Does Made in the USA matter? Real Guitar Talk

[@AkaSnugD]

Interesting video. I am sure that all comments will be reasoned and well thought out.

[@jimm7949]

Lol

[@Amish_Trivedi]

I'm here four hours after you and have thread through all the comments here and I'm kinda surprised that it's pretty civil!

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

It matters to me because I want to support American jobs. In this particular area, yeah, what's on the headstock matters.

[@PaddyMc5th]

Go to one of those factories and find an actual american working there, good luck with that!

[@srh361]

​@@PaddyMc5th There's plenty of Americans working in them, be for real.

[@PaddyMc5th]

@@srh361 Point I'm making is guitars in that factory are no longer made by luthiers who loved their work and music and deserved the pricetags they charge today. Instead anybody could walk in off the street and start gluing shit together just the same as any other country and those mass produced guitars are nothing on the instruments once made there. Where the guitar is made or who its made by does not matter its a sum of the parts and for me Gibson represents nothing but greed.

[@TheCSteve]

I have a Gobson and i have an 1000 dollar Cort guitar .. The last one plays better than the crap Gibson. Its only expensive because of some rockstars like slash

[@PaddyMc5th]

@@TheCSteve Exactly and the guitar he recorded appetite with was a replica, not a Gibson.

[@mortonwilson795]

Great topic and I admire your bravery in bringing up what it, to many, a hot topic. FWIW I am a NZer who has lived and worked in the music biz for 50 years, the last 40 with my own music production company with studios in Hong Kong (where I live) as well as Singapore & Shanghai. I have worked in studios in Beijing, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, Tokyo and spent considerable time with clients and colleagues in Thailand, Korea & India . . . so I think it's fair to say I have a reasonable understanding of how Asia works, particularly with regard to the music biz and guitars made over here - I visit the shops! The first electric guitar I bought (in 1974) was a 3rd hand 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom - still have it, still record with it. Over the years I have bought a number of guitars, all of which get steady use in the studio and these include Fender, Sadowsky, Rickenbacker, Parker, Gretsch, Taylor, Ibanez, Yamaha, K. Yairi, S. Yairi, Rivolta, Godin, Hofner, Duesenberg, Epiphone & PRS SE. So - USA, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Germany, China, Indonesia. I am agnostic to the country of manufacture - I buy instruments for what they can offer me for any given project I'm working on . . . That said I 100% respect anyone who chooses to 'buy local' to support the local workers, or who may choose not to buy from other countries for ethical / moral reasons. Similarly I do not look down on anyone on a budget who may have no choice but to buy 'imports' because of cost - there are plenty of guitars I would love to own that are outside of my budget! Below is 'cut and paste' from a similar discussion re: guitars made in the Asian region with a few revisions - I hope it's relevant and adds to the discussion in a fair and balanced way. Back in the late '70s, early '80s 'there was still a 'Made in Japan' stigma held over from the '60s, but companies like SONY, Toyota et all soon put paid to that and to this day 'international brand' instruments from Japan, particularly Fender, often outshine their US made and Mexican made peers and 'local' brands like Ibanez, Yamaha and K. Yairi occupy a respected and innovative space - I own guitars from all 3. The same can be said for Korea, I believe, although 'local Korean brands' are not really internationally visible, despite some extremely good manufacturing for 'known brands' - the top of the line Gretsch instruments are superb. Indonesia seems to have caught the ball and run with it altho having tried many (and bought 2) SE PRS guitars I still find that the internal wiring is a concern - ofter they come out of the box with one or other pick-up not engaging at all - this is not an isolated thing, it's common, sadly. I notice PRS are upping the ante on the electronics going into the line one step above SE's. From what I can see of China currently Eastman is in a different league altogether, although I do wonder how much manufacturing is now done in the US given this recent 'Fenderish' trio they are introducing? Either way the Beijing made Eastman instruments I have played are superb and this doesn't surprise me given the history of the company making fine orchestral instruments for a number of years. I will be buying an SB 59/v and the Pomona Blonde Juliet when finances allow - I will stick my neck out and say that I really believe some of the early SB59/v's will, in 20+ years time, become 'mini unicorns' in a similar way to late 50s Gibsons. I believe Eastman's decision to partner with the likes of Seymour Duncan, Lollar, Bare Knuckles, Gotoh et al in the areas the company does not have expertise in speaks for itself and shows a commitment to delivering overall quality. Epiphone is, on paper at least, a subsidiary of Gibson USA and kicked off with senior management and decision makers from 'head office' and has steadily built on quality and, to an extent, innovation. I own 4 Epiphones made in the last few years - Casino, 1959 Epi/Gibson 'hybrid', Cantrell 'Wino' and a solid body Double Cutaway. That said, I bought these with the express purpose of 'modding' them. To date I have installed Lollar P90s / Bone Nut / 50s wiring in the Casino and plan Monty's Bethnal Greens, Lollar Imperials and, possible Bare Knuckles + internal wiring options for the other 3. I was a guitar salesman back in the '70s in NZ in the run-up to going pro as a musician (and now Producer / Studio owner) and those 3 years opened my eyes to how Gibson (in particular) was perfectly capable of shipping guitars that when I inspected them at the warehouse before purchase for the store, had to be sent straight back to Kalamazoo. What I also learned, intuitively over the years I suppose, was that as long as a guitar 'had bones' the name on the headstock did not really matter that much (hence my Epi purchases - all 4 are terrific in terms of build and playability but I'm not impressed with the pick-ups and internals - not 'bad' per se, but not great). I'm old school - I like to try before I buy . . . the only time I haven't done that was in 1992 when I bought an Electric Nylon & NYC S Style HSH from Roger Sadowsky in NY. Beautiful guitars! I appreciate not everyone lives in a mega-city like I do and that I'm lucky being able to try countless guitars from 'cheapies' to Custom Shops but in the end, for me at least, it comes down to 'feel' and a sense that the company has tried to make something of beauty. Peace & Love 🙂✌

