The Country Of The Manufacture Doesn’t Dictate A Guitars Quality

[@THE-MAD-TECHIE]

There are reasons other than just quality to consider where something is made. If there were two identically made products and the USA made guitar is $1199 vs China at say $899, I personally would buy the American made model. Today so many products are made overseas that the ability to support American workers is not always possible , but when it is and when I can afford it I do.

[@jdb2722]

I watch a lot more of your videos because of this shorter format. Keep up the great work Phil.

[@k9er233]

I have guitars and basses made in several different countries, and I am impressed with the build quality and features of all of them respective of their price points of course. The one thing about American made instruments, is that Americans are employed in the making of them. That factor has importance when we look at how many industries that employ people who actually create items, have left our shores never to return.

[@StephGV2]

Are you worried about the jobs being lost to offshore studios by the people who make animated TV shows and do visual effects for your movies? People working the equivalent of assembly line jobs who don't get residuals to live on no matter how successful the productions are? We're either all in this together, or we just worry about ourselves and our family budgets. No one is going to cancel their Max, Netflix or Hulu subscriptions in solidarity with us.

[@nick_ashley]

@@StephGV2 Nope. American writers are more concerned with making characters homosexual or self inserting their ugly faces into animations than they are with actually writing quality stories. Those jobs deserved to be lost.

[@k9er233]

@@StephGV2 I don't know who you are or why you would decide to go off on a tangent at me over my post about guitars being built by American artisans. I don't watch animated TV shows or any movies. "My" movies? You think you know me? Pfffft. I have better things to do with my time. I choose to learn more about music and improving my musical skills on multiple instruments, as well as spending quality time reading nd being with my loving family, not sitting in front of the "idiot box". You need to spend your "efforts" having a conversation with your "new pal" nickashley below this post.

[@k9er233]

@@nick_ashley Thank you Nick. Normally I would just ignore a comment by an obvious troller with nothing better to do than attack someone they do not know over a positive comment left for a video, but after the day I had, I decided to not let this one pass. It is a sad state of affairs when angry, inconsequential people think they need to poke the eye of someone in an effort to make themselves feel more virtuous, but these kind of people just can't help themselves. I sent "steph" back your way if you feel like sparring with them further. 😉

[@MrSDFD18]

@@nick_ashley how does a writer make a character homosexual? Homosexuality is a behavior, not a person. One can be homosexual, yet never act upon their desires. Would that person still be considered a homosexual? The fact that you would focus on “homosexual” out of the blue makes me wonder two things. 1. How did talking about foreign made guitars turn into homosexual, animated characters? 2. If someone is so consumed with the sexuality of fictional characters or cartoons, could they themselves be struggling with their own sexuality?

[@GlennJimenez]

“I have arrived” Felt that big time when I got my Les Paul. Bands welcomed me Differently. I was like man it’s still me! It’s just wood and wire

[@marcosplaystheguitar4770]

Do you think other musicians may look at you and say... this guy climbed a few steps before he got his LP, so he must be a seasoned guitarist. Because we usually start with entry-level stuff and will only spend big bucks on a guitar when we've spent many years playing and we know how to get more from a more advanced instrument...

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

I have two Fender USA basses J & P, one Fender Mexico P, one G&L LB100 USA, One Carvin USA 6 string bass, one Warwick Germany fretless, one Sire P8 Indonesia. None of them are better than the other. They all have their own character. Your point proven here.

[@jasondorsey7110]

I see so many polarized opinions, anti-gibson this and anti-import that...sometimes though, you don't choose the guitar, it chooses you and you'll know it as soon as you see it(I NEVER thought I'd pay money for a jackson lol)

[@TheSavagederek]

Some can't afford Made in USA or UK or Japan on the headstock , luckily there are so many great instruments coming from Indonesia , Kora and China these days , that people without loads of expendable income , can still get good instruments to better suit their budgets . Personally , I can only speak from personal experience. I've owned many guitars in my 50 years and had guitars and basses from all round the World , my US Stratocaster is the only guitar that's stuck with me for the last 25 years and is hands down the best guitar I've ever owned . I also have 2 Harley Benton guitars and 3 basses in the house , as well as a Jackson and a Squier .

[@billfournier3625]

Labor costs are the elephant in the room. That’s why you can buy a really nice guitar that was shipped halfway across the world for a fraction of the cost of one built in the US. This makes it difficult for American builders to compete which is a bummer. That is why all major US builders have an overseas label. Not sure what the answer is but I would love to see more US built guitars in the midrange price ($800-1200).

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

I think the answer has already been found by the major brands - Manufacturers in America (or any high wage economy) concentrate on the high level/price stuff that can better absorb the extra cost of manufacture. Even a basic American Strat (for example) has a cachet that lets it sell for a higher price than an otherwise identical Indonesian made Squier Strat, so the extra cost of manufacture is covered.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

if you don't live in the US (North America) american made guitars gets shipped across the world too to reach you. Just sayin'. Here in Sweden ALL guitars are shipped to here from all the "corners" of the world.

[@BlackDogOriginal]

Printing money has consequences

[@caseylee12]

I agree 100%! To the point that I've bought 5 guitars made in Korea, at pawn shops for a FRACTION of what American made guitars cost, and they are all fantastic, including my one PRS, a purple burst quilted maple topped Paul Allender model with bats on the fretboard instead of birds. Great video clip, keep 'em coming!

