I had a similar experience with the Crafter guitar I was testing. Well, of course I've already revealed everything, but the company name certainly doesn't sound Korean. What many musicians don't know, however, is the fact that many Asian companies have a tradition in instrument making that goes back more than a hundred years. In terms of wealth of experience, the West is in fact no match for the East.
Crafter's origins date back almost four decades. Founded by a single man, HyunKwong Park, in the early 1970s, he and four employees began building guitars for the Korean market in the basement of his home. In 1986, junior boss In-Jae Park founded his own label Crafter. 60,000 (!!!) guitars now leave what is probably Asia's most modern instrument factory every year. Just imagine the number, based on a 6 day week, this is almost 200 guitars per day!
For testing, I have the DE-8/N from the SUNG-EUM Music Imperium, a guitar that looks like an old friend to me due to its visual appearance.
construction
In terms of size, the Crafter DE-8/N is a typical dreadnought, which has been provided with a cutaway to make it easier to play at higher altitudes. The top is made of solid Engelmann spruce, an originally fast-growing tonewood from western North America, but primarily slow-growing wood from higher-altitude growing regions is used to make instruments.
The rosette of the sound hole was decorated with a narrow border. In terms of color, it appears to be abalone, but unfortunately I was unable to find out whether this is the case or whether it is a true-color copy made of plastic. To protect the top from excessive use of the pick, a nicely curved pickguard was glued to the top.
The back, sides and neck of the instrument are made of mahogany, and rosewood was used for the fingerboard and bridge. In terms of shaping, the neck has a moderate “D”, not too thin, but not a massive beating either, just a good “average”. A simple binding was attached to the frame edges at both the ceiling and base ends. Except for the neck, the instrument is painted in a high gloss. The paintwork is applied cleanly without any inclusions or noses, and the entire production meets all requirements, only in the lower binding there was a small, colored inclusion in the cutaway bend.
Even a look inside the body reveals no defects in terms of workmanship. Despite CNC manufacturing, nothing is frayed when it comes to the wood and there is no glue leak when it comes to putting it together, everything is done very cleanly. The instrument has a continuous plastic bridge, which, however, is slightly offset to the rear in favor of intonation on the B and E strings. Six smooth-running, encapsulated 3:3 tuners with kidney-shaped plastic pegs do a flawless job, and the long scale length of just under 65 cm was chosen as the scale length.
A combination of L.R.Baggs, the LR-T Pro system, was chosen as the pickup together with the built-in tuner. In addition to a three-band tone control and a volume control, it also has a scoop slider that can be adjusted up to -6 dB (a bass reduction to prevent feedback problems during live use) and a phase switch to reduce a feedback signal.
Practice
What does the ambitious guitarist do first when he picks up the guitar? Logically, he tunes his instrument. A small “Oho” effect sets in as soon as you put the integrated tuner into operation. The tuner shows the user the way using two small, somewhat difficult to see arrows, and then switches from an orange background lighting to a strong green when the mood is correct. A very nice detailed solution, visually tastefully integrated and very easy to see even in poor lighting conditions.
Unamplified, the instrument's high-pitched basic sound is noticeable, coupled with dynamics that are unexpected for this price range. The depth of the sound is still a little brittle, but this will certainly subside after the instrument has had the necessary break-in time. What may sound a little sharp when playing solo, depending on your personal taste, is convincing with increased assertiveness when playing as a band. Especially when the mid-heavy high-gain board of a humbucker guitar completely seals off the low-mid range, the DE-8 is light and airy with its “high-heavyness” above the typical guitar range and therefore knows how to hold its own very well in the overall sound.
When it comes to pickup operation, the L.R.Baggs system has the typical piezo sound, which means a rather thin basic sound, which, with appropriate equalizer support, can hold its own in the sound of a rock band. When set flat, the sound of the pickup is definitely not convincing, but with a corresponding increase in the bass and treble ranges, the sound loosens up significantly.
For a guitar in this price range, the pickup system sounds surprisingly good, although the pickup will only be used in the live segment. As with many other piezo pickups, the highs in particular are designed to be too hard and brittle for studio use, unless you want to quickly put together a demo.
However, if the guitar is recorded completely acoustically with appropriate microphones, the individual components of the guitar can also impress in the studio. Here the guitar can show off its strengths in the form of dynamics and sound culture, which are in a good midfield.
Conclusion
The Crafter DE-8/N is a recommended acoustic guitar from the highly competitive mid-range segment with a retail price of €500. The workmanship, sound culture and the components used are in good relation to the price and make the instrument appear to be a valuable purchase.