[@coreyrini550]

I love your channel jack! There's so much I can say about this because I am from this kind of family a blue collar family. my dad is a steel worker etc etc... I will say this but also makes it questionable is how are the workers treated in the US**I personally know several people who have worked for Amazon we were treated like absolute sheet... Having to pee in bottles not getting any bricks can't pay their bills because of a low wage it just goes on and on... We have to point the finger back at our country too... Made in the US often doesn't mean as much as it used to if it doesn't come from a company with a strong union/ that treats its workers well etc etc

[@coreyrini550]

Sorry it's loud I work in a newspaper factory I was trying to say people in Amazon I know got fired for taking their regular breaks and not working through their breaks... If you really want to make yourself depressed-look at the decline of middle-class prosperity and how its proportional to the decline in Union membership (I wasn't born yet but I can read a history books- a lot of this started under Ronald Raygun)

[@bagazheful]

But they still believe that china is hell on Earth 😆

[@jordantaylor1988]

Great conversation to have. It's definitely a rabbit hole for a number of different reasons.

[@brotherDougE1956]

You really did a nice job of starting a discussion on a hot topic. Great speaking skills!

[@voyxu143]

thoughtful vid jack. well done.

[@tennisnutts7370]

It matters to me. 🇺🇸

[@rocco8222]

I own 2 Gretsch guitars made at the Japan terada factory, and a Korean epiphone Casino, i would reach for those before my U.S.A. made Gibsons, I think decades ago it mattered, today quality from some foreign countries have improved greatly.

[@mahkyb]

First of all, hats off to Jack for talking about the elephant in the room regarding this topic. It's definitely a hot button issue but very important to talk about. My brother and I have been speaking about this topic for a few years and it is very complicated. Do I try to buy guitars made in the US? Yes. Do I value American workers and the pride they put into making guitars? Yes. However, it is also true that many companies (in America and elsewhere) have the same woods and measurements that Fender, Gibson, etc...do. These necks, bodies, etc...are available all over the place and for much cheaper prices. This is why there's a whole sub-culture of people who prefer to build their own versions of Tele's, Strats, LP's, etc...I'm one of those people. The prices of American made guitars has gone way beyond what they're actually worth and what people can afford. That is the truth. Having said that, I do own a Gibson J-45 Studio. Why? Because I couldn't find anything in a lower priced guitar that gave me the sound I wanted. If I could have then I would not have the J-45. I also buy my pickups from ToneHatch which is a company in Nebraska. Why? Because they make damn good pickups for much less than the big US brands. That makes me feel good. But it doesn't always work that way. Anyway, this is a big topic and again I really appreciate Jack for making this video in these divisive times.

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic have a great weekend Jack and also happy first day of December and also I have lost my voice from a cold ❤😢

[@Fez4ever]

National Pride.....BINGO! I've been saying that for years. If it can be made in the USA then it must be made in the USA by the hands of bona fide American Citizens who have the talent and take pride in their work the way our fathers did.

[@Traditiononamission]

I would absolutely love to be able to buy an American made instrument and support my fellow Americans, where I know there are high standards for labor and quality of life. They are just. Too. Dang. Expensive for me to get my hands on one. I know some people will say “but you can just save a little more.” That is easy to say, but not so easy to do. I ALREADY have to save up to buy something that is just a few hundred dollars, which involves doing overtime at work and taking time away from my family. That means it costs MY FAMILY (not just me) hundreds or thousands of dollars more for me to buy American made. Again, I wish so could. I hope this changes.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

It’s hard to do anything financially when you have kids. I guess I’m lucky that I was able to save up to buy a Gibson and an American Fender when I was young. Now, like you, spending a small amount on myself hurts. I can’t imagine spending a similar amount now, and the equivalent modern version of my two guitars would cost almost double now, for new ones. Maybe when my kids are grown I can spoil myself again. But in the meantime there’s a lot of nice cheap stuff these days!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Cut out the expensive cell phones and TV cable bills and then you can afford an 18 month interest free guitar payment for a Gibson or fender. Only 150 bucks a month. Just my thoughts, Not knocking you.

[@Traditiononamission]

@ Already have.

[@toddj9548]

There is much to be said for being able to buy a D-18 or 28, maybe a Les Paul standard, or a American strat when you can play it for years and sell it for more or the same as you paid.

[@Twinhit]

That will be the one you might wish you hadn't sold.

[@ConcezioPellegrini]

The General Rule you mentioned really resonated with me. That REALLY makes you think.

