Made in USA: Does it matter?

[skink83]

You can't run away that MIA brings with it years of high QC. Although I've tried some bad quality ones(might be ok to some), there's no denying that the high chance of finding a good quality and playable guitar is MIA. I'll admit there are many great copies or non-MIAs available now (I mentioned this on another post), but if you have the dough, don't settle for any less. If you're on a budget, there's a good chance of finding a great axe with less money nowadays. I would say, something for everyone. I don't think its overrated (yet).

Boutique and modded gear do sound better in some cases, but then since they are specialised after all, they would sound better to the user who seeks that tone than another person. It certainly doesn't mean stock tone is bad.

IMO, i think a/bing only applies if you're comparing something of the same price and features and seeing which is a better buy. Of course, its a good way to find out which is 'better', but if you're happy with how it sounds and feels on its own, then why would you need to compare it? Either 1) you're a reviewer 2) you're not satisfied with the tone or 3) you have money to burn.

 

[subversion]

sometimes this general acceptance entails blind loyalty. citing Gibson as an example (apologies GIbson fans, i have nothing against you- i promise i'll get another Gibson some day) flawed Les Pauls still get get a 'Wow' from impressionable buyers.

 

[skink83]

haha and yes, I just realised shred did mention about the 2nd point about being satisfied.



Yes, I agree with sub, there are quite a few sub-standard(haha, no pun intended sub!) Gibbies around. However for customs and some of the higher end models, I find less problems since so few make it to Sg and probably face a tighter check on their quality.

 

[ShredCow]

When I have money to burn, i let myself loose. When I have money to burn lah.

I can't even decide what guitar to get next, I mean, my Saber can only do so much, I wanna move UP!

Sub, you hit the nail on the head with that Gibson illustration.

 

[subversion]

However for customs and some of the higher end models, I find less problems since so few make it to Sg and probably face a tighter check on their quality.

the reason people should grab them when they become affordable 8) (hint: SALE)

 

[skink83]

Zhng your saber then put a Gibson sticker la. hehe :wink:

Can put MIS (singapore) somemore... :lol:

 

[sanXp]

MIS is the best la. Made/modified in Singapore. That aside, I wouldn't touch anything from China. Perhaps I'm stereotyped. But if being a stereotype helps me save my cash from wastage, why not? I believe MIJ has the best quality, followed by MIA and then MIK. No comments on MIM cos I've never tried one before, but I've heard good about them.

I think the biggest concern of a buyer choosing between different countries of build is the wood they use, it's quality and the finishing. Anything else, can diy fix.

 

[shioks76]

So sub how to tell whether a gibson is flawed by playing /looking at it?
I thinking of saving for the gibson les paual special /gibson sg special faded
hopefully can save enough to get it by year end.

 

[sanXp]

Why bother with gibson when you can get better quality lp copies from tokai and burny? Or better still, customise your own online.

 

[metallibeast]

sometimes this general acceptance entails blind loyalty. citing Gibson as an example (apologies GIbson fans, i have nothing against you- i promise i'll get another Gibson some day) flawed Les Pauls still get get a 'Wow' from impressionable buyers.

+666 you do indeed get that WoW factor when using a Gibson even though some times when I take a look at some of my friend's pedal board I'm like dude...you can buy like a Gibson too if you didn't buy all those pedals....