Agile AL3000

2005 Korean made Les Paul type guitar. Scale length, controls, frets are the same as a Les Paul. Agiles are made for a New Jersey based music retailer called Rondo Music. They are very popular on the internet, as you probably know if you are reading this. Mine is the Goldtop version with P-90 single coil pickups. The neck is a single piece of mahogany (nice grain) and the body is 2 pieces of mahogany (also, with nice, tight grain). I'd previously had an Agile AL-2500 (more on that later), and the wood was pretty ugly on the back--not so with this axe. The goldtop paint is very sparkly and beautiful--it also has more of a bronze-ness to it--my AL-2500 was more greenish.

The hardware is nice so far--the T-O-M bridge doesn't hurt my hand, it intonated just fine after a little setup work, the tuners keep their tune well, and the pickups sound very nice. The neck is inlaid with lovely abalone trapezoids, and the body has black and white binding on it, which makes it look very classy (I was worried, but it looks way better than the website pictures). These are Alnico V magnets--the ceramic P-90's were the best part of my AL-2500, and I am hoping that when I record with this axe next week, that it will sound as good in a mix.

Les Paul's are not complex instruments, but this guitar is packed with high quality vibe for $369

I play the blues and blues based rock. I play live into a Carvin SX-50 amp, but more often play into software based modeled amps (recording with GarageBand, or Native Instruments Guitar Combos, or as a headphone amp, my Digitech RP-50. The pickups are quiet on this axe (it is very well shielded) and I like the sound so far. I haven't yet been able to turn up very loud, but a bedroom levels, it sounds nice. Great P-90 tones on a budget. Someday I may replace the 500K pots with more Les Paulish pots, but they do the job nicely now.

This guitar is night and day better than the AL-2500. The strings were set up low, I was able to intonate it quickly, the knobs and switches work fine. My AL-2500 had a lumpy 13th fret, which required me to raise the action quite high. This guitar is setup low, and she's built for speed. The wood is attractive, and while it lacks a maple top, you can see some of the mahogany top in the cutaway. The ebony fretboard is sleek, dark, almost polished, and the frets are shiny and smooth. The abalone inlays are beautiful, but not over the top. This guitar has the new headstock, which is shorter than the old style, and it makes the guitar look a lot nicer. The truss rod cover says "3000" on it, which looks kind of classy. The pickups are well placed, and the strings pass over all of the polepieces. The bone nut is very solid and well cut. I really can't get over how nice this looks. There are some minor areas where the finish bled onto the binding, or where the binding is a little crooked, but only a close, picky observer actually holding the guitar would see it--and I don't plan to let anyone else get close enough! On stage, or even 5 feet away, these flaws are invisible. This price point is about as high as I'd want to go and still find these flaws (Epiphone prices are so high that the axe should be flawless) but I am happy with how this guitar was put together. Someone in Korea did a great job with this one. Also, the guitar is quite lightweight--9.4 pounds--which feels a lot lighter than my 10.8 pound 2500 model.

I think this could withstand live playing easily. The famous Agile oversized strap buttons make me comfortable. This will definitely go inot rotation with my other axes. I'd never play without a backup, but I have no worries about this guitar.

I wish I could give a higher score--like 15! I got my AL-2500 by mail in Sept. of 2004 as a birthday present. I wanted P-90's, and for $225, how could I go wrong? The guitar was nice looking, played pretty well, and sounded great recorded. It wasn't perfect, but for the price, I had no complaints. In June of 2005, however, I noticed a crack in the scarf joint that holds the neck and headstock together. I emailed Kurt at Rondo, and he asked me to send a picture of the crack. He immediately wrote back, and told me that the crack was covered, and that he would replace the guitar for me. A few weeks later I drove to Rondo (about 120 miles away from my home) while visiting family in NJ, and had the run of the store. I had planned to get another AL-2500, but my wife fell in love with the 3000, and insisted that I upgrade for this year's birthday. With the previous guitar as credit, this brilliant guitar only cost me $149! They also gave me some swag from their in store July offers, so I got a gig bag and Rondo cap for free. The warranty on these guitars is one year long, but I have faith that Kurt would honor it even if it had expired a little. He and his staff do a great job.

