Vantage VP700 (710)
+6
Sgt. Vimes
mortarman120gang11c
Meadows
Catalyst
Westbone
Barry
10 posters
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Vantage VP700 (710)
Well...didn't I go and do it again!
Just when I thought my GAS was all gone. It wasn't.
I have been feeling rather low and sorry for my bad self, especially with this bloody arthritis, etc. So getting yet another guitar that would frustrate the hell out of me wasn't on my radar. Then, I saw a Kijiji ad for a Vantage electric guitar.
I couldn't tell exactly what model it was from the 3 fuzzy pix but it looked like it might be either a VP700 (set neck) or a *gasp* VA800 (neck thru). And the price could not be ignored. So-o-o long story short, I hoped in the car drove to the far side of Toronto to have a look.
It was love at first grab!
I flipped her over to reveal that she was a set neck model VP700 (or more precisely, a VP710 because of the finish). As near as the boyz on the Mats forum can figure from the obscure serial numbering system and a few other clues, this is looks like a 1981 build. She's bloody amazing!
So far I have done nothing to her. It's been raining here most of the day so no chance to get outside and do the usual tear down and documentation pix, but here are some quick ones I took before the deluge with my phone cam:
The only "issues" so far are cosmetic. The knobs have been replaced with some horrible white thingy's, and a previous owner had replaced the screw in the neck side strap button with a...wait for it...nail! The mini toggle is a little bit wobbly so it may need replacing at some point, but other than that and few minor bumps, she's perfect! No fret or fingerboard wear, and she still has the original plastic sticky paper over the cavity cover and TRC!
She's as comfortable as humanly possible with incredibly low action, a bone nut, and a recessed bridge. Plays like whale snot! And of course, MMK45's so she looks like a beauty queen but punches you up the throat when yer not paying attention! God, what a lovely guitar!
I'll be tearing her down over the next few days and documenting it over at the Matsomoku Forum if you care to follow the progress.
Just when I thought my GAS was all gone. It wasn't.
I have been feeling rather low and sorry for my bad self, especially with this bloody arthritis, etc. So getting yet another guitar that would frustrate the hell out of me wasn't on my radar. Then, I saw a Kijiji ad for a Vantage electric guitar.
I couldn't tell exactly what model it was from the 3 fuzzy pix but it looked like it might be either a VP700 (set neck) or a *gasp* VA800 (neck thru). And the price could not be ignored. So-o-o long story short, I hoped in the car drove to the far side of Toronto to have a look.
It was love at first grab!
I flipped her over to reveal that she was a set neck model VP700 (or more precisely, a VP710 because of the finish). As near as the boyz on the Mats forum can figure from the obscure serial numbering system and a few other clues, this is looks like a 1981 build. She's bloody amazing!
So far I have done nothing to her. It's been raining here most of the day so no chance to get outside and do the usual tear down and documentation pix, but here are some quick ones I took before the deluge with my phone cam:
The only "issues" so far are cosmetic. The knobs have been replaced with some horrible white thingy's, and a previous owner had replaced the screw in the neck side strap button with a...wait for it...nail! The mini toggle is a little bit wobbly so it may need replacing at some point, but other than that and few minor bumps, she's perfect! No fret or fingerboard wear, and she still has the original plastic sticky paper over the cavity cover and TRC!
She's as comfortable as humanly possible with incredibly low action, a bone nut, and a recessed bridge. Plays like whale snot! And of course, MMK45's so she looks like a beauty queen but punches you up the throat when yer not paying attention! God, what a lovely guitar!
I'll be tearing her down over the next few days and documenting it over at the Matsomoku Forum if you care to follow the progress.
Last edited by Barry on Tue Aug 05, 2014 9:42 am; edited 1 time in total
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Nope. Not yet.Westbone wrote:...Sure those are 45's?
I hope to be stripping her down today and I'll know for sure.
