Okay so I am looking on Reverb and I pull up D-25's. I have counted over 10 D-25's in various conditions for over $1000. One is priced at a solid $1400... Are we seeing values rising or are we just seeing people that have their guitars way over priced? There were still quite a few that were $700 - $999 which I believe depending on condition is on the high side for this model. I always viewed the D-25 as the value model. The stripped down model that gives you US made value for under $1k...
Thoughts?
In last Westerly price list (2001) they were $1249.00 list and D-4 was actually the lo-ball stripper model: $899.00 for satin finish and no case.
I got mine in early '97 with OHSC for $700.00 out the door, IIRC.
Actual used selling prices frequently reflects model year street pricing plus depreciation for condition.
So your observation was accurate probably 4 or 5 years ago but in general I see reports about virtually all the models rising in asking price (and sell prices) ever since close of New Hartford.
I never believe in any single reason for a thing like this.
I think a combination factors is actually causing average sell prices to creep up over the last couple of years: uncertainty about the brand's future, uncertainty about a given model's future, healthy economy, shrinking supply as collector investors hold on for an eve better return on the belief vintage US-built guitars will continue to appreciate in value...you can probably come up with more of your own.
I do recall seeing an actual NOS '97 in Woodgrain Red (next best thing to Cherry IMO )being listed about 2 years ago for I think $1249 (or else it was $1299) which of course drew the usual comments of disdain, but I posted that based on my own D25 ownership experience and love of the color I'd pay it happily if I had the room and the money.
I think the sucker actually sold within a week at $1100.00