Chinese-made guitar

[davidarlette]

I recently brought a cheap 6 string (A$400), because it reminded me of my old Fender that I played till the frets wore out.

Anyhow, it developed a split it the neck/through the headstock. The shos reckons it fell over, but I don't remember that happenning. Anyhow I suggested that I wanted to upgrade anyway.

So I paid over $A580 extra and traded in the broken guitar and bought another guitar. Apparently it has all the bells and whistles, but is made in China. Would anyone (besides me) buy a steel-string acoustic made in China?

It is solid top (citrus spruce), has abaolone fret inlays, cutaway, chrome machine heads, etc, but I am a bit worried about having paid so much for a guitar made in China. The store owner reckons that they are actually better than some known brands like Maton, etc. The brand name is Midi anyway.

[Lunkwill]

I've never bought a Chinese guitar, but my Schecter was made in Korea and then setup was done by the American Schecter shop. It's not a lock anymore that the overseas stuff is going to be trash. Some of the overseas shops have been around for more than 20yrs., and they have their act together.

I still think there is nothing better than an American made guitar, but hey, I'm a bit biased there.

here's a quote from a business week article:
A few years ago most Chinese guitars were "junk," says Richard McDonald, vice-president for marketing at Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Today, he says, "the Chinese are getting the bulk of the business because they're getting the quality right."
here's a link to the article:

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_15/b3878068.htm

[davidarlette]

Thanks Lunkwill, that lines up with the lady at the store. It makes me feel better. They ONLY stock this Midi as their top of the range guitar, and she knows her stuff (I've known the sales lady for years), so I can believe she wasn't having me on then. Ta.

I mean I had a Korean fender and it was great, so...:)

[the EDGE]

I would personally try to buy a USA made, that or buy one( I know you might not have the cash) for atleast $1000US

[BEHN]

I still think there is nothing better than an American made guitar

Czech (Stanford) or English (Northworthy)-made are best! :D All the way

[the EDGE]

I just wish I had the cash for a good american made guitar......:(

[davidarlette]

Yeah, I would go American too if I had the cash, but they are way expensive and it's just a hobby for me anyway at the moment (I did a few gigs as a teen).

The cheapest Gretch not made in China is $A4000, compared to a Chinese one $A1,000-1,500. As Lunkwill rightly says, in the $800-$2000 Australian bracket (Mex Strat, or Highway 1 Strat level), almost everything is Chinese at the moment that the shops are getting in. I bought an Ibanez copy of a Gretch today for $900. It is OK, it feels great to play and I may just upgrade the pickups later, if I think it needs it. My theory is it is an Ibanez still, and not in the entry level range (under $500), so it should be oK.

:o

[davidarlette]

I'd say overall, that you have to just judge each Chinese guitar on its own merit. That is play it, look at it, read reviews, etc. But mainly play it. The Chinese acoustic I Bought is really nice. I love it.