Guitars Brands, Who Makes Who?

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[@PhillipMcKnight]

Updated version of this video Guitars Brands, Who Makes Who? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIa3faKIoNN8r8U

[@rchydrozz751]

Outsource for cheap parts, but STILL sell your guitars at a premium price with junk parts. Same in the auto industry.

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

outsource for cheap labor. The parts have to meet the specs of what ever company uses them. so if its a cheap part, you can put the blame on the mother company.

[@stormrider8166]

They need to add an asterisk to their brand name every time they find a cheaper manufacturer

[@paimei2339]

@@stormrider8166 strandberg does have an asterisk 😁

[@kramalerav]

It’s shady to be sure, but a reality of capitalism. From the manufacturer’s standpoint, feasibility is the name of the game. The overall business model is in principle the same with heroin dealers cutting their product and lacing it with fentanyl; keep your customers coming back when supply can’t keep up with the demand.

[@H0kram]

@@kramalerav It's eating itself from inside out. Outsourcing -> losing qualified jobs in the country and making most people replaceable tools with low expectations -> average salary goes down -> customers demand for lower prices because they're actually barely in the middle class at best -> more outsourcing to cut costs and make cheapos stuff. One can only think for how long will there be people willing to pay the premium prices, because it has already impacted so much the economy and quality of life. They are cheaply made products but keep their '' memory price '' such as bass and guitars. As customers we still expect to pay several hudred dollars for a solid entry level product, still having in our subconscious standards that are no longer relevant, yet those premium products are cheaply made, thousands of miles from their homeland, and have the QC of a couple hundred dollars new at best.

[@woreoutdavinciconstruction4060]

you can apply this to all lawn equipment and household appliances and pretty much everything. good job with this video

[@musicauthority5635]

Yes, take for instance Husquvarna. they used to make high quality motorcycles. now they make crappie chainsaws and lawn equipment.

[@woreoutdavinciconstruction4060]

@@musicauthority5635 I remember

[@billn7183]

I think it happens in everything

[@mp-kq3vc]

Ingersol-Rand comes to mind. It's basically a nameplate at this point.

[@JasonMcNamara]

It's pretty sad that soooo many comments are focusing on the spelling. The information in this video is incredibly valuable in explaining how guitars get down to a price point. Shoppers beware. As Phillip's own branding name suggests, Know Your Gear. Amazing work there mate 👍

[@Hesakya16]

What ? its annoying that a grown man cant spell

[@nomadnomad9517]

@@Hesakya16Maybe he has a learning disability. The man still knows a shitload about "gear".

[@gp85hkg]

@@Hesakya16 Soooo...what about your punctuation, dickhead..?

[@1badhaircut]

Gage Allen “It’s” not its ... period at the end of a sentence ... can’t not cant. ( judge not yest ye be judged)

[@davidwollpert5276]

Gage Allen a wise man chooses his words carefully.

[@Boston.Patriot]

Great job describing the guitar industry's current mess. I hate to see any popular brand name diminished by sketchy outsourcing and licensing deals. It's ironic that the big boys like Gibson moan about knockoffs from China hurting their brand while they are doing the same thing to themselves by outsourcing.

[@chris9650]

They stated shooting themselves in the foot by cutting corners.

[@BBarNavi]

Gibson just sells its name.

[@pl1guru]

The reality about this, that any time a company outsources to Chinese manufacturers, they will take those specs, and even the labels and sell let's say a Chibson, but as a Gibson. Most likely not in the plant that makes Epiphones, but in a sub-contracted plant. There is little respect for copywrite and patent laws in China, so to them it's just business as usual.

[@jamesparker1063]

@@BBarNavi nope....I bought a 2017 SG stnrd "off the rack"; PERFECT guitar, that I expect to bequeathe to my grankids someday.....

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

@@jamesparker1063 The antique that sits next to their headless 8 string with a Floyd Rose.

[@johncfoster7949]

Samick is a South Korean company. They have a factory in Indonesia but the founder Lee Hyo Ik is Korean and the companies headquarters is in Eumseong County, South Korea.

[@raydani8748]

If he made a list long enough, he would create a full circle

[@pensnut08]

I was waiting for that.

