The rumor for the last few years is that the Chibson's are being produced at the Epiphone plant. That's why Gibson doesn't file legal action. Gibson makes money on the original parts that buyer's buy to upgrade to original Gibson parts. You can see these on youtube. There are a lot of Chibson videos on there. Quality is getting better too. So, when you see a Gibson or an Epiphone in Malaysia, you have to ask yourself how can that music store carry that brand when Gibson and Epiphone don't ship to Malaysia? Good question. China?