How mass produced is mass produced?

[chris_b]

With the advent of CNC machines, I don't think automation defines mass produced any more. There are low volume shops with all the machines. IMO mass produced just means high volume output, fewer choices and, in many cases, reduced QC.

 

There are boutique shops which contract out cutting bodies and making necks. They are low volume and high quality, with many options, but they are probably not defined as hand made anymore.

[SmudgyBuggler]

40 minutes ago, Mrbigstuff said:

I’m not sure your definition is wholly accurate. Its interesting if you watch the masterbuild custom basses from Warwick, there is a lot of mechanisation used even on one off custom builds!

 

Using CNC / Mechanisation to build basses is only logical from a viewpoint of quality of manufacturing and ability to reproduce compatible parts. 

 

Even boutique manufacturers do this, here is a Facebook post by Roger Sadowsky from back in 2023 talking about his New York Custom Shop basses being made with CNC machines:

 

[SmudgyBuggler]

14 minutes ago, chris_b said:

With the advent of CNC machines, I don't think automation defines mass produced any more. There are low volume shops with all the machines. IMO mass produced just means high volume output, fewer choices and, in many cases, reduced QC.

 

There are boutique shops which contract out cutting bodies and making necks. They are low volume and high quality, with many options, but they are probably not defined as hand made anymore.

 

Indeed. Phil McKnight visited Cort in Indonesia. This is what I would call mass produced.

 

 

 

Compare that to the likes of Warwick (playlist from 13 years ago): 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4RTxRSp52Y&list=PL23BB5BB96FFBFC41

 

Edited Sunday at 13:17 by SmudgyBuggler

[Stub Mandrel]

6 hours ago, Mrbigstuff said:

I’m not sure your definition is wholly accurate. Its interesting if you watch the masterbuild custom basses from Warwick, there is a lot of mechanisation used even on one off custom builds!

 

That's an accepted definition not specific to musical instruments.

 

In practice there's a continuum from one-off luthier builds through short run specials, custom colour/hardware pickers, things diverted from the production line for a minor modification, to bulk production.

[Mrbigstuff]

8 hours ago, SmudgyBuggler said:

 

Indeed. Phil McKnight visited Cort in Indonesia. This is what I would call mass produced.

 

 

 

Compare that to the likes of Warwick (playlist from 13 years ago): 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4RTxRSp52Y&list=PL23BB5BB96FFBFC41

 

Interesting to see how there are different products worked on together on the production line. I expected them to work in batches in each stage, ie 100 of product A, then 50 of product B.

 

It also interested me that their most premium guitars relied less on human input and more on robotic. As a consumer it’s normally expected those products would be cheaper.

[tauzero]

On 03/01/2026 at 10:54, nige1968 said:

Of course not but I’m running out of room to put food and clothing 🫠

 

Priorities, for heaven's sake.