[@HHG_BREEDINGGROUND1]

And the letters would become microscopic

[@scoutgirl7739]

Great episode Phillip. As a seasoned senior guitar player, performer, writer, teacher, for over 50 years, I've watched the deception develop through very shady marketing schemes. I grew up in Costa mesa California.(1959) I would ride my bike to the original Fender facility in Fullerton. I bought my first strat from Sightsinger music, one of the first fender dealers in Santa Ana Ca. I saw the outsourcing in progress for decades. I spent hours (if not the entire day) playing Fenders and Gibsons of every model. By 1986 I saw, heard and touch how guitars became fake, and now it's worse. I get upset that I sold an early 70's Les paul delux, and a 64 telecaster. Why? I got sucked in that the guitars of the late 80's were better. They weren't. We've been cleverly decieved through deceptive marketing. And now we're scrambling to buy the vintage era to replace the crap we traded in. The crap we wish we never got rid of. Louie Shelton has a YT video talking about selling his 50's telecaster and getting a reissue. He said it was a big mistake. CBS who bought fender destroyed the real magic. I kick myself in the a$$ for selling my 64 telecaster. American manufacturing sold out to the all mighty dollar. Aka: Greed Kurtiss (citizen joe)

[@terryoquinn8199]

That’s truly a shame . Most people would rather pay a few more dollars and have the correct equipment than get off cheap while being cheated with deception . Or maybe it’s just me .

[@stcroixvalley1]

Actually Samick is a Korean company, who originally manufactured in Korea, but then opened up a factory in Indonesia. This is a great explaination as to how the guitar "brands" are more or less a mix and match between who builds what. When I owned my store, I carried the "name brands", but also carried off brands like Samick' house brand Greg Bennett, and S101 the house brand for Sejung out of China, (who also built a bunch of brands including Ibanez, Squire, Epiphone, etc... at the time). The house brands were as good or better then some of the name brands for 1/3 or 1/2 the price. My word of advise is to always try out a guitar first, because even within brands and even model, you will find jems and dogs. Sit down in an actual store, try out a bunch. You will know "the guitar" when you find it, regardless of what's on the headstock. Then buy that one! Don't try ordering the same one on line to save a few hundred dollars, as chances are the guitar you get will not perform like the one you tried.

[@planetside11]

Very well said. You put into words what I was thinking as I watched this. Oh, and ignore the illiterate bozo who can't read a simple paragraph because has has the attention span of a goldfish.

[@HELLNAWW]

😂😭😭😭☠️🥳☠️😂☠️🥳🥳😂🥳

[@joehebert789]

@@redacted5035 The people who need information spoon-fed to them will always find themselves taken advantage of.

[@weekendmagus9994]

Great tips. Thank you

[@Grouperhound]

Good lesson. I really like going into the music stores and trying to find used Japanese made guitars from the 80’s and 90’s. The quality is often quite evident. I think anyone interested in buying quality should first focus on used guitars. There are literally millions of them.

[@JensLarsen]

This was very interesting! I did not know how that worked at all! Thanks!

[@yellowmustard7482]

Learn Jazz, make music. Love youre vids man!

[@JensLarsen]

@@yellowmustard7482 Thank you 🙂

[@mogwix]

Phil, can you revisit this video in 2019? I'm not sure much has changed, but I noticed there are a ton of new brands popping up and I've heard some news around manufacturing moving locations. My first guitar was a Squier affinity that I eventually replaced all the parts on. All the way down to the frets. I eventually moved all of those parts (except the frets) to a MIM Strat, and I've also done the same thing on the Fender basses that I've owned. When I was doing some work on friends' instruments, more expensive guitars that came with branded components, I noticed the parts didn't feel like quite the same quality as the "real" aftermarket parts I'd used myself. I didn't really understand why I until I found out that many of these companies were rebranding cheaper components for the OEM parts.

[@ClaudioBrogliato]

Interesting. I use to watch Darrel Braun vlogs about kits. He said "a con on building kit guitars is that if you choose quality parts you are not going to save anything". I guess there was a deeper meaning behind that words that came up after watching this.

[@FancyCP30]

As far as i know samick is Korean brand. Founded at Korea, still running by Korean. they just have factories in Indonesia

[@kuzWich]

Matthew Kwon agreed! And Wikipedia agrees also;))

[@TexanUSMC8089]

That's pretty much what he said. They moved their factory to Indonesia.