I've been playing seriously for 19 years. My other electric guitars are a Fender American Std. Strat (1987) and a 2000 Carvin DC-127 custom. This guitar fills several sonic and gear niches (P-90's, dual volume knobs, glued in neck) and it will get a lot of play. If it was stolen, I would definitely seek to replace it--the bang for the buck from Rondo is unbeatable.

I played lots of Agiles at the store, and they were all quite nice, but this goldtop is beautiful. I was planning to get the floor model (very nice), but they offered to let me try another, still boxed model, which I liked a lot more, and is now in my music studio.

Agile and Rondo music have a good reputation and they deserve it. Anyone looking for a good quality guitar for sub Musician's Friend prices should look at Rondo.

If you are reading this, you know the specs

Absolutely great tone! Full and rich. I need more "amp time" to really dial this thing but I am liking what I hear and with my HotRod pedal, I get "pinch" harmonics any time I want. This is absolutely silent plugged in unless I am hitting the strings. Some of that may be the Mogami cables that I use. Pots are smooth and quiet.

Here is why you tuned in. Finish on the flame maple is beautiful. It is not matched perfectly. For the price, I wouldn't expect it to be. There are some nicks on the fretboard from the fret dressing. I did put on the graphite nut trying to get the high "E" string to not fret out at the 19th, 20th, 21st frets. It didn't work. I took it to http://www.luczakguitars.com/ to get it set-up and it plays absolutely beautiful now. In about 45 minutes it went from "wow, this is pretty" to "Oh My God does this play great!"

This guitar feels really well built. Time will tell as to how well it will hold up.

I have called Rondo Music 3 times just to track my guitar. They were always helpful.

I have always been a "Tele" guy. I still am but I needed something to "round out" my arsenal. The guitar fits well in the case that I purchased also from Rondo Music and the case is really nice, too! My bandmates are very impressed with this guitar. I really don't care who's name is on the headstock. I am more concerned about the playability and sound and this has everything I need (after Ron did the set-up). If it were stolen I would do what I could to replace it and I have only had it a week! According to Ron (my guitar guy), the wood is better than an Epiphone Les Paul. The pickups are better. The brass shaft pots are better and it cost a whole lot less. I have been playing for about 17 years and I will still be using my ASAT for some things but the AL-3000 will be getting the nod for most of the stuff that I play.

not sure of year made. made in Korea with 22 jumbo frets,solid mahogany neck and body with maybe a paper thin maple laminate, not sure on mine since it is painted black,but it might not have the laminate. same basic controls as a Les Paul. Wilkinson alnico-5 humbuckers. Grover tuners,TOM bridge,and 2 types of nuts and truss rod wrench included.

I actually love the sound of this guitars pickups. they remind me gibsons burstbuckers, but more well rounded. the bridge pickup has a fat high end and very well blended mids and lows. the neck pickup is is not muddy which is a first for me. most of my guitars have been H-H config. what I love about the neck pickup is, depending on your pick attack it sounds traditional humbucker or with heavy handed picking it gives almost a P-90 bite and pinch harmonics. and with the body being all mahogany I just love the rich harmonic overtones and creamy woman tones this instrument overall. It can sound jazzy,twangy,bluesy,rock and metal! excellent job on this one. I love pickups that are very dynamic.

I have to say that after tweaking the truss rod and setting the action and new strings, it feels really nice. I tried out both nuts and settled on the graphite nut(which had to be fitted, so if you don't know what your doing in this area, take to a luthier). only thing I noticed with my guitar is some minor flaws that to me just look funny, but don't do anything to rob this guitar of its vibe or stunnig looks or playability. the bridge does rattle a bit but it is easy enough to replace but not needed right now.My buddies were takin buy this guitar on the web site at Rondomusic.net. we wondered just how good a $359 dollar import would be that couldn't be played in person. so I was the taste tester on this one. I was hesitant, but after getting it,doing a few tweaks to taste, excellent. to some this guitar might be an 8, but many years of playing and gear, I personally give it a 10 cause it just delivers perfectly to my taste.

As far as I can tell it seems very capable of lasting a lifetime, if respectfully treated like a guitar should be. the bridge might need replacement if the slight rattle bothers you, other than that, seems like a sturdy "cost-cutting corner" bridge. I feel this guitar can hold it's own. but, only time will tell!

I emailed Kurt back and forth several times and sometimes I think we mis-communicated, but overall I felt like I could feel good about my purchase and return it if I wasn't happy. Good Job Kurt!

