Korean Job Discussion Forums

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

In a moderately related aside, I've heard rumors of 800k domestic guitars that sound like the $2,000 Takamines. Anyone know if this is true? I've got a midrange guitar at home; I'd be interested in something nice, especially if I could get it at a good price. Don't care about the brand, just how it sounds and plays.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

Bugs Gear and Peal guitars are pretty good.

ernie · Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Location: asdfghjk

i brought my electric and it cost me $200 one way... they didn't let me carry it on and it was oversized, hence the price... i wish i'd brought only the nice pickups and bought a cheapo guit here... then i could sell the guitar when i leave! i'd say it depends on the overall value of the guitar...

wepeel · Joined: 05 Mar 2007

I don't think I will ever buy a guitar at Nakwon again. I was just so badly burnt by the piece of crap Korean-made model I bought (350,000 won) and the resulting "customer service" that was quite uninformed. People talk about Gibsons and whatnot being there...THEY ARE FAKE, you can even ask the salespeople and they will tell you they are carrying fakes. They won't tell you upfront that the guitars are fake, but I am guessing that they pretty much have to confirm the legitimacy if you ask about it.

The music business (retail sales of instruments) has always been a dark and seedy one...I experienced the worst of it at that place. And in case anyone is wondering, I shopped at store 222.

Masta_Don · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: Hyehwa-dong, Seoul

You guys check guitars?!? Jesus, that's silly. When I was young and dumb I did that once and ended up with a broken guitar (yes, it was in a hard case). If they ever try to get me to check it, which has only happened with American carriers, I bitch and moan and they let me take it on. Worse case, you tell them you checked it with them last time and it broke, so this time you refuse. Again, that's only happened a couple times, and since it actually did get broken once, I can be pretty convincing. Asian airlines bend over backwards to make sure you have a pleasant flight. NEVER CHECK A GUITAR. I don't care if it's worth $100 or $1000, it's too risky when there's no need.

As for the OP's question:

Buy a throw-away one here. You can get a great knock-off for 500,000Won, and, of course, there are even cheaper ones available too.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

Integra · Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Location: Asan

I've taken bass guitars on several international flights. I've always had to check mine, but if you have a good flight case it should be safe. Just make sure to tape the latches shut (and ask security screeners to do the same in the US). The biggest risk seems to be the case somehow opening up rather than it being crushed. Also, make sure to pack socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc in the case with the guitar. It'll pad the guitar and keep it from sliding around and getting busted that way. Gator makes a good, reasonably priced flight case (haven't seen them in Korea, though). I've used the standard Gator cases and they do get cracked and battered, but the guitars have all survived. But the flight cases just get scratched up, no holes or cracks.

All that said, it's still nervewracking any time I take a bass on a flight!

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

The Godin company in Quebec (the Seagull guitar guys) make an awesome TREC case. Light, yet very dureable.

hossenfeffer · Joined: 07 Oct 2006

If you travel with an expensive guitar the ONLY case to trust is a Calton case. They're a little pricey but if you totally get what you paid for.

http://www.caltoncases.ab.ca/frame_home.htm

Hoss

PaulAK · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Location: Caught Somewhere in Time

Dude, just buy your gear here. You can usually talk them down a little, and/or get them to throw in some extra stuff. Koreans are not good at bargaining.

I bought a 1987 Yamaha RG for $160, $40 less than the guy wanted. Really sweet shredder guitar, perfect for me. Then I bought a Roland Microcube, which is just right for living in an apartment, and it's also portable.

Do some looking around, you'll find something good and reasonably priced.

SirFink · Joined: 05 Mar 2006

Guitar shops in Korea are like every other kind of shop in Korea: 99% Korean-made products on the shelves. You'll find the odd American or Japanese guitar but it will be priced at two or three times what you'd pay for it in the US.

So if you're okay with playing a low-end Korean guitar, just buy something when you get there. Nothing against Korean guitars: most are cheap and halfway decent and good for just playing in the apartment or even taking to an open mic night or something. Just don't expect to find a nice (real) Martin or Fender.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

You can buy a Yamaha guitar at Costco. I think they were either 120,000 or 80,000. Maybe more?

Canada2Korea · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Bundang (Jeongja), SK

anyone know where i can get an acoustic in Busan?

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

You can get two things in Nagwon:

1 - Ripped off

2 - An alright starter guitar

If you're a really good player and have a really good guitar, bring it.

On a related note: I found a lot of really nice guitars in a second hand shop out on the boonies of Kyushu. I must assume that the cities there have quality shops.

Easter Clark · Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Location: Hiding from Yie Eun-woong

I left my Martin D-28 at home and bought a Mr. Potato guitar once I got here. Honestly, it sounds almost as good as my Martin, and cost 1/10 the price! You can find Mr. Potato's guitar shop in Songtan, right outside of the Osan Airbase main gate.