[DE_South]

I'd be grateful for someone (or multiple people) of superior knowledge to give us a rundown of guitar makers versus countries of manufacture, and possibley some history and details regarding quality and makers that manufacture in different countries.

A month or so ago, whilst vowing never to buy another Asian guitar and after much consternation, I ordered a Fender Acoustic of sorts via the internet. You can imagine my disbelief when I looked inside and saw the Made in China sticker! Especially since I spend so much time in China that I could have picked up the same piece for less than half of what I paid for it here in Germany. Later, I was in Tom Lee's in TST, Hong Kong, and all the Takamines hanging on the wall were Made in Korea..?

In any event, I'm currently surfing the Net again in search of a couple of guitars, and would like to do it better armed. Browsing through eBay I noticed that they have a list of some makers, but I have no idea where half of these guitars are manufactured.

We could start with the eBay list: Epiphone, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Johnson, Keiper, Martin, Ovation, Takamine, Taylor, Yamaha...

Also, I'm keen to learn a little more about Canadian guitars...? Any opinions will do...

[Ultimate Garage Band]

I'll make it easier for you:

Under $800 - 99% China or Indoniesia

$800-$1200 - 99% Korea

$1200-$1500 - 50% Japan

$1500 and up - 99% USA

That's VERY general and there's some exceptions:

Godin/Seagull/Art & Lutherie/Simon & Patrick/Norman/La Patrie all have sub $800 models and they are made in Canada. Larrivee is Canadian in the $800 - $1500 range.

Carvin ELECTRICS are USA made and can actually be had starting around $500.

Most companies offer upper end models that are USA or USA 'Custom Shop' made. This is why you can get the least expensive Washburn Idol for under $200 and the most expensive one is closer to $2000.

The bigger picture would say, in my mind, better than 80% of all guitars sold world wide come from the Pacific rim. There are several companies that make guitars in other countries that I'm not nearly as familiar with. Maton is from Austraila, Rickenbacker is from the UK, etc. There are several Spanish and French companies that make classical guitars too.

I think this thread probably belongs under 'guitar gear' or something like that, if such a forum exists.

[allthumbs]

A quick overview. Ten years ago Korean guitars were of low quality. As their skill levels improved their products became much better. They sell good quality guitars now, There are about 5 or 6 big factories that make different brand guitars under the same roof. The same thing happened with Japan. Great quality now. When their prices went up, makers moved to a cheaper production outlay, Korea. In the last few years the factories are starting to move to China for the same reason. Right now the build quality is low. Once they become more skilled then the quality will be there. Right now in order of quality,Japan and Korea almost tied. China third and Indonesia firmly on the bottom. So you have to look at a guitar and determine if it was made before or after the move to China.
A nice thing about MIJ guitars is that they are not as slavish about following the basic guitar designs. You can get some outstanding guitars there that have their own unigue look.
This link goes to Godin which covers most Canadian made guitars. All oustanding.
http://www.godinguitars.com/

[DE_South]

Thanks guys. Anymore info, much appreciated!

UGB - Does that mean that for example, a $1000-00 Martin D-16GT would not be a Made in USA product?

allthumbs - Thanks. Those Canadians look beautiful. Love those Seagulls!!! Wow...

[nagukush]

Great Info UGB and allthumbs. Thanks for sharing Guys !!!

[Ultimate Garage Band]

To my knowledge, all Martins are made in the USA, except their Sigma line. Like I said, there's exceptions like Carvin.

[DE_South]

Okay thanks. I get the picture.