The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

2 Vantage acoustics popped up at the local pawnshop and after (a very brief) consideration, I made an offer and got them! Don said I should....

Anyway, I think I have a VA30, which has an arched back and is a very classy instrument indeed with a minor soundboard issue.















It is, of course absolutely filthy and in dire need of a spruce up - see what I did there?! - and a new set of wires. I have a bit to be getting on with.

The second one has a serial number printed onto one of the ribs, and I would assume that it is an 84. It doesn't have an arched back but has a cutaway...













... once again, filthy as but overall, I'm quite pleased!!

Well done Johnny!
Your VA30 is a nice partner to my VA30-12. That arch back is just spectacular eh? I bet it sounds terrific too!
Watcha gonna do about the soundboard lifting? A bugger that.

The single cut looks good too. Mahogany back and sides yes? Should sound great too I'm guessing.
I don't know that we (Johann) have established any relation between the serial number on the label and that branded number on the support though.

Happy NGD x 2! Congrats!

_________________
"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

So-o-o...what's happening with the new gits?
Cleaned 'em?
Played 'em?
Thrilled wif 'em?
Hmmm?

_________________
"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

Looks like a nice score. Spool clams are easy tom make and use for repairing the top on the one (if I read the problem correctly).

Nice Score!!!!!

Yeah.... sorry, fellas - flat out like a lizard drinking here at the moment, eh!!

The VA 30 is a special piece of kit; very, very nice guitar indeed which cleaned up nicely. The neck is just sick; an absolute monster, SO easy to play, quite a flat profile but reasonably thin.

It resonates like a bell, very loud but very defined sound - it rewards digging in and really putting in the effort like no other acoustic I've ever played, which I'll freely admit is not that many, really, and I've never played a Martin or a Taylor but.... it is plenty good enough for me and has found it's way inside to sit on a stand and be played and fondled!

Thanks for the spool clamp tip; sort of what I figured I'd do so nice to see I was thinking along the right lines, I reckon!!

The other one with the cutaway is good - and polished up nicely, too! - but not in the VA30s class; it'd be the one I'd take to a party! It seemed a little polite after the VA.... lacking a little projection?! I intend to replace the nuts and bridges with bone as soon as I have a spare hour or so, so it'll be interesting to compare sounds....

For A$300, I thought they were a bit of a steal!!

I have a 696-12 to pick up next week.... can't wait!! Keeping that flame burning, guys!!

That arched back on the VA-30 is just magic!
That's why I'm so distressed that my 12 string version has the high action problem. When I use the Capo it sounds good but it just isn't comfortable playing without it.

I've not been a huge fan of cutouts on acoustics. I think it buggers up the natural vibration of the body mechanics too much. The only time it seems not to matter is if you're using an acoustic/electric. The Taylors are quite good in that regard when plugged in, but acoustically? Better than most, but...still meh.

_________________
"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