[@johnperiard9594]

Country of origin matters because I know my maple from the USA is different than maple from the far east. In a lot of ways. Sycamore in the far east is great compared to US. Etc. Great video!

[@fawkesandhound]

That’s a good point, a lot of people don’t realize Gibson and Fender for example have wood grown for them, sourced and spec’d for them.

[@tennisnutts7370]

🇺🇸

[@adamswanson8216]

Hi great topic I have to say I have had this conversation in someways with some of my students as they discussed buying or upgrading their guitar often times we have the made in the USA chat and that’s truly what it’s about no question or made in the UK, some of the BFG guitars With the pick up swapping system I have purchased from the UK I have also purchased a number of Eastman guitars. You know I was hesitant at first because I tried and true Gibson fanatic. I am a blues musician. I love Les Paul guitars, but truly, the collectors choice models I have and the higher end guitars, it is so much more affordable to keep the Eastmans in rotation and playing gigs and jamming going to practice, etc.. I have upgraded pick up and using lust for tone repro throwback WHIZ and others. Certainly, I have upgraded the pick ups to give me the sounds I want I agree I do not want to buy anything from someone who is probably being abused or worked in someway, but in a lot of these cases with the, Mexican fenders, etc. there’s only so much we can do because of the price point USA goods are expensive in the UK goods are expensive. I play that in the UK myself you know even the quality of I wonder about made in the USA you mean put together in the USA I don’t know. I have varying opinions like everyone else, but I do try to support my major brands because they have always been there for me in someway. I am totally blind for the last 40 years has been very different than for others and someways maybe but Gibson has been a big supporter of several programs I have been in and I love the guitars and it is about status for me to some extent. I feel good with an RN in my hands, not playing it in a way of confidence presentation and being on stage in front of a group doing a demo or a presentation I absolutely think it’s important to Sound and look you’re very best because I am trying to encourage people to become professional. that’s what my classes are about. That’s what my students are about. I want to keep the blues alive and away that I think is dying and I think some of this out of the country manufacturing is helping to, it’s also causing the USA prices and prices to skyrocket but what can we do if it’s got six strings we’ve got 13:06

[@kpnash]

Japan Terada all the way! Have been playing Gretsch guitars for a while, have just got a killer ES335 style Ibanez from the 70s!

[@AgentBlackCrow]

Quality wise it mostly doesn’t matter. Support for local economy wise it does.

[@CraigAWhelanJr]

I turned 50 last June and i think your friend Max you mentioned is absolutely correct. Think about when someone orders something from Amazon Prime and its guaranteed delivery within 24 hours. Think about the process and the people that make it happen from order picking, packing, shipping to a sorting/delivery facility and then in the van and out on the road. The cause and effect after the convenience of clicking a button for whatever product is amazing but can also be grotesque depending on the work environment etc. Its really isn't doing society any favors either imo. But that's the world we live in. The cheaper something is but has value because of the quality of the product, its most likely someone and others went through some kind of misey from the start to finish by the time the consumer receives it. Even cheap disposable crap...if it can be ordered on line and it your hand within 24 hours I can tell you from personal experience there's a lot of misery and suffering for that convenience so i don't find it difficult at all to believe the misery behind some imported guitars. Some of the same harsh working conditions in Asia is also easily found in the United States. We're lucky to at least have OSHA and EPA etc. Anyway, sorry for the rant, just my humble opinion. Love and look forward to your videos.

[@brotherDougE1956]

Something else to consider maybe that the people who are working for a very low wage making cheap guitars somewhere in the world maybe doing better than they were before the guitar factory was built in their area. And I believe you’re correct when you say it’s very difficult to understand what these people are going through.

[@denbodg9311]

This is brave Jack. There are as many answers as questions, and about any form of merchandise. However, if Guitars is the thing, I can only give my experiences. One aspect is generational. I’m 72. When I was young there was a ban on imports to the UK from the USA. Any aspiring young guitarist wanted a Les Paul or a Strat, that their heroes acquired in America. In the early 60’s all most of us could get were copies from UK, Europe, so that is what we bought. That instilled something in my mind that the best was always gonna be an American made guitar. From 9 years old I’ve had loads of guitars, including my best quality and favourite, a Japanese made Fender ‘62 reissue which I bought in 1990. In 1994 I traded it for my first USA made Strat, an American Standard. So it took me 30+ years to be in a position to afford my USA guitar, given household bills & bringing up 4 kids. Here we are, another 30 years later, & I now have 4 USA Strats. So I could say it was most important to me where they were made. The kids of today have the marketing world as their oyster, they have a massive range of superb quality instruments to choose from, and the origin of these goods is not necessarily their priority, albeit that availability of funds still decides their choices. BTW, sorry guys for this essay, it’s a big subject.

[@ntomatas1]

To the rest of the world, "made in Japan" is the only thing that matters.

[@Old_Sailor85]

They make great guitars.

[@MickyWalnuts]

As a UK guitarist I would choose Japan over USA every time

[@kiragina.7152]

I feel much better having a car made in Japan than the USA. But, my Japanese Gretsch is no better built than my Chinese Eastman.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I forgot MIJ! The MIJ tele I bought 6 months ago was HORRIBLE and it went back.

