I no longer have either of the Made in China (MIC) instruments and, to be honest, I don’t see myself ever buying another. From Asia I’ve had Korean made Epiphones, Gretsch Electromatics and Danelectros and my old Sigma DR-7 acoustic (when it was a Martin line) and Proline Gretsch LTD Penguin are from Japan.Īnd, of course, the Chinese made Hofner and Epiphone I already mentioned. From North America I’ve had Rickenbackers made in the USA, a Canadian made Godin and Mexican made Fenders. In my life I’ve owned guitars from five different countries. I’ll confine myself simply to the quality of the Chinese made guitars I’ve owned or tried. I’m not going to touch on any political, ethical or human rights issues in this article. I’m torn but leaning towards the “never again” camp. I’ve owned two – a Hofner HCT 500/1 “Beatle bass” and an Epiphone Casino – and I’ve tried several others. Guitars made in China – Are they any good?Īre guitars made in China good instruments? How’s the build quality of Chinese guitars? Are they quality products or overpriced junk?
