Vintage v100

[lejano]

Hi guys,

Any significant differences between Vintage icon series V100GT(Vintage V100 Electric Guitar - Gold Top - Electric Guitars from Guitarbitz UK) and V100MRJBM (Vintage V100 Electric Guitar - Distressed Gold Top - Electric Guitars from Guitarbitz UK)

Which one would you choose?

Best!

[Constantine]

I've asked them once or twice about this. I was interested in the MRJBM, Lemon Drop and Sunburst. They replied that they are the same guitar with different finish and in some cases pickups. In your case the only difference, apart from finish and the aged wear, is that the GT features P90s

[Kirrt]

Wow, that V100 distressed gold top looks like a Joe Bonamassa signature, nice

[lejano]

And how about this boy:

VINTAGE V100AFD (VINTAGE V100AFD Paradise at Reidys.com - The home of Music on the web.)

Any ideas and experiences with this one?

I am between VINTAGE V100GT Lemon Drop and VINTAGE V100AFD.

Any suggestions?

[pdoodek]

I've hear AFD was having some minor (or major, depends on point of view) problems with many things - eletronics, frets, tuners etc. But that was in time they've first showed up on market. What's now i dont know. But Lemon Drop has some great reviews, it's the best made V100, and it's cheaper. Still it's more of a bluesy style guitar with peter green mod, AFD is more of a hot one axe. So decide which will suit you better with your style.

If you have an opportunity to purchase it, check also VGS Eruption Select Yellowed Tobaccoburst (also called eruption classic). I have it in a place where I work (music shop) and it's beatiful(opticaly aged hardware and spalted maple top) and it's made pretty good - not played on Vintages, but it feels better than Epiphone for sure. The pickups are also better than those in Epiphone, hotter and more versitale. It's made from 2-3 pieces of mahogany. Afteer changing pick-ups this guitar will be great - its cheaper than Vintage Lemon Drop and AFD, so for the rest of your money throw into it a Seymour Duncan SH2&Sh4 (or something from diMarzio).

[lejano]

That guitar seems just fine.Nice bluesy sound

You Tube

You Tube

Here In Spain (Im looking at France and UK), there are not significant price differences between VGS and V100.

VGS hadnt heard of them before..

Thanks for the help.

[lejano]

Btw any other experiences with VGS guitars?

[dead end horror]

I've played a few VGS/VIG guitars and I have a VIG Spirit. These instruments are really great, but they sometimes use a strange color of the hardware. The hardware I'm talking about looks for me like plastic but it is metal. I don't like that, so I changed the hardware to chrome parts. The normal series of the VGS guitars are really good and they are quiet cheap. The Pro series is more expensive, has better hardware and pickups and the workmanship is great.
You should take a look at Hagstrom guitars, too. They are always very fine guitars, with good hardware, very good stock pickups, a fine workmanship and the price isn't that high.

[lejano]

Well actually I own a epiphone LP 100 which is ok yet lacks most stuff. What Im trying to do is get a "normal" standard guitar like Lemon Drop and later on change the pickups if necessary.

I have been actually listening all day. I am between Vintage V100GT and V100MRJBM.

They both sound great. Yet that wlould really help if anyone that had tried them both to give me an idea. Im playing blues..

The guitars unfortunately Ill have to order from UK (I live in Spain) so it will be a pain in the ass to send them back once I order..

[dead end horror]

The most persons I know, who played a Vintage guitar already, said that the Vintage LP's are better than the Epiphone LP's in the same price area. I havn't played them yet, so I can't say anything about them.
Well, you won't find a VGs Eruption who looks like the Lemon Drop Vintage's. Actually they only have a gold top, a cherry burst and a black one on their homepage.

[pdoodek]

where are you from? if you are in EU even my shop in Poland can sell you VGS. Seems that they've stoped producing YTB version (some shops might still have it - look for cause it looks pretty nice, that aged hardware and spalted maple top), Here is a link to auction with the one that we are selling right now - GITARA ELEKTRYCZNA VGS Eruption Yellowed (1849146522) - Aukcje internetowe Allegro - it costs 260 euros + cost of shipping (I dont know how much right now, whole EU should have the same cost, but if you are interested contact me biuro@sklepakord.pl ; I can send you real photos of this guitar). If you want something more traditional check they're homepage VGS Products: VGS Guitars (scroll down) or more "metal" version of it VGS Products: VGS Guitars (also scroll down). As far as I remember Classix Series will be made of solid mahogany and has some kind of a P.A.F. style pickups (alnico 2 probably) and Select Series are made of solid basswood and has EMG HZ pups, hotter but not so mellow sounding. And of course finishes are different.

