GSWJ - Channel Debut! Introducing Hsienmo Guitars

[@wm3798]

My epiphone acoustic hummingbird is all the 0:51 guitar i will ever need its good enough for my level of talent......i love my epi....

[@panayotiscanellopoulos8696]

I first saw this brand 18 months ago.... Their Martin-ish D45 for. ..,.1500$. US.., inredible sound and luxury design.... I'm happy for JP introducing this brand to us....I owe JP my Epiphone Excellente purchasing.... Greetings from Greece!!!❤❤

[@TallTreesClub]

My dad grew up in Athens. I was born in Canada and never learned Greek. Remembering dad last night, I searched some modern Greek tunes last weekend and played chords to them even though I don't know the lyrics. Cheers, from Oregon, USA

[@jjallyn3151]

Thanks for showing them to us, I ordered a redwood/cocobolo one they had on sale from stock. Looking forward to it getting here. Fantastic to get to hear all the flavors of guitar you find. Very grateful to you.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

How much is the shipping, taxes, tarifs etc ?

[@lefthandpath1587]

@@Joe-m6p6b Shipping is $80 by sea freight (30 to 40 days). Air shipment is about $200 (3 to 5 days, if you're impatient). Tax , Tariffs - depends on the country and the customs guy. Mine was declared value $1250 and I paid no tariff at all in the US and no tax.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

@lefthandpath1587 Thanks! Here in Germanistan the government robs us ca. 25% on top of the guitar price and on shipping fees as well...

[@jjallyn3151]

@@Joe-m6p6b I paid the $180 for ups 5-7 day shipping Their web site does not collect tariff or tax so I will be paying that on my end somehow.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

@@Joe-m6p6b I always paid their UPS Global Express and it is quick, no tariff/duty at all. At least until January 20 🤣

[@oprymusicstore4851]

My mentor Mr. Don Fitzsimmons formerly of moncton built all his guitars with that same fingerboard not attatched to the top as well. His are done for quick neck adjustment and no bad effects on top vibration. This made me smile. Hope you are well old friend from Vince's Opry Music Store.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

JP is playing the BASE model Hsienmo 000-12 which is Sitka and Rosewood. $US 1380.00 when I just looked at their site. One left right now. The rest are more expensive woods, mine is German/Madi and "stunningly ornate" and it sounds knock-your-socks-off good. FWIW, none of mine had a fret move in transit, they all arrived perfectly. My mallet remains in the drawer :)

[@larryrhindress2972]

WOW, double WOW, that little guitar is way beyond good! Just frigging amazing.

[@CoreyMcCormick]

Great to hear this! Truth be told, I've been eyeing guitars from this company for over a year now and never pulled the trigger. I think a week before you started mentioning Hsienmo on String Theory, I ordered a 000-12 Deluxe and am anxiously awaiting its arrival! Looks like I made the right call. That 000 sounds awesome!

[@d.j.williams-hello]

I jumped on a German/madagascar 000-12 custom shop as soon as they came out in the summer when I found out it had a wider 46mm nut. Yay. (They have two in stock now, which is new news). The one JP is playing is the base sitka/rw and lt $1.4k When mine came a week later I was astounded how good it was. So when them made a mahogany version, I had to get its brother too. Not one regret. The only way to go is direct from their custom shop for me.

[@ianshadrick1414]

I’ve been eyeing them too and had been back and forth but very glad to see JP’s review. Really excited to do a Cedar/RW small body.

[@jeffkennedy5344]

Great content as always man. Love your music and what you do in terms of giving guitarists license to explore non-traditional brands.

[@poguie]

Once again JP calls it as it is... a stunning instrument. I acquired a Lowden-style F shape sinker redwood and african blackwood from Hsienmo earlier this year... initially, because of the price, I thought... well, it might not be that good, but at least I haven't spent the amount of a Collings or Lowden on it. But, in my opinion, it is every bit as good as my 30 year old Lowden and Boucher guitar that I bought after watching JP's reviews, just with a different voice. I can't recommend them highly enough and they are also very responsive to deal with online during the ordering process. Li, the owner, always answered my queries within a day or two as I was customising my guitar to a degree and having an LR Baggs Anthem installed as well. The price I paid including the LR Baggs and shipping was US$2800, the equivalent Lowden guitar using the same woods as my Hsienmo sells here in Australia for AU$20K. Incidentally, I love my Lowden, Maton and Boucher guitars every bit as much as the Hsienmo and would also recommend them just as highly but I believe Hsienmo deserve to be recognised as the premium guitar builder that they are, bringing great base models and also more boutique exotic tone woods within reach to guitar enthusiasts all around the world.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Love the Boucher too.

