But how can it be,it`s MIK?

[ELicari]

I`d like to get opinions on the quality of Made In Korea Prestige models. I know on the average MIJ is superior to MIK but i have a S2170 that is every bit as good if not better then any MIJ guitar that i`ve ever had including a RG550,RG1570 and JS2000! Is it all in peoples minds that when they see Made In Korea on a guitar that they automatically believe it`s junk? Or is my S2170 better because it`s a Prestige and Prestige guitars are going to be made of much higher quality no matter if it`s MIJ or MIK? Someone please fill me in.

[ELicari]

Any thoughts?

[Matheau]

It doesn't really matter what country it is made in, it matters on the quality put into the construction.

However, there is a reasoning for MIJ generally being better than MIK. Many MIJ guitars are intended for sale on the Japanese market, if they weren't exported to other countries, they would still get made, so when companies bother importing/exporting MIJ guitars, they generally wouldn't bother with the lower quality brands.

Even if not one single MIK guitar was not sold in Korea, they would still get made. Companies are taking advantage of the lower production cost. Basically they are going for the cheapest decent product they can make in most cases, so quality is balanced with cost. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, that was what Fender went for as well.

[Rich]

If you think the 2170 is as good as a 1570 or 2000 then you're not evaluating them very well. In fact by MIJ standard the 2170 is not even a Prestige. Prestige badging is part marketing but it also denotes the "6 extra steps" that go into making the guitar feel comfortable, the board edge radiusing and fret end finishing. Neither of which I recall seeing on an MIK S.

Then you have the sticky clear they use on the necks in Korea, much less the neck carve they spray it on, pocket depth, etc. Search for the thread ranting about MIK S's, it's here.

[ELicari]

Originally Posted by Rich

If you think the 2170 is as good as a 1570 or 2000 then you're not evaluating them very well. In fact by MIJ standard the 2170 is not even a Prestige. Prestige badging is part marketing but it also denotes the "6 extra steps" that go into making the guitar feel comfortable, the board edge radiusing and fret end finishing. Neither of which I recall seeing on an MIK S.

Then you have the sticky clear they use on the necks in Korea, much less the neck carve they spray it on, pocket depth, etc. Search for the thread ranting about MIK S's, it's here.

I evaluated them very well,i had them! And as far as fit,finish,fretwork,ect...the 2170 is every bit as good! The 2170 isn`t a regular cheaply made MIK guitar, you can easily see and feel the better quality that went into this guitar. Definitely worthy of the Prestige name imo!

[Rich]

I don't agreee, so you can stop typing all the exclamation points.

[ELicari]

Originally Posted by Rich

I don't agreee, so you can stop typing all the exclamation points.

Good enough. Maybe i just got a special one or something but it is what it is which is great,sorry. I would let you check it out for yourself if i could then maybe you could point out something i`m missing,maybe not. But thanks for the replies.

[Rich]

I check them out at NAMM every year, and I pointed out specifics, and told you there is a rant thread with a whole lot more specifics in it.

[Jemwielder]

The bottom line is a guitar can be pieced together by chimps in the woods somewhere. If you like it and think it plays good then who cares?

[ELicari]

Originally Posted by Rich

I check them out at NAMM every year, and I pointed out specifics, and told you there is a rant thread with a whole lot more specifics in it.

Can you post that thread?

[ELicari]

Originally Posted by Jemwielder

The bottom line is a guitar can be pieced together by chimps in the woods somewhere. If you like it and think it plays good then who cares?

True.

[Rich]

Ask S-Man where it is, he probably started it.

[ELicari]

Originally Posted by Rich

Ask S-Man where it is, he probably started it.

Oh i know which one you`re talking about,i`ve seen that sorta thing happen to other brand guitars as well no big deal and that`s why it`s good to check it out first before you buy.

[elcid]

Originally Posted by Rich

If you think the 2170 is as good as a 1570 or 2000 then you're not evaluating them very well. In fact by MIJ standard the 2170 is not even a Prestige. Prestige badging is part marketing but it also denotes the "6 extra steps" that go into making the guitar feel comfortable, the board edge radiusing and fret end finishing. Neither of which I recall seeing on an MIK S.

Then you have the sticky clear they use on the necks in Korea, much less the neck carve they spray it on, pocket depth, etc. Search for the thread ranting about MIK S's, it's here.

Why bother Rich. You had to have learned that by now.

[ELicari]

Originally Posted by Matheau

It doesn't really matter what country it is made in, it matters on the quality put into the construction.

However, there is a reasoning for MIJ generally being better than MIK. Many MIJ guitars are intended for sale on the Japanese market, if they weren't exported to other countries, they would still get made, so when companies bother importing/exporting MIJ guitars, they generally wouldn't bother with the lower quality brands.

Even if not one single MIK guitar was not sold in Korea, they would still get made. Companies are taking advantage of the lower production cost. Basically they are going for the cheapest decent product they can make in most cases, so quality is balanced with cost. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, that was what Fender went for as well.

The MIK Prestige Ibanez guitars are not cheap by any means.