Made in America???

[kristlik]

I prefer USA/Canada/Europe actually: just because this usually means that the bass hasn't been outsourced for cheaper labor, materials, and usually lesser quality.

I think the upside of this increased preference for "Made in America" has been that the quality of the American made basses (Fender in particular) has been getting better and better each year.

And I also think that prices for these higher quality American made basses are also getting better (read getting your money's worth).

It's strange that the devalued dollar has seemed to of had a positive effect on American made products--making American made more competitive at home as well as abroad.

 

[Showdown]

I have 7 basses made in the US, and they are all good basses (G&L, Peavey, Gibson, Tacoma and Carvin), but my 3 main basses are all Lakland Skyline made in Korea. I prefer them to all of the US basses I own, and many others I've played.

 

[kristlik]

Sorry, maybe I should have been more specific:

The title of the thread: MADE IN AMERICA refers to the fact that we *I am speaking as a U.S. citizen living in California* have a massive amount of companies that build instruments right here in the United States of AMERICA. From MY POV, all other basses are foreign made, correct?

I guess it is just hard for me to think of any posts on any internet forum as "here in the USA". Even though this forum is in English, and even though it may have more American members, it still feels far more global than to be able to say "here in the USA."

Although I do know that feeling: I'm typing it here in the midwest, I'm reading it on my screen here in the midwest: this is a local midwest forum . . . with members from all over the world

 

[Showdown]

I have one bass with an Indonesian body, a Korean neck, and US made pickups. All these parts get along with each other just fine!

I have one with an SX body (Chinese), MIM neck, US pickup, and MIJ bridge. They all get a along fine too.

 

[lposavad]

I'll buy bass from any country, so long as they have some decent labor standards - this would include USA, most of Europe, Japan, etc....but definitely exclude China and probably Mexico.

Mexico's labour standards are better than you might think. I work there, and the local companies strive to do things right. I wouldn't hestitate to buy anything made in Mexico, and in fact own a great mid-90's MIM P-Bass.

And for you guys thinking of buying Canadian, I can't say enough about Mike Kinal's work.
Fabulous craftsmanship and still priced reasonably. (I am not a paid endorser!)

 

[mike_v_s]

Sorry, maybe I should have been more specific:

It's a shame that your terminology confused people. On a related note, I tied my shoes the morning and chewed a piece of gum at the same time. Both done successfully. After that, I read your thread and understood it. Having hit the trifecta, I think I'll call MENSA.

Mike

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Mainly using my 'rays right now, so US made.

Country of origin doesnt factor in for me tho. The quality and if i like the feel and sound is what matters.

My other basses are Ibanez and Aria Pro II, mostly made in Korea I believe.

 

[capnsandwich]

I just ordered me a Valenti jazz today and I own a Tobias Renegade so I guess I'm an All American (USA) guy now. I owned a Lakland 55-01, which is Korean, but sold it on Monday so now I'm just a good ole' boy. Well, wait a second. I do own a Warwick Corvette. Aren't they made in Germany? CRAP!!! That messes me all up. Anyone want to buy a Warwick?

 

[bassrest]

my main basses for a long time have been canadian, f-bass and dingwall. my bnf5 has been replaced with a modulus vj4 (i put custom 60's in it). zon vb4 on the way so it seems the yanks are dominating once again.

 

[john turner]

for me, all but one of my basses was made in the u.s. (cheers to jens ritter ).

 

[Solarmist]

Ibanez - Japan
ESP LTD - Indonesia
But then again - I've always favored Japanese Cars, Bikes, and Stereo's

 

[thisSNsucks]

To me, it depends on the company more than it where it was made. If the QC is there, then it wont matter where its made. I do like to have instruments made from where I live, but its not a deal breaker if its not.

 

[blizzard]

I went other since I have a Lakland Skyline which is MIK and then finished in America.

 

[de la mocha]

Listen to me. Their are only TWO factors that determain if I will buy a bass!

1) Can I afford it?

2) Do I like how it feels in my hands and sounds in my ears!

That's it. I don't care if my bass is indonesian, korean, chinese or even made in a country that hates america.

The only thing that matters is what I mention above. I bet if you could put a squier affinity strat in jimi hendrix's hands at woodstock, he'd still would have ruled!

Listen, if I could afford an american standard jazz, i'd get it in a split second, but the fact of the matter is, I can only afford a third world made instrument.

But I tell you what....as long as it's comfortable and has a decent tone, I'll bleed my very living soul through my GK speakers on any damn gig I'm playing.

I live in america and can't afford american made equipment. Only equipment made by communists....

 

[CraigG]

As long as it's a quality instrument that I feel is fairly priced, feels and sounds good to me, I don't care whether it's made in America, Korea, Japan, or outer space.

 

[WoodyG3]

As long as it's a quality instrument that I feel is fairly priced, feels and sounds good to me, I don't care whether it's made in America, Korea, Japan, or outer space.

Damn, now I have bad GAS for a bass made in outer space!

 

[Parabolic Box]

Damn, now I have bad GAS for a bass made in outer space!

I, too, would like a bass made on the moon. Could you imagine the conversation?

"Where was your bass made?"

"It says here it was crafted by David Bowie... IN SPACE"

 

[Rudyboy98]

Well, wait a second. I do own a Warwick Corvette. Aren't they made in Germany? CRAP!!! That messes me all up. Anyone want to buy a Warwick?

Very funny~!!!

As a side note: How in the heck do they decide how to name these basses anyway? "Corvette" (the car) is a "U.S. muscle" car, yet Warwick in Germany name (and probably trademark) their bass "a Corvette". How did that go down without a fight from Chevy, I'll never know!

At any rate, I see that most everyone is of the opinion that the country in which the bass was made doesn't matter as much. If that is the case, doesn't it stand to reason that some countries may not have high or "rigorous" quality standards? Some do, some don't. I am wondering how that is reflected in the price. For example, a U.S. made bass (brand name) may run about $1,000.00 and a (generic) copy of that same bass costs $500.00. Does the price difference mean anything to you? Does the word "Quality" ever go through your mind? I am NOT stating all inexpensive basses are of inferior quality. My '99 Fernandes, is proof enough to me that some "foreign" basses are exceptionally made. But chances are most of the time, you get what you pay for.

That being said, perhaps a few of you more discriminating players know your woods, electronics, measurements, etc., and make a better value judgment than others.

 

[lonestarwings]

I only own one bass but I went out of my way to make sure it was made in the USA.

It may or may not be better than a bass made elsewhere but I prefer to support my country's economy when possible. I'm glad that all companies haven't totally outsourced their manufacturing overseas. I will pay more for a US made bass, amp, or cabinet, within reason. I try to apply the same principles to all my purchases.

 

[Surprise Panda!]

MIM, but my next bass is going to be MIT (made in texas!)