When it comes to pickup, a system was chosen with a L.R.Baggs LR-T Pro, which cuts a good figure especially in live operation with various features such as phase position and scoop function.
A good guitar at a good price.
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Additional Informations:
Established in 1972, Crafter Guitars has emerged as a distinguished player in the world of acoustic instrument manufacturing, renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and artistic craftsmanship. The illustrious journey of Crafter Guitars traces its origins to the bustling metropolis of Yeongcheon, South Korea, where a small team of visionary artisans embarked on a quest to redefine the standards of acoustic excellence. Over the decades, Crafter has transcended boundaries, captivated audiences, and earned accolades for its meticulous attention to detail, superior tonal properties, and innovative design concepts. Delving into the enthralling narrative of Crafter Guitars unveils a rich tapestry of ingenuity, resilience, and artistic passion that continues to resonate with musicians and enthusiasts worldwide.
### Origins and Early Beginnings:
Crafter Guitars' journey commenced in 1972, against the backdrop of a burgeoning musical landscape characterized by a burgeoning demand for high-quality acoustic instruments. Founded by HyunKwon Park, Crafter began as a modest workshop in Yeongcheon, South Korea, where Park's visionary leadership and uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship laid the foundation for the company's enduring legacy. Drawing upon a rich heritage of woodworking traditions and a deep-seated passion for music, Park and his team embarked on a quest to craft instruments of unparalleled quality and sonic excellence.
### Evolution and Expansion:
As Crafter Guitars garnered acclaim for its exceptional instruments, the company embarked on a trajectory of expansion and innovation, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of acoustic instrument design. In the ensuing years, Crafter's reputation as a purveyor of fine guitars continued to soar, propelling the company onto the global stage and earning the admiration of musicians and aficionados alike.
### Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
Crafter Guitars' ascent to eminence was further catalyzed by strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry luminaries and renowned artists. By leveraging the expertise and insights of seasoned professionals, Crafter honed its craft, refined its designs, and introduced a slew of innovations that set new benchmarks for acoustic instrument performance and playability. Collaborations with acclaimed musicians not only bolstered Crafter's credibility but also served as a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to serving the needs of musicians at every level of expertise.
### Craftsmanship and Quality Control:
At the heart of Crafter Guitars' success lies a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship and quality control. Each Crafter instrument is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who imbue every piece of wood with care, precision, and attention to detail. From the selection of premium tonewoods to the final assembly and setup, Crafter maintains rigorous quality control standards to ensure that each instrument meets the exacting specifications and discerning expectations of musicians worldwide. This unwavering commitment to quality has earned Crafter Guitars a reputation for excellence and reliability, making it a trusted choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
### Innovation and Technological Advancements:
Crafter Guitars' relentless pursuit of innovation has been a driving force behind its continued evolution and success. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing techniques, Crafter has pushed the boundaries of acoustic instrument design, introducing groundbreaking features and proprietary innovations that enhance playability, tonal versatility, and overall performance. From advanced bracing patterns and neck joint designs to proprietary pickup systems and ergonomic enhancements, Crafter continues to innovate, ensuring that its instruments remain at the forefront of acoustic excellence.
### Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:
In an era marked by growing environmental awareness and concern, Crafter Guitars remains committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Recognizing the importance of responsible resource management, Crafter sources its tonewoods from sustainably managed forests and implements eco-friendly manufacturing practices to minimize its ecological footprint. By prioritizing sustainability and ethical business practices, Crafter Guitars seeks to preserve the natural beauty of the world's forests while ensuring the longevity of its craft for generations to come.
### Global Reach and Community Engagement:
With a global network of distributors and dealers spanning continents, Crafter Guitars has established a formidable presence in the international market, reaching musicians and enthusiasts in every corner of the globe. Beyond mere commerce, Crafter fosters a vibrant community of musicians and enthusiasts through various outreach initiatives, events, and educational programs. By engaging with its audience and nurturing meaningful connections, Crafter Guitars transcends the role of a mere manufacturer, evolving into a cultural institution that celebrates the transformative power of music and craftsmanship.
### Conclusion:
In conclusion, Crafter Guitars' journey from humble beginnings to global prominence stands as a testament to the enduring power of vision, passion, and perseverance. Through decades of relentless innovation, unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability, Crafter has carved a niche for itself as a leading purveyor of fine acoustic instruments. As the company continues to push the boundaries of acoustic excellence and inspire musicians around the world, Crafter Guitars remains poised to shape the future of acoustic instrument design and redefine the standards of sonic excellence for generations to come.
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