Deep down, I'm hoping they're 53's
But to avoid disappointing myself I'm saying 45's. None of my gits have 53's so this will be my first if it turns out to be the case. On a quick play with old strings, they sound wonderful what ever they are.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Fingers crossed.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
fingers crossed here for ya mate....a 61 and a 53 sound like a great combo
Catalyst- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 319
Registration date : 2013-02-24
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Lovely guitar Barry, do you know what the woods are?
Meadows- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 593
Location : North Herts
Registration date : 2013-01-19
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Best of luck and that's a beauty and a rare one at that. Congrats
mortarman120gang11c- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 740
Location : Georgia USA
Registration date : 2011-04-09
BOO YA!!
Neck: 7.73 /3.94
Bridge: 11.39 / 5.78
Both: 4.60 / 3.30
Last edited by Barry on Tue Aug 05, 2014 10:40 pm; edited 1 time in total
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
The usual Maple and Walnut down the centre.Meadows wrote:Lovely guitar Barry, do you know what the woods are?
3-piece Maple neck with Ash veneer on headstock front.
Wings are Ash, finished in "Harvest Ash" rather than the more common dark walnut stain.
Looks heavy but is surprisingly light.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Cheers Arthur. She is even more lovely after a bit of scrub-a-dub and new wires.mortarman120gang11c wrote:Best of luck and that's a beauty and a rare one at that. Congrats
And Holy S**T! Those pickups plus the set neck and string thru make my Thunder sound like a transistor radio!
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
That's a beaut Barry, congratulations!
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 3322
Age : 53
Location : tyneside
Registration date : 2011-11-03
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Your a happy bunny, you should be..
The bone nut, steel saddles make a great deal of difference. Plus those pups.
Not all that fond of brass nuts.
Notice all Westone upper end guitars have bone nuts from around '83. TunderII, Session. Rainbow, Prestige etc. and some steel saddles. Plus 53, 61, 75's.
I really like these 53 equipped. Bone nut steel saddles '83 on. As one on the right. Simple controls.
The bone nut, steel saddles make a great deal of difference. Plus those pups.
Not all that fond of brass nuts.
Notice all Westone upper end guitars have bone nuts from around '83. TunderII, Session. Rainbow, Prestige etc. and some steel saddles. Plus 53, 61, 75's.
I really like these 53 equipped. Bone nut steel saddles '83 on. As one on the right. Simple controls.
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Yessiree! This pickup combo has got to be the best that I've heard from Uncle Mats. And I suspect rivals popular Seymour Duncan/Dimarzio pairings out there.
It gave me the same startle reflex that I got when I first plugged in the Thunder and kicked in its active circuit. The difference, to my fractured ears at least, is more articulation and clarity...along with the power!
That 61 can be a mellow Blues/Jazz monster or a straight ahead Rocker. And the 53? Well, a regular blowtorch, if you need it. I'll wager there would be no problem even being heard above the drummer!
A few more pix and comments over at the Mats site.
It gave me the same startle reflex that I got when I first plugged in the Thunder and kicked in its active circuit. The difference, to my fractured ears at least, is more articulation and clarity...along with the power!
That 61 can be a mellow Blues/Jazz monster or a straight ahead Rocker. And the 53? Well, a regular blowtorch, if you need it. I'll wager there would be no problem even being heard above the drummer!
A few more pix and comments over at the Mats site.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Barry, you hit the lottery on that one! What a great pickup combo!!!
The Chad- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 2773
Location : Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Registration date : 2011-02-01
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
It does not get any better than that my friend. That has to be an awesome pickup combination.
mortarman120gang11c- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 740
Location : Georgia USA
Registration date : 2011-04-09
New Pix
The weather this weekend finally warmed up and became Summer-like for the first time in many days.
As there is apparently more heavy rain forecast later today and the next couple of days, I sprinted outside for a few new pix with the camera. The sun is very strong today, almost too bright.
