GSWJ - Channel Debut! Introducing Hsienmo Guitars

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

I became a dealer for Hsienmo, and have struggled with wanting to keep them all lol. Pretty strong words for a guy who has the best vintage Martins and luthier builds in his hands all the time, but that’s the way I feel about Hsienmo.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Hsienmo guitars are going to become harder and harder to get so buy from stock quickly folks. Shawn has some so don't hesitate. They are staying small-shop and won''t sacrifice quality (and launching an electric line soon), but demand has gone big-time for their acoustics. :) you read it here first! 😍 No whining - y'all have been warned.

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

@ShawnBrockMusic wow now That's good to know

[@ScriptureSongs]

Thank you for asserting, at the end of your video, your love for all people regardless of who or where or what we are. It brings to mind how God so loved the world. The entire world. No exceptions. We could all use more kindness and tenderness like that the world over. ❤️

[@555patrickd]

The base price for the customized guitar is $1000 U.S. I bought a Martin Dreadnought style with 5A European Spruce top, with East Indian Rosewood back and sides. Maple binding on the body and the neck, ebony fretboard, head plate and bridge. Includes a beautiful hard case. $1400 shipped to the U.S. Just incredible guitar!

[@johncrawley1907]

Thank you, I just ordered one about an hour ago after watching your video for the first time. I too love guitars and could not agree with you more about some of the guitars being crafted in Asia. I really appreciate the fact that your recommendation comes from someone who really knows their way around the fretboard. Thanks again, be well, stay strong.

[@CoreyMcCormick]

After a long wait, I finally received my Custom 000-12 about a week ago (Very similar to this guitar in the video). What I can say, is that being the owner of a Boucher BG-151, Yairi FYM66HD, this Hsienmo is absolutely incredible value and punches way above its class. I am extremely happy with mine, and even if it was priced higher, it's 100% worth it. You can a small shop boutique built guitar for an incredible price. Hats off to Li and the team at Hsienmo, they are producing phenomenal instruments.

[@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 🤣

[@goodguy112948]

With all respect.. it´s your fingers that make it great!

[@larryrhindress2972]

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

[@luismiguelmakshen4856]

I have a custom from Hsienmo and holy cow it plays amazing! Can't wait for my 2nd custom to arrive in the summer.

[@jeffkennedy5344]

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

[@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....

[@TheOtherPhillip]

I just purchased that guitar based on this review. Thanks J.P.

[@rontron418]

thoughts?

[@TheOtherPhillip]

Update: This guitar is absolutely as good as JP says. I'm shocked by how good it sounds and the quality of workmanship. I have a second on order and am waiting for it to be built. My brother has purchased 2 Hsienmos, both different bodystyles from mine and his two are equally impressive, even up against his Collings. Highly recommended.

[@TallTreesClub]

Hsienmo ("Zhee-ehn-mo") owners often get 2 or more. I've got sinker redwood w/ cocobolo and German spruce w/ Indian rosewood. The Luthier seems to enjoy music and the art of building. They can configure your choices, see LC&Friends Custom in the menu. Their high build quality seems the same whether a base model or custom build.

[@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 :)

[@poguie]

@@d.j.williams-hello mine too, although Australian Customs did a cracking job leaving the case candy, string winder, capo etc inside the main case with the guitar… couldn’t even be bothered putting it back inside the pocket! Luckily there were no scratches on the body.

[@poguie]

JP Cormier is such an amazing player isn’t he… would make a brush shaft with a few strings sound amazing!

[@5p1k3y]

​@poguie how was the cost to Aus?

[@poguie]

@@5p1k3y the total cost including posting was US$2800, can't remember exactly whtat customs duty was but not that much.

[@Kerwonderful]

Thanks for bringing this to people. I am designing to checkout their website. I just love your enthusiasm J.P.!

