I find these facts a little distorted. I can see how some would think it a raw deal but still not as bad as you might think. You should know, we are paying more than that here in Canada. With the exchange rate it is quite disturbing and there is nothing we can do about it. If not for the help of Katherine at CL, I would not be able to buy. I don't think things will be finished in time for the 15% but you can't have everything. SamTherapy- Yeh, I know what it's like to buy an American Axe. My 40th Anniversary Strat cost almost a $1000.00 compared to the $600.00 and change in the US. Mind it is worth more now. You got to love the fact that the older they get, the more their worth.