[@poguie]

@@d.j.williams-hello each of them take my breath away every time I pick one up. Just different flavours so to speak.

[@patcampbell9766]

Beauty of a guitar, sounds great.

[@TallTreesClub]

Hsienmo owners often get 2 or more. I've got sinker redwood w/ cocobolo and German spruce w/ Indian rosewood. The Luthier enjoys playing guitar and seems to love music. BTW, they can configure from scratch your choices - see the LC&Friends Custom in Hsienmo Guitars top menu

[@cph630_Chris]

I’ve been looking at these Hsienmo guitars. Thinking of building a custom 00 with them.

[@BartonEvans-y8e]

I have worked with Li Chen in 2 builds. I got the 1st recently- an over the top amazing Sitka/Bosnian maple MJC. Terrific folks to work with. With the increased awareness, be prepared for an LC & Friends order to take some time.

[@yvandewever6518]

Prices will rise next year 20 january, I guess😂

[@bostonbesteats364]

Hsienmo actually has a dealer in the US, Wolfe in Jupiter FL (near W Palm Beach). I bought mine from their biggest dealer, Leen, a very good dealer in Malaysia, 1 week shipping to Boston. They also have dealers in India, Thailand, Singapore, Ireland, and Bahrain. Or you can get direct from the factory. Amazing guitar

[@KenneyCmusic]

That's a beast of a sound for that price. I bought a Martin D13E a few years ago right before I started watching JP consistently, and it was nothing but headaches from the start. I almost chose a D10 before it, but returned it for neck issues, chose the D13, same thing. They just don't come set up by a professional luthier before they sell them, so I had to pay for it myself. Now, it sounds great but I've seen many better guitars for the price I paid.

[@MatthewPeskay]

Been a while JP. Missed you pal. Come visit us in LA sometime!!

[@localguy8]

I had another dealer sent me a 41 D45 cheaper but it was not solid wood back n sides ❤🎸🎸🎸👍🏻 China’s been making guitars for lots of companies, they have matured .

[@SamHollidayV]

People who scold folks for buying stuff from China are often doing so on iPhones… also made in China.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

Jean played the deep Yangtse Blues? 🎸🤔✍️😁👍 Great playing as ever by the way. Thanks!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

BASE price for most models by Hsienmo using Sitka spruce and wild Indian rosewood back & sides with mahogany neck is $1000. Of course the price goes up from there depending on your choice of exotic tonewoods and appointments. Incredible value. I own 4 Hsienmo's.........all bought factory direct from their custom shop. I absolutely love em.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

How much was the shipping and the taxes and customs?

[@TallTreesClub]

@@Joe-m6p6b It's minimal. I bought through Reverb and $185 shipping was all there was. Less than 4 days and it came overseas to our door in Oregon. Hard case included in price usually. I think shipping ordering direct from Hsienmo varies but is similar or included in the selling price.

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

I sold my 00018 2013 Martin..and just bought a Yamaha..hmmm

[@TP-ev8xp]

NO THANK YOU, WE DON`T WANT TO INCREASE PRICES!! That´s why HSIENMO is going to be succesful!

[@meancana]

I have a Gibzon 😊 But....I'm intrigued!

[@Doty6String]

This guitar sounds stupid good. I think the reason they will take some time to break into the market here is they need to make an original design innovation. Could be a dread with the floating fingerboard or something. However I’ll happily buy they killer clones for Pennies on the dollar.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

We are all free to use our own discretion. We can change our mind too. If a musician got their high end guitar stolen, had gigs to do, and not much money. Chinese guitars would be looking pretty good. I can see wanting to support my own economy too. There is nothing to fight about.

[@chezlerq4478]

Beautiful guitar. Love that style. I have a Martin OOOO; M-36. BUT,... They don't need to crank their prices up so high because the cost of living over there is a lot lower than it is over here (USA). Our prices need to come down. I just bought a Chinese made Guild 12 string F-1512. Great guitar. Solid rosewood back and sides, Spruce top that has all the figuring you have on that one. Absolutely beautiful. It is the best looking guitar I own, and I have a dozen. Like is standard on Guild, this guitar has a big, booming sound. Tons of volume, easy to play too loud. Sounds just as good when played softly. The ring and chime I would put up against any other. This is my second 12 string, neither has electric. My first one was my only guitar for 35 years. I love a 12 string. Now, I have too many choices. But, I love this Guild. Only $1000.00 retail. If you don't have one, you should try one out. You'll buy it. Good tuners, tusq nut and saddle, smooth fret ends, perfect intonation, perfect set-up from the factory. As far as pricing of these Chinese guitars, even the special ones like yours; If they get marked up, it will be by the distributors here in the USA, and the wrong people will reap the extra profits. I say, enjoy the low cost of buying Chinese while we can. The economies will balance out eventually, and the prices will too. Love your channel, man. Keep up the good life.