[@I.am_Groot]

I have a Fender product Korean Squier all mahogany set net tele from the 90's and for a fairly basic guitar it is a solid player with nice rock tone. Double passive EMG humbuckers. That one opened my eyes to some things about 'second class' manufacturing regions

[@caseylee12]

@@I.am_Groot I've got a Squire "Deluxe Double Fat" telecaster in sparkle black I bought at a pawn shop for $100, even has coil split for the humbuckers. Rivals my FMT HH Fender made in Korea telecaster. Great guitars!

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

Bought a Korean Epiphone casino in natural finish just because it’s a dark yellow. Idk what they used in their finishes but for a 20yr guitar, it got that aged tone faster than it should’ve and it plays awesome.

[@I.am_Groot]

@@caseylee12 Nice!! Mine is the blue sparkle and I got it at a very nice price a few years ago. Told the guy I bought it from would be a mod project and he said I wouldn't change a thing he was right

[@jonmurphy776]

Bats , 😎!

[@HoJSimpson]

Honestly... I am from Europe, and seeing the Shape some of the american Made Guitars arrive, it doesn't matter. As soon as there is cross continent shipping involved, it will need work.

[@jonmurphy776]

And that’s why we like them so much!😵‍💫

[@KennethFinuf]

My Ibanez js 2480 is my favorite guitar it was expensive but it has the best tone !! Japanese guitars are number one today !! 😮😊

[@robvee532]

I’m a little older so I was lucky enough to buy 50’s, 60s, 70’s guitars for practically nothing. in the 80s people were ditching vintage guitars and selling them off for a few hundred dollars. I grabbed a few and even being a lefty, I found some really nice ones that I still have. Even into the 90s you could find vintage guitars for practically nothing. I bought my 74’ left-handed Les Paul for $400 and my 73’ for $300. They are both on my favorite Guitars that I own and I will never get rid of them. The inexpensive guitars of today are excellent compared to the cheap ones of the 80s and 90s that were made out of particleboard and really terrible. You can almost not go wrong with today’s budget guitars. For me It’s difficult to warm up to cheaper Guitars because I am so used to the older ones I still own, they are not the snobby collective ones, but they are my favorites. I have a few cheaper Gibsons that I travel with and they are rock solid And made very well. There are differences that I haven’t been able to get used to but as players, they are great almost right out of the box. I always go back to the ones that I’ve been playing for past 25-30 years but that’s out of habit.

[@StephGV2]

I like having multiple guitars. I couldn't afford to do that today at the price of new American made guitars. But I do have an American made guitar that I bought in the 1970s for $275 used ($1600 in today's dollars), which was cheap at the time: a 1973 Fender Strat. The wood is good, the frets are garbage, the chrome came off the bridge, the trem bar broke in the bridge several times but I drilled a hole from the back and slotted the trem arms so I could unscrew them, the pots got scratchy and stopped responding to contact cleaner...the guitar is a modded Super Strat "Ship of Theseus" now, with the worn frets, tuners and backplate the only remaining original hardware. I'm pretty happy with my offshore made Washburn, Ibanez and Dean guitars. I haven't had to fix anything on them yet.

[@MrSDFD18]

Not sure if my experience validates your comment, but let me say, I bought a Washburn J6-s used for $500 out the door with original hard shell case. I changed the stock pickups (which were just fine) to Seymour Duncan Jazz in the neck and JB in the bridge. Awesome combination and now an awesome guitar. Changing electronics is a preference, but the underlying platform is still a well made guitar.

[@roofkorean6948]

I try to avoid Chinese products in general, even guitars. When I open up the backplate of a guitar I don't want to see the Chinese symbol for "help" carved inside. I'm halfway joking, but seriously, it's worth it as a player to save up for something better like Fender MIM, PRS Core or even some of the SEs because you're getting manufacturing with a good reputation. Not saying some great stuff doesn't come out of China, however they do have their reputation for a reason. That's why people are upset about the newer Epiphone models. You'd think with Chinese manufacturing they'd be cutting the cost but at 1,300 for many of their new guitars, you might as well go with Gibson at that point. For a 1,300 Les Paul, you could get a McCarty SE 594 AND an AIO Wolf guitar for the same price. Doesn't matter what name on the headstock unless you're a collector or looking for resell value. What matters as a musician is how does it feel and sound. Or like PRS says, 'looks good, feels good, and sounds good'.

[@MRoo1oo]

I avoid Chinese products as well. I do not want my money going to a country with a horrible human rights, a total disregard for IP and quality control issues. I prefer to buy a product made in my country, or a country with a good reputation.

[@Davey-Boyd]

I avoid US product for the same reasons. If you think US workers are treated fair you are insane.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@MRoo1oo I find better quality control on my Chinese guitars than on US models I have tried. And US human rights are a joke. Love from Europe.

[@nick_ashley]

​@@Davey-Boyddelusional

[@misterknightowlandco]

Just remember, Hartley Peavey is to either blame or congratulate for cnc guitars 😂

[@jasondorsey7110]

Hartley Peavey is a working-class hero

[@BugGenerat0r]

You’re absolutely right, but the perception works to keep the prices low and benefits us buyers. When the bias against imports is gone, greedy corps would charge much more.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

here in Sweden ALL are imports. So, here it must be a percieved value of where the guitar is made? We think higher of America than Indonesia? 🤔

[@RyanWellsMusic]

An Mi instructor, I forget his name, could play anything and he preferred Mexican Strats. When asked why he preferred MIM Strats over USA, his reply was "the Mexican Strats have nicer color options".

