Gibson does make guitars in Japan, or did, anyway, but those are electrics intended for the Japanese market and labeled as “Orville” guitars. So far as I’m aware none of the Japanese-made guitars have carried a “Gibson” logo. Gibson makes special runs especially for the Japanese market all the time.
Q. Are Gibson Guitars made in China?
No. At present, all authentic guitars that have ever borne the Gibson brand name were made in the United States of America. That said, there are guitars made for Gibson’s sub-brands like Epiphone and Kramer that are made in China. But those guitars do not carry the Gibson brand name.
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Q. What is wrong with Gibson guitars?
Gibson declared bankruptcy in May after admitting that its attempts to branch out into a guitar lifestyle brand — including acquiring an expensive home and audio electronics business in 2014 — had saddled it with untenable debt, forcing it to “unburden” itself and refocus on its core business of musical instruments.
Q. Are Gibson Guitars made in Korea?
In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, Shandong, China. With a few exceptions, Epiphones are now only produced at the Qingdao plant. Epiphone models, such as the Emperor and Rivier, are built here according to high quality standards. Muse Incorporated has its headquarters in Incheon, Korea.
Q. Are Kramer Guitars good?
PERFORMANCE While the original Kramer guitars were very well made (hence the reason why they attracted an impressive list of endorsers), the current models are better than ever, thanks no doubt to Kramer’s current parent company.
Q. Are Epiphones made in China?
China. In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which manufactures Epiphone guitars. With few exceptions, Epiphones are now built only in the Qingdao factory.
Q. Are Epiphones still made in Korea?
Epiphone is a musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos. Epiphone was bought by Chicago Music Company, which also owned Gibson Guitar Corporation, in 1957. Epiphone was Gibson’s main rival in the archtop market. The Korean factory stopped making Epiphones in 2002.
Q. Are Chinese made Epiphones any good?
Generally Epiphones are pretty standard. They’re good solid guitars. Real Gibsons have better hardware and build finish but the quality varies enormously. A good Epi is better and cheaper than a bad Gibson.
Q. Where are the best Epiphones made?
Epiphone guitars are manufactured in Gibson’s Chinese-based Qingdao factory. The majority of Epiphone’s instruments have been made exclusively in this facility since 2004, including their solid-body, hollow-body and acoustic guitars.
