What do farming tools and electric guitars have in common? In Changle county, everything. 🌾→🎸 This eastern Chinese region now produces one-third of the world’s electric guitars – a rockstar trajectory that began with farmers-turned-luthiers in the 1990s.
Strings of Opportunity
"We didn’t even know how to hold a guitar pick back then," laughs Chen Wei, 58, one of the first artisans. Today, his workshop crafts custom guitars for musicians in over 20 countries. Like many here, Chen learned through YouTube tutorials and trial-by-fire experimentation.
The Amplified Economy
Changle’s 300+ guitar factories employ 30,000+ residents, blending traditional woodworking skills with laser-cut precision. The secret sauce? A ‘village university’ program where veteran artisans train new generations in everything from fretboard carving to sustainable forestry.
Local brands like EchoStorm now rival international giants, with Gen Z designers creating emoji-shaped soundholes and TikTok-ready neon finishes. 🎶
Global Stage, Local Roots
While 80% of production goes overseas, the county keeps its rural charm. "Every guitar carries our story," says export manager Li Na. "You’re hearing 30 years of courage, calluses, and Chinese craftsmanship."
