Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LindsayG]

I will be arriving in Korea shortly and I am just curious if there are places to get good deals on guitars. I know a lot of guitars are made in Korea so I was wondering if you can buy directly. I am interested in several different types of guitars (classical and electrical especially). Any one have experience in this area?

[jamal0000]

[Paladin Brewer]

There are a lot of musical instrument stops in and near Nakwon arcade. It's a big building off Jongno-3ga exit 5.

[nzbradly78]

Ironically the Epiphones and Gretsches you buy here have been re-imported into Korea. The factories aren't allowed to sell directly. A friend of mine went to the Gretsch factory, and he was albe to get a faulty Rancher from of a friend of the manager. Lucky break I'd say. The guitar was fine, the finish was awful, but cool at the same time.

Korean brands (Crafters for one) aren't bad. They're a good deal money wise and their sound is pretty good. The guys who work in the guitar shops know their stuff, so they'll modify the guitar (lowering the action or whatever) for a nominal fee if at all. Remember, small business Korea rewards patronage, so the more you buy from one shop the lower the prices get. I got a stand for free when I bought a tuner from my guy.

I'm in Daegu but I'm sure the habits are Korea-wide.

[machoman]

you should also check out seoul's craigslist. lots of good deals there since people come and go.

[tideout]

Lindsay, check your inbox.

[methdxman]

Anyone know of a good shop with nice acoustic guitars in Gangnam? Thanks

[Devil's Harvest]

Lindsay and Methdxman, check your inboxes.

[SNOTOSEOUL]

I bought used and payed 120 for a guitar whose new model was 360. Try and go into a few different shops. I don't know about seoul, but here in Daegu we have "guitar/instrument street" it makes comparison shopping much easier.

[Redcap]

If nothing else, the Nakwon music arcade in the Insa-dong area of Seoul is worth a visit just for the visuals: over 200 music retail stores crammed together in 2 floors.

I was hoping that Harpeau would grace us with his presence. He has a vast knowledge of the Korean guitar industry, having worked in it previously. He is familiar with many of the custom shops, too.

Harpeau kindly referred me to an individual at Nakwon named Johnny, who spoke very good English, demonstrated a high working knowledge of his products, and was open to price negotiation. All the stores in Nakwon are numbered. Johnny floats around between stores #229,258,259.

Regardless of who you buy from, it's always a good idea to do your homework beforehand. Know what a reasonable retail price is for the guitar you want, and negotiate a price accordingly. Always negotiate. Also, request "service," which is a way of requesting some extras thrown into the purchase ie. extra set of strings, etc.

I'll also second the advice from nzbradly78 about the quality and value of the Korean made Crafter acoustic guitars.

Good luck

[methdxman]

[ShaunB]

Nakwon is definitely the place to go. I went looking for a guitar and spent 2 brief hours just walking around the 1st floor before moving upstairs and finding a nice Ibanez. The only problem with the place is there's too many options. So maybe know 2 or 3 options you're looking for before going. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted when I went.

And definitely negotiate. i was lucky enough to have a Korean friend with me so she managed to get me a reduced price and a free carry bag, stand, chords, strings, tuner, and a ton of plectums.

But yeah, the other guys have really covered everything already...

[Redcap]