I have played some of the high dollar guitars and my favorite was a '94 Gibson ES-335. over the years imports have gotten very good in build and quality. I now buy my guitars based on playability,feel,sound,and attention to the most important details instead of name brand and price. This guitar, if evaluated on these pricipals is top notch and very professional feeling and looking, an excellent guitar for beginners to grow into as well as for the gigging musician not wanting/or having to spend alot to get alot. If you have a high dollar Les Paul you want to save from abuse or need a back-up, this is your ticket. if your thinking about an epiphone, I encourage you to consider this one for less money and in my opinion better.
If you want more of my opinions on this guitar or other brands of guitars or equiptment drop me a line. I'll be happy to help you in your search for the most for less in equiptment. and no I am not a salesman or have my own business,just a player with more equipment bought over the years than guitar center to learn my lesson on tone.

By now and from reading previous reviews You know the fratures of this guitar. It's a High End Les Paul copy with some very nice features. Wilkinson Pups, Jumbo Frets, Maple top, High End electronic components, Grover Tuners, Nickel Plated Hardware, Tripple Bound top and head stock, Ebony fretboard with abalone trapazoid fret markers.
To die for Wine Red with nice thick poly clearcoat.

I think the Wilkinson pups sound brighter than Gibson pups. (I own two Gibson and one Epiphone Les Pauls) The pots are dead Quiet. They did a nice job of shielding the electronic components. Playing thru a Fender black face stage lead and an Epiphone stereo 210 with a Digitech Grunge stomp box. I think this guitar will suit any style. I do not like the way the tone pots drop off so fast. It's like flicking a switch. I give the sound a 9 because less than great tone pots.

When you first pull the guitar from the bag, It suprises you how beautiful it is. This thing is eye candy! Mine is the Wine Red with a thick poly clearcoat. The set-up was KaKa. I had to crank the GeeWiz out of the truss to get the neck straight. Then the frets were not level and had to do that. It basically needed a total set-up. After I went completely thru it, This Guitar almost plays itself. There are a couple spots where you can see paint on the binding. Not a big deal. Overall the fit and finish is Very Nice. I have a brand new Gibson Les Paul Special where it looks like some reeree clear coated it with a broom.

I've been playing on and off for some 30 years. I know good guitars.
You don't have to worry about the dependability of this rock solid guitar. 1st., Never play without a Back-Up. With this one, all you're gonna break is a string. It has huge strap bottons and I don't think they ara going anywhere. This guitar will outlast me. The polycoat will also take a beating. I am certain anyone could get a lot of years of trouble free playing.

I have purchased several Tele copies and 2 LP copies from Kurt at Rondo Music. I have never had a problem with any of them. I am certain that he would stand behind his products. He has always conducted his business in a professional manner. I think that company has been around for a long time.

I've been playing for 30 some years. I own twenty some guitars, Gibson and Epiphone Les Pauls, Fender Teles and Strats from America, Korea and Mexico. Others from Washburn, Fernandes, ESP, Ibanez and yes Agile. For the money, You won't find a better copy. You can get awesome guitars from the other makers. But this guitar is built in the spirit of the Les Paul Style. The lesser models of this brand have cheaper components. Good Intermediate guitars. But this one is their top dog. And it is of professional quality. I have American made guitars that frankly, aren't that great and cost tons more. If this guitar were lost or stollen. I'd be sick, pissed off and hurt about it, and eventually I would get another one.

2004 Korean Made Agile 3000
Abalone Inlays
Alnico PUPS improved shielding harness/Pots
Maple Flame top
Mohagany Body/set neck
Ugly knobs
Cherryburst(CHB)standard neck
Tunimatic bridge GJS strings
Gotoh tuners
What else~ do you want Les Paul to play it for you?

