Of course, nothing agaist Jap guitars, 6 of my guitars are Japs.
I did engage in an opinion difference with the chaps at GG over a strat (Mex) price which exceeded $1K. They insisted the price was such because it was a re-issue blah blah. But I duly told them I can get the same model elsewhere for sub-$1K & they kinda raised their eyebrows on that note. However, when I returned to that shop which was selling the strat at very a very much lower list price, they have revised the price to match GG. I think you know which shop I am talking about here. I feel sorry for those who wish to acquire a reasonably priced strat which have been severely marked up due to a certain commercial alliance.
It also goes to show that guitar prices are pegged by the dealer & their knowledge on prices are rather lacking…