About Hagstroms - they are very nice, but in this price range you can get only Ultra Swede which is not so great and also doesnt look exactly like original Les Paul. Same with Micheal Kelly - they are really good guitars and looks teriffic in my opinion but they are also miles far from original les paul shape.

I would consider VGS and Vintage - both good (better than Epi in details) and cheap

[dead end horror]

I've taken a look at the VGS homepage and there isn't a yellow LP model in the Classix or the Select Series, but there is a yellow one in the Pro Series, called "Relic Honey". I really like the look of this guitar and this is one of the VGS guitars, I've already played and I have to say: it is a real masterpiece, even if it costs more then a Vintage guitar (around 620-700€). There are some german shops which have this guitar.

After asking Google I found the guitar on a spain guitar shop, where it is a bit cheaper then in Germany
Guitarra Electrica VGS Eruption-Pro Relic Honey | PRECIOS BARATOS.Comprar en tienda virtual on-line de venta por Internet.Instrumentos musicales online

[pdoodek]

Vintage is not even making LP guitars over 500 euros - one more point for VGS. That's right, Pro series are great guitars but costs twice as much as normal VGS (there are also Pro Europe versions, more expensive, made in EU - Germany or Switzerland), there are also normal Eruption Les Paul with new Evertune bridge (which is something completely incredible for few minutes of playing with it by myself).

If there is an opportunity to buy VGS consider it, first of there are few models to choose from, second - they are new manufacture but very quickly they've won clients appreciation, third - everyone wants to have Vintage (or Epi if they dont know the truth ), just don't be mainstream

[pdoodek]

Originally Posted by lejano

Well actually I own a epiphone LP 100 which is ok yet lacks most stuff. What Im trying to do is get a "normal" standard guitar like Lemon Drop and later on change the pickups if necessary.

I have been actually listening all day. I am between Vintage V100GT and V100MRJBM.

They both sound great. Yet that wlould really help if anyone that had tried them both to give me an idea. Im playing blues..

The guitars unfortunately Ill have to order from UK (I live in Spain) so it will be a pain in the ass to send them back once I order..

just remember P90 are not so universal, they sounds great but say farewell to humbuckers (if you dont want to cut the wood) I would go for Bonamassa Sig if you really like gold tops or stick to Lemon Drop and think about getting some high-end pups (SD Antiquity, Holmes or DiMarzio 36th Anniv.).

One more proposition - ESP LTD EC-256 Aged Gold

[dead end horror]

Now we are in a price area, where you should take a look at Hagstrom. Between 450-550€ there is the Swedie, the Swede and the Super Swede.

BTW: On the homepage of Thomann I've seen, that there is a new series from Hagstrom, called "Northern (Super) Swede", which are more highpricey then the normal Hagstrom Swede and Super Swede. We talk about a price from around 1150-1300€. This guitars are made in Europe, have better hardware and pickups, come with a case and look very nice. I think I'm gonna check then, as soon as I can. So Hagstrom goes the same way as VGS with their Eruption Pro Europe, but with more guitars and more different designs. The price's from both Series are in one area

[pdoodek]

Originally Posted by dead end horror

Now we are in a price area, where you should take a look at Hagstrom. Between 450-550€ there is the Swedie, the Swede and the Super Swede.

BTW: On the homepage of Thomann I've seen, that there is a new series from Hagstrom, called "Northern (Super) Swede", which are more highpricey then the normal Hagstrom Swede and Super Swede. We talk about a price from around 1150-1300€. This guitars are made in Europe, have better hardware and pickups, come with a case and look very nice. I think I'm gonna check then, as soon as I can. So Hagstrom goes the same way as VGS with their Eruption Pro Europe, but with more guitars and more different designs. The price's from both Series are in one area

and there is one more company starting here...i think it is called Gibson

[dead end horror]

Originally Posted by pdoodek

and there is one more company starting here...i think it is called Gibson

For sure, but why paying for a name, when you can get a better instrument for the same money?

[pdoodek]

Originally Posted by dead end horror

For sure, but why paying for a name, when you can get a better instrument for the same money?