[@Smart-Alex]

I only have Mia and MIJ Strats. Both are excellent!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Intelligent and well said points. Personally, a few years ago I went down the road of buying guitars MIM and MIC and I will never buy them again. I bought the Eastman's version of the Gibson LP JR and it had major QC and playability issues and it was horrible. The same goes for Fender strats and Teles MIM and MIC. Utter rubbish. Corona made strats and teles and Nashville made Gibson guitars for me. As I always say, Often imitated, never duplicated. Fender and Gibson got it right back in the 50's.

[@leefradkin9077]

good discussion.

[@JAL-cc8jd]

I've been fortunate enough to have purchase quite a number of guitars in the last year or so, and there's a good mix of brands, price points, and countries of origin, including 8 Gibson USA models, 1 Heritage, 4 Eastmans, 2 Leo Jaymz, 5 Michael Kellys, and a host of others. I love them all for different reasons, and have modded almost all of them, including the expensive ones. Eastmans are Chinese, but they are absolutely amazing instruments. The USA made Gibsons I kept are all fantastic, too, but I had a few that I sent back for QC issues. Michael Kellys are consistently excellent, and I think they're all Indonesian made. So there are great guitars being made all over the world.

[@GreenpointRemembers]

It only matters if you look for it to see it.

[@tommywallberg]

Well said! Price wise is very important factor for many players. That being said it’s good that there are options out there. It still feels you’re playing a fender even though made in Mexico. I have US made Gibson and Fender and I would lie if I said it wouldn’t matter if those were made in Asia besides maybe made in Japan guitars. However it’s a tricky question, you want the best quality for your bugs not necessarily wanting to be snob. My last purchased guitar was a Sire H7 335 and it’s a really well made guitar and sound really vintage and the playability is great. What I rather have. Gibson 335 answer is yes but not for the money I would have to pay for it.

[@stockholm1752]

I have ▫A USA Gibson SG Special Faded - humble, but I like it. ▫Mexican Tele-Partscaster Deluxe with a USA neck and CuNiFe pickups, and it’s killer. ▫Vox Virage DC, made in Japan. ▫An acoustic, handmade in Japan - Alvarez/Yairi. ▫ Fender Starcaster, made in China. ▫Long live the Global Economy !

[@stockholm1752]

I will also commend you on finding an interesting way to comment on the coming tarrifs without actually pointing the blame. But to quote Leonard Cohen, “Everybody knows”.

[@JackFossett]

I actually do a seriously good Trump impression. I'm working on a bit where each of our past 5 presidents do the "Tear Down This Wall" speech in their own way.

[@ValiRossi]

Ok, so someone has a tough life making a guitar. It's a tougher life with no job. Americans went through it, so will other countries. I have US, Mexican, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Korean. etc. My money put people to work. Also, I would love to meet all the people that made my guitars.

[@MrWetrock]

It’s a bit relative to the worker and the economy of their country. American factory workers struggle to survive in our economy, like most factory workers around the world. The sales price is not their decision, it’s the owner’s call. We like to think the extra money is going to the worker. Usually not the case.

[@frankpaparo3045]

I would love a gibson or an American fender ultra 2 etc. But i just dont have that money laying around. The modern day epiphone and squire, michale kelly etc allow me to be able to persue my passion for guitars, multiple guitars are are a reality. And the quality has sky- rocketed . Amps pedals accessories i buy American.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Good episode Jack. See "The High Price of Low Cost" (2005).

[@artamussumatra6286]

I have a Telecaster that is American made, and my Stratocaster is Mexican made. I love them both equally, after trying out many, these were the ones that I chose because they made me the happiest to play them. As for status symbols, whenever I’ve shown my Guitars to Friends or Family, the one they always tend to be the most attracted to is my Squier Bullet Tele(which I also love playing as much as I do my American one) I guess irony can be pretty ironic sometimes….😆

[@nekkon1989]

I only own two guitars, an American Deluxe (what is now called Ultra) Telecaster and a Chinese Gretsch Electromatic which I funnily enough love more than the Tele. The nature of the guitar, the neck, the looks, what it inspires you to do, these are way more important things than country of origin. That being said, I'd love to be able to afford a Japanese made Gretsch White Falcon 😂

[@joshuaenos9001]

First let me just say... I grew up in a tough town from a middle class-blue collar family. As a kid all I wanted was an opportunity when I grow up for chance to succeed. A chance to not be burdened by what is and what has been, but to be empowered and encouraged by what can be. Today is not just today, it's also tomorrow. Then tomorrow becomes today and today becomes yesterday. Once today is yesterday, it's no longer today. When today is gone and tomorrow is today, will we say we are not burdened by yesterday and that when today becomes tomorrow we'll be encouraged.... That's why I only buy US Gibson and Fender guitars... most of the time...

[@Joe_whatuknow]

I have weird feelings about buying gear.... not just gear, but I have weird feelings about accumulating things in general. I really don't like it. I own American guitars because they are what I always wanted back when I couldn't afford gear and had: one guitar, one amp, one pedal and the idea of having more was completely ludicrous. I mainly buy American now because the one time I just completely bought a guitar on a whim it was a chinese epi 339, great guitar. But when I wanted to get rid of stuff 10 months later and this Chinese guitar was like maybe 1/3 of what I paid for it, that didn't feel good. At that time I owned 1 american made guitar. Now I own 3 and I know if I wanted to get rid of them I could get what I paid or more for them.

