What is the feeling on the American series guitars?

[thebigz]

They've been out a few years now. When they were first released there was all kinds of speculation that they maybe weren't made in the USA. Used prices are pretty low on these (1000-1500).

Did anybody ever figure out the details on their production. Are they worth the current used asking prices? I don't see them being discussed here for a couple years now.

[Razor]

I've not paid a lot of attention to them, but my impression is they are not US made which makes me think they're way overpriced if that's true. I prefer a Charvel over a Jackson, so I honestly haven't paid a lot of attention to anything Jackson since 2000 to 2010.

[Mechayoshi]

I'll look into this more. There has to be a certain amount of the guitar 'made' here to call it US made, but I'm not sure what. This sort of thing isn't new though. I only learned later that some cheap USA made Peavey stuff was more like franken-made in usa.

[ed]

I watched one of the factory tour kinda videos a while back and i think they had something with the american series in that. It wouldnt surprise me they are all made in US butby different people offcourse than the custom shop Jackson/charvels. However its not a new practice to make parts in China and do the final assembly in US or whereever. The price on those American series guitars come from the cheaper parts Floyd 1000 series and the more barebone features. Then theres also the thing about what woods they use and how well they are seasoned and will there be fret sprout and how much.

In my opinion though the whole Made in USA thing is loosing its glamour every year. And made in chine stuff is getting on par if not even better in some aspects. This is aslong as they get good woods and good parts and not cheap crap parts.

The longevity of a guitar is also a very important part and which is why guitar reviews are kinda pointless, I want to know how a guitar is after i have had it for 1-2 years not how its out of the box.Ofcourse if its a lemon out of the box then there is a problem but this rarely happens these days.

All this being said i have not yet owned a American series guitar yet have come close a few times but havent pulled the trigger yet. Maybe i will get one some day.

[Nimitz]

In my opinion though the whole Made in USA thing is loosing its glamour every year. And made in chine stuff is getting on par if not even better in some aspects. This is aslong as they get good woods and good parts and not cheap crap parts.

Completely disagree.... The Chinese don't have the passion for craftsmanship like the Americans and Japanese. especially when it comes to Guitar. All Made in China guitars I've ever played feel completely lifeless.