[@TobyKBTY]

I mentioned this in a previous video, I think country of manufacture matters less and less now when it comes to quality. Lot of great instruments at every price level now. BUT it’s still a big factor when it comes to resale value which is also a big factor for me tbh. I’m more likely to match or even get more from selling an instrument if it’s MIA, MIJ, MIEU from a reputable brand and well taken care of.

[@kevintaylor5079]

I have a 2,00 Mexican Tele . Base price was great . It needed a set up . Later I switched Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders and changed the pots . I put it up against any expensive one . In 2001 I paid 1,00$ and got the Tele ,a Blues Jr amp ,tuner and strap!!Still use them all.The couple of hundred dollars it took to get the guitar right, it still was several hundred dollars or more less than an American Fender.

[@cranstonsnord4334]

I will agree with this for the most part. Over the past year I have purchased about 12 inexpensive guitars of various brands from Amazon and one from Walmart. I have paid anywhere from $74.00 to about $300.00 for them. Not one of them came with any major defects or blemishes. I am not an expert by any means and am not a professional musician, but all of these guitars I was able to play right out of the box with very little setup, at least the setup I know how to do! 😅 Not one of them had sharp frets, came dirty, broken, etc. The price I paid for all of them combined probably would still not pay for an American made Gibson. I think the more expensive guitars are better, but I do not think most of them are worth thousands of dollars.

[@guitfiddleblue]

I agree - my experience (albeit only anecdotal) is that the quality control (regardless of country) has so much to do with the final product. The higher the price, the details tend to be nicer (better fretwork, more attention to detail); however, this is not always true. I have some higher end US guitars that are great, but also some MIM and Asian-made guitars that are equally as good. It seems the quality now is so much higher across the board. My first guitars were from the 70’s, off-brand stuff… but it is what I could afford, and it’s what I cut my teeth on. The beginner guitars today (Squire, etc) are SO much nicer and better quality, actually good instruments. I am thankful that the younger generation gets to learn on better instruments.

[@marcosplaystheguitar4770]

I had a Gretsch made in Korea about 15 years ago. Not very good quality.... I now have a made in China that is awesome. These things have evolved really fast. And it's always funny when someone tries to compare a US$4,000 American-Made Fender to a US$80 Indonesia-made guitar and get to the conclusion that "American-Made is best than foreign made"

[@dexter_gd3478]

I have a Schecter PT Van Nuys. Made in Indonesia. Paid $899. I love it. Feels so good to play it.

[@noelmcmahon4566]

Hey Phil Seems to me that the difference is the care in the set up A Classic Vibe Squier out of the box is good but a $200 set up makes it a different instrument altogether

[@jshearer94]

My first “real guitar” was a 97 American standard strat. It was so much better than any other guitar I had before it. In 2017 I bought a Newark Street Guild Starfire. It changed my mind on country of origin. It’s every bit as good as my MIA standard.

[@williambarabanitz3858]

Phil, enjoy the content. A little off topic. I own a Gibson Les Paul Studio (USA made) and an Epiphone Les Paul Jr. (Korean made). Both are quality instruments. Why, in your opinion, do these guitars not have Richlite fingerboards, sans inlays (cheaper to produce) - these things are players, not collectables? I'm also building a Warmoth Mustang and own a Squier Mustang. I play the Mustang more than the Epiphone and Gibson because I'm lazy; don't like the process of cleaning rosewood/laurel 'boards and conditioning them with lemon oil. I also have a Campellone arch top and Chasson classical - these are handcrafted acoustics and I have less issues with hydrating the things and maintaining the fingerboards, because they are what they are. I started playing on classical, so I appreciate the monitering/maintenance that acoustic instruments need. Also, Steinberger is a Gibson brand - why are these machines not stock hardware on factory guitars? All thoughts from anyone are welcome.

[@frankschmidt4311]

Can't agree totally. Of course the location of an CNC machine doesn't matter. But the body shape is not the problem of low end guitars. There is so much more that makes a difference especially selection of tone wood and fret work. After 5 decades of experience I found best quality at japanese ( Takamine,Tokai) , PRS USA Core and Martin guitars. Some Fender's (even Custom Shop) and several Gibson's really disappoint me. But as many commentators said: if a guitar is able to inspire you it's the perfekt guitar.......keep on rockin!

[@nicholasflamel1134]

This sounds a lot like industry gaslighting where corporations are wanting to stop paying fair wages to build ANY guitar in America, and continue using the most exploitable workers around the world for manufacturing while simultaneously overcharging buyers in the US for the same products that could have kept their American neighbors employed. Yes, the guitars may be the same quality, but they are also the same PRICE that the American made versions were only a few years ago. Where has all the cost saving from using workers who get pennies on the dollar gone? Into the rich corporate investor's pockets of course. YOU pay the same price AND your neighbors lose their livelihoods as guitar builders here in the US. Win-win for the corporations, Lose-lose for you.

[@bks252]

Because they are paying higher wages in the Chinese, Korea and Indonesia plants. You can find out the info and most of these factories in other countries have managers from the US running the operations. Buddy of mine went to the Eastman factory in China and was completely blown away by the factory itself and the skill of the employees. He met the managers and they even talked about the higher wages they paid so they could retain the people that were getting more and more experienced. I understand your point about buying products made is the US however I can’t justify paying $1-2K more for something just because it’s made here.