[@FancyCP30]

@@TexanUSMC8089 No he isn't at 3:11 And it's still korean brand

[@mizaron1]

Wow, I learned more about business in the 17 minutes of your video than I ever knew. Again. Thank you.

[@dazarp]

stop complaining about his spelling and listen...you may actually learn something...

[@hammerjohnson4892]

If he cannot spell he should use brand logos and not try to write. It is hard for me to find him credible. BUT, I am 67 and had a severe grade school education so my literacy surpasses most younger people's. Thank you for your comment though! It reminds me to open my mind and LEARN something rather than complain about "groover" etc. I'm sure he knows a thousand times more than me about guitars and the guitar business.

[@krushgroovin7513]

Darren Potter I Agee pal. I’d rather watch a 15 minute vid than a 40 minute vid with him speaking slow & giving us a test on spelling. Did ya haters see how quick he got us thru a grate lesson?? Ya like that spelling? And stop trying to write perfect texts! It just shows you use spell check, it’s not because ya have a fake Harvard degree...loved the video!!!

[@krushgroovin7513]

Hammer Johnson You’re pathetic!!!

[@thealaskan1635]

Yeah!

[@blahboidblah]

Stop bossing people around and stfu.

[@davidcollins3906]

Phil adds another layer of knowledge to being a well rounded musician.

[@CountrySixStringer]

I bought one of the PRS SE's, the Custom 24 (2017). The first thing I did was replace the tuners with higher end Schallers, Switchcraft 'pots, switch and output jack' and replaced PU's with Bare Knuckles. The guitar sounds great now. I did all that and the guitar was still under $1000. I know this was an old video, but very informative. Love your videos.

[@user-lx3dn9bt9e]

Now imagine doing the same to Harley benton

[@MrBluebilko]

Having only just discovered your channel, I can honestly say I have learnt more in a week about guitars, amps & guitar manufacturing than I had in the previous 36 years of playing, thank you for this. Excellent stuff. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@WalkenDead]

I'm a bit late to this one but this really reinforces my belief that you find something you're comfortable with and enjoy and don't necessarily go for the big name

[@sendtodevnull1269]

You should do an update to this now that it’s been 5 years. I’m guessing things have changed with supply chain disruptions.

[@allanb1402]

I go back and reference this video often when I'm researching a particular instrument. The game is constantly changing. Models that were made by WMIC when this video posted now have Indonesia stamped on the back of the headstock :( Perhaps you could update this every once in a while? Either way, thank you for the great information you post!

[@crazyuncleduke8012]

Finally a brilliant expose of what's really going on in the musical instrument industry. Thank You!!!

[@rishubhchakraborty4963]

How is it an expose? Outsourcing is a very common and logical phenomenon in every Industry! It's unavailable to larger mass due to private holding of these firms which don't reveal a lot of information. Had these all been public companies, you might know just as well as him minus without the need to do as much as research as he has done at this instant.

[@jeffhebert9643]

It's very evident that you " know your gear ". Awesome video Phil..thanks for posting.

[@senseiruss]

Phillip, this was very enlightening and very much appreciated - thanks for taking the time to share your considerable knowledge to help us understand what we might be getting when we buy guitars or parts. And it's so impressive that you used no cue cards - and don't listen to the spellcheckers out there - this was an outstanding video!

[@No_1_really_]

I’m working hard starting my own business, this information was invaluable! I would just like to take the time to say thank you very much for taking the time to put this online.

[@richit66]

Wow- Great Lecture. Too bad you can't trust a name brand to deliver a quality product anymore. You are an effective teacher. THANKS!!!

[@ramencurry6672]

Budget guitars have drastically improved. If there’s an issue I take it to a repair shop and it’s usually minor things that can be fixed. For example I had a bad switch which was easily replaced

[@Masterfighterx]

Atleast, Duncan Design is a visible thing. I haven't come across a Tone Pros bridge or Grover Tuner saying MIA or MIC or MIK. In fact, the Tone Pros I've seen is made by Gotoh which is MIJ which I'd prefer over the other 3

[@azryazwan8708]

MIA?

[@MrNeosantana]

@@azryazwan8708 Made in America

[@DanielTPeace]

I keep coming back to this video as it keeps me aware of the environment we are dealing in. I have probably watched this at least once a year since it was uploaded. Excellent.

