Don't know but FWIW, it doesn't really matter...
The Chinese Celestions sound as good as the UK made Celestions and don't believe anything else you read online.
The switch over started around 2002 I believe.
However, as pointed out above, there really is no difference in sound. Celestion uses the same parts, just assembles them in a different country.
I bet the retail price didn't change after they moved them to China.
As a consumer I hate paying more than I have to for anything.
BUT, I would rather a company keep a healthy profit margin and allow the quality to remain high, than have them lower their margin,.and start to cut corners. These are luxury items, and they are in business to make money, not be our buddies and give us the cheapest price they can.
Celestion is a perfect example of this phenomenon, as is Epiphone moving production to China.
I am speaking purely from a business/quality aspect, I am not factoring politics into this.
Interesting. What if say, Gibson, were to move production of their Standard line to China. Would you still be willing to pay $2500 for a Chinese made Gibson LP Standard?
As a consumer I hate paying more than I have to for anything.
BUT, I would rather a company keep a healthy profit margin and allow the quality to remain high, than have them lower their margin,.and start to cut corners. These are luxury items, and they are in business to make money, not be our buddies and give us the cheapest price they can.
Celestion is a perfect example of this phenomenon, as is Epiphone moving production to China.
I am speaking purely from a business/quality aspect, I am not factoring politics into this.
They didn't lower their margin. They didn't even keep it the same. They increased it significantly. When I can get stuff from the US like Scumback and Weber at the same price point I see no point in purchasing from Celestion. I will support the local guy
The idea that "China" only makes junk, or not as good as the USA, is the epitome of racism.People buy Applecraple for a fortune....they are made in china!
Quality is dependent on how you make it, not who makes it!
Besides Asia has long since passed the west.....we are the backwater stuff these days!
Actually, it's simply pregudice. Not Racism.The idea that "China" only makes junk, or not as good as the USA, is the epitome of racism.
Be it Celestion, Vox, or WHOEVER
China makes the product at the demands of THAT companies specs.
China would be more than happy to hand wire amps for Matchless.
Quality does not adhere to imaginary lies on a map.
best
Nobody hates China for their manufacturing abilities. They are being stereotyped for sometimes producing and providing poor quality products to the world.