Does it matter where it's made?

[Kmonk]

When I first started playing in the mid 1970s, lower priced guitars and basses were pretty unplayable and sounded terrible. The quality of lower priced / entry level instruments is far superior than than it was 30 to 40 years ago. Quality really depends on the manufacturer and can vary from instrument to instrument, even within the same manufacturer. I've owned some Indonesian made Ibanez basses which were decent playing and had a good sound. I own a Korean made Spector which is one of my favorite basses. I also own U.S. made Fender and Alembic basses which are great and have played some U.S. made Fenders which I didn't like. I own a Mexican Martin 12 string that every guitar player who has played it has asked me to sell it to them. I've owned Vietnam made Ampeg amps and never had a problem with them.

The thing I find amusing about people being concerned with country of origin, is that when we shop for things such as smart phones, televisions, laptops, tablet, etc, there are certain brands we demand such as Apple, HP, Sony, Sanyo, Dell, Samsung, LG and so on. All of these are made in Asia, Mexico and South America. The majority of parts used in building cars (even domestic vehicles) are sourced from foreign countries. For some reason, we have no problem spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on these products which we use on a daily basis yet we are concerned about spending hundreds of dollars on instruments and amps which are made in these same countries. The United States does not own the market on quality. There are plenty of highly skilled workers in every country, even if the living wage in these countries is far less than what we consider acceptable. I honestly believe that major companies such as Ampeg, Fender, Ernie Ball, Spector, Gibson, Marshall, Yamaha, Vox and others would not jeopardize their reputation and ultimately, market share by intentionally producing inferior products. There is also something to be said for personal preference. Some people love foreign made instruments and some don't. I'm more concerned with how the instrument sounds and plays than country of origin.

 

[bolophonic]

As with anything, once you get more experience you’ll see the price difference related to tangible real world differences. There are just diminishing cost-to-improvement returns the higher in quality you go.

When you start learning to paint, the idea of spending more than $3 for a paint brush is absurd. Then you get to the point where you laugh at people who use $3 paint brushes and think the quality is the same.


Finally, China and Far East makers don’t have environmental regulations to concern themselves with. They have a lot more loop holes to get wood and to contaminate the atmosphere. If you’re familiar with OSHA in the US, they don’t quite have that in China - much cheaper. You can’t think “let china pollute their own atmosphere who cares” because we all share the same atmosphere. Pollution from China blows across oceans to pollute other places too - we’re all in the same place.

This is an issue that affects all of us, but it’s easier to pretend it’s someone else’s responsibility and not do anything about it. Me included. When I need to remind myself to appreciate what I have, I just have to read about working in a factory in China.

For me, the last part is the biggest driver of how I evaluate my purchases across the board. Instead of celebrating how cheaply things are made available, I have to ask myself why are these things so cheap? The answer to that question is not exactly filled with good news.

 

[Whil57]

Not saying that the expense justifies the American made instrument, but if you really, REALLY, scrutinize the budget instrument, you will find reasons why it's a budget instrument. Most common i have come across is cheap wood, (asia does not do mahogony even though they claim it is, it's a species substitute), to not real laminate tops, cheap pots and wiring, bad fret jobs, horrible inlay jobs, flaws in the finish. If you really go over with a fine tooth comb, you will find the difference. Is it worth the money, or can you not enjoy the asian made. Hey if it works for you, it works for you, but the difference is there.

 

[MasterG]

Ive had an SX P that I bought years ago when they were they were being hyped up for $99. Put a BadAss and Duncan 1/4 pounder in it. I play that bass more than any I own.

 

[knumbskull]

Not until it breaks...

Counterpoint: I’ll wager there are a lot more broken USA-made Gibsons out there than Asian-made Squiers!

 

[groove pump]

For me, the last part is the biggest driver of how I evaluate my purchases across the board. Instead of celebrating how cheaply things are made available, I have to ask myself why are these things so cheap? The answer to that question is not exactly filled with good news.

Very much share this sentiment. I was going to half joke about how, at least for me, it doesn't matter where a bass was made... as long as it wasn't made in China. But that gets a little less funny from one week to the next.