Heh you are absolutely right but still Gibson have some better days and sometimes they are making nice guitars - like Les Paul Studio 50s/60s Tribute

But I think we are riding to far - he wants a Vintage V100 for 300 euro not something 2-3 times more expensive. In this price range, other than Vintage (which by the way is not so great anymore as many reports says):

- VGS Eruption Classix/Select Series - 260 euro - many options, classic look, two wood and pickups types, cheap, 85% of LP look

- ESP LTD EC-256 - 300 euro - aged finish, split coils, really nice look, a little bit thinner than LP, very well made, nice pups, 85% of LP look

- Ibanez ART320 - 300 euro - almost MIJ , very attractive finishes, for heavy music, very well made, 80% of LP look

- Micheal Kelly Patriot - 300 euro - sweet look, nicely made, nice pups, nice axe , 75% of LP look
- Hagstrom Ultra Swede - 300 euro - heavy version of LP, also well made, 75% of LP look

All of them are in the same quality range, choose the look and sound of pickups. Vintage looks almost like original LP (headstock is slightly different and cutaway just a little bit), which you cant say about others.

[dead end horror]

Maybe you should take a look at BaCH guitars. They are from czech and I've read a lot of good things about them. They have normal LP and doublecut models which are both 1:1 copies. The prices of their guitars are from 250-380€. Here is a link:
ELECTRIC GUITAR PL - B&CH Music
They also have Strat, Tele, SG, Firebird, Explorer, Ibanez and Flying V copies

[dead end horror]

On the other side you should take a look at the used guitar market, where you'll find some very good guitars in a price area around 300€. Maybe an old Ibanez, an Aria Pro II, a Fenix, a Chevy/Chery, a Hohner or something else.

[pdoodek]

i think that he just don't give a sh*t about what we are posting here

[lejano]

Originally Posted by pdoodek

where are you from? if you are in EU even my shop in Poland can sell you VGS. Seems that they've stoped producing YTB version (some shops might still have it - look for cause it looks pretty nice, that aged hardware and spalted maple top), Here is a link to auction with the one that we are selling right now - GITARA ELEKTRYCZNA VGS Eruption Yellowed (1849146522) - Aukcje internetowe Allegro - it costs 260 euros + cost of shipping (I dont know how much right now, whole EU should have the same cost, but if you are interested contact me biuro@sklepakord.pl ; I can send you real photos of this guitar). If you want something more traditional check they're homepage VGS Products: VGS Guitars (scroll down) or more "metal" version of it VGS Products: VGS Guitars (also scroll down). As far as I remember Classix Series will be made of solid mahogany and has some kind of a P.A.F. style pickups (alnico 2 probably) and Select Series are made of solid basswood and has EMG HZ pups, hotter but not so mellow sounding. And of course finishes are different.

About Hagstroms - they are very nice, but in this price range you can get only Ultra Swede which is not so great and also doesnt look exactly like original Les Paul. Same with Micheal Kelly - they are really good guitars and looks teriffic in my opinion but they are also miles far from original les paul shape.

I would consider VGS and Vintage - both good (better than Epi in details) and cheap

Thanks for the delicious input pdoodek. So since you are working at a guitar shop you can give me a better idea I assume. I am a blues guy as I have mentioned before. I don`t really care about the color or the brands popularity. Just the tone and hardware wise.And I assume you have tried both V100 and VGS. So which one would you recommend?

[lejano]

Originally Posted by pdoodek

Vintage is not even making LP guitars over 500 euros - one more point for VGS. That's right, Pro series are great guitars but costs twice as much as normal VGS (there are also Pro Europe versions, more expensive, made in EU - Germany or Switzerland), there are also normal Eruption Les Paul with new Evertune bridge (which is something completely incredible for few minutes of playing with it by myself).

If there is an opportunity to buy VGS consider it, first of there are few models to choose from, second - they are new manufacture but very quickly they've won clients appreciation, third - everyone wants to have Vintage (or Epi if they dont know the truth ), just don't be mainstream

So which VGS? Relic Honey o Eruption yellowed as tone and hardware wise. Think that, I can always upgrade the pickups in later stage. If Eruption yellowed will give me that bluesy sound I dont care what it looks like

[lejano]

Originally Posted by dead end horror

For sure, but why paying for a name, when you can get a better instrument for the same money?

Quiet to the point. I wont be paying 1900 for a gibson LP (yet).

