The title says it all. I don't care where they are made, I am just curious because that Mercalli 5 is very tempting.
The website says they started in Detroit and are currently headquartered in Livonia, MI, but it is unclear about where the instruments are made.
I've read somewhere they're made in Korea. Or assembled in the US with Korean hardware and pickups made specifically for them.
They started out American made, but since 2006 are made offshore, according to this site: http://revfan.com/reverend-guitars.html
They have the fundamental Fender tone to go with that burp. None of the other Fender-like companies that I know of have this, including the high end/boutique guys.
They are made in Korea. Same plant that makes the Duesenburg guitars which is apparently one of the top Korean plants. I haven't played any of the basses but I am a huge fan of the guitars. Very well made.
I read an article about their move to manufacturing in Korea. They stated that moving production offshore cut costs and increased profits allowing them to expand the business. After the move they employed more US employees than before and in addition the jobs created with this move were higher salary jobs such as marketing, product management, distribution, etc. overall the move was good for the US workers and economy. PRS has made similar claims with their SE line. It was very interesting stuff.
Last I heard they were made on Earth, as there were some issues with getting the Mars plant up and running.
Made in Korea, and the Mercalli 5 is awesome. Bought it on a whim and my Fender American Jazz 5 went away cause the Mercalli has all the tonal options I wanted. Great bass and the fit/finish is excellent. I'm GASing for a teal/flame maple, which wasn't an option when I bought mine.
Back in the day when the awesomely awesome Brad Houser 5 was offered, they were made in the U.S. Man, they need to bring that model back in a bad way, just like Fender needs to bring back the Roscoe Beck 5. Those were the only passive 5'ers I ever liked.
Korea is correct. I love mine. Well made a cool to look at. Wide neck makes it a challenge to play especially above the 12th. I have a blue 5 string Mercalli. Love the tone.
Yeah, I miss the wackiness of the old models (Rumblefish, etc) but the new stuff looks and sounds great.
I have 3 American made Rumblefish XL 5s. Awesome instruments. Unique tone. Kinda early Fender / Dano surf sound on steroids, with burp and growl and big gnashing metal teeth!
I was interested in the same question a few months back: I was surprised that the company didn't put it on their website (at least I couldn't find it).
I really like their new line. The Rumblefish XL was my first real bass I bought brand new. I loved it but honestly I like the new basses better. don't tell anyone. I've played all but the Meschell posted up above. Gigged a decision for a while and do miss it. Don't miss my Rumblefish tho. The Mercallis are really great but from the new line I think the Dub King is my favorite. Followed by the Thundergun then the Mercalli. Right now I have a hard time putting down my ESP RB 1005 so my opinion probably shouldn't count.