[@aerocostaa8366]

ive always seen a huge rave with schecter guitars and impressive specifications but everytime ive played one... something always felt or sounded off and this just confirms it, thank you for taking the time out to make the video XD

[@montys8th]

Phillip McKnight really puts the "Know your gear" into Know Your Gear! Thanks for another great video.

[@aleksandarbelic5275]

So what it basically comes down to is: it doesn't matter, it's all made in China or Korea anyway, they just stamp different labels on it. This is probably why some of those Chinese made guitars (like SX, or Jay Turser), are so good for their price, it's basically the same guys that make "brand" guitars doing something "on the side" as well, under a different name.

[@joeschmoe6802]

Well said.. bravo ! If you can't play it on a Jay Turser, what makes you think that it'll sound better on a Gibson?

[@ranius7388]

Everythimg is made somewhere , but you can see a difference between 2 brands from same factory . F.e ibanez premiums are superior to most Indonesian made brands .

[@ClearColorCloud]

Mostly true, but not everything is made in Asia. In fact, there are a lot of smaller boutique manufacturers out there today. Mayones, for example. Some boutique parts manufacturers also don’t outsource at all, such as hipshot and bare knuckle

[@enriquejaimes3368]

Made in Mexico Fenders FTW!

[@amazingsnyder-man844]

Wow. Amazing. This is some awesome insight. Thanks for this vid.

[@JCKnuckles]

Phil you have the best show/channel period. No BS and super informative. I always learn a heap of things from your shows. Bravo mam.

[@michael7v6]

Been binge watching all of your videos and I can't tell you thanks enough. Entertaining and informative.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you.

[@BangStickky]

I experienced this issue when a "Grover tuner" broke on my ESP LTD bass guitar. ESP LTD did not supply replacement parts...[real] Grovers were ridiculously expensive {almost the expense of the guitar} and did not have the specific color in stock because it was a "special run"....finally bought a whole set of knockoffs off Amazon for $35

[@edwinstovall3334]

I waited for some time to watch this video, Phillip, and now I'm glad I did. Over the last several years, I got into modding and doing maintenance on my own guitars, and that has had the effect that you would expect. I have become unafraid of my guitars and cheap guitars hold no terrors for me. Because of that, I have acquired a couple of guitars that were so cheap that I couldn't resist their prices, but were (are) so good that the only performance mods I've made so far have been roller bridge saddles. The other bridge parts, the pickups, the nuts -- all stock, and they don't need replacing. These last couple are so good that I estimate that their quality would have fetched $500-$800 apiece in 1975 when I started playing. What did they actually cost me? One was $130 and tax, the other was $140 straight. My guitars out-spec the Squier Affinity Series models they most resemble in nearly every way, and the worst price I've seen for my guitars -- for far more money than I paid -- is still no worse than Squier's prices for their wares. I'm lovin' 'em both, and I haven't even done a fret job yet! So, seeing as how these guitars are modern-level Stratocaster-style guitars, what did I need Fender for? When I get around to it, I'm going to grab a Firefly Les-Paul-type; who needs Gibson or Epiphone? Now, if I were making money on these purchases instead of feeding a hobby, I might kick more money into the situation, because I acknowledge that there is a value in leaving certain jobs to the manufacturer when possible -- but it is as it is. I don't begrudge expensive guitars to those with a need; I'm just not one of them.

[@terryoquinn8199]

Right on Edwin ! By the time you run through an amp with some effects involved maybe , the tones are only a small percentage of the guitar itself anyway ! I too have a bunch of “cheaper” instruments but I have just as much fun with them and I got about 20 for the price of one name brand guitar . I do appreciate the name brands but I’m just looking to have some fun ! I’m sure I’ll end up with 5 or 6 nice outfits but I’ll keep my cheapies too . They’re as fun to play as the name brands . Peace !

[@ishadawaher-bakhos1048]

Dude, this is crazy good quality. I had absolutely no idea of most of the things you are talking about. So much knowledge. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed. Cheers

[@casbah1982]

Well if you made them and they made you, who picked up the bill and who paid who? Who turned the screw?

[@NashTheGreat]

Thats why i cut down my own tree and make my own guitar.

