User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 11:27:17 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Those counterfeit Chinese Gibsons are getting real good. I will not buy a used Les Paul because I don’t trust I’d be able to tell a counterfeit. Used to be easy…like bolt-on necks. I have a Chibson. It was bought specifically for decoration. It's likely half the weight of a real LP lol. That said, I'm right there with you. If I bought a used LP, it would have to be from a very reputable source. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 11:33:37 AM EDT
[#2]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 11:42:52 AM EDT
[#3]
15 years ago I bought a Chinese Gibson Les Paul and it looked/played as well as my epiphone but had a “Gibson” headstock. I think I paid $300. Ended up getting rid of it since I prefer Ibanez/Schecter with bigger necks/frets but the Chinese can make some excellent quality stuff. I think my Schecter C1 Exotic is made in indonesia and it’s my favorite guitar to play.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 12:02:56 PM EDT
[#4]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 12:03:27 PM EDT
[#5]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 12:10:25 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They are perfectly capable of producing good stuff. It’s just not what they usually export. Because it's not what the consumer demands. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 12:22:08 PM EDT
[#7]
Were these Eastman brand?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 12:32:48 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted: Went to a local music store to grab a new cable for my daughter. Of course I started playing everything on the wall. I was playing acoustics and almost all of them were made in China. They all sounded and played great. They had one or two US made Martins and I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference if I was blind folded. There was nothing wrong with the Martin, the cheap alvarez, Ibanez, etc were just that nice. I never consider made in China guitars, Korea is the closest I'll come. I'm beginning to wonder if I should reconsider. I've been jonesin for a dean v and most are Chinese...  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 3:47:32 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Were these Eastman brand? Alvarez, Ibanez, Yamaha, fender, etc |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 3:52:30 PM EDT
[#10]
Paid $200 for this a week ago. Yes, I've had plenty genuine LP's before. Sounds like crap, but I'm going to replace all the components/pickups shortly.
 Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 3:55:40 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you can't clearly hear or feel the difference between a Chinese made guitar and a Martin, you are completely fine buying Chinese guitars. I'm not saying that to be an asshole, though it may sound harsh, but to even a fair ear and intermediate player, the difference is tremendously apparent. Still, I would urge you to buy a mid priced ( $500-$800) US made guitar, and practice. Take the time in practicing not only to get better with playing the instrument, but listening to it. Take some ear training classes, and I'm not sure how old you are, but get your hearing checked. I know my hearing is starting to fail at my age, I can tell it clearly. Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 3:59:03 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? My Martin dreadnought was in that price range, used in good condition. But that's been a few years. No clue what the current market is. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:10:26 PM EDT
[#13]
I know nothing as I am just learning. A monoprice strat clone SSH is just right for me.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:15:52 PM EDT
[#14]
My last retail job when I was in college was selling guitars; anything from $75 no-name starter instruments to $5k - $15k Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, the occasional Breedlove, Guild, Larrivee, etc.
Cheap Yamaha guitars - which are Chinese - are actually fairly decent, especially for beginners and students. Chinese guitars in general do have a place, IMO, as they are generally less expensive and thus more accessible to people who want to start playing. They typically aren't a good idea for a serious player who wants a serious, long term investment in an instrument, but they aren't all complete crap on the basis of country of manufacture. Cheap Alvarez (so basically, not Alvarez Yari) is also a decent choice for beginners. Quote HistoryQuoted: My Martin dreadnought was in that price range, used in good condition. But that's been a few years. No clue what the current market is. The cheaper Martins use high pressure laminate for the body but I think all Martins still feature a solid top. For a beginner/intermediate player who isn't too invested in the longevity of the instrument, it'll work fine. For more serious guitarists, something like a D-16 or D-28/HD-28 would be a much wiser long term investment, as the overall tone will mature as the guitar ages (given proper attention to maintenance). |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:21:53 PM EDT
[#15]
My Yamaha LL16D and CSF3M are both made in China, both solid wood top, back & sides and play phenomenally well. I love them both and played them both back to back with equivalent sized Taylors, Martins and the like and felt I was getting a ton more instrument for the money.