[@panayotiscanellopoulos8696]

I first saw this brand 18 months ago.... Their Martin-ish D45 for. ..,.1500$. US.., incredible 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

[@panayotiscanellopoulos8696]

@@TallTreesClub I was born in Montreal too by Greek immigrants in 1958 and came to Greece in 1965,living in Athens..although my English are poor, I can communicate🙂.... Cheers from Athens!

[@FaithHopeLove77]

Hi JP, thanks. I went by Wolfe guitars, an HSienmo dealer, I mentioned JPCormier and they said I was the 2nd or 3rd person who mentioned you in the last few days. Wolfe has about 20 or more HSienmo's in stock. Beautifully crafted instrument. I didnt have time to find a 20%'r :) but definitely glad to see how nice they are.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Got my first H from FL. Had so much shop wear and play wear I sent it back and bought direct.

[@dg111fu]

Love your content. Thanks for making it!

[@harrypisila7553]

I feel that it's absolutely necessary or us to buy new (not vintage) guitars. Otherwise we will run out of good instruments. Skills will be lost. We need to encourage manufacturers to keep building new, excellent guitars. I did, I bought a new Martin OM-28, I Love it!

[@paulbacon2409]

I completely agree with you JP, these guitars coming out of China are incredible value for the build and materials. I recently bought an Eastman E20SSV It's stunning! I've never heard of Hsienmo, are they as good as Eastman or better! Great playing also. Regards

[@patcampbell9766]

Beauty of a guitar, sounds great.

[@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.

[@dieselman7453]

I’m gona buy a Lowden copy of this company after reading ur comment.. I live 5 miles from the Lowden factory and can’t afford a cedar top redwood or black African Lowden it would be 1500 quid here .. cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@d.j.williams-hello]

@@dieselman7453 Lots of people want to play a Lowden style guitar and can't afford a gazillion quid. JP has a Hsienmo F in the barn to review next.

[@dieselman7453]

Yea my man I’ll be watching I was talking hsienmo today and I’m going with a sinker redwood and rosewood with lr bags anthem .. I watch is review here first but I have faith in them the guitars are well built I can’t find any bad reviews on them .. cheers my man take care 🎸🇮🇪

[@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

[@d.j.williams-hello]

IMO, they mark them up quite a bit in FL

[@catherinecunningham1811]

who is their dealer in Ireland? I can't even find their hsienmo's website,! I'm just directed to a dodgy looking page!

[@bostonbesteats364]

@@catherinecunningham1811 The legendary Crowley's in Cork

[@bostonbesteats364]

@@catherinecunningham1811 You probably need proper firewall software like Norton on your computer so you don't visit dodgy websites. Welcome to the internet

[@catherinecunningham1811]

@@bostonbesteats364 thanks, I was able to get to the website on my phone, then sent myself the link, and was able to open it on my' computer! And Crowley's is only a couple of hours away so I might be in luck - I'm not sure if they have them in yet but a size/ fit is the most important thing for me at this stage, I'm advising myself to wait!😉

[@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.

[@bostonbesteats364]

ShawnBrockMusic just reviewed 3 Hsienmos. Another pro musician who really knows his high-end guitars

[@sunnyray7819]

J.P. can make anything sound good. A tissue box with a string on it and J.P. makes it sound beautiful.

[@TP-ev8xp]

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

[@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

[@stephensmith60]

Hahaha! I have both and there's NO comparison!

[@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.

[@promoted738]

Every time I watch your reviews I want to spend money!! So far I've actually spent it - twice. Once on the Yairi all mahogany OM and then yesterday on something from Hsienmo! I bought directly from the Hong Kong source. I messaged them to say I saw their guitars on your site for what it's worth - probably quite a bit! These guitars look like an astounding deal and I haven't heard a bad sound clip of one yet. Thanks for the referral J.P. Oddly, they had the "make an offer" prompt for a brand new instrument. I made a reasonable one and they acepted it right away. Almost too good to be true - but I think it's just the place and time with this company that's making these deals possible.

