Gibson UK

[Prawnik]

Far I can tell, yo, Gibson has always had QC issues, and regardless of whether a guitar was shipped to Europe or the Americas, it was a bit of a cr@pshoot.  

The exception was Japan, and that was because Gibson's (former) exclusive distributor demanded and paid handsomely for the right to select the guitars to be sold in Japan.  In addition, there were numerous "Japan-only" models and parts.  

As such, a guitar with proven Japanese provenance commands a premium in the marketplace.

Since Gibson terminated the distribution agreements with both Yamano and now Rosetti, I suspect that these moves were motivated by a desire to cut out the middleman and not QC.  Also, Gibson has stated that it sees high volume instrument retailers as the future and not smaller independent sellers.

[jpfamps]

It really doesn't bode well for the independent seller of new guitars then.

I expect that most of Gibson's sales are through high volume low margin sellers. These make it really hard for independent sellers, as you have to stock Gibsons and Fenders otherwise you don't look much of a guitar shop, but you are competing with internet shops selling guitars at trade + £30 + VAT.

Regarding QC I only really get to play 2nd hand and vintage Gibsons. The build quality of gear made in the last few years seems to be pretty good, especially when compared with 70s Gibsons. I don't have much experience of low end new Gibsons (although why anyone wants to buy a new guitar I don't know). I expect the QC isn't as good. However as stated in my previous post Gibson are trying to build a guitar in the US paying US wages etc and are going to struggle to compete with the Far East.