The Piano Shop
In a recent interview with Chan Han (SoundsKool Store Supervisor), he reveals 5 reasons why you should not buy fake instruments in Cambodia.
“With so many fake guitars and pianos in Phnom Penh Music shops, no wonder it can be quite confusing to know where to buy” – explains Mr. Han.
“Many customers always ask if the guitars on the wall are original, they want to make sure. They are disappointed when their fake guitars or instrument breaks after just a few weeks. In fact they think they save money if they buy a guitar for only $40 or $50 from shops selling fakes around Phnom Penh. We explain to our customers that if they buy original instruments they can save money later and have an instrument which sounds and looks much better – they can even re-sell it for a good price!”
1. Fake Instruments are cheaper, but break almost immediately!
Fake Guitars for example (like Fender, Cort, Epiphone and so on) don’t have the standard of build quality that you expect. If a real Fender American Standard Stratocaster costs $1,700, there sure is a reason! If you buy a copy for $100, it can be the same as throwing your money away. Beware of fakes in Phnom Penh, do your research and ask questions to the seller, for example where it is made, and ask to see the serial number.
To make sure you are buying original Fender, Roland and Yamaha call or email [email protected], as SoundsKool are authorized resellers.
2. Professionals use Original Instruments.
If you want to play like a pro, then you should invest in a professional instrument. If you are going to spend hour after hour practicing your technique and refine your skills, shouldn’t you give yourself the best chance to succeed? Things like Tone Quality (check this useful link by Fender), Action and Usability are most important. If you keep practicing with an Original instrument you will have a much better outcome and sound like a pro!
3. Respect the brand.
Fake production hurts brands and in the long run makes an original instrument more expensive to produce. Famous brands like Roland, Epiphone, Fender and Daddario accessories spend millions every year in development and testing to give musicians beautifully crafted instruments. If we want to continue to enjoy high level music making and listening, we should respect the brand.
There are some original instruments that you simply cannot fake, For example the Roland V-Piano!
4. Fakes just don’t work well with other gear!
A cheap fake guitar will never sound right, even if you plug into a Cube Amp or similar. You can try different strings, picks and tricks. It will never sound right. Why? Because a fake instrument has not been put through testing by professional musicians at manufacturer level. Also, electrical parts, conductors, pick-ups, internal microphones, strings, pegs and pretty much everything else is just meshed together. Even the glue isn’t right. So, don’t think that buying a fake guitar and connecting it to a great amplifier will do any difference!
5. Make Money or Make Art?
What is purpose of a great business? To achieve profitability whilst maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction and quality. That’s why we always buy Apple and Samsung products because we trust their quality. For a great corporation like Fender, Roland and Yamaha it is not only about money, but about their company ethos. It’s about passion, recognition, success and being the best in their field. Original instruments are the product of all these things.
Can we say the same about a factory producing fake instruments? No. Those factories produce for one reason alone – Money. Cutting costs and underpaying their employees to produce cheap counterfeit goods which break after just after a weeks. Be smart, buy Original Instruments only.