[@Sacredkittycat]

Yes

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

Could be you

[@stevenfowler3043]

I see what you done there\m/

[@bottleneck1100]

thank you for this video. The second half was a revelation. Knowledge is power, and buyers will decide.. so we need to inform !!

[@michaelr.4878]

Yet another informative and interesting video. Dude, you know your stuff. You are also providing an amazing service to the folks that are just starting to get into high end instruments and gear. You are letting them know what to look for. Thanks for being a good guy!

[@ryanmounce2850]

I dig the fact that PRS doesn't hide their outsourcing that I can tell. Everything on the core models is made in house to my knowledge but the S2 has always been advertised as a compromise between a quality built guitar with value hardware. To me it's the ultimate mod project, because when youre done you have an almost custom, US built guitar. If I'm wrong please correct me. Im still learning about PRS.

[@thegrips45]

I own a Samick Avion Av-1 and it is one of my favorite guitars that I have ever owned. Great for the price, at least in my experience.

[@BikerTrash75]

And this is why the $75 Glarry seems like such a good deal for the money. Even if drop a couple hundred into it it's worth it. Brand names are overrated.

[@craigjacob3704]

Yes I believe that whole heartedly myself. I've seen plenty of videos as of late with $200-300 dollar guitars sounding just like $2000 dollar guitars. It seems very foolish to fall into that snob group that all you are buying is a name.

[@lmaowat6358]

No lie, ended up dropping ~$450 on a custom NK headless MIC, and it has some of the best fretwork of any guitar I own, Schecter included. Even the pickups are decent 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Bobblybook]

I think one of the main reasons they get away with this sort of the thing is because these companies also manufacture their own equipment. If 'company A' never manufactured parts, but you bought parts branded by company A, then it would be clear that they are outsourcing and not a big deal. But because they make some things and outsource others, they are purposely trying to conflate and hide whether or not your part was manufactured by them or by another 3rd party. I think this just comes down to good old deceptive marketing tactics: The age-old practice of trying to deceive the customer and misrepresent products as much as possible, while not doing it enough to cross the legality line and eat a bunch of lawsuits.

[@marksieber4626]

Well said. Makes me think they should just sell blanks. Put in all the equipment in ourselves to be sure we’re not sold knock off junk.

[@resington]

I work in a store myself about the same size as yours. I'm gonna look out for the things you mentioned about components especially. Thank you for the knowledge.

[@paullandergan4046]

This is brilliant. It goes some way to explaining why a guitar I built from parts I sourced from China, with the main aim of spending as little as possible, allowed me to build a guitar that's as good as my Mexican and close to my US built fenders

[@BlimpKingMax]

So I've been staring at the Grovers on my Schecter guitar for 5 minutes now trying to figure out if they are quality or not..

[@SheepWaveMeByeBye]

Legend says he is still staring to this day...

[@Brykk]

This is exactly why i say to buy the cheapest guitar with a neck and body that you prefer and just buy all of the parts you prefer and add them on. I think its the best, and usually the cheapest, way to get exactly what you want and expect. In our current society, building something is the best way to try and ensure you are getting the end product you want.

[@tommyconancoates7097]

Wow!!! Eye-opening for sure. Thank you, this knowledge is invaluable.

[@irelandcitizen531]

I outsource my air guitars to _DUNLOP_ or sometimes WILSON

[@jeppepuus]

Iv heard they make good strings

[@NashTheGreat]

I sometimes use my red yonex...

[@mac3792]

My air guitar got stolen now I got no guitar!

[@rosssteuck4989]

@@mac3792 Danm that funny man THANKS for the laugh !!!! Can't even type this my eyes are watering

[@douglasshirts7952]

When in doubt I whip it out, I got me a rock n roll band🤣🤣

[@mandrakeblackstone5838]

Thanks for confirming something I have been saying for years, and every time I post this on forums I either get backlash or my comment gets deleted . Thank you so much for the vid

[@richsherman3673]

Phillip I thank you so much, very few people are as amazing as you and your gift of truth. The Fake Guitar video was spot-on. You impart wisdom while helping the hard working Guitar lovers avoid mistakes.

[@noname1st139]

This guy is an encyclopedia for anything with guitar's, loving this channel, would love to visit the store 👍✌️

[@DavidRFIT]

The same guys make LTDs, PRS SEs, Chapmans and Schecters. It makes all the sense in the world. I've never owned a Chapman or even tried a Schecter, but I own a PRS SE Custom 24 and owned a LTD EC-1000, and they both are fabulous guitars worth much more than their price (IMHO). Very, very good job WMIC.