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:23:11 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My last retail job when I was in college was selling guitars; anything from $75 no-name starter instruments to $5k - $15k Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, the occasional Breedlove, Guild, Larrivee, etc. Cheap Yamaha guitars - which are Chinese - are actually fairly decent, especially for beginners and students. Chinese guitars in general do have a place, IMO, as they are generally less expensive and thus more accessible to people who want to start playing. They typically aren't a good idea for a serious player who wants a serious, long term investment in an instrument, but they aren't all complete crap on the basis of country of manufacture. Cheap Alvarez (so basically, not Alvarez Yari) is also a decent choice for beginners. The cheaper Martins use high pressure laminate for the body but I think all Martins still feature a solid top. For a beginner/intermediate player who isn't too invested in the longevity of the instrument, it'll work fine. For more serious guitarists, something like a D-16 or D-28/HD-28 would be a much wiser long term investment, as the overall tone will mature as the guitar ages (given proper attention to maintenance). Quote HistoryQuoted: My last retail job when I was in college was selling guitars; anything from $75 no-name starter instruments to $5k - $15k Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, the occasional Breedlove, Guild, Larrivee, etc. Cheap Yamaha guitars - which are Chinese - are actually fairly decent, especially for beginners and students. Chinese guitars in general do have a place, IMO, as they are generally less expensive and thus more accessible to people who want to start playing. They typically aren't a good idea for a serious player who wants a serious, long term investment in an instrument, but they aren't all complete crap on the basis of country of manufacture. Cheap Alvarez (so basically, not Alvarez Yari) is also a decent choice for beginners. Quoted: My Martin dreadnought was in that price range, used in good condition. But that's been a few years. No clue what the current market is. The cheaper Martins use high pressure laminate for the body but I think all Martins still feature a solid top. For a beginner/intermediate player who isn't too invested in the longevity of the instrument, it'll work fine. For more serious guitarists, something like a D-16 or D-28/HD-28 would be a much wiser long term investment, as the overall tone will mature as the guitar ages (given proper attention to maintenance). The cheap ones are Indonesia, the higher-end is China. Only the red label and a few classical guitars are still made in Japan. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:24:33 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My Martin dreadnought was in that price range, used in good condition. But that's been a few years. No clue what the current market is. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? My Martin dreadnought was in that price range, used in good condition. But that's been a few years. No clue what the current market is. Made here in PA or one of the Mexican ones with wood from China? |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:32:24 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know nothing as I am just learning. A monoprice strat clone SSH is just right for me. Make sure you have someone who knows what they're doing set it up for you. It's frustrating enough trying to learn, but doing it on an instrument that's actively fighting your progress makes a lot of people give up too early. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:32:32 PM EDT
[#19]
All solid wood
American-made Under $2500 Pick two... |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:33:04 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My last retail job when I was in college was selling guitars; anything from $75 no-name starter instruments to $5k - $15k Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, the occasional Breedlove, Guild, Larrivee, etc. Cheap Yamaha guitars - which are Chinese - are actually fairly decent, especially for beginners and students. Chinese guitars in general do have a place, IMO, as they are generally less expensive and thus more accessible to people who want to start playing. They typically aren't a good idea for a serious player who wants a serious, long term investment in an instrument, but they aren't all complete crap on the basis of country of manufacture. Cheap Alvarez (so basically, not Alvarez Yari) is also a decent choice for beginners. The cheaper Martins use high pressure laminate for the body but I think all Martins still feature a solid top. For a beginner/intermediate player who isn't too invested in the longevity of the instrument, it'll work fine. For more serious guitarists, something like a D-16 or D-28/HD-28 would be a much wiser long term investment, as the overall tone will mature as the guitar ages (given proper attention to maintenance). Quote HistoryQuoted: My last retail job when I was in college was selling guitars; anything from $75 no-name starter instruments to $5k - $15k Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, the occasional Breedlove, Guild, Larrivee, etc. Cheap Yamaha guitars - which are Chinese - are actually fairly decent, especially for beginners and students. Chinese guitars in general do have a place, IMO, as they are generally less expensive and thus more accessible to people who want to start playing. They typically aren't a good idea for a serious player who wants a serious, long term investment in an instrument, but they aren't all complete crap on the basis of country of manufacture. Cheap Alvarez (so basically, not Alvarez Yari) is also a decent choice for beginners. The cheaper Martins use high pressure laminate for the body but I think all Martins still feature a solid top. For a beginner/intermediate player who isn't too invested in the longevity of the instrument, it'll work fine. For more serious guitarists, something like a D-16 or D-28/HD-28 would be a much wiser long term investment, as the overall tone will mature as the guitar ages (given proper attention to maintenance). Mines solid rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top Quoted: Made here in PA or one of the Mexican ones with wood from China? PA |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:34:22 PM EDT
[#21]
