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NBD - Italian-Made Jazz Bass

#22
I wrote to him about that and he had this to say (translated by Edge):

"I think that the idiots who put a spoke in the wheel for (us) have always existed and will always exist. We don't care what they say, we have been active for 20 years... several famous groups and bassists of fame have our instruments. If so many musicians buy our instruments, there must be a reason.I stopped responding long ago to that 2% who speak badly out of envy. Don't waste your time on them. Regards,Gaetano Orazio."

That explains why he didn't respond to anyone accusing them of just buying "kits" or that the basses were made in China, as well as other derogatory comments. Just check out their website and decide for yourself.

As for me, as previously stated, please keep your negative comments to yourself. No one held a gun to my head to make me buy that bass, and no one is forcing you to do so either. If you want a great bass at a great price, contact them, or don't.

Here is a translated version of one of their web pages which speaks for itself -

"Since 2002, in Sicily, AG Bass Guitar has been creating custom-made electric bass, built to offer playability, precision and a unique sound identity. Each instrument is made with care, perfectly adjusted and ready to be played from the first moment.

A bass that is not just a piece of wood and strings, but an extension of your sound and creativity.

For each instrument we choose the best woods, with bodysuits in linden, alder and ash, and maple handles. The keyboards are available in maple, rosewood, maple with block, rosewood with block or fretless, to adapt to any style of execution.

The electronics and hardware are Made in Japan, selected to ensure reliability, precision and maximum sound performance. Every detail is designed to offer you a powerful, dynamic and defined sound.

Every musician is unique, and so must be his instrument. This is why we offer acrylic paints in any tailored color and configurations, so that your bass reflects your style, your personality and your sound.

Think about your instrument. We make it happen.

AG Bass Guitar – The bass that comes from your ideas, plays with your soul."
 
#24
Heiwa said:
"Made in China" is not derogatory, and we are not haters. These basses are cheap and look like any house brand bass. If you think that's something bad, is your problem..
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It's difficult, if not impossible, to determine tone of voice in messages or emails. I have yet to see anyone praise a "made in China" bass, so that explains why I thought those types of comments were negative in nature. Plus I think there is a difference, not just a semantic one, between "cheap" and "inexpensive."

For example, I have a Dean 6 string that cost me $200 in brand new condition. It is very well made, and inexpensive. The hardware that came with it, however, is cheap, and has been replaced. I hope that explains why I think the way I do about those terms not being interchangeable.
 
#26
BQFS said:
It's difficult, if not impossible, to determine tone of voice in messages or emails. I have yet to see anyone praise a "made in China" bass, so that explains why I thought those types of comments were negative in nature. Plus I think there is a difference, not just a semantic one, between "cheap" and "inexpensive."

For example, I have a Dean 6 string that cost me $200 in brand new condition. It is very well made, and inexpensive. The hardware that came with it, however, is cheap, and has been replaced. I hope that explains why I think the way I do about those terms not being interchangeable.
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I agree with the others that this is likely a made in China instrument, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that if it works well for you. The only bass I currently own is one I had custom made by a factory in China to my specs, and while I've owned and played "better" instruments, this is the one that works best for me.

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#27
Heiwa said:
There's the Glarry club, the harley benton club, all the happy Squier, SX and Fender Modern Player owners just to name some..
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Well that explains it for sure. I am not a Fender guy, and had no idea any of their instruments were made in China. I guessed that Glarrys might be, had no idea where H-Bs were made, nor Squier. Hard to keep up with equipment that you have no interest in and don't own. I just meant, in general, whenever I have heard the term used, it was never meant as a compliment. In my experience, when someone refers to something that was made in Japan, it is more of a compliment, whereas made in China generally is not. I suppose there are exceptions for everything.

There is a group on Facebook (and probably elsewhere) that is labeled "Chickenbackers" for Chinese copies of Rickenbacker basses. I have yet to see anyone think that their Chickenbacker, as delivered to them, was anything other than a fixer-upper.
 

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