[@ronmoore1219]

I agree. I own an Am Performer strat, a Taylor 314 and an A10. Buying American is very important to me, but there are quality guitars from other countries (Canada, Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan) I’d compare price to quality to sound considerations. All while knowing I’m going American if at all possible. I won’t buy Chinese products because I have a prejudice against them.

[@Tonetwisters]

Well. What really matters is a situation of two things: Do you want a guitar that will stay new for the rest of your life (polyurethane finish). Or do you want a guitar that might sound better, feel better and aesthetically age over its life so that it looks and feels alive? (nitrocellulose lacquer) THAT ... from a player of 63 years.

[@dvp36]

Very reasoned argument . Reality is globalization has made things in relative terms so cheap and this has really encouraged a pile them high mentality. In the 80s I Played in bands and don’t think I knew anyone with more than one guitar . You wanted a changed you traded in and got another . Heard a top session musician who worked with all the top names say in the 80s he had a Strat and that was it. I’m Scottish and feel there is historical importance to where things are made . I have Chinese made guitars that I like but I want my Gibsons and Fenders made in the USA. There is an important significance, to me. Very much represents the spirit of Rock n Roll.

[@blueeyephil]

I have electric guitars made in USA (Gibson), Mexico (Fender), Indonesia ( PRS SE, G&L Tribute), Korea (Gretsch) and China (Eastman). I will say my Eastman and PRS SE are very high quality guitars as they came. I spent my money to get a Gibson Les Paul instead of an EPI, mostly status. I resisted China guitars because of my politcal issues. But as you said, can't get away from China goods. I think that it comes down to model as much as anything. My G&L Tribute had to have work to be playable, the Gretsch is Meh. But they are low end models. I've thought about it a lot and if I could only have one electric, it would probably be my MIM Fender Strat. But, I've changed the pickups and trem system. By the way, I attend a blues jam from time to time. I see very few USA guitars there. Even with the main guys that run it. They play Squire, Epi's and PRS SE mostly.

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

As I have aged and become more aware of the world economy, I too have become much more aware of labor exploitation. It’s tough to be selective though. I’m trying.

[@2309612]

Hmmm let me see Collings I35 LCV or Eastman? Close🤔

[@Lowtech14]

From quality standpoint it matters, and for electric guitar out the box the pecking order is USA, Japan, Mexico, Korea, Indonesia, China. Often it boils down to better components or quality control. This can be mitigated by a visit to the luthier for setup, intonation, and upgrades. As for culturally, socially, and morally, it’s whatever gets you through the night. I’m not sure how not buying a Chinese made guitar helps the Chinese factory worker, his wages or conditions.

[@lazvt8469]

Quality vs price of today's Harley Benton concerns me...'ghostly guilt' is perfect term.....too good for soo little. Some voodoo magic going on there ....or slave labor. Great balanced views, Jack.

[@ka4sxi]

I have a Harley Benton that I found for cheap. The quality is excellent. I think they can sell cheap because they have stolen designs. Secondly, it might signify that US companies like PRS, Gibson, and Fender are priced significantly higher than it takes to build.

[@mikedr1549]

Nobody complains about their "made in China" iPhone! I've got 12 guitars and 10 of them were made in the USA - so I guess it matters. BUT - it doesn't matter so much where it was made to me but rather I like to buy the best (perceived best) guitar I can afford and that's how it lined up.

[@DonOwens-rl2li]

I like American made guitars. That said, no one can buy any guitars here without some Americans getting paid, even if it is only the delivery person...

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

Great post! These are just my 2 cents and based solely on my own experience. I never bought into the made in USA guitar as I still think it is hit or miss, at least from the experience I've had with Fender! I go more for guitars made in Japan as I still have to own one that wasn't just perfect in quality and build! Eastman is a Chinese company and though they have mostly awesome quality, there are still a few slips here and there.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I think it’s hard for people to think of Gibson and Fender as American made anymore, for a lot of reasons, but mainly because they’ve become such a big brand, marketing their logos as much as their guitars, as well as sacrificing quality for quantity. I like to support actual local, like buying an amplifier built at a shop down the street, but that was sort of a one time big purchase. It’s hard to support local for a hobby without a lot of money! I’m fortunate enough to own an amp and guitar made within 100 miles of my home. It would be easier to support big American brands if they were focused more on making a good product and supporting their employees than on convincing us that their brand cares about our physical and mental well being

[@franknelsen9182]

Excellent talking points. Let's add that these guitars are copies, or intellectual theft. And there is a lot of counterfeits as well, made in the very same factories.

[@djacobmadrigal]

The philosopher Jean Baudrillard wrote about the four functions of consumer items. The most important is one it’s use or function. The last and least important is number 4 which is prestige which gets in the way of number 1. If it is a good product to use who cares about how other people will see you with the item?! If it a good product the priority the owner should have is it’s use not the prestige they will “have” by owning it. This is the brand mentality people have: it has to be Sony, or Mercedes, or Michelin, or Cuisinart, etc. Does it work well or amazingly and if u answered yes and it’s not a name brand, it shouldn’t mattter. Picasso painted very late in his life and much of it was garbage but people still bought them or gave the paintings high acclaim just bc of the name the same way the Committee in ncaa football gives the 8-3 Alabama a possible spot in the playoffs at the expense of teams with better records.