[lejano]

Originally Posted by pdoodek

Heh you are absolutely right but still Gibson have some better days and sometimes they are making nice guitars - like Les Paul Studio 50s/60s Tribute

But I think we are riding to far - he wants a Vintage V100 for 300 euro not something 2-3 times more expensive. In this price range, other than Vintage (which by the way is not so great anymore as many reports says):

- VGS Eruption Classix/Select Series - 260 euro - many options, classic look, two wood and pickups types, cheap, 85% of LP look

- ESP LTD EC-256 - 300 euro - aged finish, split coils, really nice look, a little bit thinner than LP, very well made, nice pups, 85% of LP look

- Ibanez ART320 - 300 euro - almost MIJ , very attractive finishes, for heavy music, very well made, 80% of LP look

- Micheal Kelly Patriot - 300 euro - sweet look, nicely made, nice pups, nice axe , 75% of LP look
- Hagstrom Ultra Swede - 300 euro - heavy version of LP, also well made, 75% of LP look

All of them are in the same quality range, choose the look and sound of pickups. Vintage looks almost like original LP (headstock is slightly different and cutaway just a little bit), which you cant say about others.

Choose one for God`s sake . I cant find them here so there is no possibility to try them myself. So I will be buying according to yours opinions.

[lejano]

Originally Posted by pdoodek

i think that he just don't give a sh*t about what we are posting here

Ohh yeah I do give a lot of attention whats being written in this delicious thread

So I would appreciare the final answers folks.

- Good hardware
- Good bluesy sound
- A litte bit of larger scale (I love my epiphone LP100 yet when I come to 18 - 21 frets they are so small making it hard to do solos)
- Dont care what it looks like



- VGS Eruption Classix/Select Series - 260 euro - many options, classic look, two wood and pickups types, cheap, 85% of LP look

- ESP LTD EC-256 - 300 euro - aged finish, split coils, really nice look, a little bit thinner than LP, very well made, nice pups, 85% of LP look

- Micheal Kelly Patriot - 300 euro - sweet look, nicely made, nice pups, nice axe , 75% of LP look
- Hagstrom Ultra Swede - 300 euro - heavy version of LP, also well made, 75% of LP look

- Vintage v100GT Lemon Drop - About 400 Eur

- Vintage V100MRPGM - About 450 Eur

Votes please dude:

[dead end horror]

Maybe you should buy yourself a Hagstrom Super Swede:
Fender Scale (648mm), very nice pups, good hardware, split coils, nice made, 80% LP look, nice finishs and a price of about 550€

Cort could be a good choose, too. I've never heard a bad word about them, but I've not played their LP's yet. They are all 90% of a LP look
Search Results - Page 1 - Thomann UK Cyberstore

[dead end horror]

Originally Posted by dead end horror

Maybe you should buy yourself a Hagstrom Super Swede:
Fender Scale (648mm), very nice pups, good hardware, split coils, nice made, 80% LP look, nice finishs and a price of about 550€

Cort could be a good choose, too. I've never heard a bad word about them, but I've not played their LP's yet. They are all 90% of a LP look
Search Results - Page 1 - Thomann UK Cyberstore

In your list I would take the VGS

[melt]

Between playing all these vintage and custom Gibson and Fender guitars, you sometimes need to play a cheap V100.

GregsGuitars's Channel - YouTube

[pdoodek]

comparing price to quality Vintage and VGS (from VGS get Yellowed Tobacco Burst Eruption - mahogany body, beautiful spalted maple body (if you have luck and get one with very special top), PAF style pups, a little hotter; round, thicker neck; optically aged hardware,; pretty nice finish). I did not have an opportunity to try Vintage unfortunately, but from what I've heard they have a little bit better hardware and pups - Wilkinson. Still they are not so decent if thinking of changing them. And, VGS hanging in our shop doesnt have any problems with frets etc. Comparing it to DBZ Bolero (twice the price of VGS), DBZ has better pups, but is not enough "LP" sounding.

Before i've purchased a MIJ Lp, I was considering few options - and I've stayed with 3: Vintage, VGS and ESP LTD EC-256. But the third doesnt have full LP sound. Hagstrom Ultra Swede and Micheal Kelly are also nice deals, but they have some issues and costs more

my point goes to VGS Select Eruption Yellowed Tobaccoburst (also called Classic) for its price and a pair of new pick ups - SD or DiMarzio


ps. you can get Gibson Studio Tribute for 700euro from thomann.de