Guitar Bargains for Canada

In the past 2 years, there have been large swings in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar. It creates a problem for guitar manufacturers trying to maintain sales on both sides of the border.

In addition, electric guitars do not always sell quickly. In Canada, this means last year’s electric guitar could be priced lower (or higher) than this year’s model.

Here are some Canada/US electric guitar price comparisons. Currently, a Canadian dollar is worth about $0.927 USD:

Gibson Joan Jett Signature Melody Maker

Canada: CAD: $729.99 -> USD $677.87

USA: $749.00

The Gibson Joan Jett Signature Melody Maker is about $70.00 cheaper in Canada.

Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior

Canada: CAD: $1,239.00 -> USD $1,150.56

USA: $1,399.00

In Canada, you can save a cool $248 on a Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior.

Gibson SG Standard

Canada: $1,385.99 -> USD $1,287.03

USA: $1,199.00

A Gibson SG Standard is priced about a $100.00 higher in Canada.

Gibson Custom Limited Edition Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar - Silverburst

Canada: CAD: $3,939.99 -> USD $3,658.68

USA: $3,899.00

So, you can save approximately $240.00 buying the Gibson Custom Limited Edition Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar in Canada.

Fender American Standard Stratocaster

Canada: CAD: $1,295.83 -> USD $1,203.31

USA: $1,199.00

No significant price difference here.

Fender American Vintage Hot Rod Series Hot Rod ‘57 Stratocaster Electric Guitar with Dimarzio Tone Zone Bridge Pickup (Candy Apple Red)

Canada: CAD: $2,185.13 -> USD $2,029.11

USA: $2,159.99

Canadians can save a cool $130.00 on the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod ‘57 Stratocaster

What is the trend here? In general, the pricier US electric guitars are less expensive in Canada, where the average salary is lower than in the US. However, Gibson electric guitars show some price differences that suggest Gibson is either trying to encourage sales of certain models in Canada, or Gibson just isn’t keeping its eye on pricing in the Canadian market.

The Canadian dollar is predicted to reach par with the US dollar by the end of 2009. If that happens, there will be some real bargains available to Canadian buyers of electric guitars.