Ever wonder why guitars cost so much?

[leftykingv2]

The wait times are so long because there aren't many guys doing Master builds and they're flooded with orders at the moment.

[VitaminG]

Bite your tongue.
Just because big names aren't making anything special doesn't mean there is no guitar pride.
Local makers are making some great stuff.

well, sure. There are local makers building great stuff all over the planet. Contrary to popular belief, guitars are not only made in the US & SE Asia.

But you've got to compare like with like. You can't really compare the practices of small batch builders with the big guitar companies. You can compare US production lines to Japanese & Korean production lines though.

[pianoguyy]

China will make the product how they are instructed to make it by the contracting company.
If they're told to make junk, they make junk.

[leftykingv2]

China will make the product how they are instructed to make it by the contracting company.
If they're told to make junk, they make junk.

I can't imagine them making anything but junk. Chinese imported products for the most part are pure garbage. Thank you Mr.Clinton.

[xenophobe]

China is the new Japan. Actually, most of the stuff coming out of there has improved significantly. It's all those other 3rd world Micronesia countries producing crap now. When I see Made in China on it now, I'm actually reassured.

[leftykingv2]

China is the new Japan. Actually, most of the stuff coming out of there has improved significantly. It's all those other 3rd world Micronesia countries producing crap now. When I see Made in China on it now, I'm actually reassured.

I haven't played one yet so I'll reserve the right to call it a POS after I do if that's the case. I've played Chinese guitars from other manufacturers and they were poop so that's all I have to base my opinion on at the moment. I hop the Jackson models aren't like that though.

[bombtek]

I've got a Charvel DS-2 brand new when they first came out and honestly...its a really GOOD guitar. Nothing to write home about, but it's not a cheap POS either.

[xenophobe]

I haven't played one yet so I'll reserve the right to call it a POS after I do if that's the case. I've played Chinese guitars from other manufacturers and they were poop so that's all I have to base my opinion on at the moment. I hop the Jackson models aren't like that though.

I'm not talking about guitars in specific.... I'm just talking about when I buy anything and it says made in China, I'm reassured where a decade ago I wasn't.

[artonsafari]

China is the new Japan. Actually, most of the stuff coming out of there has improved significantly. It's all those other 3rd world Micronesia countries producing crap now. When I see Made in China on it now, I'm actually reassured.

Japanese guitars, cars, motorcycles were pretty much disposable when they first hit the shores of the US.
Then was the wave from Korea.
Now we have China.

They all step up their game along the way. The Chinese models I've played haven't left much of an impression.
Cheap guitars.

[pianoguyy]

I've got a Charvel DS-2 brand new when they first came out and honestly...its a really GOOD guitar. Nothing to write home about, but it's not a cheap POS either.

I have a ds2. I would buy another if the body wasn't so small.
I will however say

its a good guitar. Not a really good guitar.

[PowerTube]

Eastman makes acoustic guitars that, in my opinion, smoke Martins and Taylors costing three times as much. Don't believe me? Go to a store that sells all three and be prepared to be impressed. All Eastman gear is made in China. I've also owned several Chinese-made Kona guitars. The Konas need a setup out of the box but the craftsmanship is excellent.

[leftykingv2]

Eastman makes acoustic guitars that, in my opinion, smoke Martins and Taylors costing three times as much. Don't believe me? Go to a store that sells all three and be prepared to be impressed. All Eastman gear is made in China. I've also owned several Chinese-made Kona guitars. The Konas need a setup out of the box but the craftsmanship is excellent.

I've seen and played Eastman guitars and they're nowhere near on par with Martin or Taylor in my opinion. That's just crazy.

[PowerTube]

I've seen and played Eastman guitars and they're nowhere near on par with Martin or Taylor in my opinion. That's just crazy.

My experience has been just the opposite. You couldn't be confusing them with Eastwood, could you?

[leftykingv2]

My experience has been just the opposite. You couldn't be confusing them with Eastwood, could you?

When it comes to acoustics the best on the market are Martin, Taylor, Gibson and Guild. To compare a Chinese made Eastman acoustic to an American made Martin or Taylor or the others I've mentioned is just crazy. They're not even close to on par. You're comparing laminates to grade A solid tone woods. I own a Martin and a Taylor and they're both incredible guitars that are beyond reproach when it comes to quality, tone and playability.

[VitaminG]

According to Eastman's site, everything over $1k is all solid wood. The cheaper guitars have laminate backs & sides, but still have a solid tops. I've never seen one over here, but their site does keep pushing the "handcrafted" angle. It might be a bit dismissive to suggest that they are merely like entry level Yamahas.

fwiw, I have two Baden acoustics, handmade in Vietnam. They are excellent guitars.