[@rickfeith6372]

They know their shit...Chapman is hot....LTD and Schecter have always been solid mid priced pro level guitars. My friends SE is real nice. Said friend also owns a REAL nice Asian "Jackson" Dinky with 81/85 EMGs that plays like butter for

[@T00DEEPBLUE]

The Jackson may well be made by Chushin Gakki of Japan. They made really high quality stuff for the price. But Fender stopped Chushin Gakki from making Jackson/Charvel guitars in 2010 because the guitars got way too expensive to make there.

[@shawntyson4339]

David RF If you find a damien elite solo for a decent price you'll put it with your favorites asap...emg pickups and groover tuners lol

[@buddyblackmon7405]

David RF :

[@Zwidawurzn]

i have a 2007 LTD EX-400 and a 2015 Gretsch Electromatic both from WMIC and i prefer both of them over quite expensive Gibsons! Some dont want to understand but i think "made in Korea" is a really great choice.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

My Guild Bluesbird was made in Korea. The build quality is excellent, except for the 3-way PU toggle sw.. This was actually to my advantage, as I bought my black Bluesbird from my local Columbus, Ohio in brand new condition ( still had clear vinyl protective covering on the pickups, back plates, brand new Guild embroidered hard/soft gig bag case). The only fault was an intermittent 3-way sw.. So I bought it for $450! A new Switchcraft 3-way cost me $18 on Antique Electronic Supply ( a.k.a. tubesandmoreDOTcom ). The Guild Bluesbird is essentially Guild's version of a Les Paul. Same solid mahogany throughout, with a solid beveled maple top. Since the Blùesbird has a bigger body than a Les Paul it is chambered more. I've even read that it's hollow on both sides of the through-body neck. It weighs 7.0 lbs.

[@real_fjcalabrese]

In the '90s, WMIC made an amazing guitar for Yamaha. The quality was competitive with MIJ guitars that went for 1000USD more.

[@Michael-jv2cn]

Now Cort makes good guitars for Yamaha

[@IronAgeGuitar]

Thank you for this video, very informative! Lots of insight into the state of the guitar industry.

[@harryemmott8597]

+Iron Age Guitar Accessories Cool to see you guys here. Colin introduced me to your stuff, its cool.

[@Dad.................]

I just bought a Samick guitar - actually branded Samick - and I'm blown away. It's a JTR 10 Elvira or something. Very unique look and it's ridiculously inexpensive. Paid 199€ brand new and the build quality and attention to detail are simply astounding for that price. Much, much better than a lot of mid-priced guitars. Just wanted to put that out there. Not affiliated with Samick in any way, just a newborn fan ;) They build a lot of guitars for other companies, but it seems their own ones are where it's really at. Incredible value and truly unique.

[@F3502000]

Everyone needs to listen to this! Billy Corgan knows guitars!!

[@HankCScorpio]

Oh jeez. It kills me when I see missed opportunities like this one. You could have named this Who Made Who.

[@thinkingjack]

This is amazing, this is literally me trying to explain hockey gear especially the goalie mask builder(s)

[@justinblair9661]

And golf gear.

[@Chuckableable]

Very insightful. Basically what you’re saying is that we as the consumer are just paying for the licensing, not the actual higher value product. I personally think I first noticed this with licensed Bigsby vibratos, the ones that came pre-installed on guitars felt lower quality than ones you would install later.

[@Icepacalapse]

Great video and information. I do want to list some exceptions just in case someone runs into them........... Ibanez prestige series are still mostly made in japan and the custom shop in USA is still up....I believe. Chapman British Standard series are made in UK. Schecter still has some USA production. Gibson factory in USA still runs very few Epiphones down the production line in small batches. Fender factory in Corona, Ca. still makes some jacksons like the "usa series". Phillip listing all the exceptions details on models would be a huge undertaking and the video would be super long.

[@PFB1994]

Who Made Who - great AC/DC song!

[@igotabsyouprobablydont6085]

who made you ?

[@the1khronohs40]

Hahaha!!! Exactly! 😄👍

[@TheRmoroni]

who makes what and for who?

