Gibson Quality Decline

[Brewski]

YES Every time I go to a guitar store and discuss guitars, they always praise Fender USAs and Gibsons over Japanese made guitars

that's because the profit margin for a 3000.00 versus a 300.00 is A LOT!!

[radomu]

that's because the profit margin for a 3000.00 versus a 300.00 is A LOT!!

makes a lot of sense...

[m90guy]

Bollocks, they are made in Japan. The cheaper end ESPs, like Grassroots, are made in China.

Sorry dude, but your wrong. Go ahead and tell yourself they are Japanese guitars, but you'll just be lying to yourself. The Japanese are very proud of products made in Japan, and always have the "Made in Japan" stamped or stickered somewhere on the guitar. My Yokoyama Ken Signature Edwards came with plastic and stickers all over it. None of it said "Made in Japan" anywhere. The small stack of papers and the brochures that came with it were also devoid of the "Made in Japan" anywhere on it. Pretty weird that not one single Edwards comes stamped with a MIJ sticker anywhere on it dont you think?

Anyway like I said the guitars are Chinese, then shipped back to Japan for finishing and final setup. The hardware used is top notch stuff, and the guitars are the same for the most part as the higher end LTD stuff.

[radomu]

Sorry dude, but your wrong. Go ahead and tell yourself they are Japanese guitars, but you'll just be lying to yourself. The Japanese are very proud of products made in Japan, and always have the "Made in Japan" stamped or stickered somewhere on the guitar. My Yokoyama Ken Signature Edwards came with plastic and stickers all over it. None of it said "Made in Japan" anywhere. The small stack of papers and the brochures that came with it were also devoid of the "Made in Japan" anywhere on it. Pretty weird that not one single Edwards comes stamped with a MIJ sticker anywhere on it dont you think? Anyway like I said the guitars are Chinese, then shipped back to Japan for finishing and final setup. The hardware used is top notch stuff, and the guitars are the same for the most part as the higher end LTD stuff.

Okay, so why does it say "made in japan" in Japanese on the catalogues?

[fretout]

Since you're in Tokyo, I'll bite. I will say that Gibson is inconsistent in QC at best, but when you can find a well made Gibson, nothing else can compare to it, IMO.

[-.^Silver^]

I won't bite that... but still -
Edwards are great guitars, if they are made by chinese ... I salute them

What do you got against chinese people ?
You know, americans are not that much better..

...It sounds good doesn't it ?

Get a grip !

[ashasha]

Well, I've never played an Edwards because they don't have any around my area and I won't even consider buying an LTD or whatever the hell it is with that horribly gawdy finish. I mean what the hell is up with that? I don't understand the need for that ridiculous looking binding or the fascination with crappy quilt tops....or the desire for EMG's in everything. They look like they are built in the same factory as all the new Schectors which are popular for some strange reason as well.

It isn't all about looks either, but I want an LP to sound like an LP and that's with some PAF style pickups.

I wouldn't mind trying out an Edwards, but I refuse to buy one site unseen. There's just way too many fanboys of all kinds of flavor on this forum that talk out of their asses. It's almost as if someone doesn't like their guitar than they are less of a man or something.

[MickSlick]

There have been other threads regarding the place of manufacture for Edwards. The wood (bodies and necks) are produced and made in an ESP mangaged plant in China, the final components and setup are put together in Japan.

[radomu]

I won't bite that... but still - Edwards are great guitars, if they are made by chinese ... I salute them What do you got against chinese people ? You know, americans are not that much better.. ...It sounds good doesn't it ? Get a grip !

I find their languange incredibly irritating

No seriously, it's a lie that the Chinese produce cheap {censored}. Many of the things we (foreigners) have are made in China, and we don't know it. They seem to lack originality, but they produced good stuff.

[-.^Silver^]

Well, I've never played an Edwards because they don't have any around my area and I won't even consider buying an LTD or whatever the hell it is with that horribly gawdy finish. I mean what the hell is up with that? I don't understand the need for that ridiculous looking binding or the fascination with crappy quilt tops.... or the desire for EMG's in everything. They look like they are built in the same factory as all the new Schectors which are popular for some strange reason as well. It isn't all about looks either, but I want an LP to sound like an LP and that's with some PAF style pickups. I wouldn't mind trying out an Edwards, but I refuse to buy one site unseen. There's just way too many fanboys of all kinds of flavor on this forum that talk out of their asses. It's almost as if someone doesn't like their guitar than they are less of a man or something.

this ...



