Is is Made in USA or China?

My playing partner is a Delta pilot and flies to China as part of his regular schedule. Last week he came home with a Fender Jazz Bass electric guitar. (In the past, he has also purchased... in China... Bose head phones, Apple IPads, etc.) I made a brief examination of the guitar (however, I am not expert on bass guitars), and could not find any obvious "cheap" components. The quality of its construction also seemed quite good. Needless to say, this guitar was MUCH less expensive than if he bought the same model in the US.

My question... and concern... is: How can anyone determine if a guitar is actually authentically made as stated on its label? (Note: this guitar had "Made in the USA" printed right on the headstock.)

I might could some instruments, but not all. I'm sure there are experts who could tell with a thorough hands on, for those instruments they specialize in.

Wonder if he was able to carry it onboard or had to luggage check it

Yesterday, I spoke with my partner and he said he paid $200 for this bass guitar, and it included an excellent flat hard shell case. He confirmed with me that he is sure this guitar was made in China and is not an authentic Fender Jazz Bass. As for the question about transportation, he said it fit standing up in the "coat closet." I'm not sure if that was the pilot's closet or the passengers closet, but of course he was first to board so there was plenty of space!!!

As for the guitar's quality, I checked it out in more detail yesterday. The only thing that stood out to my eyes were the 4 individual back plates of the peg heads. They clearly were not attached (screwed in) in a squared and aligned line; the front pegs, however, visually seemed okay. This misalignment did not seem to affect the tuning so I guess it's not that big of a deal.

As for comparison, he went into Guitar Center and found similar Fender basses ranging from $800 to $1100, so he obviously got a great deal at $200! Heck, for THAT much price difference, I think I would buy one, too (if I played bass!).

BTW, he did NOT see any Breedlove's there... Thank God!

I just voted "yes" based on my limited experience. The Chinese made guitars I've come across have been low end poor quality instruments for the most part. I've read stories of the higher end knock-off guitars where they actually have American logos, etc. (Martin comes to mind), but I've never seen one up close and personal.... at least that I've known about.



I do own a Chinese made resonator guitar. I found it on ebay at an unbelievably low price. The quality surprised me. It plays well and has electronics. With the exception of some flaws in the thickness of the finish, it's not a bad instrument. Other than a sticker reading "Made in China" there are no labels, logos, etc.