Current:
GTH-1
Completed:
AST-1FB
First Act ME276 (resurrected curb-side find)
ES-5V
Scratchie lapsteel
Custom ST-1 12 String
JBA-4
TL-1TB
Scratch Lapsteel
Meinl DIY Cajon
Cigar Box lap steel
Wishing:
Baritone
Open D/Standard Double 6 twin neck
News like this is not surprising when you think that so much of today's music is not from real instruments but from a sample in a DAW.
Builds-
#18 PBG GSH-1R https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ad.php?t=10236
#17 PBG PBA-4 https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ead.php?t=9984
#16 PBG IB-1Q http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=8754
#15 PBG TLA-12 http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=8444
#14 PBG PRS-1H
#11 Scratch build AC15 clone headhttps://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ead.php?t=7686
#09 PBG ES-1TL
#07 partscaster Alder Denim Tele.
It's probably more about trying to compete with low cost US built amps against big-name brands building a lot of the non-boutique amps in China or much lower labour rate countries. A quick look shows a 2x12" amp (otherwise a 1x12" Fender Hot-Rod Deluxe equivalent) selling for a very similar price to a Mexican-made Hot-Rod Deluxe. They had also just relocated to a new showroom and factory in July 2017, which must have put a strain on their finances (and a gap in their product manufacturing). And they also made a lot of PA systems - speakers and amps - again all US made and competing against Chinese made equivalents from competitors.
It might have been fine 20 years ago, but not moving with the times isn't clever.