Round Table China Classic - Discovering Guizhou: The Guitar Fanatic
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Oct 8, 2025 Curtis Hendrick, an experienced American luthier, shares his journey in Zhengan County, where a thriving guitar industry has transformed the region. He dives into the technical artistry of guitar making, explaining the precision in modern manufacturing alongside the charm of traditional techniques. Curtis discusses the local sourcing of materials and the unique cultural influences incorporated into designs. He highlights the evolving demand for guitars in China and the pride workers take in shaping this vibrant community through music.
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Fast-Built Guitar Identity
- Zhengan County transformed itself into a guitar hub within about a decade by building a cultural identity and industry cluster.
- The county uses guitar-shaped design, a museum, and public performance spaces to embed guitar culture into daily life.
Founder Returned With Workers
- Mr. Zheng returned from Guangzhou in 2013 with 200 workers and three production lines to kickstart Zhengan's guitar industry.
- His move catalyzed local manufacturing growth and inspired others to return and build factories at home.
Clustered Industry Creates Jobs
- Zhengan now hosts 144 guitar-related enterprises and supports thousands of local households through a complete industrial chain.
- The cluster approach created wide downstream and upstream jobs beyond assembly lines.