I wonder why…

[KingsXJJ]

I wonder why more Google results of established US/UK - English reviews of Chinese products, like modelers, pedals and related gear don’t show up? Usually most of the results are forums and video’s. Or why not even results about the state of affairs in its entirety with products from across the globe? Where are the Guitar Player, Guitar World, Premier Guitar or Ultimate Guitar articles doing some heavy lifting in-depth articles? Sure there are announcements, NAMM coverage, quick hits at times… but in depth reviews? Comparisons? History and progress? Hot button items potentially revolutionizing things? A recent mid-level modeler for $500+ available in the US… that utilizes User input to deliver a requested tone/patch/virtual rig via Cloud-Based “AI”… Ampero just did that. Sure it’s beta. Sure it’s going through inevitable growing pains but it’s HERE NOW. Positive Grid Spark variants have some skin in the game too of course.

How about a top to bottom analysis and review of budget to best available of the quickly evolving modeler, home rec… and NAM, ToneX or even Ampero II captures being dissected and discussed?

It’s happening here as we share. Is this possibly some sort of exposure/press/marketing censorship that favors the advertisers and “convenient” acceptable manufacturers, creators and then subsequent retail? I’m not saying it is. But given the price disparities I see for somewhat similar products I wonder a bunch. When accounting for shipping across the globe it all seems quite incredulous to see these sort of $$ differences. Some could well argue that could possibly be due to lower marketing budgets as well as reduced R&D. On the latter, some may add in IP theft. Labor costs, taxation, tariffs. I think like most things we hear and think about it’s likely more complicated. It’s that complicated part I’m interested in talking about. Not the rehashed tropes. Things are usually a two-way street with either side’s actors doing things in the direction of self-interest.

 

[maguchi]

I wonder why more Google results of established US/UK - English reviews of Chinese products, like modelers, pedals and related gear don’t show up? Usually most of the results are forums and video’s. Or why not even results about the state of affairs in its entirety with products from across the globe? Where are the Guitar Player, Guitar World, Premier Guitar or Ultimate Guitar articles doing some heavy lifting in-depth articles? Sure there are announcements, NAMM coverage, quick hits at times… but in depth reviews? Comparisons? History and progress? Hot button items potentially revolutionizing things? A recent mid-level modeler for $500+ available in the US… that utilizes User input to deliver a requested tone/patch/virtual rig via Cloud-Based “AI”… Ampero just did that. Sure it’s beta. Sure it’s going through inevitable growing pains but it’s HERE NOW. Positive Grid Spark variants have some skin in the game too of course.

How about a top to bottom analysis and review of budget to best available of the quickly evolving modeler, home rec… and NAM, ToneX or even Ampero II captures being dissected and discussed?

It’s happening here as we share. Is this possibly some sort of exposure/press/marketing censorship that favors the advertisers and “convenient” acceptable manufacturers, creators and then subsequent retail? I’m not saying it is. But given the price disparities I see for somewhat similar products I wonder a bunch. When accounting for shipping across the globe it all seems quite incredulous to see these sort of $$ differences. Some could well argue that could possibly be due to lower marketing budgets as well as reduced R&D. On the latter, some may add in IP theft. Labor costs, taxation, tariffs. I think like most things we hear and think about it’s likely more complicated. It’s that complicated part I’m interested in talking about. Not the rehashed tropes. Things are usually a two-way street with either side’s actors doing things in the direction of self-interest.

I gots to agree. Guitar Player, Guitar World, Premier Guitar or Ultimate Guitar usually done more thorough and better reviews.

The YouTube reviews a lots of times are of some dude playing the guitar and you need to fast forward to the part where they talk about the gear. And when you do, you hope what they're talking about is what you want to know about that product. Lots of fluff and filler to make the vid longer. I guess the advertisers pay the guy what posted the vid more if his vid is longer. When it's written you can skim the page and get to the part that interests you more quick than in a vid.

I still see some good written articles online in the publications listed above, but they're not usually about the latest gear what just come out. C'est la vie .

 

[laxu]

I would guess the magazines that still run a print magazine, or an online version of one, just keep most of their content away from Google's web crawlers so that content never ends up in search results.

At the same time, I expect the people writing that stuff are not the same sort of tech savvy that people on forums can be. Plus the readership might not appreciate if suddenly they move from "here's the latest on pedals and tube amps" to "here's the latest on a new digital modeler from China".

Meanwhile YouTube videos have become a more lucrative thing for outlets that previously made mostly text content. This is very evident in e.g PC tech stuff where written reviews are taking a backseat to YT videos.

It's a really unfortunate because I like to read instead of watch. While watching is a good way to show off how something sounds, I'd rather skim, skip and focus on the parts that interest me in an article rather than have to watch through everything hoping they say something I care about.