[@albertjabberin739]

Yeah it matters. USA all the way

[@kimlombardy3393]

Also Jack I'm not into paying an extra $2000 for an instrument just to be patriotic....God Bless America

[@PabloRichardFernandez]

“My man Teddy,” indeed.

[@TheCSteve]

I prefer to buy not USA made Guitars .. Its over priced and there are Guitars from Canada like OrangeWood and the japan made Takamine that dont break the bank but sound very awesome .. You dont need more than 1000 dollar to find a good acoustic if you let Martin for what its is because those guitars are overpriced too .. Fender is even overated these days because you can get a strat with all the high end stuff that a real strat have for 900 dollar ! Thank me later and have a nice day !

[@kiragina.7152]

I have guitars made in Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the USA. I don't like the governments of any of those countries, but a good guitar is a good guitar.

[@graemero5532]

You make some fine, considered points Jack, but I'm going to dare to say I agrred with the Gibson "authentic" ad that was hated. I.P theft is just a no no for me.

[@JackFossett]

I really thought the backlash to that was overblown dramatics. People just love to hate Gibson and make it a sport.

[@msmoniz]

As a Canadian, other than Godin and their associated brands, all guitars are foreign made to me. I have Gibsons, Epiphones and Squiers, and I have them because for each respective guitar, they were what I wanted at the quality/price ratio I was willing to pay for. My Indonesian made Squiers play and sound fantastic and I'm glad how much I saved vs buying their American or Mexican made counterparts, with some being double to 4x the price I paid, but based on my trying them out, don't play 2x to 4x better than my Squiers. I understand wanting to support domestic guitar jobs, but when the quality level isn't there compared to a more affordable "foreign" competing product, that's just supporting mediocrity at best, and laziness at worst. Hence why Gibson and Fender were getting their behinds kicked in the 70s and 80s by Japanese versions/copies of their guitars, and in Fender's case, by their own sub-brand Squier and their Japanese made Squiers which were in many cases much better than what was coming out of Fender in California for significantly less!! It took that economic butt kicking for these companies by the end of the 80s to seriously up their American made quality, and not just rest on their laurels as an "American Made" guitar to get players back on board with justifying paying more for American made because the quality was where it should have been all along.

[@ToddH76]

Yes it matters to me. I want them to continue to make guitars in America and keep those companies here. So I only buy made in USA. I do love the Mexican made fenders also. Status means nothing to me. I absolutely love my am pro 2 strat and Les Paul 50s standard.

[@USTTRM]

The early Tokai ST series had Rock Maple necks and Alder bodies sourced from the states in part. So MIJ is a viable alternative to MIA.

[@robt5818]

When you consider what you said about the first circle, taking care of yourself and your family, can't you take better care of the first circle with the $1,000 you save by passing on a fancy American guitar? Of course, if you can afford it, buy the guitar and/or amp that you like. 🎸

[@kimlombardy3393]

I think it used to, not so much anymore..... so many components that are in USA guitars are foreign made, just like cars. There are NO cars where every thing in it is made In USA. Also the quality of many, not all, foreign guitars are definately equal to American made ones. I got over what the headstock says along time ago, so much of the price nowadays is brand name driven.

[@bluzmansix]

This whole thing has more layers than an onion. Some good points made but its way deeper. Think about environmental ethics as well (as a species, Brazilian rosewood did not fare well from the guitar industry on the whole).

[@czarofzonk1360]

Regarding PRS guitars: They just need to move to a red state, where the climate is more business friendly. The craftsmanship started with Paul Smith and a small team and it remains top notch, even with a larger staff size and larger factory building. The SE line is very good, but not at the USA level. The price of PRS' USA guitars is influenced the most due to the exorbitant overhead costs of being situated in a blue state.

[@MrMrjauregui]

I would take a Chinese Eastman over an American Fender or Gibson, any day. However, there is something to be said about purchasing a homeland product and supporting it's manufacturing. That is the main reason I own bith Gibson's and Fender MIA.

[@davolk9525]

Good video Jack. With respect to China, I make a conscious effort to avoid buying things made in China whenever I can. Some things are unavoidable like cell phones and other tech. It's harder with music stuff too if you have your heart set on a specific guitar or amp and it happens to be made in China. But it's not as hard as you think with other everyday items. Gotta try though. China is not our friend.

[@dwocelot6913]

The other twist is that the people being mistreated in the factories of wherever would starve without the job. It's the only game in town. so when you boycott the product you're threatening their existence.

[@JackFossett]

Absolutely correct. We live in a seriously broken world.

[@borowland5744]

I'm fortunate enough to have in possession a lot of guitars from numerous origins. Its just my opinion and only my opinion, but the American made stuff is way better. There is one exception of all of my non American guitars, and that is one that I have by Yamaha. Its a Revstar. The Japanese Vintage modified 60's Strat is ok.

[@robdavis8307]

It matters only to whom it matters. Play the instrument you like and stop wasting time on "status symbols." If you absolutely have to have a 'status symbol', with top notch quality, buy a Warmoth neck and body in the design you like, and outfit it the way you want.

