E-bay, shop discounts and hook-ups with someone who gets free sticks come to mind as some of the reasons why the stick collections are so high priced. I doubt very many people on here have paid full price for their sticks, or other equipment for that matters. ive paid full price for all my stuff except for my synthesis which i got at a detroit pro sell off thing. i would love some hookups for cheap or free sticks or anything else for that matter.