[@nicholasflamel1134]

@@bks252 You are missing the point. We are now paying almost the SAME price for the imports as we were the made in USA models only a few years ago. If it cost as much to pay labor in other countries, the corporations would move operations back here to save on international shipping costs. Labor costs in those other countries are still a fraction of labor cost here in the US, but those savings are not being passed along to the consumer any more.

[@cranstonsnord4334]

I am confused about this statement. Last year I bought a Les Paul Style guitar off of Amazon for under $200.00. It had a brand name on it called Grote. Are you saying that a few years ago (2,4,6, etc) I could have purchased an American made Gibson Les Paul for the same price??

[@bks252]

@@nicholasflamel1134 I just don’t agree with I also didn’t say they were paying the same wages as here. I think it’s more than a fraction of the labor costs here. They are retaining people and the quality is increasing. You can still buy Epiphones for $500ish or less. Squires are not that expensive either. Way less than a MIM or USA. Plenty of instruments like PRS SE, Michael Kelly and others are very good instruments that are a ton cheaper than the USA models. Didn’t comment to argue. I don’t run a major guitar company so I don’t know all the specifics but I think they’re plenty of good value guitars made that are substantially less than the US made.

[@nicholasflamel1134]

@@cranstonsnord4334 I am not talking about no-name brand guitar shaped objects. I am talking about the import lines of large manufacturers like Fender, PRS, Epiphone etc. I thought that would have been obvious.

[@StavrosECC]

I agree with you Phil... there are some though that believe that an SE is NOT a PRS and they will tell you so on various PRS Facebook groups.

[@Mr.T711]

I will say the Gotoh hardware on my 84/85 Squier is a higher quality than my 40th Anniversary. Only problem I have with the newer overseas hardware is tracking down the supplier if it’s unbranded.

[@JorgeCastillo-yd5jx]

I believe that the difference is on the quality of the hardware, so in my opinion if you get an affordable instrument and upgrade the tuners and bridge you can get an amazing instrument for possibly under 600 bucks

[@I.am_Groot]

There are some companies Wolf comes to mind making nice looking sub $600 guitars with nice sounding pickups. I have a Harley Benton Tele with Roswell p/ups and if I didn't know the price point listening to the tone would think it was a much more pricey guitar

[@markhill9275]

Agreed, Agile are making outstanding LP's for under $600. Even the pick ups and pots are pretty good. No other offer a full 3/4 maple cap! Or what about the outstanding Larry Carlton range from Sire, just sensational! Even the Eart 335 copy is a really good base to mod from!

[@sandoncrowder7839]

It's all about the effort that a company wants to put into it, PRS is the perfect example, they put effort into developing and manufacturing the SE line. They could easily tell the factory in Indonesia to just pump out as many guitars as fast as possible, but they actually take care to create great guitars at an affordable price which is why they are the best in their price range. Whether you like PRS or not, objectively they are the best built guitars from $600-$1000. Nothing else beats them for the price.

[@77pearcearrow]

I have a student with a Custom 24 SE and it rips. I love it when I get a chance to play it, it is such a great playing axe!

[@son0fsocal]

The problem I have with indonesia made instruments is that even though it says IBANEZ, they had nothing to do with making it, CORT made it. In my heart it’s not real IBANEZ unless it’s made in JAPAN, made in the Japanese Factory by skilled Japanese workers that take pride in their work. Like my YAMAHA BBNE, it’s like if it was made in a custom shop.

[@KainzMusic]

I got a new Fender American Select Mahogany Stratocaster HSS back in 2007. The fret ends were rough, the intonation was all over the place, and the action was about 1/4 inch. Made in USA. Recently I was gifted a NOS BC Rich ASM made in Indonesia. It's amazing to play. The intonation wasn't dead on but it's been corrected. Fret ends are decent (not as bad as the Fender) and the diamond shaped inlays have about 1/16 of filler all the way around. The action is about .75mm. Right out of the box/case the BC Rich was the better player. CNC machines aside, American instruments have mythical attention to detail. Gibsons are under fire for their ATD being everywhere from wtf to guitar of the gods.

[@armchairzen]

I second the notion that I like to buy American because I'm an American. I have driven American cars all of my life. I could afford (almost) any car out there; Beemers and Lexuses and Volvos, and I admire their looks, performance and quality. But in my driveway is a Dodge Dakota, a Buick Lucerne, and a Chrysler Town & Country. I own some of the best guitars from around the world, from American Fenders, PRS, Gibson, Rickenbacker and Taylor, to Japan's best, Ibanez and Aria, and selections from Sweden, France, Germany and Italy. An important lesson was reinforced for me recently, to wit: it isn't the country of manufacture but THE MANUFACTURER that makes the difference. I bought a $180 Rogue bass (on sale for $99) because it was a cheap way to try fretless. I could not plug a cable into it because the jack was defective, and had to be swapped out before I could play it. Finish blems and an overall feeling of cheapness doesn't make up for otherwise snazzy good looks. I've completely rebuilt the thing to make it half-way decent, replacing the bridge, both pickups, and the electronics. On the other hand, I bought a China-built Peavey Rockmaster, and except form a need for fret dressing, it's a pretty good guitar, with a nice pickup and finish, for the same $100.