I think the Yamaha guitars above the $1200 price range are made in Japan. The A5 stuff and a few more. It's my understanding they are really good guitars.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:34:25 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... SG and any Martin dss |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:35:54 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mines solid rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top PA Solid wood, dreadnought Martin for $1k? Used or not, anytime in the last 25 years  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:37:17 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Fuck china. First post and all brosef |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 4:39:20 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Solid wood, dreadnought Martin for $1k? Used or not, anytime in the last 25 years /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/dont_believe_you_anchorman_zps267e5cbb_GIF-108.gif Like I said, its been a few years. Not 25. Hm. Maybe 15 years? Seems about right |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 5:14:05 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mine's a Hollowbody II Piezo. It's flawless as far as I can tell and it sounds amazing. It has a huge range of tones available. I've looked at every millimeter of it and cannot find a single flaw. I've been lusting after one of those, but I can't bring myself to spend $1600 on a made in China guitar, even if the quality is there. I had a much cheaper Squier Classic Vibe Tele and it was excellent. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 6:17:41 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? Here is a Canadian made guitar for $799.  Attached FileYou can frequently find US Fenders under $1000 if you watch for sales. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 6:33:09 PM EDT
[#28]
I still have all my brother's guitars from when he passed. His 89 American Strat would one of the last possessions of mine that I would ever sell. I haven't played the thing in years. He had a Yamaha BB King Lucille looking guitar. That thing has to be 40+ years old. It plays well though. I really should break them out and play again. It would be like starting over I bet.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 6:49:08 PM EDT
[#29]
A former bandmate sold me some no-name guitar that came from China via Rondo Music. It has the best feeling neck/fretboard and action of any guitar I've played. The pick-ups sound like shit by comparison, but the build quality is easily that of a guitar that would command 10-times the price if it had a major name on it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 6:58:14 PM EDT
[#30]
I just can't do it. I have a couple Korean made that are shockingly nice, but I won't go Chinese for all kinds of personal reasons.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 6:59:37 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: SG and any Martin dss Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... SG and any Martin dss This was $146? +tax, new the week after Christmas  Attached FileWasn't setup for crap, though  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 7:00:01 PM EDT
[#32]
F China and all, I know it isn't quite the same but newer used Epiphone Les Pauls are the way to go. The newer epiphones are quite good and I have two of them, bought each for ~$300. Good woods, Grover tuners, decent frets, and some decent pickups. I also hate California but threw some money at Seymour Duncan for a JB in my Studio. That thing sounds huge now.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 7:35:01 PM EDT
[#33]
My wife was looking for a rosewood Martin in the $4,000 range, the shop didn't have it so we left with a $1,500 Eastman. It sounds very good, that and the neck shape were the selling points.
The Martin will likely be purchased in the future but this Eastman is excellent. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 7:54:40 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? Do not exist in this universe |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 8:04:59 PM EDT
[#35]
Most production guitars sound like shit, and all Chinese guitars sound like shit. Very few folks are making great guitars these days.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 8:17:22 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... My Martin 00015m is all solid wood, made in America and was around $1500 |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 8:46:59 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My Martin 00015m is all solid wood, made in America and was around $1500 Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... My Martin 00015m is all solid wood, made in America and was around $1500 Yes. And the other only other acoustic option mentioned in this thread confirms how limited your options are until you increase your budget. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:05:11 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have a Chibson. It was bought specifically for decoration. It's likely half the weight of a real LP lol. That said, I'm right there with you. If I bought a used LP, it would have to be from a very reputable source. The Chibsons are Epiphones, and Gibson is in on it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:08:17 PM EDT
[#39]
Guitars, knives, and guns are things that I feel a certain pride of ownership in, and appreciation for the design and craftsmanship.
No matter how good China gets at making shit, I'd never consider anything Chinese. Fuck China. They have an authoritarian government because they have an authoritarian culture. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:11:43 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Because it's not what the consumer demands. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: They are perfectly capable of producing good stuff. It’s just not what they usually export. Because it's not what the consumer demands. Partially. The other common occurrence is that they produce to spec until you stop checking. Then quality goes to shit. It’s a fundamental tenet of business there that if you are stupid enough to be defrauded, then you deserve to be. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:16:27 PM EDT
[#41]
The Chikenbackers (Chinese Rickenbackers) look amazingly like the American made one but when you get down to the materials, Not even close. Pot metal shit tuners and bridge, crappy pups and electronics. They just LOOK like a Ric. Thats where it ends. Even the headstock is angled too far back.
