Why is the price of new tonearms so high

This is not an uncommon question on many "different" passion/hobby sites.Regarding virtually any expensive proposition.

There is no short answer,and it almost always becomes an opinion piece/thread.

Just yesterday this kind of question was asked on one of my often visited "Fretted Musical Instrument" sites.The poster wanted to know why some Boutique guitar builders can get away with their pricing structure.No short answer,but overall performance,like that of a high quality arm and design,materials,voicing,warrantee etc comes into play I'd think.

If you have the cash,no harm...and...some folks do get a kick out of owning something with perceived "specialness",even if it's not there.No harm in that,and it makes folks happy.

Human nature,I'd guess

My philosophy is always if it floats your boat and you can afford it, then you should buy it! Life's too short to wait.

I'd like to be around to see the price for a new tonearm in another 100 years or so!

Maybe by then all will agree that they finally got digital "right".

When you need to spend a lot of money, because you feel better that you can afford something the other one can't, fine too. Most do that.

Strange statement Syntax, from someone with 8 of the most expensive tonearms and 7 of the most expensive cartridges?
Not to mention turntables and amps that would be the envy of the treasury departments of some third world countries?

Starts to be a very interesting thread...save it before it's too late !

Best, Jean.

Dear fellow audiophiles, let me give a final statement to all those, who enjoy and believe in the constant progress and evolution in low-tech mechanics and modern day marketing (which incidently is my profession....):
"mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur!"
No, - its not the Roman's this time........... a fellow countryman of mine from some 5 centuries back.
For those who weren't pained by Latin in their schooldays, there is always Wikipedia...... ;-)
Enjoy sunday music,
D.