"Eisboch" wrote in message
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"HarryK" wrote in message
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Are the more inexpensive guitars still made in Japan? I would think not,
since Japan no longer is among the lowest cost labor markets.


Some of the more "affordable" guitars are made in Japan ... Gretsch and some
Fenders for example. Affordable meaning under $1000. Many are also made in
Korea and Mexico.
Virtually all the "big" names in guitar manufacturers have developed
lower-end versions of their products that are imported. Even Paul Reed
Smith has a SE import line now.

Many lower priced guitars are also made in China under legitimate licensing
agreements with both American and European manufacturers. Gibson's Epiphone
line is mostly built in China now. Many of these guitars are of first rate
quality. By law, all these imports have the county of origin indicated on
them.

But, there's also some unauthorized Chinese companies making copies of
high-end American guitars. This is what frosts me. E-Bay and other
Internet sources carry these unauthorized imports. They are very well made
.... sometimes fooling the experts. They have a fictitious serial number on
them that looks like the real thing and some even have "Made in USA" stamped
on the rear of the headstocks. They sell a Gibson Les Paul Standard copy
for about $350.
The real thing, made in the USA, costs well over $2,000.

Some Chinese companies are manufacturing items in accordance with
international laws.
Unfortunately, many are not.

Eisboch


Reply:
My Yamaha Acoustic says it is made in China to Yamaha specifications.