[@geoffsmith673]

Hello John, your channel is great. Like you, I am a huge Yamaha fan. I'd really love you to review a Brook acoustic. Lovingly made in Devon, UK. Look 'em up!

[@MelindaBerry-qc2lf]

I really like what you said about foreign made, great guitars. In general, I love your content. I'm sorry that I never signed up for your channel, I thought I had signed up but, I was wrong! I did sign up today.

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

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

[@fourocker]

I get exactly what you are saying JP, I bought an Eastman E6SS-TC a year and a half ago, solid Mahogany back and sides, solid torrefied Sitka Spruce top, Ebony fretboard, bridge and headstock plate, outstanding workmanship in a slope shoulder dreadnought similar to a J35, 1800 bucks Australian, I love it and will never part with it 😊

[@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.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@Joe-m6p6b My first 3 Hsienmo's shipped for free and tax & duty free to the USA. But oddly, my 4th Hsienmo cost me about $160 for all shipping/duty/tax. I bought all 4 factory direct, so I don't know why. Still though, my 4th Hsienmo is SO wickedly good, I was happy to pay the fees. All 4 are outstanding.........which is why I started out just buying the 1st one........and wound up with 4 total during an 8 month period. After discovering just how good they are, I figured I better get em before prices start rising. Word is spreading about this amazing company.

[@Joe-m6p6b]

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

[@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

[@camorbz]

The fret ends are a work of art!

[@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.

[@meancana]

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

[@slpc30]

A great guitar is a great guitar no matter where it's made

[@paulkurniawansomopawiro8554]

Couldn't agree more!

[@TommySG1]

Hey JP, You’re a great player and sure, I’m stating the painfully obvious here however I believe if you took a broomstick and placed some strings on it you’d make that sound good too ahah! You should have me come on your show and play it although that certainly wouldn’t be too good for that particular company 🤣 Nice playing as always and enjoy the new guitar. Tommy~

[@aaronlarsen7447]

The snowflakes over ebony fretboard, the amber hue and figuring in the top finish, also the herringbone trim all look exactly like my Martin. This guitar is the real deal. It's like a 000 28, with a slotted headstock. It's a fingerstyle player and songwriter's dream. The fretboard would probably look nice with some oil.

[@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.

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Ad popped up on my feed today for a brand new Martin 0 42S… $US8200.00. 😮 Sitka/IRW I could buy about four Hsienmo Custom 000-12 with 5A German Spruce & MadiRW fully blinged for that... and with a cantilevered neck. Hmm?

[@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.

[@waltervangorden5671]

what do you feel affordable??? last vid of tours was for cirrus guitars, and after going to their site, their guitars are two grand plus!!, now these guitars gold tone, are a thousand plus!!

[@dieselman7453]

I’m mad to see this Lowden copy review I’d definitely buy one of these .. I live 5 miles from the Lowden factory but I can’t afford a sinker redwoood cedar f50 Lowden.. this could be my answer bro thanks do that review 😀😀cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪 my man take care

[@bostonbesteats364]

Crowley's in Cork is going to carry these guitars

[@dieselman7453]

Yea bro I seen that but I live in Crossmaglen in Armagh it’s like 300 mile drive I’ll buy direct from the company I was talking to them the other day .. they look like a great guitar I’d say in years to come they will be worth a few bob .. I just can’t afford an F model Lowden they crazy expensive but beautiful guitars.. I play matons but been Irish I’d like a Lowden.. take care my man 🎸

[@MatthewPeskay]

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

[@BurningHearts70]

Look good, what’s your word on Zager guitars?

[@646627jd]

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

[@TheRealMachoSavage]

Why is the floating fingerboard incredible? How does that affect the guitar?

