So I bought a Gibson bass again

[Dave W]

How about a Zephyr Blues Deluxe at 1/20 the price?
...

I wouldn't pay $900 for any MIC guitar.

[Dave W]

The Gristleman with a CS Reissue.

[ilan]

Sounds brilliant. The all-3 position is very Fenderish.

[Granny Gremlin]

Jake = mudbucker violator

Nothing good will come of this. 

What the heck did I do?

Violator is a great album tho.

[ilan]

I wouldn't pay $900 for any MIC guitar.

MIK by Peerless. Quality is considered on par with good MIJ/CIJ guitars.

[ajkula66]

I wouldn't pay $900 for any MIC guitar.

Amen to that.

[4stringer77]

I wouldn't pay $900 for any MIC guitar.

And soon enough you can look forward to not paying $1,125 for that same guitar. One has to wonder how long Embassy basses can be had for $400 as well.

[ajkula66]

And soon enough you can look forward to not paying $1,125 for that same guitar. One has to wonder how long Embassy basses can be had for $400 as well.

The only Embassy I've tried had fretwork so bad that I wouldn't have bought it for a $140, let alone $400...and yes, it was brand new.

[Dave W]

MIK by Peerless. Quality is considered on par with good MIJ/CIJ guitars.

I wouldn't pay more for any MIK guitar than it cost new.

To be fair, I do understand that non-US buyers don't necessarily see things the same way.

[amptech]

I wouldn't pay more for any MIK guitar than it cost new.

To be fair, I do understand that non-US buyers don't necessarily see things the same way.

Up here in Scandinavia, people seem to look at US or asian fenders pretty much like the same thing - if it plays well it does not matter what the headstock says. But when it comes to Gibson, a lot of people just don't play an Epiphone on a stage. I've seen the logo taped or overpainted and whatnot like it's a disease.

[doombass]

Up here in Scandinavia, people seem to look at US or asian fenders pretty much like the same thing - if it plays well it does not matter what the headstock says. But when it comes to Gibson, a lot of people just don't play an Epiphone on a stage. I've seen the logo taped or overpainted and whatnot like it's a disease.

Yes it's a bit different here. I can also understand the loyalty side of it in the U.S. If you can afford a U.S built instrument you feel better supporting your own country rather than see U.S companies going out of business. On top of that most of the guitars from Asia are U.S designs.

[Chris P.]

Almost (*) all Gretsches aren Asian - even the 3500 euro Billy Bo Bass and White Falcon Bass - and almost all Laklands in shops (**) are Asian and I guess that changes a lot in perception. Of course Americans still think USA stuff is better 

Having that said: I know European and US brands with pickups or other parts made in Asia, even in the expensive basses. Or US amps with Asian speakers. So I do think a brand name surely makes a difference of what something is worth - A Fender is an easier resell than a 'better' (***) bass made by a small unknown luthier. But the perception a US bass may rise in value and an Asian one not? That goes against all logic.


(*) A handfull of US models are made every year.
(**) Most Laklands you see are Skyline and the US versions are more like Custom Shop. They hardly come over to Europe.
(***) 'Better'. What is better.....

[Pilgrim]

I'm not a buyer of higher-end instruments; my Gretsch Thunderjet is the most expensive bass I own. But I can't fault the workmanship of the asian-made instruments I have used. That includes Gretsch, Dean, Epiphone, and Ibanez Artcore. The fit and finish has been consistently excellent.

I realize that to some, there is allure from a made in US instrument, but I haven't persuaded myself that it would be worth paying moer for that.

[Rob]

I want an old Hagstrom just for the fun of it.
I think way too much BS circles vintage instruments.  It seems people expect them to be holy grail but even in the mid 60's you might play 10 of the same guitars to find the one that worked for you.

I do suspect that some of the Made in USA bravado will deflate over time as pricing is pretty much world wide.

[Dave W]

...
 But the perception a US bass may rise in value and an Asian one not? That goes against all logic.

It's not just a perception in the US. It's a reality for the most part. There are a few exceptions, but as a general rule, Asian guitars and basses don't appreciate in value here. The marketplace is always about what buyers value, which may or may not be logical.