[@sandrawinkler8965]

No No No..... Who made Who is the name of Pete Townsend's Band next CD

[@acdc1859]

Now We know Who

[@robertwaterstripe875]

I could sense something wasn't right over the past few years here in my home town. Suddenly all of the name brand guitars started feeling cheaply made. I knew it wasn't my imagination. Thanks Phil...

[@thelolguy007]

It’s time for an updated video on this Philip. I’ve just bought my first Harley Benton guitar (25th Anniversary Strat) and it’s amazing. It says made in Indonesia. I’d love to know the exact factory

[@olddirtytattooedwarhorse7772]

this is the video that made me a subscriber... and i had watched a few previous vids, i was digging your channel pretty well, but this closed the deal... it's about the fifth time i've watched it because i show it to everyone and i open it to grab the link and just sit there and watch the whole thing over again... great info, great channel, best of luck, see you again soon!

[@johnston.scott64]

That explains my observations of instrument quality over the years. I've noticed the materials have changed, usually for the worse.

[@er1cmaurer]

Damn, you are crazy knowledgeable. How do you even find this information? I would think these big companies would try to hide everything.

[@Afterworkinhours]

One of my favorite videos of yours, perhaps you can do an updated video.

[@sammyp1971]

Fantastic!!! Thanks for this massive clarity! Keep rockin Phillip! You bring much quality to the KZbin guitar landscape!

[@GrumpyMJK]

Bravo man! Another great video. As always, thank you!

[@rogerwilcock2317]

I think I will buy good secondhand stuff. Hate being ripped off.

[@Steve-nq8jc]

Exactly my point. I tried some new Ibanez and LTD stuff and the components are shit!. im now looking at a kiesel. Again not sure if their as good anymore. It seems like you do get what you pay for these days. While fenders are bad at least I can change the parts out for superior ones because of the standard fit.

[@karniboy6549]

Exactly! Check out some old Schecters though, the older guitars have genuine parts on them and sound and play great for their secondhand price. I've bought more pedals and guitars second hand than new recently and save a lot in terms of value!

[@oliverjames7315]

B Thomas what level of ibanez did you play to decide they are shit?

[@Steve-nq8jc]

Oliver James J custom and a lacs I got in a auction

[@karniboy6549]

Honestly my GRX20 is pretty much a piece of shit, although it worked well for the time I had it as just a kick around guitar. Now it's my Drop b Machine. My S521 I actually LOVE and to be honest I prefer the sound of more than my C1+, however I think the c1+ has far nicer hardware and feels better, has real binding, coil split, and the finish is nicer quality.

[@richardjansen3838]

Excellent video, been playing since 1958 and it's amazing how everything has changed. I love Music Man Ball Reserves. I'm also a Vintage Supro Fan, started in '58 with Supro.

[@BigDogDaddyD]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge in a relaxed thorough manner. This information is great to have. Keep 'em coming.

[@tMatt5M]

The "catch" is that overseas manufacturing has improved so dramatically over the years I could care less of where it's made.

[@Drewcipher5150]

That's because you're a moron.

[@Renegade666]

A.W you're an elitist.

[@Drewcipher5150]

Renegade, you are a dumbass.

[@Renegade666]

ive been playing guitar for 14 years I know what I'm talking about. I've taken my modded squier (hot rail in the bridge, American Stratocaster pots and selector switch, all shielded) to countless musicians and every one of them have said it sounds fantastic. A decent lower to mid-range guitar or bass sounds just as good as a £6000 Les Paul. the law of diminishing returns means that you cannot justify the money for the little extras you get at that price range.

[@JoshCosta]

You mean you *couldn't* care less.

[@larrytaylor935]

I give you a lot of credit for this video. You hafto sell guitars for a living and I can tell your fed up with the price compared to the quality

[@jrracing2132]

By far one of the BEST videos on the algorithm of musical products. Phil, keep up the good work...

[@robl6189]

I don't like a lot of your videos but honestly this video is one of your best and most informative.

[@JakeDahl]

it's sad that every manufacturer is following this trend in everything, not just guitars. I tried to find a pair of work boots the other day with a real welt and even my favorite brands are making boots that are basically tennis shoes! they're entirely plastic! no leather and they're just glued together! smdh

[@mikeygabbard9268]

Ariat?