[@646627jd]

That's just as nice as a Martin . Look at that angle of the Strings at the Bridge. Wow.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

BTW, JP, I think this is one of the key points no one covers on their floating neck design - from their own video and how action adjustment is done on these. Unique. "Lifting bolt on vs Floating bolt on neck, How to adjust string action" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYa6qpupi96Drassi=MCt4uS6zJOHwEJl0 and... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqZnGN9nJ1qotksi=19X4DOM16K54PB_I

[@FaithHopeLove77]

Thanks for showing another cool option. Ever try a Froggy Bottom? Wondering why so pricy and the website says they may hang it up after 55 years due to getting older so may be end of a successful team.

[@jawhiz1]

I can tell ya at first lick I could tell that was an out standing guitar

[@fransrademaker8492]

Hi JP, it is true. There are great master luthiers in China. I appreciate that you show that on your channel. Today I also found a luthier in Thailand. Its called "Herman guitars". You must watch. His guitars are sounds so good. Maybe even beter than Taylor guitars and way more effortable. You will enyoy it.

[@howardlewis3153]

J.P.,, Ho Here (I'm a fan): "Guangdong" is a Provence of China (like a Provence of Canada). Guangdong has many cities. For example: Jiangmen (Workers from Jiangmen built the Western leg of the USA's Transcontinental Rail Road. Then we sent them back to China. But the left their Cantonese cuisine here in North America. The name "Cantonese" is rooted in the Brit's habit of calling Guangzhou (Guangdong's larges City) "Canton." Foreign powers like Great Britten, Germany, Japan the USA and other world powers have controlled China for centuries, by trading in opium and keeping the peasants on the brink of starvation. You've heard of the "Opium Wars" and "Gun Boat Diplomacy" I presume. The history of China over the last 300 years has been one characterized by starvation and repression. That changed starting in WWII. The Chinese built a bomber base in Chengdu with picks, shovels, and their bare hands-a base beyond the reach of Japanese aircraft. So our boys could bomb Tokyo then fly back to Chengdu for a good night's sleep. China has embraced a market economy and private ownership, while the government maintains ownership of strategic industries. It makes sense to protect their country from foreign domination and control. We should probably consider owning our own strategic industries like "Steel and Semiconductors" I just performed in China for six weeks. It was my seventh visit to China. The Chinese are sweet, kind, generous, clever, family oriented, well educated, optimistic, and energetic. They treat me like a Rock Star. The Chinese people are fans of Western Pop Music. During my first tour in 2002 I noticed that nearly every Chinese Pop song had a Barry Manilow modulation somewhere in the middle. I will go so far as to say, "China is the Best Friend we have in the world." When people grouse about China, suggest that they go for a visit. They will be both welcomed and dazzled. Howard Hinterthuer ("Embedded Reporter")

[@hunterbushell3276]

Man who cares where a guitar is made. I bought a yamaha LLTA thats made on china about a year ago and it seriously gives a d28 a run for its money

[@silvel2edge]

Which would be the closest model to a ceo-7? Would that be a 000 or 00?

[@tomopie4296]

Poured over Haiemo website four months ago. Was very tempted to pull the trigger because they look like a heck of a bargain. But I did tour the Martin factory in Nazareth. Highly recommend you tour it Their employees are well taken care of and most never quit. So bought a new D28 at GC instead. It plays and sounds great. I also have a few Asians so not being judgemental. . GC is not locking up there high end Martin's anymore. Give them a try. They are cheaper than high end boutique brands and are in many cases just as good. (Resale value)

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Cough - JP, I am now up to 7. They're all knock-outs. Hsienmo GAS. Have to get a few before they skyrocket. Their neck design pretty much eliminates the possibility of neck resets as we know it. And the action is adjusted by shimming the neck up or down, not sanding or replacing the saddle.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Yep. I bought my 1st Hsienmo in November of 2023 factory direct from their custom shop. Loved it SO much, I wound up with 4 ( total .......all from their custom shop......but I didn't have them made, they were already available ) Hsienmo acoustic's within 8 months. Yet another advantage to the floating fingerboard, is that it totally eliminates the dreaded "S shaped hump" where the fingerboard meets the body, that often occurs as an acoustic gets older........and it's a very expensive fix.

[@646627jd]

All I cas say is WOW!!!!!!!!

