Mike Mathews on CNBC

mightymike · Post by **mightymike** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:54 am

I'm no fan of Mike Mathew's tubes, but did anyone see the report on how corrupt Russian officials are trying to
force Mike Mathews tubes factories in Russia out of business?
Turning off his power, trying to force him to sell his factory for outrageously low prices, so some other company can take over. This other company probably paid off officials, in a move so slick even Walmart cough.. I mean China-mart would be proud.

Almost like eminent domain in this country.

Between China-mart, the Gas and Utility Companies, and the Cheap Labor Lobby who want to replace every American Worker with an illegal alien. It's hard to tell whose trying to destroy America the most.

Yippie-kay-ay motherfucker
Have a nicde day

mightymike · Post by **mightymike** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:53 pm

Here's a related article:
http://www.stereophile.com/news/052206tubes/

45auto · Post by **45auto** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:41 pm

i heard that too, something about the russian mafia?...

wadeberglund · Post by **wadeberglund** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:02 pm

I don't think it was mafia, more along the lines of unscrupulous business practices that go unregulated (or at least undeterred) in Russia.

Even if you aren't a fan of the tubes that his company produces, they make more than 2/3 of all current production tubes (according to the msnbc article). So, if Fender et al are going to have to buy from the companies that produce the other 1/3 of current production, that will drive up the price for all new tubes in the market. Bad news for everyone.

Bainzy · Post by **Bainzy** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:33 pm

Wouldn't it drive the price down for buying standalone tubes from JJ/Tesla etc, because if Fender buy from them, JJ/Tesla and others get increased economies of scale?

wadeberglund · Post by **wadeberglund** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:57 pm

Their price per unit manufacturing costs may come down if they were able to leverage an economy of scale, but I doubt that they would pass those savings on to the consumers. The price would remain the same or rise. This would be especially true if a large vacuum in production created a supply problem, in which case they would be compelled to raise prices to match demand. Then they would profit doubly by reducing production costs and having the luxury of charging higher prices due to a scarcity of tubes in the market.

That's my armchair economic speculation anyway...

Bainzy · Post by **Bainzy** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:54 pm

Good time to buy shares in JJ/Tesla then?

wadeberglund · Post by **wadeberglund** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:01 pm

Hehehehe, not a bad idea!

mightymike · Post by **mightymike** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:56 am

During the CNBC newscast about the corruption. They're walking through the factory, and you can see workers in the background making the tubes. Some things by hand, as well as Machinery in action.
I think they were old machines, but they were in nice condition and well maintained.

I hope he has some good body guards.