As for Chinese stuff..I have no idea where I would even go to read about them. It's probably walled off and accessible mainly via Chinese search engines, and the language barrier can be a problem.

 

[KingsXJJ]

I would guess the magazines that still run a print magazine, or an online version of one, just keep most of their content away from Google's web crawlers so that content never ends up in search results.

At the same time, I expect the people writing that stuff are not the same sort of tech savvy that people on forums can be. Plus the readership might not appreciate if suddenly they move from "here's the latest on pedals and tube amps" to "here's the latest on a new digital modeler from China".

Meanwhile YouTube videos have become a more lucrative thing for outlets that previously made mostly text content. This is very evident in e.g PC tech stuff where written reviews are taking a backseat to YT videos.

It's a really unfortunate because I like to read instead of watch. While watching is a good way to show off how something sounds, I'd rather skim, skip and focus on the parts that interest me in an article rather than have to watch through everything hoping they say something I care about.

As for Chinese stuff..I have no idea where I would even go to read about them. It's probably walled off and accessible mainly via Chinese search engines, and the language barrier can be a problem.

Good points made. I prefer reading just like you. I’d rather see a headline that just skipped the “from China” caveat. But I’m aware there are folks who are sensitive to that. It’s kinda funny to me that when I was a very young boy similar things were said and thought about Japanese products like cars, radios, watches, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that a lot of killer products are made in markets that I, as an American, aren’t really exposed to. Like Russia, the Middle East or wherever. I truly don’t mean this in any political way and I’m not trying to make any waves. I recall someone posted some really nice looking rack Tube Preamps from Russia (or former Soviet Bloc) and being struck by me not even being aware of them beforehand. Makes me wonder what else is out there!

 

[Aelred]

Brand name recognition takes time to establish. I think Joyo, Mooer, DemonFX, Caline, Nux etc have established name recognition, Behringer, TC Electronic and such already had it. I’ve had some Hotone products I’ve liked.

If you search the Web in English you get more results in English, from countries that speak it.

How much do we hear/see of Mastro Valvola pedals? Or FTelettronica, Veri-Tone, Dophix and other Italian pedal makers? Why not?

What about Dazatronics, Bondi Effects, Beautiful Noise Effects from Australia...?

 

[newpedals]

I wonder why more Google results of established US/UK - English reviews of Chinese products, like modelers, pedals and related gear don’t show up? Usually most of the results are forums and video’s. Or why not even results about the state of affairs in its entirety with products from across the globe? Where are the Guitar Player, Guitar World, Premier Guitar or Ultimate Guitar articles doing some heavy lifting in-depth articles? Sure there are announcements, NAMM coverage, quick hits at times… but in depth reviews? Comparisons? History and progress? Hot button items potentially revolutionizing things? A recent mid-level modeler for $500+ available in the US… that utilizes User input to deliver a requested tone/patch/virtual rig via Cloud-Based “AI”… Ampero just did that. Sure it’s beta. Sure it’s going through inevitable growing pains but it’s HERE NOW. Positive Grid Spark variants have some skin in the game too of course.

How about a top to bottom analysis and review of budget to best available of the quickly evolving modeler, home rec… and NAM, ToneX or even Ampero II captures being dissected and discussed?

It’s happening here as we share. Is this possibly some sort of exposure/press/marketing censorship that favors the advertisers and “convenient” acceptable manufacturers, creators and then subsequent retail? I’m not saying it is. But given the price disparities I see for somewhat similar products I wonder a bunch. When accounting for shipping across the globe it all seems quite incredulous to see these sort of $$ differences. Some could well argue that could possibly be due to lower marketing budgets as well as reduced R&D. On the latter, some may add in IP theft. Labor costs, taxation, tariffs. I think like most things we hear and think about it’s likely more complicated. It’s that complicated part I’m interested in talking about. Not the rehashed tropes. Things are usually a two-way street with either side’s actors doing things in the direction of self-interest.

I am not sophisticated (read: intelligent) or earn enough to use modellers. I drool over nice-sounding tube amps and pedals.

I developed a habit of not completely believing or ignoring youtube reviews. I may be wrong but sometimes after trying a pedal in a store, my ears think that the review I saw on youtube probably had some compressor and/ or delay in the background which they didn't tell us about. Sometimes the reviewer says that he/ she is using a particular amp to play through, the EQ set in a specific way. When I plug the pedal in question into an amp in a store and set the EQ in a similar way as in the review, it sounds different.

I don't like someone copying an honest person's work and it's hard for someone comparatively recently getting interested in gear/ pedals like me to understand who cloned who.

I don't have a lot of gear (two guitars, one amp, 3 pedals) but I bought it from places/ people who said that I could return it within a certain time and/ or it was backed by some kind of warranty. It's scary to spend money otherwise, unless you are a celeb and earn really well.

