What Happened To Agile Guitars?

In the early 1980s, Agile Guitars pioneered the creation of high-end guitars with unique designs and sounds. After forty years in business, one of the most popular guitar brands in the world has abruptly closed its doors.

The question that begs to be answered is Why? What happened to Agile guitars? Let’s take a look!

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Who Makes Agile Guitars?

Agile guitars and basses are made by Rondo Music, an American company based in New Jersey, which contracts with factories in Korea and China for manufacturing. Rondo Music, founded by Kurt Rondo, has been the exclusive distributor and brand owner of Agile guitars since the brand’s inception.

The manufacturing process involves Rondo’s design team creating specifications, which are then sent to partner factories in Korea and China. These factories handle all production and assembly, with quality control managed by Rondo Music. The Korean factories, in particular, have been known for producing high-quality instruments at competitive prices.

While the semi-custom shop was only open once or twice a year and allowed customers to choose from a list of specifications, the factory in Korea would then build the guitar to those specifications. The factories in Korea and China handle all of the production and assembly, with Rondo overseeing quality control and distribution.

Furthermore, customers were able to select features and receive a personalized experience. This means that the customization possibilities on Agile guitars were not limited to only the dynamics and design, but customers could also select tuners, pickups, and controls to add to their instrument, achieving the personalized “feeling” that many guitarists seek.

The partnership with Korean and Chinese manufacturers allowed Agile to offer high-quality instruments at lower prices than many American-made alternatives, making them popular among budget-conscious musicians seeking professional-quality instruments.

As a result, Agile guitars offered a wide range of possibilities, as well as design aesthetics that appealed to many guitarists looking for value and quality.

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Why Are Agile Guitars So Cheap?

You may be surprised to learn that agile guitars are not as pricey as you might expect. You can acquire a good one for less than $400, which is all you need to get started on the path to owning an Agile guitar, and finding one is all it takes.

The fact that they are built-in Korea is the sole explanation for why they are sold at such a low price even though the guitars are of extremely excellent quality. In terms of the type of wood used, they are constructed out of basswood or mahogany, which is of a lower quality than the wood used in other electric guitars.

They do not have the same high-end features that other electric guitars possess, such as unique paint treatments or sophisticated pickups, and they are not as expensive as other electric guitars.

Nevertheless, if you want to get the most bang for your buck out of your purchase, the Agile guitar is the ideal product.

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Are Agile Guitars Still Made?

Although there are still a few companies that produce agile guitars in today’s market, the instrument’s market share is far lower than it was in the past. If you are seeking one, it is possible to find them online.

However, the majority of the available ones are custom pieces that are manufactured by small businesses that have very limited production runs.

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What Happened To Agile Guitars?

Regrettably, Rondo music had to deal with severe shortages as a direct result of the Covid-19 epidemic. There was a significant lack of the necessary components for the construction of guitars. For instance, the New York City-based businesses D’addario and Labella have been closed for the past few months.

Read the official covid update post here.

Other components, such as EMG pickups, were also hard to come by at the time. As a consequence of this, they were completely out of Agile guitars at the beginning of May and SX guitars in almost all of their stock by the end of June.

Current Status of Agile Guitars (2024/2025)

As of 2024, Agile guitars remain largely unavailable through Rondo Music’s website. The supply chain issues that began during the COVID-19 pandemic have persisted, and new Agile guitars are rarely in stock. Rondo Music continues to operate and sell other brands, but Agile production has been severely limited.

The company has not officially announced the discontinuation of the Agile brand, but the ongoing shortages suggest that production has been significantly reduced or halted. Some used Agile guitars are still available through secondary markets, but new instruments are extremely difficult to find.

Guitarists who own Agile guitars continue to praise their quality and value, making used models sought after in the marketplace. The brand’s reputation for offering excellent quality at affordable prices has kept demand high despite limited availability.

Where to Buy Agile Guitars Now

Since new Agile guitars are rarely available from Rondo Music, here are the best places to find them:

Used Marketplaces

• Reverb.com: The most popular marketplace for used guitars, often has several Agile models listed
• eBay: Frequently has Agile guitars available, both new old stock and used
• Guitar Center Used: Check their online used inventory for occasional Agile listings
• Local Music Stores: Some stores may have used Agile guitars in their inventory
• Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Local listings may have Agile guitars available

What to Look For

When buying a used Agile guitar, check for:

• Overall condition and any damage
• Electronics functionality (pickups, switches, pots)
• Neck straightness and fret condition
• Hardware condition (tuners, bridge)
• Original case or gig bag if included

Prices for used Agile guitars vary based on model, condition, and rarity, but they generally maintain good resale value due to their reputation for quality.

Alternative Brands to Agile Guitars

If you’re looking for similar value-oriented guitars with quality comparable to Agile, consider these alternatives:

Schecter Guitars

Schecter offers excellent value with Korean-made instruments that rival Agile’s quality. Their Omen and C-1 series provide similar features at competitive prices.

ESP LTD Guitars

ESP’s LTD line offers high-quality instruments made in Korea and Indonesia, with excellent build quality and features similar to what Agile provided.

Ibanez RG Series

Ibanez RG guitars, particularly those made in Indonesia, offer great value and quality, with similar price points to what Agile guitars commanded.

Harley Benton (Thomann)

Harley Benton guitars, available through Thomann, offer exceptional value with quality that rivals or exceeds Agile guitars. They’re made in Asia and provide excellent bang for your buck.

PRS SE Series

While slightly more expensive, PRS SE guitars offer excellent quality and are made in Asia with PRS quality control, providing a step up in features and finish.

Frequently Asked Questions: Agile Guitars

Are Agile guitars out of business?

Agile guitars are not officially out of business, but production has been severely limited since the COVID-19 pandemic. Rondo Music, the company behind Agile, continues to operate, but new Agile guitars are rarely available. The brand’s future remains uncertain.

Where are Agile guitars made?

Agile guitars are made in Korea and China. Rondo Music, based in New Jersey, contracts with factories in these countries to manufacture Agile guitars. The Korean factories, in particular, have been known for producing high-quality instruments.

Who makes Agile guitars?

Agile guitars are made by Rondo Music, an American company that designs the guitars and contracts with factories in Korea and China for manufacturing. Rondo Music handles design, quality control, and distribution.

Can I still buy Agile guitars?

New Agile guitars are extremely difficult to find, as Rondo Music rarely has them in stock. However, used Agile guitars are available through marketplaces like Reverb, eBay, and local music stores. The used market is currently the primary way to acquire an Agile guitar.

Why are Agile guitars so cheap?

Agile guitars are affordable because they’re manufactured in Korea and China, where labor and production costs are lower. They use quality but cost-effective materials (like basswood and mahogany) and don’t include premium features like custom paint jobs or high-end pickups, allowing them to offer excellent value.

What happened to Agile guitars?

Agile guitars faced severe supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Component shortages, factory closures, and shipping issues led to Rondo Music running out of stock. Production has remained limited, making new Agile guitars extremely rare.

Are Agile guitars good quality?

Yes, Agile guitars are known for excellent quality, especially considering their price point. They offer professional-level build quality, good electronics, and solid construction. Many guitarists consider them among the best value guitars available, which is why used models remain in high demand.