[@jiajunyang1573]

Everytime I bought an Eastman it is ready to go. Everytime I got an American Fender it needs lots of work to get it play right. For the price of a American standard level guitar, I would buy an Eastman or any European boutique like Maybach, Haar, Rebelrelic

[@Winstonrodney6989]

I agree. I just bought an Eastman a couple of months ago after trying twenty other guitars in the shop. I was ready to leave empty handed when I decided to try the Eastman on a whim. After two minutes of playing it I said I’ll take it. The setup and feel of the guitar was flawless. First time That I have ever not had to tweak a guitars setup once I got it home. I can’t wait to buy another one.

[@GlennJimenez]

This is such a 2000s internet take I remember being told like “Mexican fenders aren’t as good as American ones” and in reality… it’s almost the same shit. There’s a much bigger change from epiphone to Gibson than There is from squier and fender mex and USA

[@wikolib6821]

Yeah, and it's still hit and miss with everything.

[@snapfinger1]

Each of the Big Name factories live up to their reputations. I’ve tried them all. 225 Parsons, Kalamazoo, MI is the inner sanctum.

[@wikolib6821]

I bought and returned 7 imports before I found one w/o issues and that I liked, a black gold SE McCarty 594 single cut. Didn't think I would like a black, heavy, thick necked single cut but I do. Has a couple wonky tuners but they work and it stays in tune. Looked at a Tribute but it had issues and a poor looking top. Being a very fussy USA acoustic guy I learned a lot. Now I'm going to nose around for a good reasonable Tele/Strat to have some fun on. Something I won't want to destroy on the ground like Pete or light on fire like Jimi :0

[@TM-td3zk]

For some of us, it is not a matter of final product quality but where my dollar is going. If it is within my possible budget, I would rather put my money into the hands of someone who could potentially support my own production in return.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

As someone who doesn’t care where my money goes, I can respect that. Supporting your local economy is always good.

[@Ottophil]

As someone who plays used american guitars, I don’t think that applies to me. I just like buying guitars cheap, then reselling them. Finding deals on americans is about the only way to profit a flip. Ive had great luck with ibanez’s too. Especially japanese ones. But since they are a japanese company, i think mij is their american

[@jdb2722]

I agree with this but most of the American builders pay less than fast food places all while making record profits

[@jdb2722]

@@buckbreaker5185 I couldn’t tell you if they are but they aren’t in America so it can’t be worse. McDonald’s pays more than fender

[@BugGenerat0r]

That’s Communism! 😁

[@donttalktome4696]

Country of Origin doesn't dictate quality, it dictates value.

[@itsu93]

LoL I was just attracted by Baum guitars few hours ago, but close to gave up after finding they're made in Indonesia. And then KZbin shows your video to me. The algorithm is fancy.

[@viewoftheaskew]

Love these short clips! The end tag is a little loud relative to main program level fyi.

[@strumminronin]

Someone once said to me, "A CNC machine doesn't mind which country it's in." True, but scary. If ever I am getting a "hand made" guitar, I will go to a local luthier. But budget. The market is soft, totally buyers market. I just bought a near mint Player Strat, for the price of a Classic Vibe. Money aside, it's brilliant. So on one hand I am happy that instruments are more widely available, on the other hand I wished more businesses could go to someone local. Sorry Phil and everyone, not sure where I am going with this! Feels like not everyone would be happy whichever way!

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

To each his own. As someone who has seen the squires and epiphones of 20yrs ago, i have seen the improvements those companies have made over the years. Sure there are QC issues with them from time to time but the same is true for Gibson and US made Fenders. The guitar is originally supposed to be bought just to play it and i hate those who buy with resale value in mind cos it cheapens the instrument, those are the head givers, the ones who look at the headstock before even touching the guitar.

[@mikewithers299]

I agree. 20 years ago an overseas guitar wasn't as good especially in the electronics. The build quality usually suffered. Now days those "budget guitars" are very good sounding and playing. It's all about marketing now and cost.

[@bassyey]

I wish I can upload photos here. I went to a store for Fender US basses. The stocks in my country are so trash. The nut is not cut properly, doesn't even fit properly in the slot. Neck joints have disgusting gaps. Fretboard have a lot markings from tools. It's straight trash. This is across two branches on Professional II basses! Fender is probably sending my country the trash they rejected from the west. It's like Squier quality on a US Fender bass.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

I also look at the head stock before even trying out. I also look at how the guitar (or other instrument) looks. For me it's not about the resale value because I buy my instruments with the intention of playing them but they must look a certain way. It must look right to me and on me. I love stratocasters and I proudly own Fenders and Squiers but I wouldn't dream of buying (or using) a blue or a red one no matter what the headstock says or what the resale value is.

[@Southernguitar74]

I have a mid 90’s Squier standard Tele (Indonesia) that I played hundreds of shows with. Bone stock. It was never supposed to be anything but a playable gig guitar, and it was and still is working just fine. It is not as good as some of my higher end guitars, but it is still a good guitar, and I paid $150 for it.

[@mikewithers299]

@Southernguitar74 I love my butterscotch Squire Tele. Sounds and plays so good even unplugged. That one is a keeper! I think it's a early 2000's year Affinity. Pickups sound good for stock, but I got some Texas Specials going in soon and a 4 way switch. It should make it my favorite Tele after that upgrade.

[@TommiChong]

This is why American Made left America.... Then why are old guitars made in America so good and valuable?

[@sgt.gruhnn]

If a guitar, looks, feels, plays, and sounds good, then IT IS good, whether it’s made in America or Albania…

[@MrSDFD18]

Amen!

