Sparky Posted February 4, 2008 Posted February 4, 2008 I'm afraid its time to deploy a bombing raid on Musoland and the surrounding area... oh yeah... and shoot all sellers of knock- off guitars. Morally questionable but ethically correct.
Gitfiddler Posted February 4, 2008 Posted February 4, 2008 Harmony Central reviewers comments are hilarious but obviously from shills. There are zero email addresses for any 'reviewers'. In other words, everyone remains anonymous...to protect the guilty.
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Well... I'm not going to enter into the ethics of the debate but I decided to check out the Muso web site. They certainly produce a pretty large range of copies. Fender, Gibson, Gretsh, PRS etc (Nothing advertised as Heritage). They'll sell you a LP Custom from about $170 ! and a LP Supreme for about $230 !!! They look pretty good too... but, (and you were probably expecting a but). On closer inspection, looking at the guitar bodies that they also produce. It would appear the bodies are made of something other than Mahogany (probably basswood) with a thin veneer on front and back to replicate the originals. Not sure what the necks are made of but certainly doesn't look like mahogany. From what else I've read in forums the setup is appalling and the hardware is junk. A quick search on "youtube" turns up a couple of people playing Musso guitars. Both admit to having swapped out the pickups. Don't look or sound too bad though. So, in summation, I'd say most people (including myself) who buy a Heritage guitar do so because they want a quality hand built(ish) guitar. On the other hand, there are plenty of people (but by no means all) who want to own a Gibson or Fender because of the image and kudos and don't give a damn about the quality. As such, I don't see Musso being any real threat to Heritage. If I were Mr Musso I'd stick to ripping off Gibson as that's where the money is. If I were a kid with $300 in my pocket and the alternative was an Epiphone or similar, then I'd seriously consider the Musso. As a quick aside, Musso advertise "genuine" Epiphone guitars so maybe they do make them for real (and at the same price as the Gibson copies). If I were 18 I know which one I'd go for. As a footnote. I notice that Musso will export to the USA, Australia and quite a lot of Europe but England and France aren't listed. Perhaps we (I'm English) have better copyright laws over here.
Kazwell Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 On the other hand, there are plenty of people (but by no means all) who want to own a Gibson or Fender because of the image and kudos and don't give a damn about the quality. Talk about Gibson owner wannabes going to sick extremes or rather sellers providing the means to reach those extremes. I have seen folks with ads on E-Bay selling decals that fit right on the front of a LP copy headstock with the word Gibson along with the split diamond design. Of course anybody in an audience for instance who cared in the first place would notice it's the headstock design for a LP Custom, (didn't see any other types offered but the "Custom" design) and the poor fool with the trapezoid inlays on his copy would have to explain during the break to the inquiring mind asking "Is THAT a real Gibson?!!" that it's, in fact, a fake or lie by saying "it's a really expensive custom order." Who needs to play head games like that anyway?
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Well.. I was intrigued as to why they didn't export to the UK so I emailed the company. Guess what... no problem $110 including insurance. I'm now sorely tempted to buy one (no not a Heritage, not that that makes any moral difference) just to see what it's all about. Surely these are counterfeit goods and customs would seize them? If you look further into what Musso make, you can buy Sony Cameras, Nike trainers, the list is endless. (Wish they did a valve amp). Beware... The Chinese are taking over the world.... I wonder if they'll make a better job of it than you guys ;D
Jorgen-Denmark Posted February 5, 2008 Author Posted February 5, 2008 Every one, who have been in the far east would now, why to say "thanks but no thanks" to traders on the street offering OMEGA/ROLEX watches, diamants and gold jewelry even if it's cheap and a one time bargain - even if it's shines and looks so close to the original. Those copy's can be used for impressing purpose only, because it isn't build to last long and the quality of the material sucks. The persons, who got temped/tricked buying stuff like this, will somewhere down the road (and not that far, I'm afraid) realise, why real quality and selected materials combined with good craftmanship cost more. And it will inflect on your view on the real brand in the long run. That's why the copying should be avoided. The way to deal with things is - like some of the makers already are doing - to establish a Chinese line of production with QA on materials and building. Guild, Saga (Gitane and Blueridge), G-word (Epiphone), just to mention some few. One of the way these days to get good quality guitars for reasonably money, is to look after dedicated distributes in you own part of the world, who import and sell guitars produced by small guitarmakers in Korea and Indonesia and other low cost countries. (I have a handbuilt Marlique De luxe from Indonesia, and a black Hamer sunburst archtop from the old Korean-days in my "explore the world"colletion - In my opinion they are masterbuild and plays like butter achieved at a very affordable price).
