Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Groove Cartel on November 02, 2008, 09:46:18 PM

Title: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 02, 2008, 09:46:18 PM
Hi all,

I just wanted to post some photos of my new guitar which got delivered yesterday. Its a Vanquish Legend, in the Custom option. Handbuilt by Ade Hardman of Vanquish www.vanquishguitars.co.uk . Ade's product range is currently being revamped and some new models/options can be seen at Music Live next weekend (7-9 Nov). These will include the Classic, Custom and Exotica. A new website is on the way to reflect the changes.

This is the first time I have had the luxury of having a guitar made for me, to my spec and it really is special. There's something really cool about being involved in the whole process from choice of the top, fingerboard, inlays, and all the hardwear. Now that took some time, but I think with Ade's help we have spec'd something really nice.

Have a look and let me know what you think. If you are interested in discussing a build give Ade a call on 07709 279641, or say 'hi' at Music Live. Vanquish will have some cool amps at the show to try the guitars through. Incl a Mesa Lonestar, Orange Tiny Terror, Two Rock and a  Hughes & Kettner Statesman.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 02, 2008, 09:51:22 PM
And a few more.......

Also check out the calibrated set of Crawlers with gold polepieces and scews.... sweet

Sounclips of a Legend Classic, without the maple top can be found here

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14434.0
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Roobubba on November 02, 2008, 10:06:14 PM
Wow, that's a Beauty! Thanks for sharing!

Roo
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on November 02, 2008, 10:10:42 PM
Very pretty top on that guitar
Cool stuff
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 02, 2008, 10:11:29 PM
Looks lovely, very well made and expensive!
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Nolly on November 02, 2008, 10:41:37 PM
The body shape isn't for me, but the woods and finish look excellent indeed. Congrats!
How do you find the Crawlers?
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 02, 2008, 10:49:14 PM
The Crawlers are just what I am looking for. I have previously used Dimarzio Freds, PAF Pro's, Humbuckers from Hell and Super Distortions and to be honest found them all much the same. With the switching built into the Vanquish (push push pots on both neck and bridge) I can get any sound I want from glassy Fender type sounds to just the right amount of drive from the bridge to jazzy neck tones.

I play in a jazz-funk band so clean is the most important sound for me, but I still need a good lead sound. I find the Crawlers are just right in being able to get a totally clean sound and a good lead sound. Combined with the guitar, my Mesa and a Blackstar HT Dual I think for the first time 'ever' I have my perfect sound.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: rohlfo on November 02, 2008, 11:49:25 PM
What wood is that top made out of if you don't mind me asking?
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 02, 2008, 11:55:01 PM
Its a 17mm maple top.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: PhilKing on November 03, 2008, 12:53:38 AM
Very nice guitar.  It is interesting how the strings go through the body and then over the tailpiece. 
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: opprobrium_9 on November 03, 2008, 01:20:49 AM
That guitar is teh sex!!!!!  I am not sure what i think about those cutaways though.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: rohlfo on November 03, 2008, 01:51:08 AM
Its a 17mm maple top.

oh cool! It looks like it has a natural wax finish - is that correct? And if so, how was the colouring done? I'm looking into getting a dark top for my next guitar which is why I'm asking.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 03, 2008, 08:33:23 AM
Yeah its a oil and wax finish. The colouration of the top was done by first applying a black stain, rubbing back and then applying a tobacco brown stain. This brings out the flame / detail in the wood. It is then oiled and waxed. I am sure I have made it sound simpler than it is! Sorry Ade.

A wax finish definately gives a far better tone than a guitar encapsulated in thick lacquer.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: noodleplugerine on November 03, 2008, 09:15:23 AM
Very nice guitar.  It is interesting how the strings go through the body and then over the tailpiece. 


+1

Looks pretty cool!

Only thing I'm questioning is why the lower horn is further up the neck that the top horn, seems counter intuitive.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 03, 2008, 09:20:30 AM
It isn't, they both leave the neck at the same fret. The pictures may be slightly off centre which give that impression as the body is also slightly carved.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: rohlfo on November 03, 2008, 11:03:43 AM
cheers  :D
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: dave_mc on November 03, 2008, 07:53:51 PM
very nice indeed! great top too. wasn't a vanquish reviewed in guitarist a while back? they look to be quality pieces of kit. :)
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: AndyR on November 03, 2008, 08:03:15 PM
Woah -  very pretty!!!

I'm not usually one for flamed maple tops - I appreciate them, but they don't make me go "boing"... But it seems that if you make it look like it's carved from chocolate, I start paying attention for some reason :lol:

That looks absolutely stunning, I hope you have much fun with it.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Philly Q on November 03, 2008, 10:20:58 PM
But it seems that if you make it look like it's carved from chocolate, I start paying attention for some reason :lol:

Good call, it does have a "Smooth & Creamy Galaxy" look about it!  :)
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: JustBecos on November 04, 2008, 01:41:19 AM
beautiful guitar I really like. It is Stunning!

Lots of people have noted the beautiful top etc, but the part that I really like is the neck joint, I had to look on the their web site and see how and why they do it, it's not a type of neck joint I have seen before. Not sure of how it would effect the sound but the idea behind it sounds good and it looks great !!!

In some ways like a feline lion joint as in flowing unsteped heal but done the other way round . The more I think of it, can't see why other people don't do it. I'm sure their must be cost and contruction issues if you were going to try and mass produce it, but it is still an 'Oh yeah why don't other people do that' type of idea

love it
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Groove Cartel on November 04, 2008, 08:33:07 AM
very nice indeed! great top too. wasn't a vanquish reviewed in guitarist a while back? they look to be quality pieces of kit. :)

Yes they had a Legend Classic reviewed, not sure of the issue number, but the full review is on their website at www.vanquishguitars.co.uk

Regarding the neck joint, its a bit special, look at the fret number where the neck starts to thicken, its definately the most unobtrusive joint I have ever used, you just don't know its there.
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: Kilby on November 04, 2008, 12:05:54 PM
That looks lovely, I have a very soft spot for the double cut style designs
Title: Re: Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers
Post by: dave_mc on November 04, 2008, 03:52:42 PM
Yes they had a Legend Classic reviewed, not sure of the issue number, but the full review is on their website at www.vanquishguitars.co.uk

thanks, i thought i'd heard of them before... :)