 

[msb]

I have the usual assortment of vintage and name basses that accumulate after playing for fifty years , but recently picked up two "cheap" basses . One from Korea, one from Indochina . They're both comfortable to play , and sound good . I'm quite happy with both of them . I'll never sell them for what a vintage US built bass might fetch , but other than that they do the trick .

 

[Indiana Mike]

Not saying that the expense justifies the American made instrument, but if you really, REALLY, scrutinize the budget instrument, you will find reasons why it's a budget instrument. Most common i have come across is cheap wood, (asia does not do mahogony even though they claim it is, it's a species substitute), to not real laminate tops, cheap pots and wiring, bad fret jobs, horrible inlay jobs, flaws in the finish. If you really go over with a fine tooth comb, you will find the difference. Is it worth the money, or can you not enjoy the asian made. Hey if it works for you, it works for you, but the difference is there.

I tire of the
My $50 bass blows your USA Spector away threads.
No.they.don't.
I have no budget basses ATM. I have .They are not equal to a true upper end instrument.
If you like them fine, but for the love of ducks just stop.

That said ,there's someone on every continent that is capable of producing a high quality piece. Maybe not every piece of dirt ,Antarctica maybe not, but dig it ,right?

As I've already said ,to me, where isn't important as is how and what with.

 

[pedroims]

It does not matter at all. However, the price you paid can give you an idea what to expect. A $2500 made in China bass is probably better quality than a $1250 made in US bass, same as a $ 1000 made in Mexico is probably a better quality than a $200 made in China bass.

 

[BILL BO SAGGINS]

My 3 basses are Cort, Ibanez, and LTD. All under $700 each and sound killer. Hane no idea why someone would pay thousands of dollars for a mass produced investment. We're in the 21st century, we can order "tone woods" from our bathrooms and let a hundred people know about it before the first flush. I bet if they put a Fender trade mark on an Asian made bass they could sell it for half the price and it would still sound just add good... oww snap that's happening too. For those of you that do pay the big money. More power to ya. I've got kids ta feed. Peanut butter jelly time

 

[bassstrangler]

I'd rather keep my money in the USA, and North America for my basses.

Unfortunately China makes Orange amps and cabinets. They still sound good, are still expensive, and perform well. However, Chinese Dr. Martin's shoes aren't the same as the UK counterparts.

I've owned plenty of Indonesian made basses. I have no complaints about them. As with any model of the same bass, some are great and some are crap.

I can say that $300 can buy a relatively nice bass. That didn't apply 30 years ago.

 

[SteveCS]

Not saying that the expense justifies the American made instrument, but if you really, REALLY, scrutinize the budget instrument...

The thread title relates to country of origin, not the price paid.

 

[baileyboy]

For playing purposes, the country of origin doesn't seem to matter- all countries produce quality, as well as crap. For resale purposes, that is another matter altogether... and the reason I stick with Made in USA.

 

[ultra60]

If we are talking Fender (US) vs other Fenders, and some MIJ knockoffs, I find the US Fenders just sound better. Does not mean they play better. I just sold a MIJ ESP Vintage 4. Fantastic build, and play-ability. But after 3 sets of pickups, I could not get a tone I really liked out of it. I have seen this with other Fender MIJ and the Player series. They can play great. But tonally, something seems to be missing. This is just my delusional opinion.

 

[foolforthecity]

Living in South Texas, I can’t help but appreciate Mexican craftsmen and artisans for an abundance of beautiful works they produce. While the majority of my working basses are USA-made due to my falling into the “US made is best” thing, I’ve had or currently have Mexican-made basses that have a feel and playability that easily rival my US models, certainly more than I need for my limited abilities.

 

[foolforthecity]

I compared my Squier Jazz to my USA Jazz and the USA made one is not 10 times better however it is noticeably better in a lot of ways which is why I still own it.

The more affordable entry level equipment has come a long way and it's great value for money.

So I ask is it a fair comparison? wages, rent, insurance, electricity, materials, shipping and even tooling is a lot cheaper in say China than the USA.

If the playing field was level would there be any difference in the price?

Sadly, wages are likely the least cost to Asian manufacturing. We in the US have no idea how well we have it.