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I'll answer the question for you because I bought 4 different Hsienmo's, all factory-direct from their Custom shop in the past 14 months. All 4 are outstanding. Advantages of the floating fingerboard are as follows. #1: It free's up the guitar's top for increased vibration. #2: Fingerboards on acoustics are always a different wood vs the guitar's top. The top will always be some type of spruce, redwood, cedar, etc.......whereas the fingerboard will usually be either rosewood, ebony, cocobolo, etc........but never the same wood as the guitar's top. The traditional "fingerboard meeting the body" design means the guitar, no matter HOW great the build quality, can, and often does wind up with a hump on the fingerboard over the top of the guitar years down the road, and this is a very expensive repair that usually involves a new fingerboard & neck re-set. REASON: Because the fingerboard and the top are 2 different woods, they expand & contract at different rates from one another during years of weather changes: hot, cold, dry, humid. This almost always causes the fingerboard to eventually get the dreaded "S-shaped warp" over the guitar's top. With the floating fingerboard, the fingerboard and the top are free to expand & contract with weather changes with NO chance of the fingerboard eventually warping. Many of the old classical acoustic's ( with nylon strings) from years ago had a floating fingerboard as well. There are currently only a handful of modern builders of steel stringed acoustics who are using this floating fingerboard design, and I'm sure many more will adopt this design for the advantages listed above. Hope this helps & happy new year.

[@chrislandry5797]

I have a nylon string made of sinker redwood & African blackeood and it's my favorite right now

[@edwardbrunato4593]

Their website is down as of Nov 26, afternoon. Did we crash it? ...nice to see a boutique guitar without the boutique price

[@bostonbesteats364]

Works for me 10 min after you posted this

[@edwardbrunato4593]

No guitars available on Reverb in Canada. Only Continental U.S. to Continental U.S.

[@TallTreesClub]

@@edwardbrunato4593 So I'm curious. I bought my first Hsienmo from Leen Music's posting on Reverb and they shipped to the USA from Asia. Some have contacted Leen direct about their Reverb guitars, but to order the same guitar from them direct to shave the Reverb fees off the price a little.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@edwardbrunato4593 I bought all 4 of my Hsienmo acoustics in various models factory-direct from their custom shop. But I didn't have them custom-made, they were already available. All 4 are amazing in every way. Each time I ordered from their website, Hsienmo shipped each guitar within 48 hrs, and believe it or not, once shipped, each one arrived within 4 days to my door here in Florida ( US. )

[@bostonbesteats364]

@@edwardbrunato4593 You should be able to order from the factory or Leen. The factory may have stopped using Reverb, but Leen hasn't. I've never heard of any problems ordering directly from the factory without using Reverb. Both options are very reliable. I have no experience with Wolfe

[@slpc30]

Just subscribed I thought I had a long time ago my apologies JP

[@646627jd]

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

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I own 4 Hsienmo's in various models. The main advantage of the floating fingerboard/cantilevered neck is because the fingerboard is not attached to the soundboard, it will never have the risk of developing that dreaded "S shaped hump" on the fingerboard where it meets the top.........a problem that happens all too often on acoustics as they age. And it's a very expensive fix.

[@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 .

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Love that shirt!

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Hsienmo already has one of their own original design called the "Ling Long". I currently own 4 Hsienmo's in various models, all from their custom shop. Killer guitars. I don't own a Ling Long though.

[@Doty6String]

isnt the linglong the lowden s model?

[@silvel2edge]

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

[@daddio307]

I discovered Hseinmo a long time ago, and I've always wanted to try one. I just worry that when tens of thousands of people all of a sudden find out about them, it puts an undue amount of pressure on them (very small company) to produce. We'll see.....

[@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")

[@molotulo8808]

Nice hat. I have a gray flatcap. It was my lucky golf hat. Oh well...

[@charliewelch328]

My McPherson Sable has a floating cantilever neck

[@barbrakemp2989]

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

[@joeemerson2247]

Was there complications shipping the guitar from China ? Customs ? Ices permit etc.

