Country of Manufacture - Various Guitar Makes

[psychles]

Hi all:

I'm currently in the market for another guitar and I have a question I'm hoping you can help with...

I own a USA Jackson and would love another one, but (as we all know) they are expensive. I'm considering a couple of other makes, as my next guitar doesn't need to be the quality of my Soloist, but I definitely want something decent (used - $500 range, rather than $1000). After playing the Jackson I already own, I would definitely not be happy with a piece of crap.

I've noticed, for example...




Ibanez has models made in:

• USA
• Japan
• Korea
• Indonesia
• ?

Jackson has models made in:

• USA
• Japan
• India
• ?

ESP has models made in:

• Japan
• China
• Korea
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• ?

Can someone please tell me - of these three makes of guitar, which countries of manufacture would you consider to be their "junk" model? For example: Is an Indonesian Ibanez worth buying? The prices I'm seeing would suggest NOT.

Another way to put it would be: Are there any quality guitars of this "family" built in countries OTHER than USA or Japan? And, if so, which ones?

Thanks, in advance, for any advice.

[straycat]

Ibanez Indonesia stay away,Jackson India stay away,ESP Vietnam stay away.Japan Korea are OK quality.

[psychles]

Ibanez Indonesia stay away,Jackson India stay away,ESP Vietnam stay away.Japan Korea are OK quality.

Thanks! Exactly the kind of info I'm looking for...

EDIT: I failed to list China and Indonesia for ESP... any thoughts on those, by chance?

[MetalHeadMat]

Thanks! Exactly the kind of info I'm looking for...

EDIT: I failed to list China and Indonesia for ESP... any thoughts on those, by chance?

My buddy on here has an Indonesian LTD, M-100, and for the price he paid it's decent. Needs new pickups, and maybe a neck sanding, but I'd use it as a back up or beater guitar, in fact if I could find one I'd probably snag it.

Also, for Ibanez Indonesian models, there's only TWO can say I've enjoyed, (and I've played a lot of them), the RGT42DXFM being one, and another the RG350M, but I've tried two of these and I've only liked one, (also I've tried a couple other RG350 models).

[psychles]

My buddy on here has an Indonesian LTD, M-100, and for the price he paid it's decent. Needs new pickups, and maybe a neck sanding, but I'd use it as a back up or beater guitar, in fact if I could find one I'd probably snag it.

Also, for Ibanez Indonesian models, there's only TWO can say I've enjoyed, (and I've played a lot of them), the RGT42DXFM being one, and another the RG350M, but I've tried two of these and I've only liked one, (also I've tried a couple other RG350 models).

Thanks - I'm finding so many Indonesian Ibanez models (priced all over the map) that I've really been starting to wonder if they're ALL bad, or... ? I kind of wish they were, that would make "shopping without playing" much easier. From your experience, it definitely sounds like the numbers are against them, so they're out.

[bombtek]

There a a LOT of companies out there right now that offer incredible bang for the buck guitars. Look into Agile guitars. You will be very hard pressed to find a bad review on Agiles.

[Pointy]

I haven't played that many guitars, but I'm in line with Straycat. For $500 used you don't need to go for the really cheap stuff. Mind you, Ibanez makes some models close to $1000 in Indonesia so don't assume anything from price alone. I was looking at an Apex 2 once - around $800 new - and was surprised to find out that it was made in Indonesia. What put me off was the knots in the neck maple and the ugly fretboard. My indian JS30 was kind of crap too, although I inderstand that the more recent models have improved.

What I'll say is go for a korean or japanese guitar, if you really want one that's made in the "budget" factories you might get a good one but you must try before you buy.

Edit: to add to bombtek's post, according to many reviews Agile and other small companies that have their guitars made in Korea are very much worth looking into, as are Japan-exclusive 'lawsuit' models such as ESP Edwards.

[MetalHeadMat]

Thanks - I'm finding so many Indonesian Ibanez models (priced all over the map) that I've really been starting to wonder if they're ALL bad, or... ? I kind of wish they were, that would make "shopping without playing" much easier. From your experience, it definitely sounds like the numbers are against them, so they're out.

Well if you find something that looks good and has a decent price, (for what it is mind you), then you should try it before you buy it. Hell you might even like it!

[psychles]

Thanks for all the info, everyone. I've learned quickly that price is not necessarily closely associated with quality, when dealing with these particular makes and that going with Japanese or Korean is a pretty safe bet...
I can definitely shop more wisely now (or at the very least, narrow my selection down substantially). Maybe I'll find some models that I can actually go PLAY somewhere around the city. Of course, my first choice is going to be another Jackson, but deals like the one I got on mine don't come along very often...

[Nightbat]

Ibanez Serial# start with a letter(code) that designates the plant they were built, look it up on the net and you'll be able to know the origin when trying one out

[psychles]

Ibanez Serial# start with a letter(code) that designates the plant they were built, look it up on the net and you'll be able to know the origin when trying one out

Good tip, thanks!

[straycat]

You seem like the type that must have a new guitar am I right?
I shop for used (in decent shape) high end guitars for the most part.
You can find used made in Japan Ibanez RG550's in the $250.00 range most all day and those are great guitars IMO.
I don't discount older Japanese L.P. copies such as Hondo,Tokai etc great guitars as well.

[MetalDaze]

It basically looks like this in terms of quality:

1. USA
2. Japan
3. South Korea
4. "the rest"

Of course, the typical exceptions apply. There are USA stinkers out there for sure. I would stick with the top 3.

EDIT: This is just for the big manufacturers. Of course, you can find skilled custom builders in most countries.

[lerxstcat]

I had an Indonesian Washburn BT Series several years ago, I paid $100 for it used and sold it for the same. Actually very nice $100 guitar. I think they were like $349-$399 new. Trans red mahogany body, HSH pickup arrangement, cheap but decent licensed Floyd. I bought it because it was so cheap and I knew I wouldn't get much more selling it, but it was really nice for the money. The Indonesian Standard Stratocasters from Squier are not bad either. I know you are looking for something nicer than that, just saying that I have been surprised by some guitars from Indonesia for the money. Certainly if you can play them first, just play the guitar and see what you think. I also like my Agile 2000 which is bottom of their line and it's an acceptable gigging guitar, though the electronics and pickups need changing if it's gonna be your main guitar.

[DonP]

$500 should easily get a Made in Japan axe from Jackson. For some reason, ESP and Ibanez seem to think their MIJ guitars should be double the price of Jacksons.I don't get it, and I don't buy it. The only time I'll get that high with an ESP is for a late 80's model neck thru. And never with Ibanez. I'll stick with the $250 RG550's if I ever find one.