a_k_watson's Music Gear Setup

Version being reviewed is a 2015 V100 PGM Reissued

The Wilkinson hardware does the job, so much so that I have contemplated fitting WVC humbuckers to my Epiphone G-400. The pickups are clearer and brighter than stock pickups 1998 G-400 or my 2021 Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s. Let your ears decide how stock Wilkinson pickups in a V100 Lemon Drop compare to those in a Gibson Custom Shop "Blues Master" Les Paul in the astringuk YouTube video Ten Times The Tone? Gibson vs Vintage ( https://youtu.be/iq-vik2qfME?si=Kht8c8aNfGyXaY6z ).

I get the sense that if I was going to review the currently listed specification (2024) that I would would be singing praises of the more traditional two piece "mahogany" body and one piece "mahogany" neck in comparison to other brands in the price bracket and possibly awarding 5 stars. My 2015 has a three piece back (not matched in grain) and three piece laminate neck. On the other hand the back is rarely looked at and if anything starting to collect superficial buckle rash anyway. I also take onboard that a laminate neck will be more stable and warp resistant than a one piece neck. I just highlight the difference in build for those looking at the secondhand market for versions of that era should these largely aesthetic matters be a concern. I love the maple veneer flame on mine and I think it is guitar (on a wall of six) that catches the attention of visitors too.

Honestly the only thing I would change would be to make the neck a bit thicker as it is skinnier than my other guitars. Perhaps fast thin necks are of course a matter of preference.

Buying this guitar was definitely the right decision. Presuming the 2024 is as good as mine in all other ways, a traditional two piece body and one piece neck may have pushed the rating to 5 stars.