yoslate Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 The Chinese are taking over the world.... I wonder if they'll make a better job of it than you guys ;D Clarification: Allright, allright Jim lad.... Let's not mistake "you guys" for that guy!!! Being English, and thus a student of history, you may recall that "right numpty, that git, that tosser" from Texas, was, by some definition, not really elected in 2000!!!* *(Ok, ok cosmik.... Just for clarification's sake, to avoid another "international incident" on this forum, all in good fun, right? I've enjoyed your postings, despite the fact my best friend is Scots and thus has tried to steer me from all things English!)
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 No offence meant or taken ;D I'm well aware that we, the English that is, have committed some of the worst atrocities in recent history. You gotta admit though, it's kinda scary that... "The fate of all mankind I fear is in the hands of fools." Ok. So what smart ass can tell me what song/band that lyric is from? Here's a cryptic clue... It's not Simply Red, but then again, it is! Perhaps someone ought to mention a guitar before we get "MOVED"
yoslate Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 No offence meant or taken ;D Ok. So what smart ass can tell me what song/band that lyric is from? Here's a cryptic clue... It's not Simply Red, but then again, it is! Perhaps someone ought to mention a guitar before we get "MOVED" The clue, as well as the fact that I have been called a "smart ass," would suggest a Roy Wood, Wizard, Move reference, no? Specifics escape, though.
Thundersteel Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 "smart ass," When I get called a smart ass, I usually respond with "Well, it's better than being a dumb ass!" ;D
brentrocks Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 When I get called a smart ass, I usually respond with "Well, it's better than being a dumb ass!" ;D [move]LMAO[/move]
Kazwell Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 I'm well aware that we, the English that is, have committed some of the worst atrocities in recent history. Spice girls.... Chumbawamba... Oasis.... Culture Club.... Duran Duran.. Of course were not talking 60's and 70's here-which is a completely different story. I'm talking "recent history.."
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Roy Wood. Wizzard... Nope... Right nationality and right decade though, so getting close. More prog rock than glam rock. Oh... And no one's calling anyone a smart ass (or in English Arse). No offence intended, we just have a different sense of humour over here ;D My arse is no more or less smart (or hairy for that matter) than anyone else.
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Erm... You forgot James Blunt... ;D Now here's a real musical crime for you and it beggars belief... We all know the song "Little Green Bag" though possibly not by the title. It's the tune at the beginning of "reservoir Dogs" and quite a groovy tune it is too. It was recorded by the "George Baker Selection" and can be viewed on You tube using the link below. Great song and well worth a listen. 8) The thing is, from this they went on to record this... It's gonna take 2mins of torture to realise just how bad this song is/was. So if you dare, have a go. As a final insult the second song got a higher chart position too!!!
yoslate Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Roy Wood. Wizzard... Nope... Right nationality and right decade though, so getting close. Oh... And no one's calling anyone a smart ass (or in English Arse). No offence intended, we just have a different sense of humour over here ;D quote] SORRY, I'm stuck in this purple box; not where I meant to reply..., but I can't seem to ge out of here.... :- Point#1 Nuts! Thought I might be on that one! Point#2 No offense taken.... And I was calling me a "smart ass." (wife once told me self-deprecating humor was "charming") And your "over here" sense of humor? I love "The Bonzo Dog Band,"... over here.... Don't you just love the situational relativity of "here" and "there" everywhere? (Sorry! Punchy.... Long, boring day here at work....)
Jorgen-Denmark Posted February 5, 2008 Author Posted February 5, 2008 No offence meant or taken ;D I'm well aware that we, the English that is, have committed some of the worst atrocities in recent history. You gotta admit though, it's kinda scary that... "The fate of all mankind I fear is in the hands of fools." Ok. So what smart ass can tell me what song/band that lyric is from? Here's a cryptic clue... It's not Simply Red, but then again, it is! Perhaps someone ought to mention a guitar before we get "MOVED" I think the guy in question also used to play a black beauty, made at the famous plant in Kalamanzoo. So much for the relation to guitars. He may be the King, and at the time he became one and before he got into simply Red he and a lot of other later to be famous musician performed an epitaph.