[@StH00D]

Just bought a Schecter C-1 FR-1 Sustainiac

[@TheGigmiester101]

Hey Phillip….just curious what your thoughts are on Agile LP copy guitars. Thanks…Shawn W. 👍🙂

[@Gene_Cali]

My first car in the 70's cost $300. ( used vw bug ). Now should I spend 10 times that amount for a musical instrument that takes more than one lifetime to master, 😜🎸, and one I won't be able to play 'just anywhere'? I don't want to buy something fun, that I have to worry about. Today's selection of affordable instruments is bliss compared to the torture devices of old. Thanks Phil! You Rawk! \m/

[@ro307805]

As far as Gibson goes, the quirks are what makes the tones of many unique, and i havent heard an asian guitar sound as good, even in comparison to my $400 2014 melody maker with p90's

[@DW-xt7vz]

Thank you Phil for your objective and intelligent comments as always. Not so thinly veiled racism is sometimes the reason for the perception gap too. Disguised as not wanting to support bad governments. The people who make your guitar in China are not government representatives they are just working people.

[@Southernguitar74]

No, I believe most people would simply rather support the people in their own country. Nothing “racist” about it.

[@claudiajay8291]

It’s good to support local and National builders , for sure. We have some great competition so we better get making something that’s better.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

who are "we"?

[@jackdonkey22]

Id rather support California communists than Chinese communists. I did have my eye on a GandL but i think I'll wait until after lawn care season.

[@electrickid101]

Do you think the 40th anniversary squires are as good as mexican fenders ?

[@FJB74]

It is quite funny how people think USA made guitars are always the best quality etcetera. And yes there still are many. I think some people get clouded up and think if they say anything other than American made is the best then they are some kind of traitor to their country or something. Haha. I recently bought a strat and a Telecaster from a couple of newer guitar companies and the quality is fantastic for the price and what used to be considered upgrades are standard for them. I bought each for a little over $200. They both have a Spoke trust wheel on the bottom of the neck, stainless steel ball end frets, locking tuners, bone nut, both have roasted Canadian maple necks, and one of them is flamey.... the kind of roasted flamed Maple neck you used to have to buy a $2000 Ernie Ball Music Man or custom shop fender in order to get. And they exceed most Squires quality and playability Etc by a lot! As a retired person now I can enjoy some more guitars rather than dumping a whole lot of money like two or three grand on one guitar. That really has never been justifiable to me but especially when so many great guitars are coming out of China. Mbtw, there are some really good guitar companies in China in case you have not heard of them. One of them being Eastman. Phenomenal guitar for the money. They've been making music instruments for a long time like violins Etc but their quality is top-notch and pricing is very good compared to Gibson and Fender Etc. The one thing I will say about Fender is that they have a decent acoustic guitar finally in my opinion. Check out the Fender Paramount. Cheers! Great video!

[@wurm90125]

It used to be. It's not anymore. I've got a PRS SE Silver Sky and a Strandberg. Quality wise they're as good as any of the American made guitars I own.

[@virtuosomaximoso1]

I have some custom shop american guitars. But I sure play my Chinese party partocaster quite a bit.

[@smandez2023]

I think that what is being stated here is more true for electric guitars than acoustic guitars.

[@johnfrei9057]

Loving my Squier Classic Vibe Strat and at $400 and change it lacks nothing.

[@therightisright8276]

My USED PRS SE CE 24 made in Indonesia bought for 550. is absolutely as perfect in build quality as my USA Fender Strat and other USA axes. Is there garbage made overseas? Yes, but there is garbage also found made in USA. Shop around folks.

[@brucegrimes29]

This is why I refuse to buy expensive guitars. There are so many very good quality guitars in the"budget" price range. The really high-end stuff is for collectors and snobs, in my opinion.

[@JBoPar]

As an owner of a Chinese Epi LP (numerous electrical problems) and an Indonesian Epi Masterbilt 500 (excellent); I can attest to the difference in quality... But I too, if possible, refrain from buying anything Chinese made... more because of what China is doing to US in so many ways... But my experience says there is a quality issue!

[@ginolamendola4084]

Thanks for the great video Phil !!!

[@jonmurphy776]

I said this earlier, on another channel, “I never met a guitar I didn’t like “🎉

[@neilpatrickhairless]

It all boils down to the price range of the items and target market. But that isn't a country thing, we make cheap, corner cutted slipshod junk in America too. A lot of the bigger quality issues from imported stuff is mostly from having to ship something like guitars from weird climates in containers that certainly aren't climate controlled all the way across the world

[@ro307805]

That hasn't been my experience. Though I love MIJ guitars and they are often lauded for great build quality, which is true. Often even with those though. The electronics and hardware can be bad. Other Aslan guitars are never as good , in the case of Chinese epiphone they claim they've improved but a few years ago they were awful

[@lyleanderson5407]

It's likely in the near future we will see a large reduction in American guitar production because of labor, cost, profit, and environment reasons. Upgrades are always a bonus but today most players can get by just fine with a baseline Import as both the quality and cost become far more attractive to both buyers and sellers. Imports will not likely gain much if any value because the profit drives the quantity, although there may be a few rare ones.

[@mattj6676]

I think where things are made is going to mean less over time, at least in terms of how "good" it is. It used to be if you bought a cheaper Epiphone it meant cheaper pots switches and pickups than the comparable Gibson. Nowadays they will generally have comparable components so the difference isn't as noticeable. Maybe it's just me getting older and not giving a crap, but I don't watch someone play and judge them by the guitar make/country of origin, but instead how well they play. A lot of this is just snobbery that isn't based on much of anything anymore. It's the same thing in a lot of areas like bikes, cars, phones, etc.