[@konkonidaris8469]

Honestly I used to think about the "misery" factor of products being made in overseas sweatshops, and how once they were revealed to consumers in western markets sometimes an ethical boycott would occur... at first I thought this was a good thing. But say the factory gets shut down due to an ethical boycott, then what? Are the unemployed factory workers better off without a job? Would the new job they find offer batter conditions? I just think I would rather people kept their jobs, and hope living standards improve, and that by buying a guitar it has kept someone in a job, albeit a bad one, a little longer, and they managed to feed their family for another day.

[@novacatscratchfevr5325]

@@konkonidaris8469 BINGO!!

[@Twinhit]

The value of human life is reduced on the home front, first. Then the attitude is applied to those working overseas. Out of sight out of mind. There are over a billion Chinese people in China. Far more than in the US. Supply & Demand..... When supply is high, the price goes down. Labor is cheap or costly because a nation's population dictates it.

[@TheSamShow20]

I guess I'm weird. I've never felt an ounce of patriotism. If I were born in another country I would be expected to be patriotic to that country. In theory American made is supposed to feel better in sound better. Sometimes it's just one or the other. If you can find a cheap guitar that looks and sounds and feels amazing... More power to you

[@Amish_Trivedi]

"There is no ethical consumption under capitalism" is a social media era meme, but it's kinda accurate.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Opposed to communism? Capitalism has only become perverted as of recently because of the scuzzy gangsters in Govt.

[@strumminronin]

Yes-ish. In terms of the quality of the item, generally no. In terms of bringing jobs to a location that matters to the player (owner, collector) then absolutely yes. I feel "awful" to have bought a brand new budget guitar, for less money than the works that my guitar requires. My local guitar tech needs to put food on the table just like any other worker, and so do I; so is there a "right" approach to this situation?

[@clarkerobertson2764]

I have a Yamaha AEX1500 jazz box which has impeccable workmanship. Yamahas are made in Japan.

[@JackFossett]

Made in Japan has pretty much always been super

[@vince89503]

I do find that pick ups made in USA are a fair bit better than Chinese models.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Doesn't matter, CNC evens out the quality. I support USA made but it isn't the only criteria and USA made is cost prohibitive.

[@TheAshleywiggins]

The biggest problem with American versus foreign made is that the workers are always compared rate wise ,but not the CEOs. To make the same profit margins as other countries here, they just charge more. If it was an industry trying to make guitars, companies serving their country and employees, it'd be much cheaper and higher quality. Psychopathic pursuit of ever growing profit for share holders and executives though doesn't end well usually. Ask CBS and Norlin in the late 70s.

[@RussInCanada]

I've seen some pretty terrible 'made in the USA' guitars.

[@fawkesandhound]

Ha! I have one- it’s a POS Peavy Predator. Was low budget entry level guitar but technically now it’s vintage (30 years old) AND they happened to make it in the US. So like, it’s intrinsically more valuable than it could ever be worth.

[@profane_kvetch]

Earlier this year, I had to decide between a US made Stratocaster and a MIJ Stratocaster. It wasn't even close: the Japanese guitar was better in every regard.

[@bmg696]

Yes, it absolutely matters to me. I buy American whenever possible, to support American jobs. I get it though, some people just can't afford to support American jobs, and unfortunately have look to China.

[@mike70s]

I've owned fender custom shop, USA Strats, Chinese Squiers. I didnt feel any more or less special owning either. If anything, I felt more stupid owning a custom shop 63 because I've never played a real 63, so it felt fake. The explanation of the chinese people makes these decisions harder. I just wish the world was fair for all. Westerners get their cake

[@ashleyspeake3168]

I have had an American made Stratocaster, and I have a Gretsch 6120-DE, made in Japan The Gretsch is hands down the better made of the two.

[@JackFossett]

Made in Japan are held in equally or even higher regard

[@CC-fi3pp]

Do not give money to the country we could have a world war with, that's just insane.

[@Monedgar123]

But trade can help prevent war. I hear what u are saying and somewhat agree, but having trade interests to consider really can blunt the drive to war. Which saves lives.

[@MrTabasham1990]

It's a stupid conversation because most of the stuff in your house was made overseas. Idk why it's an issue with instruments.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Why? We still have a choices and options with musical instruments.

[@hoganshideout]

Fender made some of the best guitars they have ever made in the 80s -- the Fullerton era reissues. I don't the the 80s are considered particularly bad for Fender or Gibson.

[@mrbigg7255]

Globalism VS Isolationism. National pride is a thing that has been lost in this country and people are shamed by the media for it. I just seen during the presidential race.

[@fordhammie]

From a resale persoective, Japan and USA made bring the best returns but if you're gonna keep the guitar, how its made is more important than where! PRS's SE CORT factory outta INDO, is TOP SHELF! Eastman is chinese, however they dont get their nuts right! Look at the round fret markers and you'll see that most of them arent centered! Korea and Japan ROCK at high numbers!

[@rickclark4714]

My American standard strat and tele are better that the Mexican and Chinese guitars I’ve had. They’ve stayed, others have cycled out. I’d give a Japan made one a try tho. Gibsons are pretty pricey these days tho.

