That's sort of my point, many Chinese manufacturers seem to be setting their sights on smaller, more niche (but still profitable) markets nowadays, and not necessarily competing solely on price. I know that a few direct-from-China ukulele makes have gotten fairly popular among uke enthusiasts, and I am quite pleased with the quality of one that I have from the "Enya" brand (they seem to have no connection to the singer other than the name). This style of whistle can't be the cheapest thing for them to manufacture, which gives me some hope that they're actually trying to make a good product. Hey, it used to be that Japan was thought of as the place for cheap electronics, now it's cutting-edge. Maybe we'll all be clamoring for high-quality Chinese instruments soon...Mr.Gumby wrote:I don't know what sort of outfit is behind the Chinese product, it doesn't need to be a huge manufacturer. Perhaps they are just sounding out how they go. If they have good wholesale prices and they get places like Thomann or even McNeela to pick up on them, they'll be flying it.
And yeah, there are plenty of outlets for them to sell through if they can. Local shops always have a couple Pakistani flutes and such around, and Cork Pro Musica carries the Smart/Woodi/Woodnote/Jinan Susato clones under the "Glenluce" mark along with the usual Dixons, Chieftains, and Susatos. Plenty of online outlets like Amazon, eBay, etc. Still wouldn't buy one online for that price, since I already know the Buckleys make good whistles for around the same price, but it's interesting.