 |
I wanted this guitar because of the incredibly small body for a twelve string. Back and shoulder problems make playing larger bodied models difficult for me now. I already had the six string Viator and so knew how comfortable it was to play. Having seen Paul Brett's promo video for the VTR800PB-12 on Youtube about a year ago I've been waiting for it to become available. I never intend to amplify and so I wish they also offered a purely acoustic version. I sort of worry that some of the benefit of having a solid soundboard might be compromised by screwing preamps, pickups and cables to it. I also expected the small body not to have the projection and resonance that larger guitars have. However, I knew these things when I bought it so not complaining. The first thing I had to do was change the strings; a steep learning curve if you haven't strung a twelver before! The strings fitted by Vintage were tuned in unison by pairs and I realised this was because the octave strings were far too heavy gauge to tune higher. I don't know why they did this because the whole point is to have them an octave apart. When changing the strings I found the tuners to be a bit cranky and one was very loose and wobbly. However they hold the tuning ok. As I'd hoped, playing the guitar was dream. I had been concerned that the wide neck and large headstock required for twelve strings might be awkward; but the guitar is perfectly balanced. The action is low and comfortable to play. The neck is slightly V shaped which is a deliberate throwback to the prewar era this model harks back to. Obviously it doesn't have the projection of a larger bodied model but the sound and sustain are as good as I had hoped they might be. For those who have read reviews about the earlier, and larger VE8000PB-12 where complaints were made about difficulty accessing the internal battery bag this problem is resolved with the VTR800PB-12 because it is fitted into the end of the body. As I never intend to use it I've removed the battery in case it leaks. So, all in all I'm delighted with the guitar. It's size makes it easy to play, store and transport. The padded carry bag is good enough to keep it safe. Value for money is excellent. Delivery was next day and packaging definitely good enough to allay fears of damage in transit.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I'd been looking for a parlour 12-string guitar for a while, and at the Viator on and off for a few months. It gets mixed reviews, but many say that initial problems are solved by getting the guitar set up properly. At such a low price for a quality instrument, you have to take the rough with the smooth, so I was prepared to get it set up. If you're spending a grand, maybe, you might have cause to complain about a generic set up. I have no complaints about it - maybe I'm lucky. I opened the packaging, and was able to play from the off. Richtone Music said the guitar would arrive 3 days later, and it did. Amazing service. The guitar was well packed for transit. It's even smaller than I thought it was, at an overall length of 90CM - about the same length as my Yamaha traveller guitar. When I saw just how small it is, I guessed it wasn't going to have that really big 12-string sound, but it does pretty well, I think. With the longer head, it looks a little like one of those South American instruments used in Mariachi. It comes fully strung, of course, and with possibly the best-looking gig bag I've ever seen, with the guitar's name embroidered in brass-colored thread on it. The electrics are kind of basic, but work fine. I've now tried it through a 50W amp and a small PA system, and it's nice and clear, and responds well to effects. I was slightly disappointed not to have a built-in tuner - a 12-string could really do with one - but, again, you get what you pay for. If it's not obvious, I recommend this guitar, and I also recommend Richtone as a seller - I'll definitely deal with them again. Now I just need to buy a house with a parlour. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a truly wonderful guitar with an amazingly clear and fairly loud tone for its size. When I bought it all the strings were tuned in unison ( I believe it comes like this from new ) so I put a new set of D'Addario's on in the normal 12 string tuning and it sounds fantastic. I cannot recommend this lovely guitar highly enough.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Bought this display model. Really nice little guitar for the money. Unusual tone, which was what I was looking for. Sounds very old world, really nice. Need a set up though as intonation is poor and action is low. (Disappointed Ritters didn’t set it up prior to selling. A display model, I would have thought would be). No big deal, had to do this for so many new guitars over the years, so used to it. All in all I would recommend it, really nice
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Acoustic Guitars
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Acoustic Guitars
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
