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Good feel100% agree
Stays in tune50% agree
Good tone100% agree
2 reviews
Great idea, let down by buzzing bridge and Grovers
I got my Viator off Ebay quite a while back.. and I have to say I nearly gave up on it.
It's a nice idea, let down by poor set-up, components, and that strange bolt-on bridge.
The first issue was an annoying vibration, which seemed to be emanating from said bridge: finally in desperation I removed the two abalone discs that cover the fixings, and confirmed that both bridge fixing screws were loose. Eventually I managed, with the help of my partners small hand wielding a small spanner through the sound hole, to tighten them up.
Another annoying source of vibration was the machine heads; ostensibly 'quality' Grovers, they drove me crazy for weeks! Tightening up the friction screw as hard as I could didn't help, they still vibrated, and they were still too loose. I eventually dismantled them, and with deft use of a centre punch, deformed the slot of the bracket into which the shaft sits. Drastic I know, but you can't see much when assembled, and it improved the loose pegs. However, there was still an occasional buzz... but I FINALLY found the source.. it was actually the small chrome machine head knobs themselves, which are pressed on to the shafts.. there was a tiny amount of play in a few of these, that would resonate at certain frequencies. A drop of superglue wicked up into the shaft/knob join has sorted it.
You are probably thinking I'm a bit fussy about buzzes and noises on guitars.. not a bit of it! I have not had one other guitar in all my collection over the years which buzzed like this one from other than frets/low action.
Other issues on the Viator; the truss rod is at the end of it's adjustment, and the neck is a still a touch too flat. I have put heavier strings on which helped very slightly in getting a little relief in the neck.
I really shouldn't have to do all this on a £200 guitar.. but having said all that, it's now probably my primary armchair go-to instrument, the sound belying it's size; it's just sooo handy to have lying around and pick up anywhere.
In conclusion, I would cautiously recommend it; but be prepared to do some work, or budget for a set-up, before it becomes your favourite guitar.Read full review...
Verified purchase: No
Prepare to be impressed - a baby with a great voice and a quality build
If it is good enough for Gordon Giltrap, it's got to be good !
It is hard to believe that you can get such a superb quality machine for a little over £200 - and even better if, like me, you manage to purchase a little used instrument for almost half that price.
It's finish is astounding - Grover machine heads - exceedingly accurate fretting up to and over the 12th fret - and a sonority that is hard to believe from such a small bodied guitar.
Don't hesitate if you want either a travel guitar, or you are seeking a small instrument for an advancing young player
This instruments rocks - in every meaning of the word !Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: musical-money