What is your price ceiling for M.I.C. guitars?

[Matt82]

I recently ordered a Yamaha FG5, and as part of a promo got a discount on an LL16. The LL is of course solid wood, but made in China. I’m left wondering if 800 is too much to put on a Chinese built guitar. I know they’ve done better in recent years, and I’ve heard great things about the LL, but my old rule was nothing over 300 for MIC.

Just wondering what everyone else’s thoughts are, as well as any input on the LL16.

[Ed66]

I would say "no" it's not too much and you're probably getting a great value in a guitar. I don't have a price ceiling based on country of origin. I only know that prices are generally going to be highest for USA made construction and that is generally a function of the cost of labor.

[George Henry]

The LL-16 is a cleanly made all solid performer. $800 is a good deal.

[baw3]

You got an ex. deal. Enjoy that Yamaha. It is worth more than 800 bucks. IMO. I think you should really rethink your 300 buck rule for anything made in China. Just my 2 cents.

[Blackmore Fan]

I understand those that are particular about a guitar's origin. My Eastman is so well made and sounds so good that I'm willing to enjoy it as it is.

[perttime]

Price ceiling does not depend on "where was it made". It depends on "how good is it".

[RP]

My "old rule" was to never spend more than $1000 for a guitar. My last guitar was three times that much. Times change and so must some rules...

[Matt82]

I think I’m still shaking off the bad reputation that MIC guitars had 20 years ago. I know that manufacturing has gotten a lot better since then. Also I’ve heard yamahas QC is pretty strong.

[Tycobb73]

I had 2 Martin om21 and svm Eastman e20om. Couldn't get rid of those Martin's fast enough. That Eastman haunts me and I knew it was a mistake to sell it. Better than those Martins in every way.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by perttime

Price ceiling does not depend on "where was it made". It depends on "how good is it".

I agree with this.

[dnf777]

Originally Posted by RP

My "old rule" was to never spend more than $1000 for a guitar. My last guitar was three times that much. Times change and so must some rules...

Right. I swore Id never pay over a dollar for a gallon of gas, or a Big Mac. Price limits are a fool’s errand.

[GoldenBoy12]

The LL series is legit and the 16 punches above its weight for sure. Here's a good video demo of it.

https://youtu.be/L7oLGdeS8YE

If you get a chance to play the 26 series or above I'd highly recommend those as well.

[CASD57]

I'm in the $1200-$1400 is my top for any guitar...and I don't care where it's made, a great guitar is a great guitar....
My current acoustic was $549 on sale.. and I'm happy, for me a guitar is a tool, no romance, just respect if it sounds good, no problems and does what I need it to do with little fuss...

[Wellington]

All I'm gonna say is my LL16 cost me $900 CAD brand new a few years ago, now they're $1150 CAD brand new and it's completely still worth it. Very solid and cleanly built guitar, plays and sounds great if you like rosewood. No finish flaws on mine, whereas my $3000 Guild does have finish flaws, not that they matter to me at all.

[LuckyDan]

I have a dozen guitars, made in Mississippi, Connecticut, Indonesia, Qingdao, and Spain.

MIC apparently used to mean plywood and poor craftsmanship, but my Epiphone Masterbilts for example are quality solid woods and well-crafted. MIC doesn't mean junk anymore.

But, it should mean less expensive. I'd say, if you need a rule of thumb, an Asian made instrument should be between about a quarter and a third the price of it's American made counterpart. More than that and it should have a little something extra going for it.