[@williamnapolitano1550]

I think what it comes down to is inferior materials, For example a USA made strat has better quality wood, and less pieces that make up the body. Made in Mexico, less quality wood, and scrap pieces and more of them to make the Mexican strat body Overall a USA made strat is better.. what do you all think?

[@jimilee459]

Hi Jack. Status means nothing the older you get, it just doesn’t. I buy USA made whenever possible, but I don’t avoid things made outside the US. I might avoid made in China because, generally things are cheaper and a lower quality. Why China? Well they seem to mass produce quite a bit of things we find here. Also, what Max said, it may be our perception or even assumption that the person is in misery, they might be just as happy as we are. The fact is, without research and evidence, we just don’t know. On the other hand, Foxconn employees were killing themselves for a while, so it’s safe to say they weren’t happy. So point and counterpoints could be made all day, I suppose.

[@ryno9677]

Made in the USA guitars are price gouged to the max by certain companies iyam.

[@russellzauner]

no what matters is WHO made it - I am still boycotting all Cort/Cor-Tek products, so yeah, that means PRS and Harley Benton, among others. there are plenty of guitars out there to choose from without having to get something that was basically made cheap for me because someone else suffered.

[@azmike3572]

Yes, it matters. Women only put their phone numbers in the tip jar of players of American-made guitars. 🙂

[@crucifixgym]

Made in China and Mexico has increased my quantity of guitars from 5 to 20.

[@ramencurry6672]

I own American guitars. Mexican and Chinese guitars are actually better when you customize it with the electronics and particular wiring mods you prefer and take it to a tech to improve it. As a result I hardly touch my American guitars.

[@MrTuberguber]

I'm curious, are the Chinese allowed to buy those guitars? Are they allowed to perform songs about freedom, hope, political protest, clean air or making love in the back of a Dodge.

[@christianhertwig1593]

Does being made in the USA matter? Depends on who you ask and where. 😂

[@Metro_Gnome]

Im logical with my loyalty My ACOUSTICS, are all canadian and american. I know eastman alvarez epi IBG blah blah but…theyre actually levels above imports. Fr my experonce It really does matter…yes you can get an eastman but the used market is a martin taylor larrivee goldmine if youre patient Electrics, japan indinesia and korea have always been good and quality runs in that order. China makes GOOD stuff now but…used american strat or tele is the same price as the truly GREAT and consisitently great higher end of tje spectrum chinese guitar. So really we should just be used prowling at all times because no matter what youre looking for…an american/canadian worstcase scenario mexican guitars for tje same price as the ‘better’ 300-400 imports *to be clear, I have EIGHT chinese guitars. Four earts, an Indio LP, a Chibson, and 2 partscaster made of chinses parts…im not a snob im just giving advice

[@Metro_Gnome]

I should add, as someone who plays on chinese guitars everyday… I also have a tonne of luthier tools, some of which i had to make to get jobs done…if you arent comfortable levelling frets..or rounding edges with a file maybe stay away. Also im referring to USED american guitars on FBM being firesaled, not used at a store+tax

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

Not only do I tend to buy things made in America to support my own country whenever I practically can but I even prefer to buy things made in New England whenever I can to support the part of America where I'm from (theoretically Alaska too because I lived there when I was in the army but not much stuff is made in Alaska). Beyond that though I prefer to support companies that keep their jobs in America rather than outsource them to places like China where under the Chinese communist party they can pay people almost nothing to make the stuff and ship the products to America to save a bit of money rather than build it here with likely better quality and certainly less human rights violations. Like you said it's extremely difficult to just not buy anything made in China or other countries where companies can exploit extremely poor people but I make an effort to not buy things made in those countries when I can reasonably avoid it. I'm aware those extremely poor people do what they can to feed their families with the money they get from being exploited by American corporations but I strongly suspect the best solution to people living in that kind of poverty is not American companies taking advantage of them for higher profit margins.

[@novacatscratchfevr5325]

Riddle me this! Would those people working in poor conditions for low pay to make guitars in other countries be better off if people didn’t buy those guitars and they lost their jobs? I get the ethical issues. I also buy American whenever possible and encourage Americans to do the same. That said, I do not buy American bc of ethics! In fact, the logic of boycotting goods made in foreign sweat shops bc of ethics escapes me. Why? Because not buying goods made in those sweat shops will not make those workers’ lives better. Instead it will likely make their lives worse.

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

Like I said, the best solution to extreme poverty is not foreign companies coming in and exploiting people for cheap labor. It's up to the governments of countries like China and Vietnam to figure out how to pull their people out of that kind of poverty, not American corporations. In the meantime I will continue to tend to avoid buying products from American companies manufactured in those countries for the purpose of exploiting the extremely poor because it cuts costs for the company.

[@briandriver301]

Gibson is superior to Epiphone. Average Gibsons are about $2500. Great Epi's are about $800. Gibsons are better, but they aren't 50% better. Gibson are only about 20% better. Unless you look at the headstock, you can't even tell the difference.

[@jimd.1188]

I always buy a case of local beer every time I buy a Chinese made guitar. I guess it’s sort of like a carbon offset.

[@novacatscratchfevr5325]

Jack, Will the person who is having a hard life and built a guitar have a better life if people do not buy those guitars and they lose their jobs? That said, not for ethical reasons but for patriotic and pro-American reasons I hope Americans buy American.