What's up with head prices going through the roof?

[vyacheslav]

Greetings,

I stopped into a Guitar Center (I know, I know, it's the only option I had) because I needed to pick up a 14" Coated Ambassador for a snare drum. It rang up as $22.99! For a 14" Coated Ambassador!

Fortunately, they did price match an online price I found of $14.99. Apparently, Remo just raised their prices AGAIN. All the major drum head manufacturers are all based in the USA (Remo, Evans/D'Addario/Aquarian). This wouldn't have anything to do with the China embargo deal.

Head prices continue to skyrocket. Most heads, no joke, have increased 50-65% over the last 10 years alone. Is Mylar getting that much more expensive? What is the reasoning for heads being so far ahead of inflation?

[JimmySticks]

Well, I'm not a business major or mylar salesman, but it appears helium prices are way up, causing mylar balloon sales to plummet. So my guess is, the mylar people are stuck with a lot of, well, mylar, causing a price increase in all mylar related products.

Just my 2 cents.

[idrum4fun]

My guess is it is due to petroleum prices going up!

-Mark

[DrumBob]

I can ask my artist relations guy at Evans, if you want it straight from the manufacturer.

[Whatarethese123]

Can you also ask him when the UV2 is going to come out Bob?

[DrumBob]

Originally Posted by Whatarethese123

Can you also ask him when the UV2 is going to come out Bob?

Sure, I can. I'm loving the UV1s on my toms since I switched a few months ago. They don't get marked up and resist dents. They also sound warm and deep, which is the sound I like on toms.

[Whatarethese123]

UV1s are my go-to head now. I love the sound, especially on toms and snare, I think they've got real great versatility across tuning ranges, and like you said, they're super durable.

Nothing like having a head on a drum forever and having it look brand new, right out of the box.

[wayne]

Back in the 60-70,s it was very common to see drummers playing with heads almost black. They were an expense that wasn,t necessary, unlike today where we have sooooo many choices. They got to be like old boots, we just got used to the sound of them...just like I do today.

[JimmySticks]

So I found the article below from a year ago and it might explain the price increases. Yeah, I have no life...

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Home / News / DuPont Teijin Films Announces Price Increase-Effective October 1, 2018

News & Press Releases
DuPont Teijin Films Announces Price Increase-Effective October 1, 2018
Posted By: Kimberly Lee Posted On: 09/20/2018
HOPEWELL, VA, September 20, 2018— Effective with shipments on October 1, 2018 and later, DuPont Teijin Films US Limited Partnership will increase prices on all Mylar® and Melinex® film grades by a minimum $0.15/lb.

This action is necessary due to a severe and sudden increase in raw material costs. We are implementing this increase to maintain long-term sustainability and support the future growth of our business.

[loach71]

Corporate GREED plain and simple.