[@jroobz]

Nah not at all... But most people want swiss watches, german cars, and american guitars

[@davehopping7212]

Phillip's right about build quality, but I miss Paul Harvey's "Rest of the Story" on this issue. As a predominantly Muslim nation, Indonesia imposes Draconian punishment for acts considered harmless in the West, and China leads the world in capital punishment. Neither nation has much of a human-rights reputation. One might think that as liberal-globalists, rock musicians would be letting their cash speak by spending it on instruments from countries who DO walk the human-rights walk.

[@RevGerryRM]

I wouldn't waste my money on anything Gibson has anything to do with!

[@davidrensa3702]

Hi Phillip. Guitars made in Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Korea, Asian area in general, ALL use wood that is LOCALLY sourced. That ABSOLUTELY makes a difference. It has to, CNC or not, and I can surely tell in 30 seconds of playing a guitar. Some people cannot tell just by feel, others can.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

Buy what ya prefer. I prefer my Gibson Les Paul. If I could afford to right now I'd buy a Custom Shop Les Paul R9. One day. Anytime I can I'll support American labor over any other.

[@michaelborn3318]

The CNC doesn't know what country it's in.

[@mattmatthews3909]

‘Merica

[@rmzzz76]

USA Guitars hold their value more, really? First, let's look at the icons compare their new pricing today vs what a used model will go for in excellent condition: 2024 Gibson J-45 $2999, Average sold listing on EBay (2009-2019) $2250, loss is 25%. Just looking at the Standard series, about the same difference $2400 used (2007-2019), $3199 new.... Ok, so we're seeing about 25% difference between used sale by owner and new price for the most sought after USA models. Now let's look at some popular imports. Yamaha FG800. $230 new. Average used price $175, that would be 23% loss on resale. The Chinese built guitar holding its value better. How about the Chinese built, Epiphone Les Paul 1959 Limited (with Gibson USA hardware and pickups), sells for $999 new, average sold used price on Reverb about $815. So that's a 18% loss.... So it's COMPLETE BULLSHIT to claim "USA guitars hold their value better". No, no, no. Guitar players just tend to not be good with math and relative numbers. It depends entirely on supply and demand of the model you are after, the younger generation doesn't give a care about country of origin...If you just generalize, sure, but you're including Rogue and other off-brand or store brand model guitars in the foreign built category, but the brand name stuff made in Mexico, Indonesia and China can hold put better in value than USA models as I just demonstrated, it depends on how desirable that model is

[@richardzahumensky5253]

100 % 🎉

[@TommiChong]

Words made doesn't matter next thing you're going to say is would doesn't matter😂😂

[@johnmathia357]

It's not quite the same with acoustics.

[@robertfoster1339]

My Eastman is way better than my 1996 expensive USA made Gibson…. I don’t care where it’s from I care what it plays and sounds great

[@MrSDFD18]

I always hear people talk about USA and it’s superior guitars. Never been true. Germans and Japanese make far better automobiles than the U.S. I have US guitars and I have foreign guitars. The foreign guitars are just as good. Case in point, the D’Angelico mini DC (Sweetwater exclusive) is excellent quality. I would rate it at 75% of what a Gibson gives you. But the 25% lacking doesn’t affect playability or tone. American pride tarnishes the way US buyers see the foreign guitar market. Japanese Fenders are incredible guitars that were better than the US made product in the 80’s. Hasn’t anyone seen the black lacquer, mother of pearl jewelry boxes that G.I.s brought home from war? Has anyone seen the way Japanese wood workers joint wood without glue or nails? Guitars are made of wood and metal. That wood and metal doesn’t have any concept of what the person making it into a guitar looks like, or where they were born. Get over your arrogant, misguided pride and embrace the fact that you can get far more instrument for your money by buying foreign made guitars. And the money comes right back to the US owners.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Man dont hype it and raise the price brah

[@MrSDFD18]

@@zeusapollo8688 it’s not about the price man. It’s about seeing people as equals and allowing the scales to fall off one’s eyes so they can see, a foreign made guitar is no different than a guitar made in the U.S. When someone can see foreigners as equals, we all benefit. Pride is an ugly sin.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

I agree 100%. Just wanna add that in some countries ALL guitars are foreign made... but even so, country of origin is in higher regard than quality. I don't know why.

[@Ripperx121]

I have not bought an American made car since the 90's. And never will. I did buy a Gibson and the clear coat is cracking on it. None of my foreign guitars are doing that.

[@Dreyno]

I think it’s more about associations with brands and models and the “real deal” being made where your heroes guitars were made. Jimmy Page’s guitar is a U.S. made Les Paul, Hendrix played a U.S. Strat etc. In reality, a Tokai made Japan is just as close to those guitars as anything Fender and Gibson are churning out 60 years later. But people are fickle and irrational.

[@kaekayyy2554]

I think it still matters. I understand and support the claim that you can get a guitar with excellent playability, reliability and quality out of china/vietnam/Indonesia, but the second the customer base proclaims that country of origin doesn't matter, watch the corporations jack up prices on Chinese guitars, while still providing subpar quality control and paying less for labour in comparison to korean and Japanese made guitars. If a company were to build a guitar with all name brand specs with all the modern features (active Pickups, ss frets, roasted/multi ply necks etc.) at say a 1000 usd for parts and 500 for labour in Korea, advertising costs and margins... They'd be pocketing a lot more if they shift to a country with low labor (7/10 times this would mean worse qc) costs and keep the price the same. I think it would be borderline naive to think that companies would hesitate to take up such an opportunity.