[@TallTreesClub]

Are you in the USA? Two of mine arrived from Asia in 4 days. It's as easy as Amazon shipping. No permits or taxes. Mine were pre-built and in stock. The 3rd came from Wolfe guitars in Florida and took about 5 days to cross over to Oregon. Wolfe doesn't collect taxes from out of state buyers.

[@646627jd]

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

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

All the Chinese guitars I've bought from china are absolutely fantastic, Occasionally there's a dud but it's not usually significant,as it's all about the Sound, and their amazing build quality along with the tone, kind regards Don 😊😊

[@chuckoconnor389]

I appreciate your hustle and enthusiasm. Is there anything that would keep you from buying a quality inexpensive instrument built in any country? Are there any lines in the sand that you wouldn't cross to save some money on a guitar?

[@andreboutilier8571]

Is that one you got in vid for sale i only live few mins away from you be easier then ordering from USA lol

[@ericolsen67vw]

This Martin feels pretty consistent. 😂

[@davidevans5429]

Hi JD, greetings from NL. I just subscribed to your channel. Better late than never! Would you have a Model # of a Hsienmo styled after the Jimmy Rodger 000-45. The 000 your showcasing looks similar to it. What Martin is it styled after. Thanks!

[@teacherdamiansus4]

Ix-nay the alk-tay about aising-ray the ices-pray.😂

[@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.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@bostonbesteats364 Hsienmo's "house brand" tuners are actually Gotoh precision tuners........just not quite as precision as the top of the line Gotoh 510's, which can be ordered for any Hsienmo being custom built. Hsienmo's "factory/house" tuners look exactly like Gotoh's, because they are. Hsienmo simply pays Gotoh to stamp the Hsienmo logo on the tuners. They are butter smooth and keep the guitar in tune. I know, because I currently own 4 different Hsienmo's, all from their custom shop. Killer guitars.

[@jawhiz1]

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

[@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

[@joebubbit]

So, should I get a Yairi, or a Hsienmo?

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Both.

[@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

[@yvandewever6518]

Prices will rise next year 20 january, I guess😂

[@NotTelling51]

Hope the next one is a dread

[@DustinHollifield]

I am about to return my Yamaha a3r for hsienmo do you think the hsienmo will be better it will be double the money but i want a good guitar any advice o would appreciate please thanks

[@JPCormier]

@@DustinHollifield get the hsienmo before the price triples

[@DustinHollifield]

Thanks JP I love your content you have a great personality and playing thanks look forward to hearing you play the lowden style hsienmo thanks for the advice I'll get it on the way tomorrow

[@DustinHollifield]

​@@JPCormier hey JP I took your advice and bought the lowden tribute of the f series have you played yours what do you think about it

[@dieselman7453]

Which Lowden tribute guitar did u buy I’m in Ireland 🇮🇪 and have access to a lot of Lowden s through friends and Avalon s as well I wonder how they compare to that big Celtic sound we get here I’d chance one I think they are a good guitar in there website they look amazing .. cheers .. Brian Ireland

[@banjo1434]

I'd be concerned about having to tap back in the frets of a new guitar with a mallet. Apart from that, it looks and sounds superb. Thanks John.

[@teacherdamiansus4]

Did you say how much that one was? I didn’t hear. I wish I could afford a custom one from them. I’d get some form of African Blackwood guitar. Man I wish I had money.😂

[@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.

[@reminaya]

As bad as you want the Trump Guitars to be made out of country, they’re made here. Go Kamala! Oh wait…

[@reminaya]

BTW, The signed ones were sold out in two days. 😎

[@polskiist]

I think there are great guitars being made overseas but I personally prefer to buy American made guitars. I know people complain and say how expensive American made guitars are but people seem to forget about the used guitar market. I bought an AMAZING used Collings OM1 in mint condition for 3000$ (retail 6500$). If you want a quality American guitar, be patient, and wait for a good condition used one to pop up. I’ve never bought a new guitar and never plan to.