OMG I may not be a pro, but this thing sounds warm/full long sustaining tone from the depths of Hell, and Gates of Heaven.(these pickups are nice, and truthfully i'll put them in my Ibanez rg120 when I come up with the funds to put some black/back duncans in this guitar, and this is why this guitar is the best damn deal you'll find)
No noise, sounds like a bell, and nice fat/full sounding distortion
(I play an old crate gx-20m crappy amp, and can tell you this thing sounds 10 times better than the amp)

Was a little disappointed in this area after reading these reviews i was thinking there would be no flaws, but there are a few spots where the binding has red finish over it(the clearcoat is even and thick as a brick)
the inlays are straight! :)but there's a spot on the neck where the file was used, hmmm, that's the bummerpart, but it's down towards the 20th high E fret and u have to be looking to complain about it, also the tuners are straight, and the overall finish is beautifully done the bookmatched flame maple is NICE, and the back Mohagany/body neck is flawless.
the frets are wonderfully dressed and easy for a newb like me to get a clear (orvilly redanbocker buttery even)tone out of it.
I brought this to Mark's music and they will professionally setup
Look this is a 350 guitar, and i'm a newb that knows better than to compare to a Les Paul standard, if I pay 1000 bucks for a guitar it better not have any finish flaws(carvin???)

I am not qualified to rate this, i've seen roadies with more talent and knowledge then I have, but am rating this high, will another review if changes, but i suspect this thing is built like a battleship(nice and heavy, straps are for sissys! ;) JK)

OK I messed up the order, then changed it, and they fixed it, after asking too many questions, and really appreciate Rondo's fast/quality service
THANKS~!! U guys are really awesome retailers

I've been playing for 6 months and thank all of the real musicians for your advice(*reviews) in buying this guitar! thanks
if stolen i'd smash my hondo over the thief's head, and use his teeth to pull the PUPs out of it, then take his amp, and tell him to get a job, then call rondo, and my insurance guy about my 1000 guitar stolen
trust these reviews these Agile machines are very nice, and guitar center isn't going to like these guys at rondo(support your local music shop, and take your guitar there for setup, then buy an amp with the $$$ you saved by doing your homework)

Made in Korea, Maple Top, Mahogany body, beautiful finish, Grover Tuners, Bone Nut, also comes with a graphite one. A good Les Paul replica. Honey burst model, with a case.

I see a lot of reviews for these guitars that are coming from guys that have never played a real les paul, play through cheap modeling amps, and seem to be beginners. I'm not knocking these guys at all. You've got to start some where. The thing is, this is not a guitar ONLY suited for beginners. I've owned a Gibson Reissue 56 Goldtop Les Paul, an Orville Les Paul, a Custom Shop Fender Strat, a 1973 Fender Telecaster Deluxe, several other Made in USA fenders, and my main guitar right now is a 1952 Reissue Made in USA Tele. I've owned 4 blackface bassman head and 212 cabs, an Orange AD30TC combo, a blackface Twin, Ampeg V4 head and 412 cab, and currently use a mid 90's marshall tube combo. I say all of this so you know what I have to compare this two, and to give you a different perspective than some reviewers. My conclusion is that this is a very solid guitar. As good as the Orville I owned. Not quite as much MOJO as the 56 Goldtop, but surely somewhere in the middle of the two. It's a different beast than the 52 reissue tele, but a nice change. The pickups have an incredible growl. It's got balls. I think this guitar sounds like a Les Paul should.

Action was too high, it's got better wiring than some of Rondo's cheaper models. Not noisy at all. The neck isn't as beefy as the 56 reissue Les Paul. I just spent about 15 minutes and the guitar felt really good to play. I bought one of those hwy 1 strats that was unplayable even after a couple of weeks, so this guitar came shipped in better shape than it did.

It will be played live and it will probably be treated a little bit rough. I think it will hold up. It feels like a 12 pound bowling ball. The gigging without a backup isn't a factor, the tele will still be my main guitar, this will just be used on some songs.

Rondo has the best customer service that I have ever experienced from any company of any kind. Try them, I'm not exaggerating.

been playing about 8 yrs. The last 4, music has been my primary source of income. The overall rating is based on value, this guitar is one of the best buys out there. Rondo Music, please keep your prices where they are.

You all know the specs by now I hope.

Well, at first I had my mind set on pulling out the pickups and throwing in Dimarzio's. But after playing around a bit and adjusting my settings I found that these Wilkinson pickups are just fine. Other reviewers have mentioned it too but these pickups have a seriously distinct "growl". And if you use the middle postition and roll back the neck tone knob, they will give you that thick, chainsaw buzz sound which I am super fond of. Unplugged she sounds great, sparkly highs and deep low end, it's all I can ask for really. No guitar gets a 10 in sound, 9 is as good as it get's and I give the Agile a 9, go figure.

Adjusted truss rod, tuned her up, and she played like butter. Top looks bookmatched to me, binding is fine, inlays are perfect, neck is straight, etc, etc. She came perfect.

