Vintage have been designing quality guitars in the U.K for over 25 years. This particular model, one of the Statesboro range of acoustics, is the largest in it’s collection. Designed by English guitarist and blues historian Paul Brett, the Vintage V440WK is finished in a rather fetching dark satin ‘whiskey sour’ colour with a subtle, contrasting sound-hole rosette. The top, sides and back are all made of hand selected mahogany which maximises the sound (and the guitars looks). The neck, also made from mahogany, is 650mm (26 inch) scale length and its profile fits neatly to the hand making it easy to play. The flexible range of the Vintage Statesboro includes concert and parlour guitars plus electro-acoustic versions of certain models.
Fitted with bronze light strings the guitar, when strummed even moderately, has a big, bright sound that is full of character. Not ‘booming’, but is enough to be heard even through distorted electric guitar chords of melodic heavy rock music, without losing the acoustic guitar fingerprint that was required of it. When finger picking style is used the instrument's sound is clear and precise with the notes ringing true. One thing that this guitar certainly has is volume and it punches well above its weight in build quality, looks and sound.
Rolling in at only £109 GBP not only is it an ideal beginner's guitar, but also fills a space for more advanced guitarists who may need a quality sounding instrument without breaking the bank. As stated before it looks and sounds like an instrument much more expensive than it is. Vintage have used very solid feeling chrome machine heads along with a 43mm white ABS nut, a compensating white ABS saddle and a tech wood bridge to allow this guitar to be both practical and hard working. This would make it a valuable workhorse to any player's armoury of guitars.
We’ve been using the Vintage V440WK for some time in lessons and at workshops and it’s always delivered. Recently we tested it for home studio recording and it surpassed everything that was expected of it. I believe that it would also be impressive in live situations, where it’s sound quality and playability would be a clear bonus.
Summing up – the Vintage V440WK is a good looking, solidly built acoustic guitar with a massive, clear sound, capable of crossing genres and styles with ease, both visually and sonically. Conservatively priced given the quality of construction and luscious sound that it creates, this guitar is comfortable to play and invites you to perform. The V440WK would make a serious beginner's guitar but would also be a creditable addition to any intermediate player’s collection.
