't see how such a big price difference can be justified for the same strings pre and post endorsement. Blummin' outrageous if you ask me!

Nice strings, mind...

[essexbasscat]

I was told by Bass Direct only last week that they are just called Fat Beams now, no longer Marcus Miller Fat Beams.

Also, the importer and UK supplier has recently changed. As a result, we can no longer get single DR strings sets only now, bah humbug, drats etc

[peteb]

Bass Strings Online appears an American based operation, so if you were to buy 2 sets for example you would have to worry about import duties, etc...!

Can't really compare them with a UK based shop.

[SisterAbdullahX]

Yep, I bet two sets from them would still be less than one over here!

[BigRedX]

[quote name='SisterAbdullahX' timestamp='1461050317' post='3030872']
Yep, I bet two sets from them would still be less than one over here!
[/quote]

Not even remotely!

Two sets of DR Fat Beans from Bass Strings Online = $39.90
Shipping to the UK via the cheapest method with no insurance = $22.50
Conversion into £ at todays exchange rate = £43.59
VAT on imported goods = £8.72
Royal Mail handling charge for customs = £8.00 (minimum - could be more)
Total = £60.31

That's assuming you'll get the best exchange rate (you won't) and that the method you use to pay doesn't add a currency conversion charge (most of them will), and that you will pay the minimum handling fee for the customs and VAT.

If you were to order a single set it does work out a bit cheaper that buying from Bass Direct - approximately £36. However it will take at least a week for your strings to arrive, whereas you can get them next day from BD.

[LayDownThaFunk]

I buy them from an eBay US string store. Don't mind waiting 6 days to save £20...

Edited April 19, 2016 by LayDownThaFunk

[bubinga5]

i have no problem paying 50 squid for DR's. no I'm not rich, or well paid. But they are worth it. The Marcus Miller sigs will last you for a long long time. and IMO are easily the best strings for an electric bass for sale. DR's i think generally are the best strings on sale for bass. Just don't buy Rotosounds. IMO they are over priced junk.

[SisterAbdullahX]

Ok, that's still 30 quid cheaper for two sets!

I don't suppose we'll see prices come down over here until the non MM Fat Beams start to arrive, and I don't think that will happen until the existing MMs have been sold, which may be a while away.

[SisterAbdullahX]

[quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1461088173' post='3031385']
I buy them from an eBay US string store. Don't mind waiting 6 days to save £20...
[/quote]

Same here! I'll check that out.

[Raslee]

[quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1461088173' post='3031385']
I buy them from an eBay US string store. Don't mind waiting 6 days to save £20...
[/quote] Yup me too, getting my DR's for less than £20

[krispn]

Which store? I might stock up on some pure blues!!

[LayDownThaFunk]

Bass Specialities I believe is the name of the store.