Actually, I am not certain if that is accurate - I've had my eye on a stick for awhile and they fetch $2,000, give or take, new and have a wait time of 6 to 9 months. Apparently the back-order list is long - I've been told that business has only steadily increased since the 70s with very few lulls. Furthermore, there is a kind of madness that has arisen since the advent of Internet auction sites where some sticks are fetching a used price far above and beyond list price for a new stick.
I WISH Emmett was practically giving them away at any point in time, but since I've been following the stick (mid 80s) I've never seen evidence that they are being "given away."
I am still fishing around for that "can't refuse" used stick deal - been looking for a long time.
Roger on the the figure of speech, I am just sour because I can't find one affordable. Business is certainly swinging for Emmett - good for him, it is such an expressive instrument.