Ventura V-23

The 60-70s line of Japanese made Ventura guitars is starting to become a mild legend in its own right. My V-23 is a copy/hybrid of a 6-string Gibson Hummingbird and a Gibson Dove. It has a natural finish on top (spruce) and cherry back/sides (mahogany). The fingerboard is fully bound rosewood with inlays that look exactly like that of a Gibson Hummingbird (20 frets). It looks like they took little bits from both the Dove and the Hummingbird in the design -- The pickguard shape is exactly like the Hummingbird pickguard with a design that resembles the 'bird but there is a little Dove in the same flying position as the Hummingbird on the Gibson guitar. The bridge looks a lot like the Dove, with sort of a handlebar moustache shape and two pearl inlay Doves (one on each side). The headstock looks a lot like the Gibson and has a nice pearl inlay "Ventura" logo.

This is where the Ventura guitars really seem to shine in the world of knock-off guitars. They a building quite a reputation amongst players and collectors alike. I have read several reviews of these guitars that claimed that they were nearly equal to and/or surpassed their original high end American counterparts in the sound category. I am not sure how the sound of this guitar compares to a real vintage Gibson, but I can say that this Ventura V-23 does sound fantastic! Upon first strum, I instantly noticed a very pronounced, warm mid range and round and tight lows. It's a loud guitar too. Individual notes are clear and very balanced. Chords ring out beautifully with all sorts of sweet harmonics. It has a relatively mellow sound, but not as mellow as my Martin HD-28. If it's worth anything to say this... it really does have that "Hummingbird" sound that you hear on the Rolling Stones Exile/Goats Head Soup albums. I listened to "Angie" this morning and it sounded like it could have been the same exact guitar. No joke.

The action is a little high for my taste but I am going to have it adjusted this weekend. The finish is beautiful and the guitar feels very comfortable. It isn't very heavy, but it definitely doesn't feel like a cheap flimsy guitar either. This is the kind of guitar you want to have around the house for those moments of inspiration.

My V-23 appears to be built very well. It looks like it has had its share of playing since the 70s and it still feels solid and tight. The tuners have been replaced with Grovers but all of the other pieces seem fine.

N/A

I have been playing for about 26 years. I also own a Martin HD-28 and a Martin 00-18. The Ventura V-23 has earned its spot right in there with the others. It's not any better or worse that other guitars I've played... just another flavor. I can't wait to record with it. I have a feeling it will sound incredible. If you see one around, pick it up! I have a feeling that the quality of these guitars combined with the interesting backstory of lawsuits will soon make these a collectors item.