Does it matter where they are made?

[arbiterusa]

As someone who has worked as a guitar builder in the United States, in one sense, it doesn't matter at all. My Indonesian Squier Jazz Bass is the best Jazz I've ever played. My Korean Corts are world class. My US Steinberger is a thing of beauty and still-constant amazement. My US assembled (and that's a term that I'd like to see some legal clarification applied to, as they are NOT US manufactured in the strict sense of the word) GK MB amps are fantastic. So in that respect it doesn't matter. Good manufacturing is worldwide.

Here's where it does matter and why my preference, IF MY REQUIREMENTS CAN BE MET, is for American made instruments/amps/cabs/whatever. And that's jobs. I'm not some foaming at the mouth MAGA Guy (very much the opposite) but I benefited from people who chose to buy in America for just about five years of my life. Those were good years. I learned a lot. And if I can pass along those benefits to a fellow countryman, I will. I go out of my way to look for those opportunities. And if I can't and end up with a stable of Korean Corts, well, I don't lose any sleep over it. Maybe next purchase.

I will also say this: if you care about quality uber alles, damn the cost, buy Japanese. They really do make the best in a world that's already full of good choices.

 

[mattj1stc]

I've owned almost 30 basses throughout my life.

In general, the more developed the country, the better the product, with North America, Developed Europe and Developed Asia (Japan and Korea) producing better quality than more emerging/less developed places.

That being said, I have owned a made in America bass that was a real P.O.S. (warning Ric content) as well as an Indonesian made bass that is amazing in every positive way (warning Lakland Skyline content).

Basically, you have to take everything on its own unique merits.

 

[InternetAlias]

Ever since I got into luthiery, it no longer does. Where it is made mostly has an effect on quality control, and since I can fix anything, I really do not care. A $200 knockoff is a better investment for me than a perfect $2000 instrument.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

no.

 

[Bassamatic]

American and Japanese basses ARE the best - from years ago and for boutique basses. However. for a new, sub-$2K bass - it doesn't matter where it is made. What matters is the company that is ordering and selling it. The new automated CNC factories in China and Indonesia are turning out the best low-cost basses ever made from the world's newest, most precise factories. The precision of the work is far better than most hand work and even though they are made by automation - the OEM customer can still specify details and specs, QC levels, type and age of wood and other materials and the electronics and hardware, also made to the desired spec level. The factory making Squiers and Ibanez in Indonesia might be the same one - but the products could be made to completely different specs.

We manage overseas manufacturing for a wide range of clients - I've lived there and now visit often and know what goes on. You get crap from China because the customer ordered crap to meet a price point - it is not because of where it was made. Nikon cameras, Sony and Apple products are also made in China. And - there are very few "sweat shops" making name brand products, so don't let that be a consideration.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I was hoping for a little more depth from this article.
Does It Matter Where Guitars Are Made? | Sweetwater

I think the questions that should be asked first is "Is it a good instrument?". Secondly, "Is it the right tool for my musical project?". Third, "Can I afford it?" . If you got those three nailed down, then, where it is made is a moot point.