[@LumaTo]

The show mentions that as the big manufacturers' main goal in some later episodes.

[@kaekayyy2554]

@@LumaTo we share the same view. Nice.

[@theblytonian3906]

💯✅

[@riverstone5994]

I know you can have a higher spec guitar from a country with worse labour laws but I just don’t want to you know

[@snailsfrogslegs119]

I don't care. It DOES measure you understanding that as a country we better support our own companies and people for our childrens' sake. Yea, go ahead and buy a knockoff from one of the third-world holes, but you ain't playin it around here... no f'n way.

[@HunnysPlaylists]

it's a great indicator of outlook in how people design and build them: usa/canada- willing to go off script when the "smell test" fails. germany+most of asia- usually on script with no variations (unto total absurdity). chna- they just don't care.

[@montyqd]

Country of origin has nothing to do with quality. Those who say it does are not be realistic. Just nationalistic. Every country has great craftsmanship and instruments and crappy, cheap ones. What matters is who made it and their skill, not the country they are in.

[@HeyVlad]

Phil, why do epiphones have maple veniers and not maple caps? Your still comparing apples to bananas as far as epi and Gibson, despite their terrible QC.

[@zeusapollo8688]

The one basic variable is the age of the wood your guitar is built from. I am sure that most big companies have years worth of stock saved up My worry would be the new cheap guitars would be of cheaper wetter stuff The you get into the torrifaction process which lets you make wood almost instantly stable.

[@allbushnocraft3031]

my indo made gretsch streamliner cost 500 pounds no quality issues in anyway if it was built in the us and twice the price you would still say it was a quality guitar. All the co mental about buying american are nonsense in world where you express that opinion on a chinese made phone or computer while watching a chinese made made tv. after picking it up in japanese car, stopping to get some chinese take out in the way home.🤣

[@nigellacey559]

No, China make amazing guitars

[@GreatPlanet-n7n]

I try not to buy things made in China.

[@MrSDFD18]

But you shop at Walmart?

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@@MrSDFD18i mean even those who claim to hate all things china, occasionally eat chinese food.

[@MrSDFD18]

@@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020 it’s only “Chinese” when they want it to be!

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@@MrSDFD18 lol 😂

[@Hockeytown19]

Same. They say the U.S. is their enemy, so I avoid made in China as much as possible. I don’t mind where my stuff is made, but I avoid China.

[@hornsbykid]

Finishing detail is far superior in USA made guitars. That's why Gibson can charge so much. You rarely have scratchy frets and bad soldering on a brand new Gibson

[@markhill9275]

It's simple. The best guitars are made in Korea and Indonesia. Agile, Crafter, G+L tribute series, only the handmade Eastman in China rival. Both Fender and Gibson are overpriced, overrated, over and out! Even some Harley Benton are really good guitars, the only thing that the Asian guitars, still need to improve are the electronics, but these can be upgraded very easily and at not great expense. It's a no brainer now!

[@MrSDFD18]

Someone buy this man a drink.

[@dennisneo1608]

I can only afford cheap Chinese guitars, and they are crap!!! The cncs may be the same, but the materials are third rate.

[@thetownspeople6486]

Squires are the worst import guitars out there including 75% of Amazon guitar companies. Squires suck.

[@revtimewest]

😂 I used to think that to. However, I have one in my collection that is fantastic. Its better quality than most american fenders I pick up. Are they all like that? No but keep looking and you will find a unicorn.

[@therealone1288]

probably just a broad range of quality coming out of squier. have a paranormal jazzmaster tele that's sick especially after some upgrades (got it to practice with some upgrades/maintenance stuff before touching my 'good' guitars)

[@MrSDFD18]

@@therealone1288 my brother and I bought the classic vibe jazzmaster. I’d never pay $1,400 for a USA jazzmaster, but I’ll certainly pay $400 for an Asian made Squier that plays like a dream. Polished the frets right out of the box, made a world of difference.

[@JoeBaermann]

Got 2 contemporary Squirs that both rock. Did change the trem and nut on one of them to something more modern, that one also has the same crack in the paint at the neck like on quite a few Fender strats, the other one came with a Sqiuer FR which to my supprise works really well, electronics are still stock in both. Also played a Classic Vibe and their latest black tele with the unussual switching system, both feel and sound great. Back in the days Squire was a no go, even Hohner was better, but these days they manage to put out some good instruments. Even one of Fenders Masterbuilders was supprised over what their cheapo brand offers when he had the time and was asked to try a few models.

[@thetownspeople6486]

@@JoeBaermann I find they all need modding if the neck isn’t all messed up. Frets never level. I recently got a 40th anniversary model Strat because it got a great review here from Phil. I got mine, it sucked really bad just as they historically always have. I had to sell it. Took a $200 hit even though it’s all original and I played it maybe fifteen minutes total. So as far as I’m concerned they suck. I’ll take my $400 to $600 to somebody else every time from now until death ☠️ for me. You thinking Squire, we’ll do ya feel lucky,….. punk. Lol 😝

[@Claudebonegt]

Dude, you need to get a/c or take the rubber band off your nuggies. Lol

[@nick_ashley]

What are you talking about