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Congratulations to the man from Denmark. ;D Answer for the rest of you is at the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeXzwUJBU5o...feature=related Great album from my youth.
Kazwell Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Great album from my youth. Same here. I may even go as far as putting it in the top 10 of my all time favorites.
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Anyone viewed the other link yet? "Little green bag" Any more suggestions for good artists gone bad? (and I don't just mean the third album was a bit crap).
Dick Seacup Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 Anyone viewed the other link yet? "Little green bag" Any more suggestions for good artists gone bad? (and I don't just mean the third album was a bit crap). I know/knew of Little Green Bag (the song; and could identify at as such)! The KC link is very cool. I have a bunch of KC and Fripp stuff...including two Fripp/Eno albums from the early 70s. Good stuff if you're into it.
Kazwell Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 The thing is, from this they went on to record this... I have to say, that IS a noteworthy comparison as far as a going from one pretty to good song to one that is extremely bad. Sounds like something that Abba may have even passed on. Now THAT'S bad!!! Real bad!!!!!
cosmikdebriis Posted February 5, 2008 Posted February 5, 2008 I have to say, that IS a noteworthy comparison as far as a going from one pretty to good song to one that is extremely bad. Sounds like something that Abba may have even passed on. Now THAT'S bad!!! Real bad!!!!! Well, at the risk of getting lynched, I'd defend Abba as having made some of the finest "pop" songs ever to grace the charts. "Una Paloma Blanca" on the other hand must rate along with "Tie a yellow ribbon" and "seasons in the sun" as complete pap and should never have been allowed to reach the pressing stage. Did you see the gold top though. I bet that one's worth a few quid... Erm... bucks! (Hopefully it's old enough to qualify as a Kalamazoo or I'm definitely up for a lynching) ;D
Kazwell Posted February 6, 2008 Posted February 6, 2008 Well, at the risk of getting lynched, I'd defend Abba as having made some of the finest "pop" songs ever to grace the charts. Uh must be a Euro thing..... that's uh cool... i guess. I'll just go now..... :-
Kazwell Posted February 6, 2008 Posted February 6, 2008 "Una Paloma Blanca" on the other hand must rate along with "Tie a yellow ribbon" and "seasons in the sun" as complete pap and should never have been allowed to reach the pressing stage. Did you see the gold top though. I bet that one's worth a few quid... Erm... bucks! (Hopefully it's old enough to qualify as a Kalamazoo or I'm definitely up for a lynching) And WHAT"S wrong with Tie a Yellow Ribbon? It's a touching song about a guy who's getting out of prison and waiting to see if his old girlfriend still loves him. At the end of the song she puts like thousands of yellow ribbons round that old oak tree!!!! Have you no taste!!!! ;D And Seasons in the Sun....the dude is singing about dyin. Man that's a heavy song. But he had a good time while it lasted!!! Maybe he died as a result of being hung for writing that song 8) BTW, I DID notice the goldtop in the video with the P-90's. Probably would be worth a fortune. My guess is that dude playing it most likely sold it for a pitence a few years later, after the royalties dried up for his crappy song.
cosmikdebriis Posted February 6, 2008 Posted February 6, 2008 Well... George Baker of the George Baker Selection, (of course), (keep up), the perpetrator of the crime(s) in question, (yes there are more awful songs by them). Was not really George Baker at all but "Johannes Bouwens" and was Dutch. Not that I've got anything against the Dutch. They did of course produce one of the finest rock bands of the 70's. Not only that but the guitar player didn't play a Fender or a G****n. 8). What was the point of all that you may wonder.... Just my way of having an excuse for a link to what is, in my opinion at least, one of the best (and funniest) music videos on You tube. Check out the link below and prepare to be amazed... http://youtube.com/watch?v=bpV5InLw52U There are two prizes available here... 1st prize goes to anyone who's able to post a video of themselves playing the guitar part, including solo 8) 2nd prize to anyone prepared to post a video of them doing the keyboardists part (including facial expressions and yodelling)
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