... is {censored}ing awsome

I don't know about you but i've eard this was a LP, with seymour duncans

and who said anything abou emg's ?

( it's Schecters, not schectors... and... a LP, not an LP)

Note : this is NOT my guitar !

[joekkl]

Too many stuff get out-sourced nowadays. I want my gear to remain American.

 

For guitars, I buy ONLY American made. For Amps, American or British made. A bit more expensive, yes. But here's where I draw my line. I don't want my hobby & passion to be outsourced in any way.

[radomu]

Too many stuff get out-sourced nowadays. I want my gear to remain American. For guitars & amps, I buy ONLY American made. A bit more expensive, yes. But here's where I draw my line. I don't want my hobby & passion to be outsourced in any way.

wow, that's quite a commitment. What drives you?

[joekkl]

wow, that's quite a commitment. What drives you?

Tradition, or stubbornness mostly.

[lowbatt65]

News Just In - Titanic Sinks.

[satannica]

All I can say is, I'm after a Gibson V. Bigtime. The explorers and Vs of the late 90s were fantastic. I couldn't find a bad one. These days, they're really dark, stiff feeling and just don't sound good.

It's a shame!

[metalheadUK]

Guitars is guitars is guitars.

Some is {censored}, some is fab, and some sits in the middle.

Dont matter what is writ on the top, a Squier can be the nutz, and a Gibson can be a steaming pile of poop.

It's human nature to defend our lifestyle choices....even though we is often deluded....

[ashasha]

this ... ... is {censored}ing awsome I don't know about you but i've eard this was a LP , with seymour duncans and who said anything abou emg's ? ( it's Schecters, not schectors... and... a LP, not an LP) Note : this is NOT my guitar !

Read my post, I think that you mis-eard me (tip: if you break out your 4th grade spelling bee trophy; make sure that you spell your {censored} correctly).

First off, I said ESP/LTD's, because I haven't seen any Edwards locally. They're both made by the same people and that's all I've had for comparison.


And this is the ugly whore that I was talking about:



Could that be any cheesier? They have a lot of other crappy finishes with EMG's in them.


http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-Deluxe-EC1000-Electric-Guitar?sku=516629

They do have one that has SD's in it:



And it's covered in that horrid multi-colored cheap {censored} binding.

And as for my spelling of an LP; well that's just because I say L-P in my head when I type it. Thanks for paying a lot of attention to {censored} that really doesn't matter; I'm sure that I'll continue to do it for the foreseeable future.

You got me on schecter; I guess that shows how much I think of them.

And yes; that Edwards is pretty nice looking. Too bad they break too many trademarks/copyrights to be sold here in the states.

[yell03]

Read my post, I think that you mis-eard me ( tip: if you break out your 4th grade spelling bee trophy; make sure that you spell your {censored} correctly ). First off, I said ESP/LTD's, because I haven't seen any Edwards locally. They're both made by the same people and that's all I've had for comparison. And this is the ugly whore that I was talking about: Could that be any cheesier? They have a lot of other crappy finishes with EMG's in them. http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-Deluxe-EC1000-Electric-Guitar?sku=516629 They do have one that has SD's in it: And it's covered in that horrid multi-colored cheap {censored} binding. And as for my spelling of an LP ; well that's just because I say L-P in my head when I type it. Thanks for paying a lot of attention to {censored} that really doesn't matter; I'm sure that I'll continue to do it for the foreseeable future. You got me on schecter; I guess that shows how much I think of them. And yes; that Edwards is pretty nice looking. Too bad they break too many trademarks/copyrights to be sold here in the states.

I am a DieHard Gibson guy......

but I have to say, those ESP LTDs are nice guitars.

I have previously owned a Viper 400 and EC400, both were solid guitars.
I didn't bond with the sterile EMG 81/85s in the Viper or 60/81s in the EC, but the guitars felt solid, had nice rosewood boards, earvana compensated nut, 24 frets, just really nice guitars for the $$$.
Back then both were under $500.
For under $500, if I could have the EC with the Seymour Duncans I don't know where it could have led.

Of course, that was a few years ago, the Carvins, Korean Fender FMT HHs and Ibanez Prestiges I have picked up since have not felt as good to me as they did back then, so maybe I wouldn't like the ESPs anymore either?

Back then I would have sworn up and down that my Fender Showmaster and Telecaster FMT HHs, Ibanez RGA121s, & Carvin DC400s blew away any Gibson.

I remember having a particular foindness for the Telecaster FMT HH, only sold it because it didn't have 24 frets, funny thing is, none of my guitars now have 24 frets.

