A Strings is a guitar shop based in Treforest, South Wales. We established in 2006 as the UK importer of Optima Music Strings. Over the following years we started focussing on guitar strings and accessories of all types and brands and in 2013 opened up a fully stocked retail premises specialising in all things Guitar. We hope you enjoy and will get involved with our RU-vid channel. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any suggestions of products or topics you would like us to cover on the channel.
I was actually in a situation where I had to decide between a 335, the SA2200 and the Gretsch Fortus Falcon (6636-RF). I ended up going with the Gretsch and man, I love that guitar more every day. Yep, the Gretsch has this Tele on steroids vibe due to the Filtertron pickups, so it does sound different that the humbucker guitars, but sounds amazing and cuts through a mix like no tomorrow. Also the best sustain I ever had on an electric guitar, it really sings even when it's not plugged. I'm really happy I went with the Gretsch.
I really appreciate the neutral 5:36 side by side comparison. As well your reticence to weigh in and let the listener form their own opinion. Well done , straightforward and necessary
Yah great playing and great sounding amp, I just rented out the 20 watt version and am impressed, but I want to try the 40 watt version out also.Rock ON!
IMPORTANT POINT/or question @astringsuk : Is the rosewood SLIGHTY (or more?) darker on the Vintage II than the Vintera II? It looks like, in videos, like most expensive guitars with rosewood, always are a little darker in wood!?!? Anyone else?
The Gibson sounded warmer and sweeter. It’s common that budget pickups sound more harsh and treblish. With a set of high-end pickups in the Vintage i’m sure it will sound just as warm if that is what you like.
I built two teles with the body material cut from the same piece of wood. The necks were both maple. One had a glued on maple fingerboard and one rosewood. They both had the same electrics, pickups, strings etc. The maple Tele just sounded nicer than the rosewood one which I subsequently sold.
I had a Gibson LP Studio that was okay. Then I bought a Vintage V100 Paradise that I had to fix, but once I did, I was shocked at how good those Wilkensen pickups sounded. I sold my Gibson right away. I bought another VI00 and put Seymore Duncan Pearly Gates in it and man, is it ever a winner. Then I bought a Strat and a Tele from Vintage and they are great guitars. Vintage guitars rock!
Amazing - I would have had guitar B down as the Gibson. Just goes to show how sucked in we are by brands. I own a Harley Benton SC550ii which plays better than the Gibsons I have owned. I feel like pointing at the Gibson players and shouting ..."Sucker!"
I have a 2017 Pro1 and a 2023 roasted pine Pro2. If I hear a difference between the two, it's nothing that a little tone control can't solve. Both are incredible guitars, but my 2013 Standard with Fat50 pickups delivers a more traditional Strat sound than either of the V-mods. All are as versatile as a Strat can be, one more vintage, one more modern. Which one I pick up tomorrow just depend on my mood.
I'm not surprised Guitar A was the G6228 -- the clean was just ever so slightly cleaner and more detailed. Not that the G5220 was bad -- it was really great, *especially* considering the price. It just wasn't *QUITE* as clean. Buy the G5220 and switch out the pickups at some point down the road -- you're still way ahead, money-wise. And you don't *need* to swap out pickups, it's just an option if you want it.
The Vintage is at least 80% of the guitar, for 10% of the price. I thought the Gibson JUST had it- but only just. Incredible bang for your buck with the Vintage.
Hi - Really good demonstration - but it annoys me a bit all that funky stuff - it would be better if I could hear some long tones - etc. ...Ps. don't hit your bass but play it 🙂
As far as I can tell, the changes amount to: 1) new colours; 2) vintage style split-post tuners; 3) rosewood instead of pau ferro; 4) medium jumbo frets (not sure if that's a change). Anything else?
I like the birch green colour. I think I might just get a strat and a telecaster in that colour. Do they come with gig bags or is that an extra expense