Solid as a rock, sounds cheesy but it's true. Finish looks thick, all hardware is tight, no scratchy electronics either. I truly believe if your not a hard picker you may be able to risk not having a backup, I wouldn't do it but I'm sure you could pull it off.

They were nice to me and they shipped pleasantly fast, even during the Holiday rush.

Well, I've been playing for 3-4 odd years now straight. I have never owned anything this nice but I have had my share of decent axes. I had a really nice LTD that had a Bubinga top on a mahagony body, that was my nicest guitar before I bought this here Agile. I have also owned some Japanese RG's which should have been great but quality seemed an issue to me, they were just set up horribly, high frets, F'd up nut, etc. So yea, this one blows anything I have owned out of the water, no question about that. My reason for buying the Agile was the price to quality ratio. I'm sorry but for a big name brand this axe would have run at least 600$. So I figured I might as well get one now before Agile becomes a big name company, cause it will happen, it's just a matter of time. All in all Agile is an incredible company and I will be buying plenty more Agiles over the years.

My model is the 2004 Gold Top with P90's. The "little features" (tuners, frets, etc.) have already been described by others. All in all, it's hard to believe this $300 guitar is as loaded as it is. Ebony fretboard, abalone inlays, hand filed frets, Alnico V P90's...Geez! No wonder Gibson got pist.

I won't be using this one for the country tunes...but she will be the first weapon of choice for the rock and blues part of the show. The P90's are hot. My amp required very little gain with the bridge pickup volume rolled up, for getting that sweet crunchy classic rock bite. The electronics compare very well to the Gibson double cut faded with P90's. May be the exact same pickups for all I know...I haven't researched the Gibson model. I just played one that a friend owns.

The action, straight out of the box, is fantastic. I won't be adjusting it anytime soon. The volume knobs do "float" a little bit on the pot shaft...something one of the other reviews also noted.
Big deal...no one is going to know but me, and it doesn't affect the sound.
The only flaw I see in the finish work is the abolone inlays. One is a little off center of the fretboard and one was cut minutely smaller than the routing on the board. I do understand that this guitar was fabricated in Korea and not over here in the Gibson "sweat shop". But truth be known, the quality coming out of the Nashville plant lately leaves a lot to be desired. I bought a mail order SG special in 2003 that is a quality control joke.
Maybe for an extra $2000 I could get a perfect fretboard and know the prestige of owning a boutique guitar. But I'll kiss the butt of anyone in the audience that will spot these flaws from more than 3 feet away from the stage. Personally, I would rather spend the $2000 on a few more of these Agiles.

This seems to be a very well made, solid guitar. I have no doubt it will stand up to some steady weekend gigs.

Kurt has been unbelievable for answering questions and overall communication. Even though he had officially sold out of the law suit Gold Top, he found one last guitar that had been used for display...went over it for me...and delivered it as promised. It would be nice if all internet merchants were as good to work with.

I won't give away my age, but I've been playing guitar since "Walk Away", "Closer to Home" and "Fortunate Son" were all brand new songs on the radio. I own some American made guitars and I own some imports. I have no hang-up on where it comes from. We all know the Korean luthiers are as capable as their American counterparts. They just aren't always given the best material to work with. That's what sets this guitar apart. I doubt it was the headstock that got Gibson's lawyers all hot and bothered. It was more likely that someone from their heard played an Agile and realized it was a better buy than the Gibson. Just another case of the big boy trying to choke the competition out of existence.

Les Paul clone, 22 Jumbo frets, solid maple top, 2 wilkinson humbuckers, if you're really interested in the specs, they're listed repeatedly in the other reviews, or you can ask Kurt at Rondo. I gave it a "9" here because the top is only an 1/8 inch thick. Actually, I purchased this guitar by mistake (Rondo's not mine). I'd researched the AL 3000 prestige, and exchanged a few emails with Kurt, before I made the purchase, and when I decided to order, I ordered an AL 3000M prestige, because the 3000M has a much thicker (3/4 inch) maple top. I felt then, (and still do), that the thicker top is well worth the extra $50. When you consider how little $50 will buy, and how much better your guitar will sound, this is a no-brainer. Kurt had told me that that it would take 4 weeks to get it, cause they were back ordered, so I was somewhat surprised when it arrived a week later. I opened the case (which is also dead ringer for a Gibson, right down to the satin horse blanket covering the guitar), and discovered that they'd shipped me a 3000, instead of the 3000M. At first, I was somewhat irate at the mistake, but I decided that before I shipped it back, I was at least going to plug it in, and find out why all the reviews here seemed favorable to the 3000. Wow, what a helluva nice guitar. Over the past 30 years, I have owned several nice Gibson LP's, (usually customs, and pro deluxes), so I feel resonably qualified to make judgements here. No, the agile 3000, is not a Les Paul, but it is damn close. In fact, the only L.P. copies I know of that come as close, were the Electra, and Ibanez copies of the '70's that started the lawsuit mess.

