Manufacturing facilities...global market

[bongoron]

Hello everyone! Does anybody know who is still manufacturing congas in Thailand? Also, do these (whoever they are) manufacture to spec for other brands? Also, does anybody know how many brands or any specific names that have gone to Chinese manufacturing? I had a long discussion with my music store owner the other day about trends in percussion retail, and it was extremely interesting...seems like it's going the way the guitar has. Any first hand knowledge with or about these drums ia greatly appreciated...the global music market fascinates me. Maybe Isaac or Raymond have some insight.

Thanks

-God bless!

-Ron

[JohnnyConga]

I was told by a local music dealer that ALL instruments are now made in Asia-china-taiwan-thailand and indonesia. The bulk of perc/congas etc., are coming from Thailand--newest perc company is TyphoonPerc.com...."JC" Johnny Conga....

[JohnnyConga]

My bad it's called TycoonPerc.com..."JC" Johnny Conga...

[Berimbau]

WELL THEY JUST DON'T MAKE THOSE THAILAND TUMBADORAS LIKE THEY USED TO!!


hee hee,


Berimbau

[windhorse]

WELL THEY JUST DON'T MAKE THOSE THAILAND TUMBADORAS LIKE THEY USED TO!!

Berimbau,, that's hilarious!
:laugh: :laugh:

That is the single funniest thing I've seen on this list!

[bongoron]

With all the weather we've had this year, an understandable mistake.

Better yet... Look below.

Thanks for the reply. God bless!

-Ron

tycoon music



Edited By bongoron on 1143225489

[Master2987]

I may not have specific details regarding the global flow of musical instruments, but I do follow international trade, and will comment a bit, as it was my field of study, and also find it very interesting.

I guess the forecast, overall, is that anything that is mass produced will continue to be relocated east or south…most likely east, particularly to China. The U.S. market will continue to be saturated with mass produced items, which in turn will continue to drive down prices…this is due to a two-fold effect: One, virtually an unlimited supply, and Two, economies of scale (cheaper labor, materials, etc.).

From an economist/capitalist view, which is the view I take, it is mostly good news for those of us living here in the U.S, due to the following generalized reasons:

1. Lower prices, more variety, and decent quality of mass produced items. Regarding musical instruments, this has been the case. You can find a half decent conga set for $300 (sometimes including a stand), which most enthusiasts here in the States can afford. And talk about variety, each band carries at least 5 or 6 product lines. As for quality, many people have their reservations, but I am of the opinion that mass produced items from Asia can and are in many cases, of equal quality to domestic mass-produced items…think about the auto industry.

2. The U.S. will continue to become more of a specialized, service oriented economy. Issue number 1 above creates the perfect environment for innovation and new business opportunities here in the States. Domestic production will be more along the lines of sophistication, low quantity, great quality, customization, focus on client needs, etc. Again, regarding musical instruments, think Volcano Percussion, and this other small business I just found online Rusitodrums.com.

Those were my comments. Any comments or criticism are welcome.

But before I go, can some of the elders here help with an example? I am thinking of comparing the same product/drum in the 70s and today. For example, we can take the LP Classic, or the LP Original Model, and compare what it was worth in 1970 in today’s dollars (adjusted for inflation) to what the drum is actually worth today. Economic theory would say the drum should be cheaper….but with Kaman Music being more or less a monopoly, this example may not work.

Sorry I wrote way too much....I just like this stuff.

[fed]

FYI, Rusitodrums.com doesn't make drums anymore, I contacted him a few weeks ago, they do lookm cool though

[fed]

BTW, I don;t know anything about global economy, but from purely consumer point of view I am glad I could get my first LP Aspire drum for $120, any more and maybe never started playing. that said I would like my next set of drums to be botique type, Moperc, Timba or the like. Though if I don't ever get nice drums like that I will still enjoy making music on my Aspires (with mule skin, mind you ):D :p

[Berimbau]

Dear Master 2987,
In the sunny win-win world you so eloquently depict in your glowing post on Global economics, do the Chinese children welding comfort curves on WalMart congas ever get to go to college? Should the 54 year old US worker they displaced with a second mortgage and a shotgun in his mouth just buck up and get a second job?
Now I am also a capitalist, have little patience with socialists and won't even drink with communists unless they're buying, which they never are! I do fear that with the multinational gonglomerates swallowing everything in sight that the playing field is now as level as the deck of the Titanic. These same multinationals have continued our artificial dependency on an anitiquated technology that burns fossil fuel, and with the resultant Iraq debacle we are rapidly swirling into the sewer pipe of history!
In order for a true capitalist society to function, land, money, and resources must be liquid enough to flow. This just isn't the case anymore. Large amounts of concentrated wealth and resources tend to stagnate the economy and prevent real opportunity or lasting growth. Friedman is WRONG, the earth isn't flat, only the economy is. But then he would have told everybody on the Titanic that the market in life boats would experience a decided upturn in the wake of it's sinking.


Saludos,



Berimbau