[@lefthandpath1587]

Whats kinda funny is folks jumping back in horror at the 'a *chinese* guitar - favorable review', would buy the Trump Guitar without hesitation. After all, its 'officially endorsed;, and has an American Eagle decaled body, 'make america great again' fretboard inlay, and "45" headstock logo. Even though is a dead certainty that that guitar ($10,000 for the signed one) was made in either South Korea, Thailand, or China.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

Nice guitar. Do they also use hide glue? Which Tuners did they bring with IT? Is IT better sounding as a Martin or Eastman etc.?

[@Doty6String]

Think you can hear glue?

[@bostonbesteats364]

They typically use their house-branded tuners (don't know who makes them, but they are excellent). But you can get them to add Gotoh 510, Grover, or GraphTech Ratio when customizing your guitar. Necks are bolt-on (variations on either a McPherson style or a Taylor style as far as I can tell), don't know about glue on the rest of the guitar

[@BartonEvans-y8e]

They use hide glue. Their own tuners are excellent.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

@@Doty6String of course...and smell.

[@GEKO1200]

I’ve seen right now video of other “inpirations”, SJ200, D45 and Lowdens 50. They look amazing, sound? I think you have to check them live, but stupid question: what about “intellectual property”, I mean, can they copy anything without legal consequences? Or is simply to expensive to prosecute? Do you remember Ibanez lawsuit of the ‘70? Maybe I just don’t know the current rules🤷🏻‍♂️

[@chester777ful]

There are a lot of even cheaper guitars than that most new makers have copied high end guitars and sound as good the game is up for high end guitars now

[@NotTelling51]

Hope the next one is a dread

[@landocalrissian5180]

I just tried to go to their website and I got one of those “your iPhone was hacked” popups. Where do I find their official catalog?

[@d.j.williams-hello]

wrong web site.

[@bostonbesteats364]

hsienmoguitars (one word) dot. I don't get any popups or anything. I'm running Norton on my Mac and it would warn me of anything

[@dankeck6230]

Hey J P do you sell these? Can you order me one if I give you the specs?

[@x5-acousticguitarstuff.2]

I own a Gibson Epiphone SJ-18 na. S/N Z020506** Made in the Zaozhuang Saehan plant in China in 200O. ( 1998 - 2003 ) In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which now manufactures all chinese Epiphone guitars. Epiphones that were constructed at the Zaozhuang Saehan plant in China were High Quality and are considered Collector Items.

[@646627jd]

I bought from China. And the one's i have are AMAZING!!!!!!!

[@timtsh]

JP, the truth is that it's basically hateful and racist to think about Chinese guitars that way. All I can say is that I own a couple Yamahas and one Alvarez made in China, and they are fantastic guitars. And I could not have afforded that quality buying Martin, Taylor, Gibson, etc. I am a blue collar working dad, so I play what I can afford. Thanks for showing us good gear for prices that regular folks can afford--Tim.

[@bostonbesteats364]

I originally found Hsienmo in 2022 when I was searching for the acoustic equivalent of Shijie Guitars (high-end Chinese electric guitars that are custom shop quality at a fraction of the price). Just like Yamaha did for entry-level electric guitars with their Pacifica 112 in the mid 1990's (reliable quality for a great price compared to the crappy entry-level guitars commonly available at the time, now there are many competitors making good inexpensive electric guitars), other acoustic guitar brands will have to stop sitting on their logo-ed rear ends and actually compete. I'm all for buying American, but not if you are going to rip me off.

[@kennethbransford820]

Get what fixed? Your horse head tick? haha

[@markcomeau5851]

I am still puzzled about pricing, I have two boucher’s I paid $7000 apiece for them built in my own Country, and then China builds a this type with all solid wood, you know rosewood spruce top etc, it must take them at least 4 months to build, and with the shipping and handling, and shows up in some music store for $1500. This just does not sound right to me.

[@TallTreesClub]

Prices are starting to rise. And their not all $1500. Some are less, but some with luxurious ammendments are over $2500.

[@bostonbesteats364]

I've been following Hisenmo since 2022. Back then, you could get one for as little as 500-700. I got my 2022 OM for 950 with free shipping. As they are getting better known, they've been able to raise prices and their average price is going up. Most are in the 1500 range now, and the most expensive one I've seen was 6000 (Brazilian rosewood). But they do so much customization, the prices range widely from guitar to guitar (they'll even do a custom logo for you). They only make 30-50 guitars a month, so a custom one will take a few months. JP is right, get one while you can still afford one

[@Tbone1952]

I don’t buy anything from China, but will from Japan any day!!

