Agile AL3100 White

2008 White AL3100 with solid mahogany body with 1/16" maple cap (real LPs have 3/4" cap), one pc mahogany set neck with ebony fingerboard, real pearl inlay (not MOTS), gold Grover 102 geared 18:1, gold old-style Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece, Graphtec TUSQ nut, superb wiring job, 10 lbs of pure LP copy, baby!

Both stock Alnico V pups have a bit less output than Gibson BurstBuckers or PAFs, but only picky ears could or may take issue with it.

For the low money this instrument cost ($400. shipped), it's certainly not a huge deal, unless of course, you're simply used to higher gain pups.

If your sound is mainly processed with heavy distortion, don't worry about the pickup's drawbacks (until you're big and famous, that is). Heavy processed distortion masks the output and audible tone so much, no one can tell they have less output. My advice; turn your amp up a bit and play good.

If you play clean and these pups are still not working for you, new pickups may do the trick (or just play better!!!)

The factory set-up was better than most guitars at this price point, but like any new guitar, you really should get it set up for YOUR playing style.

The old-style TOM bridge on this guitar is basically the same junky bridge used on old 50s-70's Gibsons and many new cheaper electric guitars... THEY JUST STINK. The saddle screws on the bridge are held in by a wire retainer. The saddles are not stable and can move accidentally, thus changing the length of the strings... that's bad! A NEW STYLE TUNE-O-MATIC BRIDGE IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED! There are several decent replacement bridges are available on-line and in stores.

The flaws I found on this guitar do not bother me, but may bother you. 3 of the pearl neck inlays have stress fractures and one has pitting. The pearl is also set-in with black epoxy which easily shows inlay routing imperfections.

There was a hard to find finish crack by the high E bridge post that was obviously painted white to cover it at the factory. This probably happened when they tapped in the bridge post. It's under the bridge so you cannot see it.

The 5th fret was high when I received the guitar, and the double action truss rod was not able to adjust it from buzzing without creating too much relief in the neck. I had to re-set the fret, then level the frets and re-crown them.

Certain pickup pole pieces needed to be adjusted for volume evenness across each pup, and both pups needed to be balanced for volume between each other.

The TUSQ nut needed to be cut properly as the slot were uneven.

IT'S DURABLE!!! This guitar comes with a poly finish (basically plastic) instead of the nitrocellulose lacquer found on Gibsons. The advantage of poly is that it is VERY durable, The disadvantage is that it will not age (wear, yellow, or finish check) well like an old played-to-death Gibson. I have seen many poly finishes shatter from being dropped. Quick temperature changes can also cause finish chunks to break off. It ain't pretty. I've seen lacquer do this too, but the guitar has usually been severely mistreated.

I want this Agile to yellow like an old white LPs. Bummed!

I've seen others write here that the Rondo return policy is; If you don't like it, return it.

I don't like this concept. It's simply a poor way to treat a customer.

When I emailed Rondo Music with the flaws I found (after asking them to send "a good one please" for review, I got short, single sentence responses back. Basically an unfriendly attitude with nice words. Due to this, I wrote an email explaining to them that I REALLY don't appreciate being blown off.

As a nice gesture for my trouble, they sent me some free parts I was inquiring about and said send the guitar back if you're not happy with it. I don't know if this meant they would send me a better one.

So you decide about the customer support

With all my whining and moaning here, I still must say this guitar is a fabulous value. Probably the BEST $400. LP copy I've ever seen.

I have modified the guitar with a new style TOM bridge and SwitchCraft parts to be more like a true LP. It plays superb now, intonates flawlessly, is balanced, and sustains forever.

With your eyes shut, I'd dare you to tell me if it's a copy or the real thang!

Contact me with questions at guitartec@gmail.com