REVIEWED


Vintage VXP6 VINTAGE VXP6 Words: Tim Slater


Among the iconic electric guitars that have earned their place in history, few can stands out as something truly bold and unique as the Explorer. This particular design originally emerged during the late 1950s when the electric guitar was still a relatively new instrument and exciting new innovations seemed to be lurking around every corner. Like it’s stable-mate the Flying V, the original Gibson Explorer was probably a bit too ahead of its time when it first appeared but later generations of rock guitarists were fascinated by its aggressive angular lines and made good use of its sweet and powerful tones. The striking Vintage VXP6 joins the UK-based brand’s ‘Reissued’ series that offers a tempting variety of well made yet bank balance-friendly interpretations of several classic electric guitars; instruments virtually dripping with attitude and charisma.


Body & Neck Whereas the original Gibson Explorer was – and still is – constructed entirely from mahogany the VXP6 has an


VINTAGE VXP6


SRP £349.00


All prices include VAT CONT


ACT


JHS Ltd T:


W:


01132 865 381 www.jhs.co.uk


Eastern poplar body mated to a glued-in maple neck. To be honest, the departure from traditional timbers doesn’t seem to compromise the VXP6’s abundance of natural resonance and sustain. In fact, with a weight of approximately 7Lbs (3 kilos) the VXP6 still feels every inch the substantial and robust rock guitar and its awkward shape actually balances surprisingly well when the guitar is slung on a guitar strap, seemingly equally comfortable when either worn around waist-height ala The Edge or else slung low down with an appropriately wide-legged stance in the manner of a mean HM front man. The gloss black finish has a nasty habit of highlighting even the smallest fingermark but it is nevertheless difficult to find fault with the quality of the VXP6’s flawless mirror-like sheen. Playability-wise the VXP6’s extended lower bout helps to grant pretty much unhindered access to the higher reaches of the 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. Indeed, something about the Explorers elongated shape feels almost Strat-like, which leads one to wonder whether Gibson were influenced by its esteemed Californian rival when the Explorer was first on the drawing board? A traditional 24.75-inch scale, flat 12-inch radius fingerboard, medium jumbo frets and chunky but comfy rounded neck profile may have their roots very firmly planted in the late 1950s but the superb neck access and great playability nevertheless feel in tune with the type of feel modern rock and HM guitarists love.


Hardware and sounds Kitted out as it is with a full


20 3 www.playmusicpickup.co.uk


The Edge and Metallica’s James Hetfield have helped to keep this futuristic looking guitar in the public eye. Will this latest offering from JHS & Vintage encourage your sonic Explorations..?


compliment of Wilkinson hardware the Vintage VXP6 sticks closely to the traditional Explorer control layout. A pair of separate rotary volume controls (one for either pickup) and a master tone control are linked to a three-way pickup selector mounted on the lower bout. The dual volume controls initially


feel a bit clumsy compared to a single master volume setup but with a bit of practice it soon becomes virtually second nature to set different volume levels for each pickup and use the pickup selector to toggle between them, thus extending the guitar’s tonal range. The Wilkinson WHHBN humbuckers demonstrate a very convincing take on the classic warm and fruity-sounding vintage PAF tone despite their ceramic magnets and fairly high output. It may just be my


old ear drums showing a bit of wear and tear but if anything the VXP6 feels a little light on treble frequencies; it’s just so incredibly smooth and creamy that one does find oneself tweaking the amp’s tone controls to help the upper register cut through a little more. The VXP6 can happily kick down doors when cranked though a loud overdriven amp but the power feels soft and easy to use; the Wilkinson units’ supple dynamics retain their fulsomeness, even when the volume is backed off. High output pickups can sometimes sound a bit stiff or brittle unless they are operating at full throttle but the abundance of dynamic range lets clean tones chirrup and chime, building up to a satisfying roar as the gain levels gradually increase to more anti-social levels. PM


SHOULD I BUY ONE?


Vintage has got doing the knack of making superb ‘Reissue’ guitars down to a very fine art indeed; you can take this axe in 100% stock trim and gig it to death with no need to shell out more bucks on expensive aftermarket parts. Everything feels solid and it sounds pretty bloody amazing, to be frank, especially considering the relatively modest price. Perhaps a more period-correct translucent amber finish (similar to the option available on the Vintage VV60 Flying V) might find more approval among vintage buffs – no pun intended - but then again the more aggressive all black look will probably appeal to HM and modern rock players. If you hanker after this style of guitar and a US model isn’t currently in your sights then this Vintage is a very viable alternative.


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