Product: Vantage VS-12B
Price Paid: US $200.00
Submitted
05/03/2003
at
07:33pm
by
Artie
Email: irish_mut<at>prodigy dot net
Features
:
7
This dreadnought/acoustic 12-string was Korean made in the early 90's. This was my first acoustic and is still my favorite. If I can remember correctly, I paid about $200 new. Nothing fancy about this guitar, simple but well made. The finish is tough and the white areas have aged well (cream colored now). The neck is fat and wide but that is to be expected with a 12 string. The frets are well worn where the major cords were played. This guitar has been deployed around the states with me since my first duty station, entertained a lot of sailors, and seen 2 Mediterranean Cruises as well.
Sound
:
8
For a cheap guitar it sounds good. It isn't as bright as I would like but the bass and midrange are really nice. I play a lot of Creedence, Dylan, Neil Young, Springsteen and the newer alternative tunes and this guitar suites my style well. The action is a little high but that is nice because when I had it strung as a 6 string, I could play slide. It keeps its tuning real well even in different tunings.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Like I stated above, the action is a little high and the finish is tough. It is black with white (cream now) edging/trimming. It is a big/full-bodied guitar that just feels right. I have played many acoustics, 6 and 12 string, that don't feel as real as this one.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This is one durable guitar. If I could find its sister, I would keep one as a 12 string and one as a 6 string. It has been through hell and back and just keeps going. It is definitely reliable and even more, sailor proof. This guitar and 2 extra sets of strings were all I would bring on deployments and never did I have to go without my music.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never had to deal with the company. Heard that this guitar is made by Samick and also have heard that Martin makes it. I don't really know or care, all I know is that any knowledgeable guitarist could do the typical maintenance that an acoustic requires.
Overall Rating
:
10
For a cheap guitar, I got my money's worth over 10 years ago. I have been playing guitar for about 18 years and this guitar has helped shape my style of playing. It is a great beginners guitar for the individual that wants to learn 12 string (was for me). If this guitar were stolen, I would definitely get the same one. For the price, quality, durability and looks, this is my favorite acoustic out of my lot of instruments. It was also the least expensive. SN: 9204000002