 

[KingsXJJ]

I am not sophisticated (read: intelligent) or earn enough to use modellers. I drool over nice-sounding tube amps and pedals.

I developed a habit of not completely believing or ignoring youtube reviews. I may be wrong but sometimes after trying a pedal in a store, my ears think that the review I saw on youtube probably had some compressor and/ or delay in the background which they didn't tell us about. Sometimes the reviewer says that he/ she is using a particular amp to play through, the EQ set in a specific way. When I plug the pedal in question into an amp in a store and set the EQ in a similar way as in the review, it sounds different.

I don't like someone copying an honest person's work and it's hard for someone comparatively recently getting interested in gear/ pedals like me to understand who cloned who.

I don't have a lot of gear (two guitars, one amp, 3 pedals) but I bought it from places/ people who said that I could return it within a certain time and/ or it was backed by some kind of warranty. It's scary to spend money otherwise, unless you are a celeb and earn really well.

Usually the returns aren’t an issue at all. Many offer 30 day returns and some are even free… to compete with Amazon I would guess.

Warranty might be another matter. Although that can be a challenge even with well know larger companies too. I had issues with Fender years ago and that really surprised me.

 

[Aelred]

I wonder why more Google results of established US/UK - English reviews of Chinese products, like modelers, pedals and related gear don’t show up?

Labor costs, taxation, tariffs. I think like most things we hear and think about it’s likely more complicated. It’s that complicated part I’m interested in talking about. Not the rehashed tropes.

I don't think it's all that complicated. Magazines and websites in English will tend to review the products available to their readership, and further localization from there. I doubt websites and magazines in America or the UK review many Aussie products, while Australian Guitar Magazine has lots of ads for Dazatronics, more Maton than Martin.

What products are in the stores or websites you buy from? Amazon may be the only global supplier/retailer, and they have their own issues. Some stores and sites in the USA won't ship to Australia or Europe.

Geography and language may have something to do with it.

 

[la szum]

I am not sophisticated (read: intelligent) or earn enough to use modellers. I drool over nice-sounding tube amps and pedals.

I developed a habit of not completely believing or ignoring youtube reviews. I may be wrong but sometimes after trying a pedal in a store, my ears think that the review I saw on youtube probably had some compressor and/ or delay in the background which they didn't tell us about. Sometimes the reviewer says that he/ she is using a particular amp to play through, the EQ set in a specific way. When I plug the pedal in question into an amp in a store and set the EQ in a similar way as in the review, it sounds different.

I don't like someone copying an honest person's work and it's hard for someone comparatively recently getting interested in gear/ pedals like me to understand who cloned who.

I don't have a lot of gear (two guitars, one amp, 3 pedals) but I bought it from places/ people who said that I could return it within a certain time and/ or it was backed by some kind of warranty. It's scary to spend money otherwise, unless you are a celeb and earn really well.

Great points. I largely agree. They are not only selling pedals, they are selling themselves and their YT Channel.
That's a massive conflict of interest that makes me skeptical about their motives and aims. That said, there are
an handful of people I trust implicitly, because I enjoy their style and tastes, and mostly, their integrity.

Also, gear can become a crutch and a massive distraction. We are always going to be better served working on
our craft than trying 30 versions of the same kind of pedal. And I don't really believe in absolutes.

 

[Aelred]

Great points. I largely agree. They are not only selling pedals, they are selling themselves and their YT Channel.
That's a massive conflict of interest that makes me skeptical about their motives and aims. That said, there are
an handful of people I trust implicitly, because I enjoy their style and tastes, and mostly, their integrity.

Also, gear can become a crutch and a massive distraction. We are always going to be better served working on
our craft than trying 30 versions of the same kind of pedal. And I don't really believe in absolutes.

I also largely agree, but the question was why US and UK magazines and websites don't review all the new Chinese gear.

English language reviews will appeal to people who read/speak English. At my local stores in Australia, they mainly have US, UK, Aussie and Chinese product. Not so many Italian brands. I never got to try any Mastro Valvola pedals before they closed, and can't find a Volta anywhere.

Not really a mystery, imho. But I like gear, and different pedals work better with different amps etc. I was glad I had a variety when I bought my new German amp.

 

[newpedals]

I also largely agree, but the question was why US and UK magazines and websites don't review all the new Chinese gear.

English language reviews will appeal to people who read/speak English. At my local stores in Australia, they mainly have US, UK, Aussie and Chinese product. Not so many Italian brands. I never got to try any Mastro Valvola pedals before they closed, and can't find a Volta anywhere.

Not really a mystery, imho. But I like gear, and different pedals work better with different amps etc. I was glad I had a variety when I bought my new German amp.

