Edwards guitar mystery...

[napalmdeath]

So, some still insist Edwards are 100% MIJ, while some say they still start off in China.. I've read the China thing was only until 2009, and they are made in the same factory as an E-II...

So, answer me this.. Why are E-II's $2000+, and clearly labeled MIJ, yet Edwards are a fraction of the price, and have no country of origin labeled on it whatsoever??

 

[glpg80]

So, some still insist Edwards are 100% MIJ, while some say they still start off in China.. I've read the China thing was only until 2009, and they are made in the same factory as an E-II...

So, answer me this.. Why are E-II's $2000+, and clearly labeled MIJ, yet Edwards are a fraction of the price, and have no country of origin labeled on it whatsoever??

I thought E-II are made in USA in CA hence the price increase?

 

[napalmdeath]

I thought E-II are made in USA in CA hence the price increase?

No, Japan. Their USA's are Custom Shop, and start well north of 3k-4k.

 

[Racerxrated]

No, Japan. Their USA's are Custom Shop, and start well north of 3k-4k.

So, before I bought my '99 Edwards Sykes I really had to study up since, like you said, for a time they were mostly made in China and FINISHED in Japan...I forget the cutoff date but I seem to remember 2013? But, from 2000 until 2010 or so, you are safe with a MIJ guitar plus those years have serial numbers to prove it. But, I read where the late 90s versions were thought of more favorably so I waited to find one....problem is they DON'T have serial numbers. You have to look under the neck pup for any markings and then you can decipher the year. I ended up with a no serial number Sykes, and based on the numbers under the neck pup it was a 1999.
Really have to search and wade through a lot of info to make the right choice. Not that a Chinese built Edwards isn't a great guitar; they might be as great or better but resale might take a hit.

 

[Devin]

Yeah I have an Edwards Dir En Grey sig. mini-tele and I honestly have no clue where it was actually made. Zero indication anywhere on the guitar as far as I can tell.

Doesn't really matter though as it is very nice!

 

[Elliott]

I’m new to Edwards. Am I to understand it's an ESP but the country of origin may be different and hard to determine. However, if one is willing to accept this, it's possible to get a great guitar for a fraction of the ESP-branded price?

 

[Devin]

I’m new to Edwards. Am I to understand it's an ESP but the country of origin may be different and hard to determine. However, if one is willing to accept this, it's possible to get a great guitar for a fraction of the ESP-branded price?

They're generally more along the lines of an LTD rather than a full-blown high end ESP. Which is not a bad thing; LTD's are great guitars too

 

[Elliott]

They're generally more along the lines of an LTD rather than a full-blown high end ESP. Which is not a bad thing; LTD's are great guitars too

Cool, thanks for the reply. Ice owned a couple LTDs over the years. I've always been impressed with the quality for the price.

 

[Racerxrated]

Yeah I have an Edwards Dir En Grey sig. mini-tele and I honestly have no clue where it was actually made. Zero indication anywhere on the guitar as far as I can tell.

Doesn't really matter though as it is very nice!

If it has no serial then there’s a good chance it’s from the late 90s.

 

[Racerxrated]

Here's a good source of info...
https://www.mylespaul.com/threads/edwards-guitars—the-whole-story-and-more.43888/
and another
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/i...own-on-these-edwards-les-paul-guitars.219660/

 

[Devin]

If it has no serial then there’s a good chance it’s from the late 90s.

Yup no serial number, and it has this logo:

I was thinking more real early 2000's but I reckon it could be late 90's

 

[Racerxrated]

Yup no serial number, and it has this logo:

View attachment 102621

I was thinking more real early 2000's but I reckon it could be late 90's

AFAIK the early 2000s have serials; but that logo may mean it’s more from the early 90s? I’d have to dig in to those threads to find out/remember more info