Biggest visual change is the knob replacement. I have yet to get a black switch tip.
As there is apparently more heavy rain forecast later today and the next couple of days, I sprinted outside for a few new pix with the camera. The sun is very strong today, almost too bright.
Biggest visual change is the knob replacement. I have yet to get a black switch tip.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
That looks in super condition, as well as sounding good!!..
If you need a Mats type switch tip?? I'll send you a few. I need the old knobs that you had on it..
If you need a Mats type switch tip?? I'll send you a few. I need the old knobs that you had on it..
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
I left them at the shop in the junk drawer.
But I can retrieve them on Wednesday when I'm in, assuming Bob hasn't used them or given them away!
But I can retrieve them on Wednesday when I'm in, assuming Bob hasn't used them or given them away!
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
They're on their way as I type.Westbone wrote:...I need the old knobs that you had on it...
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Just seen this post!!
Cheers Barry..
Does a Mats tip fit your vantage? or is it a different switch?
Cheers Barry..
Does a Mats tip fit your vantage? or is it a different switch?
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Yup! Just tried a Spectrum tip on it. Same thread.Westbone wrote:...Does a Mats tip fit your vantage?
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Surprise me.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Excellent! That was quick.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Yes, looks a lot like a guitar I was outbid on!
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 3322
Age : 53
Location : tyneside
Registration date : 2011-11-03
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
£71.99
Bought a brand new one of those back in '81 for £50 but sold it on a few years later, fool! It was still like brand new.
Bought a brand new one of those back in '81 for £50 but sold it on a few years later, fool! It was still like brand new.
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Swine Damian.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Hondo....
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
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Age : 53
Location : tyneside
Registration date : 2011-11-03
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
If it's the same one, I was put off by the playwear between the pickups.
61's in a 1030!? Only seen 45's or dm's in these hondos, good score mate!
61's in a 1030!? Only seen 45's or dm's in these hondos, good score mate!
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 3322
Age : 53
Location : tyneside
Registration date : 2011-11-03
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Picked up the mail today! Cheers mate. Very nice.Westbone wrote:That was quick, arrived today...
Cheers Barry.
Yours is on the way.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Geez, quicker than the mail in the UK!!Barry wrote:Picked up the mail today! Cheers mate. Very nice.Westbone wrote:That was quick, arrived today...
Cheers Barry.
Yours is on the way.
Especially as we have a dyslectic postman! Keeps putting all the mail in the wrong houses, can't even read the bloody numbers. He's an import from an eastern land...
New selector tip & mini switch!
Thanks again Damian!
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Again, that's a cracking looking guitar Barry, love the colour!
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 3322
Age : 53
Location : tyneside
Registration date : 2011-11-03
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Just in case anyone state side fancies a VP, just came across this little fella....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vantage-700vp-Electric-Guitar-MIJ-/331361381009?pt=Guitar&hash=item4d26ad6a91
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vantage-700vp-Electric-Guitar-MIJ-/331361381009?pt=Guitar&hash=item4d26ad6a91
Meadows- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 593
Location : North Herts
Registration date : 2013-01-19
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
What a lovely-looking guitar. I like the symmetrical body shape. It looks quite wide; does it sit higher when resting on your knee?
I must admit I don't know anything about Vantage, nor do I know much about all the other brand names from this era, but I'd like to learn more. Is there a post that has already covered this topic, by any chance?
I must admit I don't know anything about Vantage, nor do I know much about all the other brand names from this era, but I'd like to learn more. Is there a post that has already covered this topic, by any chance?
David_A- Senior Member
- Number of posts : 129
Age : 75
Location : Cheshire
Registration date : 2014-10-26
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
A good place to start your education is over at the Matsumoku information pages: CLICK HERE
Vantage was primarily a Canadian private label but is found world wide.
If you need more in depth discussion you'll find lots in the Forums: CLICK HERE
Scroll down for specific brands, including Vantage.
