Vanquish Legend - Custom, with BKP Crawlers

[Groove Cartel]

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.

[Groove Cartel]

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

[Roobubba]

Wow, that's a Beauty! Thanks for sharing!

Roo

[FELINEGUITARS]

Very pretty top on that guitar
Cool stuff

[Johnny Mac]

Looks lovely, very well made and expensive!

[Nolly]

The body shape isn't for me, but the woods and finish look excellent indeed. Congrats!
How do you find the Crawlers?

[Groove Cartel]

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.

[rohlfo]

What wood is that top made out of if you don't mind me asking?

[Groove Cartel]

Its a 17mm maple top.

[PhilKing]

Very nice guitar.  It is interesting how the strings go through the body and then over the tailpiece. 

[opprobrium_9]

That guitar is teh sex!!!!!  I am not sure what i think about those cutaways though.

[rohlfo]

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.

[Groove Cartel]

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.

[noodleplugerine]

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.

[Groove Cartel]

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.