I play mostly clasic Rock, blues, and country. I have an old sears 100 watt tube amp, and I use an old peavey 2 12 cabinet, loaded with a couple of celestions. Probably not the best rig on the planet, but very good, and better than what I see a lot of players using these days. I notice that some folks here, seem driven to run right out and change out the pups. If this were some noisy, crappy lower quality p.o.s. I could see the logic, but I've gotta say, low price, doesn't have to mean low quality. This guitar ain't no low quality Epiphone (I own a couple Epi's, and yeah, the first thing you wanna do to an Epi, is change the pups), but the wilkinsons (at least the ones that came in this guitar), are hot, quiet, and sound fine. The sound this guitar makes has the Gibson L.P. vibe all over it. I'm not saying it couldn't be upgraded, but hell, a Gibson can be upgraded as well. Sound is at least an 8 1/2, but because it's coming fron a guitar that cost's about half as much as a lower quality Epi, I give it a solid 9!

Action was too high, had to be set up, and intonated (don't they all now days). Had to take a file, and round the sharp corners on the nut. So what, considering the price, I'm suprised I didn't have to asemble it from parts. Again, guitar get's a solid 9.

This guitar is solid. If I were going to play a gig, without a backup, I wouldn't have any qualms about choosing this guitar. I don't know how thick or thin the finnish might be, but considering the fact that my '80 model Gibson pro deluxe L.P, has over 90% of the finnish worn down to the wood on the back of the neck, and it hasn't hurt the sound or playability of the guitar one bit, who cares? I use strap locks on my Gibson, but the I haven't yet put any on the Agile. The strap buttons it came with are huge, and seem very solid. Will this guitar withstand live playing? I think it will probably last forever.

Kurt is fast, and friendly. As I said earlier, the company sent me this guitar by mistake. So Kurt gave me a discount, and sent the me the right guitar the next time. I ended up buying 2 guitars, cause I was so empressed with the quality of this guitar, and the fact that I did that, should tell you exactly how I feel about this guitar, and Rondo music.

I have been playing guitar for over 30 years. Since I already own a 3000M, in addition to this guitar, I can't say I'd replace it if it were lost or stolen. I can safely say that if both my Agiles were destroyed in a flameing plane crash, that I would order a new 3000M before the fire was put out. There is no better new L.P. clone available at any price that I know of. The only thing I don't like about this guitar is the really thin top, however, don't let that stop you, except for the 3000M, or the 3500 series Agiles, this is the best bang for buck around.

Mahogony body with flamed maple top (approx 10mm thick), ebony fretboard, abalone block inlays, Grover tuners, medium jumbo frets, huge strap buttons, Wilkinson Alnico 5 humbuckers, bone and graphite nut (included), multiply binding, usual LP style control arrangement.

Has a great resonant sound unplugged, humbuckers are average output (I believe about 8K). Absolutely quiet control pots. Will go from bright bridge sound to mellow neck sound with tone rolled off. may switch out pickups later but right now they sound fine.

Overall fit and finish is astounding for a guitar in this price range. Neck has a great feel, frets are perfectly set and rounded. i set the action a little lower than out of the box with no buzzing. Came with GHS 10-46. The honey burst flamed top is incredible. No finish flaws anywhere.

After a few months this guitar is holding up great to 3-4 times a week playing. This is a solid chunk of guitar with better than average hardware.

No problems with Rondo.

Been playing for 8 years. Own a bunch of other style guitars, tube amps, effects etc. The best thing about this guitar is the fantastic value for the buck. It looks andd feels like a high end guitar without the ridiculous price tag. If you can get by the name and country of origin, this guitar should give a lot of satisfaction. The bottom line is I enjoy playing it and it sounds great.,