Vintage Gordon Giltrap V2000MGG VINTAGE Gordon Giltrap V2000MGG
Welcome to an all-acoustic addition to Gordon Giltrap’s superb Vintage Signature guitar range…
Words: Tim Slater
Acoustic guitar virtuoso Gordin Giltrap is one of the world’s most respected acoustic guitarists and even if you don’t actively follow his career, chances are that you’ve heard his playing on countless TV ads, soundtracks and jingles. The new all-mahogany V2000MGG is the third and latest addition to Gordon Giltrap’s signature series that JHS present under its Vintage brand and is the first purely acoustic guitar in the range.
Construction
The MGG is based on an original Rob Armstrong guitar that Gordon Giltrap purchased from the luthier over 30 years ago and is essentially an OM- style model, with Rob Armstrong’s influence most obviously displayed in the MGG’s tightly tucked waist that has the effect of slightly exaggerating the upper and lower bouts. Once you grow accustomed to the guitar’s curiously bulbous profile, the V2000MGG is still a very handsome guitar indeed. The mahogany has a warm orange hue and the understated satin finish is protected by a clear acrylic pickguard that eases anxiety about damaging the non-
lacquered solid mahogany top. This Giltrap model conveys the look and feel of an expensive handmade guitar and we reckon that you’d be hard pressed to guess straight off the bat that this guitar costs significantly less than £500.00 (£399.00 to be exact!) The V2000MGG feels really well crafted and finished. The 14th fret neck joint offers plenty of room for excursions up toward the so-called ‘dusty end’ of the fingerboard but the neck profile retains a fairly chunky somewhat old-school feel. If you’re more used to the slick, almost electric guitar-like playability of a Taylor or even some of the modern Martin designs, the MGG’s generously appointed neck profile initially seems a wee bit daunting but in fact it is very playerable. The elegant tapered headstock sports a set of gold-plated Grover tuners and work well in tandem with the well-cut nut.
Sounds
Originally designed to replace the banjo as the lead instrument in dance band orchestras, the OM’s style is valued for its versatility. With more range than a traditional dreadnought guitar, the OM retains
SHOULD I BUY ONE? Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate player or a seasoned guitarist looking for a good quality affordable acoustic the Vintage MGG should prove a very pleasant surprise. It definitely doesn’t feel or sound like a budget-priced guitar and whist the lack of a built-in pickup might deter some, the Gordon Giltrap V2000 MGG still represents a great way to enjoy dipping a toe into the acoustic realm without feeling like you are taking a big risk.
THE GOOD BITS:
THE NOT SO GOOD BITS: Lack of electronics might deter some but as a pure
SRP: £399.00 Contact: JHS Ltd -
www.jhs.co.uk
enough projection for a big punchy tone. Compared to the warmth of a spruce or cedar-topped guitar the MGG’s all mahogany construction maybe isn’t as silky smooth but it is certainly very powerful and strident. Generally the Giltrap MGG still sounds very well balanced, nimbly sidestepping the rawness that can often mar the sound of many affordable acoustic guitars. This guitar’s easy responsive feel and open tone reflects why a
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fingerstyle guitarist like Gordon Giltrap loves this style of guitar so much. Complex swirls of fingerpicked notes don’t seem to bother the MGG, which seems equally adept at functioning as a ‘lead’ guitar when switching to a more plectrum-based style. It may not possess the most sophisticated tone out there but it still develops plenty of power and its boldness will no doubt continue to soften and improve with age. PM
Fine build quality. Slightly unconventional looks and good tones sidestep usual expectations regarding affordable acoustic guitars. Comes with quality fitted case.
acoustic the Giltrap MGG is still great value for money.
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