But for 350.00, Thats 10% of the price of a real one.   |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:19:10 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two...  
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:24:16 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... https://bg-so-1.zippyimage.com/2023/02/02/0c33d11eaaddd6be8d3f33ef36335752.jpg Not a guitar. Not an acoustic. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:34:31 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... Taylor's American Dream series are all solid wood, made in the U.S.A. and under $2500.  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:42:12 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... Martin 15 and 16 series gives you all 3 I think. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/2/2023 9:48:52 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm pretty sure everything they make is Chinese now. At least the ones I fucked with tonight Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Yamaha, seriously I'm pretty sure everything they make is Chinese now. At least the ones I fucked with tonight I have 3 of them, two are older. I always assumed they were made in Japan, but I just looked inside the one I've had since 1983, and it says "Product of China : Made in Taiwan" inside. I'll be damned. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/3/2023 4:40:28 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Make sure you have someone who knows what they're doing set it up for you. It's frustrating enough trying to learn, but doing it on an instrument that's actively fighting your progress makes a lot of people give up too early. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I know nothing as I am just learning. A monoprice strat clone SSH is just right for me. Make sure you have someone who knows what they're doing set it up for you. It's frustrating enough trying to learn, but doing it on an instrument that's actively fighting your progress makes a lot of people give up too early. I had prepared for trouble. The Youtube guy "Guitar How To" is very good at his tutorials. Luckily, only the action was a little high and then I had to tune the intonation. The head stock looks stupid but I don't care. Most people would not even notice or understand. Plus I am in cheap with a stand, extra strings and a snark. What else do you need. I am waiting for a Chicom Tube amp from monoprice. My goal is to get good enough to go to a guitar stores and check out other styles and makes to see what I like. To me its a great entry guitar for $95 delivered and I can't compare it to other makers at this time. Mr. "Guitar How To" guy is doing a Redid RD-100 chicom guitar right now. He has a few things he prefers like locking tuners and a different bridge so, he is changing those out but it sounds good before. I think a good guitar player can make anything sould good. Also, I like to watch Jimmy Stewart play his junk chicoms on youtube. It's amazing. Redid RD-100 (green) |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/3/2023 5:28:21 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If you can't clearly hear or feel the difference between a Chinese made guitar and a Martin, you are completely fine buying Chinese guitars. I'm not saying that to be an asshole, though it may sound harsh, but to even a fair ear and intermediate player, the difference is tremendously apparent. Still, I would urge you to buy a mid priced ( $500-$800) US made guitar, and practice. Take the time in practicing not only to get better with playing the instrument, but listening to it. Take some ear training classes, and I'm not sure how old you are, but get your hearing checked. I know my hearing is starting to fail at my age, I can tell it clearly. Links to decent American made guitars for $500-800? I was eyeballing another used Taylor 310CE (dreadnaught, cutaway, electric pickup) on guitar center's site last week. $600. Keep your eyes open on their site, and if a MusicGoRound store happens to be near you, get to know the people there. My 310CE is about to turn 23 years old. I won't sell it. I want my next guitar to be a cedar top/mahogany back and sides Grand Auditorium. Think Taylor 514, Olson SJ, etc. I'd be pleased if I could find one used with a florentine cutaway but that's going to take some searching. I'll probably have to commission the build. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/3/2023 5:32:07 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All solid wood American-made Under $2500 Pick two... used Taylor 300 series all year long. I see them in the $1000-1200 range all the time. |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/3/2023 8:59:26 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Most production guitars sound like shit, and all Chinese guitars sound like shit. Very few folks are making great guitars these days. I would have to disagree. LOTS of great guitars being made today. Lots of crap too. People want to compare to the great guitars of the past like pre-war Martins or 59 Les Pauls. Well, remember these were not cheap guitars even when new. Very expensive and truth be told many of the LPs had poor tolerances and needing shims etc. Not all of the Martins had "it" with perfect ringing tone. What we see of the exceptional examples of craftsmanship and materials that survived. I have guitars that IMO are equal or superior to anything made in the past. I grant you it isn't entry level price. But the choices are abundant. My go to is a Kevin Ryan Nightingale. I believe it is as quality an instrument as anything Martin ever made. Where I agree is most people restrict themselves to a budget that delivers a poor instrument. The crap from China flooding the market turns people off of playing. Poor action. Shit tone. Even if they accidentally do fret a chord right there isn't positive feedback. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
Attached File
Attached File
Attached File