I guess because the magazines and websites wanna cater to pro, celeb musicians who don't wanna be seen with products whose rights are owned by overseas manufacturers.

Many US and European electronics manufacturers seem to get products made overseas but in the end the branding and rights are reserved with them. They claim to have better quality control than similar products made by lesser known companies overseas.

If I was rich, I would have bought an iphone for the paparazzi when they clicked my pics. Celebs wanna associated with certain products I guess. I am far from it, which is why I use an inexpensive android.

 

[Aelred]

I guess because the magazines and websites wanna cater to pro, celeb musicians who don't wanna be seen with products whose rights are owned by overseas manufacturers.

Many US and European electronics manufacturers seem to get products made overseas but in the end the branding and rights are reserved with them. They claim to have better quality control than similar products made by lesser known companies overseas.

If I was rich, I would have bought an iphone for the paparazzi when they clicked my pics. I am far from it, which is why I use an inexpensive android.

Magzines and websites in countries all over the world have their own audience and advertisers and companies want their products reviewed for that audience. Reviewing every product that comes out of China is a big ask.

I expect Italian websites have Chinese products reviewed - in Italian. US and UK mags and sites are made for an English-speaking audience in those countries.

The question was about reviews on US and UK sites for new Chinese gear - indeed, all gear from everywhere, not about pedal manufacturing in general. At least, I thought so.

I wonder why more Google results of established US/UK - English reviews of Chinese products, like modelers, pedals and related gear don’t show up? Usually most of the results are forums and video’s. Or why not even results about the state of affairs in its entirety with products from across the globe?

 

[laxu]

I developed a habit of not completely believing or ignoring youtube reviews. I may be wrong but sometimes after trying a pedal in a store, my ears think that the review I saw on youtube probably had some compressor and/ or delay in the background which they didn't tell us about. Sometimes the reviewer says that he/ she is using a particular amp to play through, the EQ set in a specific way. When I plug the pedal in question into an amp in a store and set the EQ in a similar way as in the review, it sounds different.

Any video you watch of the same amp will be recorded with different mics, and likely uses plugins to alter the recorded sound too. Don't think this is somehow meant to mislead, because you want to do some processing usually even if your goal is to just make it sound more like you heard in the room, and then add some compression to make it a comfortably loud level.

Then when you go try it in a store of course it will sound different. Different player, guitar, room, volume, hearing a direct rather than miced sound etc. Even "I set the knobs the same way" will never work because there's a good bit of tolerance variance between components.

It's best to watch multiple videos of a piece of gear you are interested in. Think of this as if you are looking at the piece of gear from different angles to gain an overall understanding for what it can and can't do. Then it should meet your expectations better.

I don't like someone copying an honest person's work and it's hard for someone comparatively recently getting interested in gear/ pedals like me to understand who cloned who.

Almost everything is derivative in the guitar world. There's only so many ways you can wire up a preamp gain stage, built a drive circuit, wind a pickup and so on. For amps and overdrives, you can expect most are heavily derived from other designs.

As long as it's not a direct ripoff (e.g fake Gibsons and Fenders), it's all fine. There's tons of companies making e.g Fender and Marshall style amps with the premise that it's built to a higher standard than what those original companies offer.

I don't have a lot of gear (two guitars, one amp, 3 pedals) but I bought it from places/ people who said that I could return it within a certain time and/ or it was backed by some kind of warranty. It's scary to spend money otherwise, unless you are a celeb and earn really well.

Honestly the best way is to buy used. Amps, pedals and guitars are all pretty robust pieces of gear. The bigger reason why e.g tube amps might fail is that they get kicked around by shipping companies. If you pick it up in person and can try before you buy, it's all good.

If you find the piece of gear is not for you, then you can sell it for what you paid as long as it's not some totally obscure thing.

 

[Dave Lewis]

I try and do as much research on products I’m interested in .
I try to avoid the usual paid to gush over products YouTubers when possible .
I generally buy from the same group of retailers that give me great service and sort out returns collections from me if I don’t like something.

 

[Aelred]

As far as reviews of gear is concerned, a magazine or pro-Website employs people on salary and they have limited space and time. The original question was basically Why isn’t there an in-depth review in English on US/UK sites and magazines of every audio device I am interested in purchasing made anywhere in the world (esp China) on release?

The base of people all around the world at home or in studios using gear and commenting for free online or making YouTubes is much larger than "Generic Guitar Mag/Site" can possibly finance – or even be given by companies for review. How many reviewers on staff?

There are reasons old media is dying out. Most Guitar Magazines are no longer in print. Poscasts, vids and forums for the future. With apologies to Andy, Pete Thorn etc who do good demos...

Rhett Shull is the future. God help us all!