Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

[marty_the_westie]

We all know that most of the guitars coming out of Korea are built in either the Samick or the Cort factory. Some companies even use an "s" or a "c" in their serial # to denote which factory. Now, does anybody know if it works the same way with Japanese guitars. I remember reading something on Ibanezrules.com stating that one of the Japanese guitar factories is closing, forcing Ibanez and a few others to ship production to Korea. Does anybody know if this is true. Could, theoretically, a Japanese produced Ibanez have been built in the same factory as a Japanese made Fender or a Jackson or any other Jap made guitar? Does a company like Ibanez even have their own guitar builders? Or does everything get built in a Korean factory or an Japanese factory, both of which are also making guitars for other companies? This could influence any future purchases made by me.

 

[kherman]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Ibanez uses Fuji Gen Gakki. As well as does Fernandes/Burny, Epiphone, Yamaha, and others.
Fuji Gen also makes thier own line of guitars under the Fugi Gen name and the Greco name.

There's also the Terada factory which build the acoustics and semi hollows for companies.


ESP has thier own Japan factory which builds ESP, Navigator, Edwards, and Seymour Duncan guitars.

Tokai's factory is Hamamatsu.

I'm sure there are many more factories.
Can't remember the name of the factory that made Aria Pro for a while.

Kent

 

[Artie]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I think its kinda funny, that Yamaha, a Japanese company, has its lower line guitars made in Taiwan. I don't know why, its just funny.

 

[WITH FULL DISTORTION]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

it´s stupid
AHAHAHAHAH

 

[Old Ghost]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I think its kinda funny, that Yamaha, a Japanese company, has its lower line guitars made in Taiwan. I don't know why, its just funny.

It's the same reason why american companies take production oveseas. Cheaper labor costs. This is how they can afford to sell the products at lower prices. Gibson might be a little more affordable if it was made in Japan ( the quality might even be better :laugh2: )

 

[SingleCutDude]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Kent nailed it. Some companies share factories, but not to the same extent as in Korea. For reference, modern Japanese Fenders are built seperately, but the old 80s-era etc Japanese Fenders (beginning whenever Fender started Japanese guitars) were all made by Ibanez. Not just the same factory, Fender actually commisioned Ibanez (well, the parent company) to make their Japanese models.

 

[Senor Skanky]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Yo,
Anyone know where the Japanese Jacksons are made?

 

[beandip]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Well, then I guess I have a Squire strat that was made by Ibanez. First Ibanez that actually played and sounded good that I've ever seen.

 

[bluey@sunni]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I'm not certain but as guitars are organic structures it is as much luck as craftmanship that produces a great instrument.
Was at the Frankston Guitar Festival and came home with a Donmo Galvanised Iron Single cone resonator, played it for all of two minutes! Not as jangly as a brass body far more woody and Mr. Johnson would approve.
But back to the question it really is a matter of economy, the more guitars of quality that can get shipped out of a single factory the better for everyone and that includes the player! Eastman guitars are made in China in a factory that specializes in violins and cello's, the same quality of arch top jazz guitar would cost $15000 not the $2600 they ask if made in America with a "Name" label.
However I did play a handmade Yamaha acoustic, $5000 that was worth every dollar! The finish was amazing all over and the sound beautiful.
I am a firm believer in ignoring the label and just play the guitar, PUP's however are another thing.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Ibanez uses Fuji Gen Gakki. As well as does Fernandes/Burny, Epiphone, Yamaha, and others.
Fuji Gen also makes thier own line of guitars under the Fugi Gen name and the Greco name.

There's also the Terada factory which build the acoustics and semi hollows for companies.


ESP has thier own Japan factory which builds ESP, Navigator, Edwards, and Seymour Duncan guitars.

Tokai's factory is Hamamatsu.

I'm sure there are many more factories.
Can't remember the name of the factory that made Aria Pro for a while.

Kent

Most manufacturers have their own plant, or a smaller Ghostbuilder like Fuji Gen Gakki

But I can add that Jackson s are made by Chin Su Gakki, who have been doing Jackson /Charvel (and nothing else) since ´86. Grover personally went over and trained most of the employees, and the bulk of them is still there today

 

[beandip]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

However I did play a handmade Yamaha acoustic, $5000 that was worth every dollar! The finish was amazing all over and the sound beautiful.

I love Yamaha acoustics, but I dont think I could buy one for that price that didnt have a nitro finish. I would buy a Yamaha acoustic for that chunk of change if it did, however. I know, I'm nuts.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I think its kinda funny, that Yamaha, a Japanese company, has its lower line guitars made in Taiwan. I don't know why, its just funny.

ethnocentrism!! ahh!! Without even realizing it you just referred to japanese products and japanese in general to being inferior to americans. They do it for the same reason Fender builds guitars in mexico, etc. etc. They probably say the same thing about us. Can you imagine how crappy they think our quality of instruments are after looking at a couple of Gibsons?

No offense intended. I know you didn't even realize it. I see people do this all the time.

It's the same reason why american companies take production oveseas. Cheaper labor costs. This is how they can afford to sell the products at lower prices. Gibson might be a little more affordable if it was made in Japan ( the quality might even be better :laugh2: )

right on

 

[Bob Zombie]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I'm not certain but as guitars are organic structures it is as much luck as craftmanship that produces a great instrument... I am a firm believer in ignoring the label and just play the guitar, PUP's however are another thing.

+1

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I am amazed at the amount of incorrect information in this thread. But I guess this is what the internet is all about. Anyone can publish their opinion as truth and hundreds or maybe even thousands of people will read it. The sad part -- especially in this case -- is that many folks will believe what they read.

I can't even begin to correct all the inaccuracies in this thread. It would take up my whole Saturday...

 

[beandip]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Evan, does that mean my 57RI isnt made by Ibeenhad? Oh, there is a God!

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

Ibanez is not a factory, beandip. They're a brand. They didn't make your Fender. If your Squire is Japanese, it could have been made in the Fujigen, Daina, or Tokai factories, depending on the date of manufacture.

You can breathe easy now, Son.

 

[beandip]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

is there a website where I can learn the date of manufacture, since I really wanna know. I hope it's made my Tokai

 

[ex-250]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

you just referred to japanese products and japanese in general to being inferior to americans.

woahh....thats a bit extreme dont you think? im sure all he was talking about was the quality and cost of guitars, no need in saying he thinks the japanese are inferior in general. sure it was a bit ethnocentric, but not racist

 

[beandip]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

ok, I was told that my guitar was made in '88, so that would make it which factory?

 

[kherman]

Re: Are most Japanese guitars all made in the same factory?

I am amazed at the amount of incorrect information in this thread. But I guess this is what the internet is all about. Anyone can publish their opinion as truth and hundreds or maybe even thousands of people will read it. The sad part -- especially in this case -- is that many folks will believe what they read.

I can't even begin to correct all the inaccuracies in this thread. It would take up my whole Saturday...

Enlighten us.
Please!