Hello from Copenhagen - and a question on the Ibanez PM35

[Mikomamanga]

Hi there. I was looking for reviews on the Ibanez PM35, and this site popped up. Seemed to me, that here I could have an opportunity to talk to fellow jazz nuts about the ins and outs of every little detail on my own, slightly nutty jazzguitar obsession . I think my daughter suspects that I suffer from OCD, since there are ALWAYS pictures of beautiful instruments on the screen of my computer (which she has a tendency to occupy, as if it was her own... guess I should get her one for herself... to stop her worrying about the mental health of her father).

But I tend to do that, when I buy something new, especially musical instruments. Study sites and reviews for hours on end, not getting that much wiser, 'cause the key thing is, obviously, to try out the guitar for yourself. That can pose a problem, when you´re into archtops, because there aren´t that many in the regular shops... quite often you´re left with a dusty sample of two or three different guitars, and that´s it. Usually it says Epiphone or Ibanez on the head... which can be OK, but when you know there are so many others outthere, it is a bit dissatisfying.

So I tried buying a Höfner J17 archtop from a huge internetshop, Musikhaus Thomann in Germany, that are said to very reliable, good quality shop, excellent service etc. etc. (Very german and efficient )And when it came, the stringholder was broken, and there was a bulky area in the cutaway bend... as if the layers of the plywood were separating. Not much quality - check there! Neither on the factory nor the retailer!

I returned it, of course, and now I´m on the lookout for something that is NOT PRODUCED IN CHINA! So does anybody know, if the (on this site) highly recommended Ibanez PM35 is produced in China or Japan? They don´t say on Ibanez´own website, as far as I can see?

There is another angle on it: In China, there is no right to form unions, quite a lot of bad working conditions etc. so I much prefer a product like my new, beautiful instrument to be from somewhere else.

Best regards!

[brwnhornet59]

With all of the politics aside, Welcome to the forums!

[perfischer]

The PM35 is produced in China, as far as I know.

I've got one, it's a wonderful guitar, IMO unbeatable for the price.

Per

[Earl]

First of all, welcome to this forum.
The guitar tha Perfischer has (PM35) ...just curious to know the
price range.

I would like to start a new thread...Pros and cons ...plectrum playing
vs fingerpicking. Some do one...some the other..some do both.
I personally am a plectrum player and normally can get around quite well
with most standards. There are no right or wrong answers, just
preferences. All comments are appreciated.

Earl

[perfischer]

Sadly, the price has gone up a bit the last couple of years - in the UK a PM35 costs around £600. I got mine for under £500, that was three years ago.

[Earl]

sorry to butt in on this thread...but I couldn,t find the way to start a new thread. I would be interested in hearing from people who do one or the other or both types of playing. Perhaps someone could direct me. Thank you.

Earl

[Mikomamanga]

Originally Posted by Earl

sorry to butt in on this thread...but I couldn,t find the way to start a new thread. I would be interested in hearing from people who do one or the other or both types of playing. Perhaps someone could direct me. Thank you.

Earl

Don´t worry about butting in. that´s what the site is for, isn´t it? I started out as a classical guitarist, but turned to jazz at the age of 20, so I can use both the classical technique and the plectrum. Some times I do both, play the bass with my thumb and pick the chords with my middle- ring- and little finger, while holding the plectrum in my forefinger... sounds complicated ? It isn´t... but I should practice much more... one should always practice more! For soloing, I always use the plectrum... it doesn´t sound right, using the classical technique.

[Mikomamanga]

Originally Posted by brwnhornet59

With all of the politics aside, Welcome to the forums!

Just need to ask: Is it considered not to be comme il faut to talk about politics, for instance in the guitarmanufacturing business on this site? Or politics, concerning deforestation pertaining to guitarproduction or the like? These are important questions, I´m sure you agree, and it is perfectly possible to talk about them in a civilized way. I would never talk about any topic in an obscene way, and that certainly wasn´t the idea in my "Newbie" post.

[kamlapati]

Lots of people share your views on Chinese products and working conditions. But you're right, we endeavor to discuss them in a civilized way, without recourse to stereotypes or prejudice.

You'll find as you hang out here that many are fans of the low cost of Chinese products too. And FWIW, stereotypes really are not very useful as some Chinese products show signs of serious craftsmanship and good quality.

Welcome to the forum.

[Mikomamanga]

I´m sure you are right about the prejudice and stereotype - talk. I should know, since I own a chinese - produced Washburn jumbo, and it is an absolute thrill to pick it up. It wasn´t cheap, though, so maybe there is a case of "You get what you pay for"...?! I'm just still a little annoyed with myself for buying a Höfner archtop for a very low price, and sort of expecting to get more than I payed for, basically. Stupid me!! But I learned my lesson (for now) and will look for my new arch top in the more expensive department. Have a nice day!

[jazzkenny]

Hi !
The PM35 is made in China. I had one. It is well made.

[Mikomamanga]

Thanks a lot. I suspected that... for the very low price. So all I have to do is discuss with myself, if I should put aside my prejudice against Chinese made instruments... At least I hear on these pages, that it is very well made and a joy to play