Quote:

I completely disagree. Most of these never really see play. They are little better than the proverbial snake oil from a market perspective.

Quote:

How is the method and quality of manufacturing not a reflection of ANY culture? Study modern Chinese history, especially as it relates to the modernization explosion they have been experiencing in the last half-century. Subsistence living to modern powerhouse in 50 years etc. There are a lot of old ways still in the culture. Manufacturing is very new. Study this stuff, and you'll understand why and how they do the things they do.
But they entered the high quality market with electronics and became a world powerhouse, yes? Anything is possible with the right direction and marketing, especially if a company could make a high quality instrument for significantly cheaper than the competition. Also, China is not an invention and marketing machine (at least when it comes to their exports). They are a cheap labor machine with loose environmental laws. {as an aside, there are some fantastic student violins coming out of places in China, and even some much more expensive ones. No reason this couldn't be done with other instruments as well.}

Quote:

Student instruments. Prodige and such. Bodies made in France, shipped to China where they are finished. They moved the operation there for quality or cost? You tell me.