 

[Cutter8]

No, the geography really doesn’t matter. There are both great and terrible basses coming out of all of the countries where basses are manufactured, and wonderful luthier-built “boutique” basses being made in virtually every country on the planet.

 

[groove pump]

As a newcomer to basses and the hype that makers use to promote their brand I can't help thinking that those selling premium priced offerings particularly from the US are having a tougher time persuading us to buy their products. Does a US made instrument sound and feel five to ten times better than one made in the far east? And is the finish any better or worse?
Chinese and far eastern makers are now producing products that are light years away from the ones they offered 25/30 years ago and quality seems comparable with top end Fenders and other US or Western brands. Do people like having the kudos of a non far eastern instrument despite being little real difference?
What do you all think?

In terms of making wise decisions for ourselves, I'd say it's important to at least try to tune out the hype. If a bass forces you into awful contortions that will eventually injure you as you play it, it doesn't matter what sort of expert craftsmanship went into it. If the electronics are so flexible that they can hack into surveillance satellites orbiting overhead, that doesn't matter if their sound doesn't work for you.

Yes, some folks prefer certain sources. US made instruments are somewhat interesting to me and their hype has bitten me once or twice through my bassing years. I needed to experience my disappointment with a US built Fender Deluxe more than once - first a P Dlxe and then a Jazz - to realize that although they're nice, maybe they're not for me. I was also seduced by a 2nd hand Zon Legacy, which turned out to be VERY not for me. It happens...

I had to go through these trials and errors to learn how to see through whatever hype I conjured up in my head. If I look at an instrument purely as a tool for a musical purpose, less expensive imports will often deliver great bang for my buck. I also have an appreciation for some of the builders out there and I would prefer to support them if I can, so there's the rub.

The reality and even the idea of "better" will be a little different for each of us. That's what can be so confusing. You may find something rather rinky-dink in terms of its price tag and/or country of origin, but it might fit you like a glove and make "that sound in your head" right out of the box. Compare that sort of instrument to another with more premium parts and craftsmanship and there's zero guarantee that the better build will be better for you (or me ).

 

[bearfoot]

Where something is made always matters objectively, and literally.

What that means to you is up to you.

 

[James Collins]

The thread title relates to country of origin, not the price paid.

I agree, but the thread op sort implies the price when he asks, "are US made instruments really 5-10x better than Asian made instruments?"

I have way too many musical instruments including budget, mid-range, and high end from Indonesia, China, America, and Germany.

My budget instruments are from China and Indonesia made by Alvarez, Ibanez, Cordoba/Kala, G&L, and Schecter. With the exceptions of the Schecters, all of them needed setup with nut or bridge filing, fret end dressing, etc to make them playable. The finish on Córdoba, Kala, and Schecter seems to be better than the others which have some finishing flaws you can find if you look. The finish is a bit uglier regarding stains than my mid and high end guitars.

My mid-range guitars and basses are from G&L USA and Warwick (Rockbass and Germany). At this level, I didn't have to file nuts or fret ends. The finish is quite a bit nicer. Overall, the erganomics are better. The hardware is sometimes downgraded a little bit from the high end. The wood selection is not as high grade as the highest end. This is 1000x more playable than the low end regardless of country of origin. I would think this is where you pay something like $1000 to $2500 for a bass or guitar on the new market. Within this range I have a German Corvette and a Chinese Corvette. The German one is still better made with higher quality parts and finish than the Chinese one.

My high end instruments are from Warwick in Germany, PRS, and a small builder in New Hampshire. The difference here is higher end hardware, higher grade wood which either has to deal with figuring or specialty, more finish options, and ability to customize. To me, these instruments are infinitely better than the lower end. I would choose for example a Streamer Stage 1 over a 5 Chinese basses of whatever variety you want.

I do not have any Private Stock instruments or anything quite like that. That is another level that passes the cost to benefit ratio for me, but they are beautiful. The closest is a classical guitar, but in classical guitar world, mid-range for price is $2000 to $6000. High end can set you back easily $20,000 with a several year wait list.

A low end instrument can probably be made close to mid-range with a couple hours work or about $100-200.