About Bad Cat Instruments
Back in 2014, I made my first attempt at establishing a brand, which I called "Bad Cat" under the business name Bad Cat Instruments. I owe a lot of gratitude to Jimi Photon, Nick from the States, Chris Taggart, and many other passionate supporters of the Bad Cat brand. Jimi Photon was the first to own our "Luxury Green" model, and after his purchase, the guitar gained popularity, sparking interest from many others. Soon, we were flooded with orders.
However, our success caught the attention of Gibson, who tried to shut us down over intellectual property issues. At that time, I didn't have much knowledge about intellectual property rights, and Gibson gave us a hard time, even threatening us. In hindsight, it felt like a case of a big company bullying a small one. But we didn’t back down—we fought back and eventually made them stand down.
Then, Bad Cat Amp followed suit, just like Gibson. Though they weren’t as big as Gibson, they still attempted to stop us, claiming trademark confusion between our guitars and their amps. Since we only had trademark registrations in China and Australia, their attorney told us we couldn’t use the Bad Cat name in the U.S. market, claiming it would confuse consumers into thinking the guitars and amps were from the same company. They even suggested we pay them a commission on our sales.
During this period, we temporarily switched to using Shengze—my Chinese given name—as our brand. When CGTN contacted me for an interview, it became clear they were more interested in the Bad Cat brand. But because of the legal issues with Bad Cat Amp, we were forced to use Shengze instead. I’m grateful for the support of Sean and Andrea during this time. It was a proud moment for me—one fueled by ideas, inspiration, creativity, and achievement.
Nearly a decade has passed, and Gibson is still aggressive towards smaller companies. As for Bad Cat Amp, I’m not sure where they stand now. Unfortunately, our Bad Cat brand and Bad Cat Instruments have almost disappeared. I feel sorry for all the loyal supporters of Bad Cat Instruments, and I sincerely apologize for this outcome. However, I keep telling myself that we’ll make a comeback one day.
Looking ahead, we will introduce a new brand called Jia while keeping our Bad Cat products on the market, especially for our previous series. I prefer to stay clear of conflicts with other brands, but if we are bullied again, even as a small company, we will absolutely fight back.
Make it stand out
While platforms like AliExpress, DHgate, and eBay are popular, Bad Cat Instruments offers an exceptional alternative for guitar enthusiasts seeking quality and reliability. Our commitment is to ensure a seamless process from start to finish. From carefully selecting materials—such as the body, neck, top, and fingerboard—to overseeing every production step, we leave no detail unchecked. We manage each stage, ensuring your guitar arrives in perfect condition at your door.
Here’s what sets us apart from other guitar sources:
Core Technology and Process Innovations
We are committed to continuously exploring new technologies and methods to enhance our production process. One of our key innovations is the use of infrared calibration, which ensures the precise flatness of our fingerboards and the accuracy of fret placement. This technology allows for a seamless connection between the fingerboard and frets, significantly improving playability and enhancing finger comfort while playing.
In the area of finishing, we have spent the last 3 to 5 years overcoming the technical challenges of using nitrocellulose lacquer. We are proud to be the only manufacturer in China to have successfully mastered this process and consistently apply it to our products. To date, we have sold over 5,000 guitars with nitro finishes. While we are still working to perfect the production of high-gloss nitro finishes, we are confident that our technical team will soon achieve this breakthrough.
High-Quality Supplier Partnerships
We work with a wide range of top-tier suppliers to ensure the highest quality components. Many of our partners are renowned international companies, including pickup manufacturers such as Artec, Roswell, Belcat, Wilkinson, and Fishman. For hardware, we collaborate with respected brands like Wilkinson, Ping Well (Taiwan), Der Jung, and Sung-Il (South Korea).
Comprehensive Quality Control
We oversee the entire production process, starting with the selection of premium raw materials, checking each step from the paint shop to the final product. Our rigorous quality control ensures your guitar is top-tier in both craftsmanship and playability.
Meticulous Final Inspections
Before any guitar leaves our workshop, we conduct a thorough final check. This includes inspecting the guitar’s appearance, testing the truss rod, evaluating tone and fret buzz, and ensuring everything functions perfectly. We also clean and oil the fingerboard, polish the guitar, and address any fret-end issues—so it’s in pristine playing condition when it reaches you.
Fast, Reliable Shipping
To ensure a smooth delivery experience, we use express shipping methods like SF Express, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. This guarantees that your guitar arrives quickly and safely, minimizing wait times and maximizing satisfaction.
Customer-Focused Support
We stand by our products. That’s why we offer a hassle-free replacement or reasonable partial refund within 48 hours of delivery. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're proactive in improving both our product quality and customer service.
Join our community of guitar lovers today and discover why Bad Cat Instruments is your ultimate destination for top-quality guitars. We are dedicated to providing the best solutions for our clients—your perfect guitar is just a click away!