Isn't the truth of it that, in an ideal world, we would all like to buy instruments made in our own countries if we could so as to support our fellow countrymen.
It comes down to money for most people. It has got to be a good thing that someone who isn't loaded can get hold of a well made Chinese guitar at an affordable price - they are more likely to enjoy, practice and improve. Others will be encouraged to play and the number of guitarists in the world would therefore increase. This, in turn, is scientifically proven to increase overall levels of happiness of the world (some might say that this is not true, but that would just be pure speculation).
The tradition of the steel-strung acoustic flattop is essentially an American story. So it is natural that players who are interested in folk, blues, country, bluegrass etc will be drawn to American made instruments. I think the mid to high end industry in the States is pretty safe.
At the lower end, should someone in the USA really feel pressure to buy a plastic (sorry, HPL) guitar from Martin when they could buy an all solid guitar by Recording King for half the price?
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Scott
Sevenoaks, UK
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