I think MIJ guitars are still much better than Korea, ASEAN and China Guitars. But, the past two years or so trying out the higher end of USA guitars has made me discriminating against MIJ guitars. Don't get me wrong because there are good sounding MIJs that sound better even their USA counterparts -- in fact Chelsea Guitars would recommend a cheaper MIJ over a more expensive MIA that sounds bad.
I just realized this recently that MIJ guitars have a greater mythos than what they actually deliver TODAY. Probably back in the 70s and 80s, they beat Made in America at least in terms of value and workmanship. But yesterday was a turning point because I had actually -- could not believe myself -- bought a Fender Custom Shop Tele that sounded great. Previously, I thought that the Custom Shop was all hype but sometimes by luck (Fender Custom Shop produces way more duds than great sounding guitars like any other brand) and when the stars align an outstanding Fender Custom Shop comes along and it blows away the Japs. I and Arie had spent time comparing the dimensions, workmanship and overall Feel of the Custom Shop Tele versus his old Tokai. And low and behold, the Custom Shop seemed to look and feel better. In fact, parang in accurate ang dimensions ng Tokai compared to the Custom Shop. A few months ago, I got to try a Tokai Tele at Lyric (those guys really understand and let you try their stuff) and I felt despite the hype that 1)Tokai has a limited run and 2) will eventually close because the grand children will NOT continue the business (hanep sa tele novela to sell a guitar), it felt like a toy. Sobrang shiny, parang maliit ang neck and katawan, parang hindi tama ang feel and corners and the usual manipis na tunog na Japan -- the same sickness of the 70s-80s Fender copies.
Which brings me to my point, Japanese made guitars did herald the way to lower costing and lower priced guitars as PRIMARY OBJECTIVE and probably led to Fender USA's survival in the long run (Japanese quality control and high standards -- which I believe have NOT been matched by ASEAN, China or India to this day). In contrast the boutique builders and customs shops TODAY in the USA and Europe have tone, feel and character as prime consideration as reflected by the higher price. I am not saying that they do NOT produce duds -- far from it (with the exception of my luthier friend in Israel -- I think guitars are better produced in the Middle East -- LOL). There are I believe some high end luthiers in Japan who deserve attention but I think they play second fiddle to the US guys for the main reason that the US guys have better exposure to artists and have grown up in the culture of guitar -- which is the reason why I do NOT have anything commissioned by a local luthier).
Between having no guitar and having an ASEAN made guitar. Its better to get an ASEAN made guitar. Between a Santa Mesa made guitar and an ASEAN guitar. Go for an ASEAN made guitar. Between an ASEAN made guitar and a Japanese Guitar, go for a Japanese Guitar. The local luthiers range from below ASEAN made but above Santa Mesa to as high as normal production Japanese Guitar. Between USA Guitar and Japanese Guitar, look for a great sounding regular production. Between a great sounding regular production and a Boutique Guitar, look a for a great sounding Boutique Guitar -- don't get rid of your regular production yet until you find that magical Boutique Guitar.
When it comes to sound, USA IS THE WAY TO GO specially if you are looking for a MAGICAL GUITAR. Lets face it, once you buy your killer sounding MIJ, you end up upgrading it over time with USA parts worth more than the cost of an American Standard. Now compare that to same upgraded parts on a USA made guitar with similar properties. It is foolish. I think Jap guitars have to be appreciated for what they are and as is. Ang joke ko nga kay Arie, medyo dehado yata ako sa shootout dahil stock Fender parts sa akin pero ang Tokai Tele niya may bridge na glendale, siguro a paper in oil cap, twang king pickup sa neck, fender tele texas special sa bridge, CTS 4 way switch na callaham, callaham na pots, and soon to be 6105 Dunlop frets and may plano pang bilhan ng Fender na Decal (LOL). Now if its a project guitar, I mean who does not have one, even this Fender USA Custom Shop Tele will not last long in stock-- none of my guitars do, its a worthwhile endeavor to start on a Jap but extremely more fun on the USA.
To summarize, GENERALLY YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR -- As Caution though sometimes, YOU PAY FOR SOMETHING NOT WORTH GETTING (e.g. ASEAN, China & India Guitars no matter how cheap or marketed as Value for Money, or Local Guitars no matter how CUSTOMIZED they claim it to be)