[@WhiskeyYouth]

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT VIDEO! THANK YOU!

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

Wow Phil. You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge. Thank you

[@mitchwithem9647]

I recently bought an Oscar Schmit acoustic guitar. It says " Oscar Schmit by Washburn" on it. I'm surprised they are both owned by Samick . With a truss rod adjustment, it plays and sound really good. I liked it so much I bought a 12 string and a Les Paul style guitar same brand. With just a little set up work all three are fantastic. At some point, I may upgrade the hardware, but for now, I have no complaint. They were all around $250 price range.

[@Doowopsid]

I also have the 12 string and it is a great guitar especially for the price

[@aipsong]

Thanks for the info - clearly presented - things aren't what they used to be - quality bows to the new king, Quantity!

[@chriswilson8062]

Mirr Music in Korea are still standing and make great Reverend guitars

[@kennyLLC]

I've never seen a guy who knows as much about electric guitars and upgrades as you do.What I gather from this lesson is that the whole mish-mash of foreign companies has necessitated a new breed of U.S. made guitar shops to spring up across the country. I watched one of your Squire re-Statification video's, and said to myself, "This is a real niche needed very badly these days."I know a guy in my hometown who does the same thing.Thanks for your contributions to KZbin ! (Martin DX1 dreadnaught, Schecter Scorpion Pro2, Washburn dreadnaught (solid top), Woods cutaway acoustic-electric)

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

My dad owned a TV repair shop. We learned quickly about OEM when started selling TV in the late 70s.

[@mizaron1]

Your knowledge is mind boggling. Thank you

[@BrettFunkGuitar]

That was great! I recommend Schecter guitars to all my students. I own a few, and they are the most bang for the buck I've found on the current market of guitars under a grand.

[@TheDouglasSeth]

Schecter and Yamaha are great values for the cost.

[@cattledog5464]

I live in the USA. I prefer to buy guitars and gear that have never been on a cargo container ship across the ocean. Everything I like is made in Mexico, the USA and Canada. I consider buying North American made....the same as supporting local business. I only buy guitars that were made on the same continent I live on, and truck shipped.

[@hillrwayne]

that was very informative, you did great, i feel i have learned something so that i know what to look for when buying a guitar

[@InsaneCarville]

56 Dislikes... seems like some companies aren't happy with you, but the people are and know what questions to ask guitar dealers. Win

[@hheidrick]

Great video! Its an eye opener!

[@UncleRaab]

This is the VERY first video of yours that I watched. It was TOTALLY by accident. Now I'm all over your channel all the time.

[@sefgray]

"Im not trying to expose anyone im just trying to explain how it works" Facts Brother. I always try the guitar or bass in my hand and inspect it.

[@themorrigan1312]

I have the feeling WMIC also makes D'Angelico tbh, theyre high quality as hell

[@planetside11]

Fascinating rundown. I never knew any of that. Thank you for posting this. I guess you just have to find a guitar that looks good and feels good at the price you want to pay. Forget about paying a premium price for an "American made" guitar. Just get one that will get the job done for you.

[@thespanielinquisition7167]

Actually, outsourcing is when a company contracts out PART of its function, usually non-essential and non-core competencies to 3rd parties who work to their spec - not when they have their entire product range made for them. Zombie brands are dead brands, where another company simply buys the name and uses it - its a legal form of passing off. In all cases they make to spec, so dont assume a cheap guitar is better than another because the manufacturer also akes some quality brands.

[@ss_whole]

...so I might as well buy an inexpensive guitar.

[@stripedpants1668]

Exactly it's not about the price. It's about the guitar itself my man.

[@adriangianni1495]

I would buy the cheapest shape that i like and then slowly work my way piece by piece and boom! Custom beast.

[@Xavierrex3]

Well while it is important to keep your chops up, going from a cheap to expensive guitar is a MASSIVE difference and I would suggest perhaps going to a guitar store, try out a few expensive and cheap to see for yourself

[@atomaalatonal]

the guitar itself is cheapo. whats expensive r the top components like floydrose originals or kahlef or high end pickups or detailing or highend tuners etc

[@Foudzing]

​@@Xavierrex3 inexpensive brand new guitars are allright, tho a expensive guitar have more chance to stand in the time (especially neck and electronic parts).