[@glencooper1091]

The current exchange rate is 1 Yuan for every US .14 cents. Chances are they are making good money! I agree its an awesome guitar.

[@vincentrockel1149]

The problem is the global corporate supply structure breeds oligarchs and is not sustainable.. besides being responsible for most of the conflict and inequality in the world... oh, and extinctions and added co2.. But hey, if it sounds good and you don't mind the song then...

[@RickMcCargar]

We get it..when you make your money pushing guitars...you're always looking for a company that will support you.

[@lefthandpath1587]

That's just lazy, dude. As are Martin and Taylor; Martin with their infamous 'lifting bridges' qualtiy control issue, on guitars that are less than a few years old, and Taylor charging boutique prices for factory builds. Which is why Chinese companies focused on quality are going to own this market if Martin and Taylor keep coasting down the Gibson path. I'm American. I'm pro-American. But I'm not going to defend sh*t quality and deliberate mediocrity over clearly superior and much less pricey craftsmanship.

[@RickMcCargar]

The reason the prices are lower, is because they don't require their companies to protect their employees or the environment. So when you buy chinese, you are avoiding paying for those things that U.S. companies are required to pay for. So yeah, they're less expensive. When we have no jobs because they're all in China...then what?

[@stevebernard221]

Where did the device you used to post your comment with come from?

[@lefthandpath1587]

Really? You believe that KKR- the hedge fund that owns Gibson- is super focused on employees and the environment? I work in finance, and if you believe that, you've never met a hedge fund guy.

[@Coco-ku3be]

When we have no jobs we can blame AI and everyone who played a part in its conception and implementation. We have much bigger problems than worrying about how much China gets paid to produce what it does and whether or not we should buy products from there. A lot of "smart" people in North America are working tirelessly to ensure we humans will have no jobs period no matter where we live. Lets just chill out and realize that J.P knows a hell of a lot more than 99.9 percent of the people watching his vids when it comes to guitars. I really enjoy watching all his reviews and you can just tell that he is not full of BS but the total opposite which is an admiral quality these days especially in respect to those making money on You Tube.

[@corycunningham8675]

Like JP said - we are here for the guitars. If you wanna throw politics out there, it better come with solutions. Otherwise, let’s just keep the guitar channel about guitars.

[@elsizzle2000]

Their website leads to scam pop ups. This guys says same hyperbole about every single gutars he "reviews". Ive went to play a few he gushed over and they all sounded unexceptional. Also to these people says omg it sounds amazing in youtube video, please get your brain and ears checked. Everything sounds amazing in front of good mic. Nowhere near the way you hear a guitar when you're playing it.

[@lefthandpath1587]

Gee, who to believe on sound quality. Legit musical genius who plays: fiddle, guitar, upright bass, banjo, mandolin, drums, percussion, synthesizer, cello, tenor banjo and piano, and who is talked about in the same breath as Doc Watson? Or random guy making a call based on what comes out of his laptop speakers?

[@elsizzle2000]

@lefthandpath1587 believe your own self. Everyone has genius. Dont put others on God Like pedestal and open your eyes ton KZbin "reviews". They get paid or free stuff to give glowing reviews. If not, they wouldn't get paid or get the free stuff.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Yes I agree I've never heard him say omg this guitar sucks lol. Definitely all paid advertising. But it's still entertaining

[@bostonbesteats364]

@@LifeWideOpen780 He doesn't review guitars that suck, which is to be expected. JP is a widely known musician with many records and awards to his name, not your average KZbinr. Do you really think he's going to damage his reputation by being a shill for crappy guitars just so he can make the pittance that a KZbin channel of this size earns?

[@marcelcornect7174]

I would agree, they are well built guitars, being sold for half the price of a Martin. Labour cost are way lower in China. Just like the electric cars the Chinese are making for half the price of North American EV. Are the Chinese flooding the market with low costs product, many subsidized by their government, in order to overwhelm and out compete our economy?

[@lindafields8995]

Warning, Do not search Hsienmo guitars. The sites offered will screw up your PC. Thanks JP. By the way , that quitar sounds like shit.

[@TallTreesClub]

Aside from your search failure, I've got a solution for others. Type hsienmoguitars from scratch in your URL window. Not sure why the search gliche .... I get it on my computer. I've been on the site often. Bought 2 already and pondering a 3rd with redcedar top.

[@646627jd]

With the floating finger board . I would think that would help the top vibrant more.

[@barbrakemp2989]

John, if you would put strings on a broom, it would sound good when you play it

[@John-wr6yo]

McPherson guitars are of the cantilevered neck,always have been.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

@JPCormier how long do these videos stay hidden from the world as 'MEMBERS FIRST'? Thanks