As for the size no, its quite small, not wide at all. More along the lines of an SG. Very comfortable to play.
Vantage was primarily a Canadian private label but is found world wide.
If you need more in depth discussion you'll find lots in the Forums: CLICK HERE
Scroll down for specific brands, including Vantage.
As for the size no, its quite small, not wide at all. More along the lines of an SG. Very comfortable to play.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Thanks Barry, I have a lot of reading to do!
David_A- Senior Member
- Number of posts : 129
Age : 75
Location : Cheshire
Registration date : 2014-10-26
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Just seen this post.Barry wrote:
Thanks again Damian!
See it's fitted.... smart!
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Just catching up with this - nice axe Barry. Great pickups.
anaerobe- Senior Member
- Number of posts : 497
Age : 63
Location : ,location, location.
Registration date : 2009-05-05
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Hey, thanks Ian! Where ya been? Long time no hear.
"Great" don't begin to describe these pups. Friggin' amazing more like!
"Great" don't begin to describe these pups. Friggin' amazing more like!
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Small addendum, just to say...
...holy cr@p, do I love this guitar!!
I took this out on rotation today, I haven't played it in almost a year!
First thing to note was that it was still in tune! Not to pitch but in tune with itself. Just remarkable.
I plugged her in to my Danelectro Nifty Fifty amp, clean, no O/D or effects. Man oh man, those pickups are just the sweetest sound I've heard in some time. Clear and articulate, but with ballz when you ask for them!
Together with the bone nut, stainless steel saddles, and the set neck, the guitar felt almost alive in my hands. Honestly, words fail to do the experience justice. What a fantastic design, one of Uncle Mats' better efforts.
I just wish I had had this guitar "back in the day". Who knows, might have made me a better player.
I took this out on rotation today, I haven't played it in almost a year!
First thing to note was that it was still in tune! Not to pitch but in tune with itself. Just remarkable.
I plugged her in to my Danelectro Nifty Fifty amp, clean, no O/D or effects. Man oh man, those pickups are just the sweetest sound I've heard in some time. Clear and articulate, but with ballz when you ask for them!
Together with the bone nut, stainless steel saddles, and the set neck, the guitar felt almost alive in my hands. Honestly, words fail to do the experience justice. What a fantastic design, one of Uncle Mats' better efforts.
I just wish I had had this guitar "back in the day". Who knows, might have made me a better player.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
Nice!
Vantage are even more under-valued and unappreciated than Westone or APII but the supply over here has dried up!
Play on, minstrel!!
Vantage are even more under-valued and unappreciated than Westone or APII but the supply over here has dried up!
Play on, minstrel!!
corsair- Senior Member
- Number of posts : 6352
Age : 65
Location : Mount Hunter, NSW, Australia
Registration date : 2008-04-08
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
I don't think we'll be organizing a Tag Day for you any time soon Johnny.
You've got a few top notch Vantage models as I recall.
You've got a few top notch Vantage models as I recall.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Vantage VP700 (710)
:-D
Only the VA900, which I've had from new and which is bruised, battered and now in retirement at Don's house!
I do, however, have an Invader II, the VS 696-12 and the Avengers; AV310, AV 325 (x2), AV395 and the neck-thru X-99, so enough to be going on with!
Actually, I have the X-99 and the 395 out on the stands what I laughingly call my DAW at the moment; great fat sounds from that 395, eh!
Only the VA900, which I've had from new and which is bruised, battered and now in retirement at Don's house!
I do, however, have an Invader II, the VS 696-12 and the Avengers; AV310, AV 325 (x2), AV395 and the neck-thru X-99, so enough to be going on with!
Actually, I have the X-99 and the 395 out on the stands what I laughingly call my DAW at the moment; great fat sounds from that 395, eh!
corsair- Senior Member
- Number of posts : 6352
Age : 65
Location : Mount Hunter, NSW, Australia
Registration date : 2008-04-08
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