Also, for a while, I only owned 3 Carvins, no other brand, but that was a phase too.

With any brand, especially since guitars are largely hand made, quality control is going to vary, but manufacturer warranties and a decent set-up can get 90% of them in the very good range. There is always that 10% that just don't make it all the way, so a liberal return policy is nice.

[C-4]

Too many stuff get out-sourced nowadays. I want my gear to remain American. For guitars, I buy ONLY American made. For Amps, American or British made. A bit more expensive, yes. But here's where I draw my line. I don't want my hobby & passion to be outsourced in any way.

I understand your loyalty, as I played american guitars for over 50 years.

However, after realizing that there are other companies out there that make really super-highend quality products, I found better guitars and amps in Europe. 50 years of brand loyalty was enough for me. The prices were just not worth what I was finding for quality in the product.

Actually, I am happier now then at any other time in the past. I don't mind supporting the home country, but I won't foolishly just give my money away when all I get back is average at a higher price.

You might be surprised what you would find if you gave yourself a chance.

[metalheadUK]

Regarding Edwards guitars.

My Eddie, regardless of where it was made, is AT LEAST as well made, and probably better finished than my Gibson LPs...which are GOOD Gibson LP's.

Therefore, I can't see the relevance of where it was made?

[m90guy]

Therefore, I can't see the relevance of where it was made?

Only relevance to where its made is when some body is comparing Japanese made products to American made, like to OP is trying to so in this thread.

[-.^Silver^]

Read my post, I think that you mis-eard me ( tip: if you break out your 4th grade spelling bee trophy; make sure that you spell your {censored} correctly ). First off, I said ESP/LTD's, because I haven't seen any Edwards locally. They're both made by the same people and that's all I've had for comparison. And this is the ugly whore that I was talking about: Could that be any cheesier? They have a lot of other crappy finishes with EMG's in them. http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-Deluxe-EC1000-Electric-Guitar?sku=516629 They do have one that has SD's in it: And it's covered in that horrid multi-colored cheap {censored} binding. And as for my spelling of an LP ; well that's just because I say L-P in my head when I type it. Thanks for paying a lot of attention to {censored} that really doesn't matter; I'm sure that I'll continue to do it for the foreseeable future. You got me on schecter; I guess that shows how much I think of them. And yes; that Edwards is pretty nice looking. Too bad they break too many trademarks/copyrights to be sold here in the states.

[EllenGtrGrl]

Read my post, I think that you mis-eard me ( tip: if you break out your 4th grade spelling bee trophy; make sure that you spell your {censored} correctly ). First off, I said ESP/LTD's, because I haven't seen any Edwards locally. They're both made by the same people and that's all I've had for comparison. And this is the ugly whore that I was talking about: Could that be any cheesier? They have a lot of other crappy finishes with EMG's in them. http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-Deluxe-EC1000-Electric-Guitar?sku=516629 They do have one that has SD's in it: And it's covered in that horrid multi-colored cheap {censored} binding. And as for my spelling of an LP ; well that's just because I say L-P in my head when I type it. Thanks for paying a lot of attention to {censored} that really doesn't matter; I'm sure that I'll continue to do it for the foreseeable future. You got me on schecter; I guess that shows how much I think of them. And yes; that Edwards is pretty nice looking. Too bad they break too many trademarks/copyrights to be sold here in the states.

You know, I have a Schecter Omen Extreme 7, 7-string guitar, with the same kind of "disgusting" cosmetics as Guitar #1 above - you know, quilted maple cap and mahogany body.



I think it looks fine (heck even my 70 year old mother, thinks it looks good - as a matter of fact she thinks it looks great, and my old cadillac green Gretsch Country Club looked ugly!). It also plays and sounds like a million bucks, in spite of being "just a Schecter." Please don't word statements like those above - as though they are gospel truth. It is just your opinion. OK?

[-.^Silver^]

You know, I have a Schecter Omen Extreme 7, 7-string guitar, with the same kind of "disgusting" cosmetics as Guitar #1 above - you know, quilted maple cap and mahogany body. I think it looks fine (heck even my 70 year old mother, thinks it looks good - as a matter of fact she thinks it looks great, and my old cadillac green Gretsch Country Club looked ugly!). It also plays and sounds like a million bucks, in spite of being "just a Schecter." Please don't word statements like those above - as though they are gospel truth. It is just your opinion. OK?

Personally, I really like schecter's
That one is a beauty

[crashclc]

Personally, I really like schecter's That one is a beauty

Damn right!