Buying Acoustic Guitar in Shenzhen

[lormee]

Hi Guys & Gals

i'm have been going to shenzhen on biz trip and went to a few of their guitar shops around there. saw a brand called "Vandora" which the salesguy told me is actually Farida/Guild guitars. it's 'rebranded' cos the Farida and Guild cannot be sold in China.

the prices are in the range of RMB5000-13000 which translates to SGD1040-2708. there were 2 pieces i saw, both with fishman pickups (1 passive, 1 active).

would like to hear your feedback on this brand and any other advice about buying guitar in China, Shenzhen and bringing back to Singapore!

Thanks in Advance!

 

[sitkaspruce]

For SGD 1040 to 2708 for a Vandora or Pandora, Farida or Guild, Fishman or no Fisherman, I'd rather get a low end Martin (1 series), Seagull, Epi to a higher end Ayers here. Resale is gonna be tough, unless you want to play it for life.

An average 2k SGD for a OEM guitar but the headstock says otherwise? I'll never do it. My 2 cents. For the money you can get the real thing.

By the way, Farida is more popular in UK, Hongkong & Taiwan etc. They too make Blueridge, Recording King & Fishman.

http://www.faridaguitars.com/electric1.htm

http://www.sinomusic.com.tw/saga.htm

http://www.sinomusic.com.tw/fishmanindex.htm

I think the HQ is in Taiwan & Production in China. Guild still sounds ok but Farida sounds middle east. Just like Suzuki sounds Japanese.

 

[mrekoj]

think of the resale value ?
get something more common or sought after ?

 

[sitkaspruce]

think of the resale value ?
get something more common or sought after ?

That's what I mean.
Well, it looks good, sounds good though I never play one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnkdbi6O2d8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9z_0FQgWzA&feature=related

 

[lormee]

thanks for the feedback. sadly i'm not at the level where i can evaluate the value of the guitar. only been playing actively this past year on my Washburn and kinda feel tat the quality of sound produced is lacking.

i've also seen afew well known brands here like Takamine EG340SC selling for RMB2980 (SGD620), Cort PW360M selling for RMB4800 (SGD1000) and Taylor 210ce selling for RMB7000 (SGD1458). i'm not sure about prices in singapore so can't tell if they're cheaper or not...

 

[sitkaspruce]

... like Takamine EG340SC selling for RMB2980 (SGD620), Cort PW360M selling for RMB4800 (SGD1000) and Taylor 210ce selling for RMB7000 (SGD1458). i'm not sure about prices in singapore so can't tell if they're cheaper or not...

Takamine EG340SC (Solid Top only-Made in China)1.5 years ago abt S$500
http://www.guitar4christ.com/index.php?option=com_jfusion&Itemid=24&jfile=viewtopic.php&f=8&t=23795

Cort PW360M. SD1498 (Full Solid-Made in China) on Swee Lee website. after the usual 20% = SD1198. Call to check if case is included.
http://sweelee.com.sg/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_4_26&products_id=98

Taylor 210ce (Solid Top only-Made in Mexico) Ask Sinamex for price-with HS case.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Guitars

Looks like not worth getting the Taka & Cort. Taylor pricing might be too good to be true. Does it comes with EQ? Since Taylor guitars were never Made in China, I guess it's a fake. Write to Taylor to find out.

There are many 'Branded' guitars from china. Very cheap Martins on the link below. Don't get con.
http://www.tootoomart.com/buy-martin+guitar/

Buying guitars (cost wise) in:
Malaysia - no no (cost abt 10-20% more than here)
Thailand - so so (Only if you like it. Price wise is slightly cheaper. Electric NNG is good)
Vietnam - go go (Bang for bucks)
China - do more research before you buy.

Also, if coming back by SQ (SIA), you CAN'T hand carry it up to the cabin. It must be check in like a luggage & have to pay extra. Other airlines, cross your fingers.

Support your local music stores

 

[lormee]

looks like it's time to provide an update

recently bought an Ibanez AWS1000ECE-NT from Swee Lee during their 50% discount. initially wanted to buy the Cort Parkwood PW360M it was sold already by the time i reached the shop! so tried some of the other guitars and this one stood out from the rest...

Full solid with electronics, it definitely sounds and plays better than my old Washburn. can't wait to get it setup and realise it's full potential!

thanks everyone for their advice!