[@brucelamica3646]

McPherson guitars have a cantilevered neck

[@rharoldkane4447]

I just looked it up. Canadian Expat here in a foreign country. Tried to go on their website and something else came up that seemed suspicious. I looked at Wolfe Guitars site, located in South Florida. They have a gorgeous Triple 0, even nicer than this one for $1450 usd, however the shipping and "impostos" would kill a guy. They also have a nice Dreadnaught Traditional for $1660. According to them, hsienmo is pronounced Xi-Ahn-Mo.

[@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.

[@kamarienedwards1757]

How do these guitars compare to the main acoustic 3 Gibson, Taylor, Martin?

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@kamarienedwards1757 I currently own 4 Hsienmo acoustics in various models, all bought factory-direct from their custom shop. ( I didn't have them built, they were already available at the time on their website. ) To put things into perspective: Hsienmo produces anywhere from 30 to 50 acoustics per month, and usually not over 400 PER YEAR. I know, because Hsienmo owner/founder Li Chen told me so via emails. Gibson, Martin, and Taylor EACH mass produce TENS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of guitars per year. Depending on the model, tonewoods, and appointments, to buy a comparable guitar from any of the big 3 would cost you 3 TO 5 TIMES AS MUCH.......vs the same model built by Hsienmo with the same woods & appointments. I kid you not. Li Chen told me he would much rather focus on quality vs mass production. All 4 of mine are incredible. The prices for each of mine were: $1250.........$1890..........and the last 2 were $2500 each. Absolutely killer guitars in every way.

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

That's interesting,and probably why Taylor acoustics have shim adjustment on their necks also,to help relieve the tension on the neck what I've been doing is down tuning all my acoustics a semitone, and so far it's all good 😊 22:22

[@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

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Went to their website and immediately was targeted with some virus scanning program... Wouldn't go to actual website.

[@TallTreesClub]

Try typing the URL text. Dozens of Hsienmo owners used their site to order and browse for years.

[@thetexasbeachbum9929]

I prefer a Martin. Whatever the cost.

[@daddio307]

BTW, my Kepma Elite GA1 130A is the pride of my guitarsenal. Check it out, please.

[@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.

[@TheRealMachoSavage]

What about Chinese knock-offs?

[@billsnyder6945]

One of the things I have found about these kind of Chinese guitars is general inconsistency. They are less likely to be on par with more expensive ones, but you do run across exceptional ones where the stars aligned, plenty of stories about that, if you work in a music store you have a chance of finding one, like the Cort a friend found. There’s a good chance the ones they sent for review were hand selected. Of course the same applies to even some of the best ones, but to a lesser extent. Not every Santa Cruz I have played is great for example. Don’t get me started about Martin. This is why it’s so hard for me to buy a guitar online without hearing it. Labels mean nothing. If it is a used one and exceptional how could they ever sell it? Talk about luck of the draw, always a crapshoot.

[@TallTreesClub]

Your reply implies you haven't played this brand. But Shawn Brock played several and recently and commented about consistency: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ_XloNunrGUq7M

[@billsnyder6945]

@@TallTreesClub no I have not picked one up and played it, I had seen that review video and also watched a number of demo videos on Hsienmos site. It was intriguing that they could be a kind of in-between price point but getting closer to the higher end build quality. Looks like they have a well built product. I would not be surprised if their consistency is better than say Martin, who really sucks consistently these days for guitars costing two or three times as much as a Hsienmo.

[@TallTreesClub]

@@billsnyder6945 A few guys apparently have up to 6 Hsienmo guitars or more. The quality is exceptional. When I messaged Hsienmo lately with general questions and mentioned 30% of units at Reverb selling recently, Hsienmo (Li Chen) replied about keeping production to 50 to 60 guitars per month. I suspect they may need to reconfigure their shop and possibly add another luthier.

[@SamHollidayV]

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

[@garfield8900]

If I buy another guitar my wife will divorce me, LOL!

[@kennethbransford820]

Get what fixed? Your horse head tick? haha