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Average Price: $358

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

The Vintage ReIssued VSA500 is a testament to timeless design and modern craftsmanship, merging the best of both worlds for guitar enthusiasts. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is an ideal choice for musicians seeking a versatile instrument that delivers a warm, resonant tone. Its design pays homage to classic styles while incorporating modern enhancements for improved playability and sound.

The dual humbucker pickups are a standout feature, offering rich, full-bodied tones perfect for jazz, blues, and rock. These pickups are known for their ability to reduce unwanted noise while maintaining a powerful output, making the VSA500 a reliable companion for both live performances and studio recordings. The traditional f-hole design not only adds to its vintage aesthetic but also enhances the guitar's acoustic qualities, providing a dynamic range of sounds.

Constructed with a maple top, back, and sides, the VSA500 ensures durability and a bright tonal character. The mahogany set neck adds sustain and strength, while the smooth rosewood fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience. The guitar's hardware is designed for precision and reliability, featuring a tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece for stable tuning and intonation.

For players looking to explore diverse musical genres with a stylish and adaptable instrument, the Vintage ReIssued VSA500 stands out as a compelling choice.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucker pickups for noise reduction and powerful output
  • Semi-hollowbody design with traditional f-holes
  • Maple top, back, and sides for bright tone
  • Mahogany set neck for enhanced sustain
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Tune-o-matic bridge with stop bar tailpiece for stable tuning

Product specs

Brand Vintage
Model VSA500 Reissued Series Semi-Hollow
Finish Cherry Red, Gloss Black, Honeyburst, Natural Maple, Vintage Sunburst, Walnut
Year 2010s
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Vintage ReIssued VSA500 suitable for?

The Vintage ReIssued VSA500, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbucker pickups, is versatile and well-suited for genres like jazz, blues, and rock. Its design offers warm, resonant tones with enough clarity for both rhythm and lead playing.

What is the neck profile of the Vintage ReIssued VSA500?

The Vintage ReIssued VSA500 features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is ideal for a wide range of playing styles and provides a smooth playing experience for both beginners and experienced guitarists.

Does the Vintage ReIssued VSA500 have a set neck or bolt-on neck construction?

The Vintage ReIssued VSA500 is designed with a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a seamless transition between the neck and body for improved playability.

What kind of pickups does the Vintage ReIssued VSA500 use?

The Vintage ReIssued VSA500 is equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups, offering a robust and warm tone with reduced noise, making it ideal for a variety of musical styles.

Is the Vintage ReIssued VSA500 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Vintage ReIssued VSA500 is suitable for live performances. Its semi-hollow body design provides rich, resonant tones, and the dual humbuckers ensure powerful output, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

Richards Guitars

Richards Guitars

Vintage VSA500 (£400) Vs Gibson Figured Series 335 (£3000)

Video thumbnail for Vintage VSA500 (£400) Vs Gibson Figured Series 335 (£3000) by Richards Guitars

Vintage VSA500 (£400) Vs Gibson Figured Series 335 (£3000)

Richards Guitars

Richards Guitars

Video thumbnail for Vintage ReIssued VSA500 Semi-Acoustic ~ Cherry Red by Vintage Guitars

Vintage ReIssued VSA500 Semi-Acoustic ~ Cherry Red

Vintage Guitars

Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for As good as a Gibson 335? by Pherotone Studios

As good as a Gibson 335?

Pherotone Studios

Pherotone Studios

Video thumbnail for Vintage VSA500 by Bob Bill Nolan

Vintage VSA500

Bob Bill Nolan

Bob Bill Nolan

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent value for the price, especially compared to higher-end models

  • Beautiful fit and finish, with a stunning aesthetic

  • Wilkinson hardware and pickups rival more expensive brands

  • Graph Tech nut and Grover tuners enhance tuning stability

  • Versatile sound suitable for jazz, blues, rock, and country

  • Sensitive pickups respond well to playing dynamics

  • Low action and buzz-free setup straight out of the box

  • Slightly offset body and slant cutaway for comfortable playability

  • Balanced and stable body and neck for comfortable playing

  • Comparable to Gibson ES-335 in sound and feel

CONS

  • Some reports of poor fretwork requiring professional adjustment

  • Difficulty finding a suitable hard case due to unique body shape

  • Volume knobs may not clean up sound as effectively as other models

  • Potential for minor hardware issues, like stripped tuner screws

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vintage ReIssued VSA500.

Features and functionality

  • The VSA500 features Wilkinson bridge, pickups, and tuners, while the Epiphone uses its own components with Grover tuners and a Graphtech nut.

    Source
  • The neck profile on the VSA500 is noted as a "soft C," which may influence playability preferences for some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Vintage VSA500, Epiphone Dot models generally lack coil splitting, except certain ES-335 Pro models which may include this feature.

    Source
  • The Ibanez Artcore AS73 is highly praised for its feel and sound, often preferred over other semi-hollows in its price range.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners of Harley Benton guitars report issues like loose pickup adjustment screws, which may require replacement with larger ones from a hardware store.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some Harley Benton models may exhibit dark, grainless fretboards, which can be visually unappealing but do not affect playability.

    Source
  • Harley Benton HB35's fretwork is generally acceptable, with even frets that are not sharp, though minor aesthetic issues are noted.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Changing capacitors is suggested to enhance tonal clarity for guitars that sound nasal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Ibanez Artcore models can often be found cheaply but may require minor repairs like jack and switch replacements, which can incur higher labor costs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage VSA500 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Vintage VSA500 showcases impressive craftsmanship and a surprisingly authentic sound for its price point, making it a standout in the realm of budget guitars. Its lightweight design and unique offset body contribute to its boutique charm, while the mahogany center-block offers a warm tone reminiscent of more expensive models. However, it falls slightly short on tonal clarity, lacking the sparkle typical of an ES-335, and certain aesthetic details could use refinement. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for players looking for quality without breaking the bank, but some may wish to upgrade the pickups for a more polished sound.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
robin_summerfield

Excellent value. Much more than a 335 copy.

Pickups and electronics are absolutely first rate and setup was perfect right out of the box. Excellent value. I especially love the slightly offset body. Well balanced body and neck are very comfortable and stable while playing.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Elliott Randall uses Vintage ReIssued VSA500

Elliott Randall

Guitarist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Facebook

Featured in this June 11, 2021 Facebook post.

Look what arrived this morning! Sounds and plays as sweet as it looks. Go Vintage !!

See how Alonso Figueroa uses Vintage ReIssued VSA500

Alonso Figueroa

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Richtonemusic

Great sounding guitar, with Wilkinson pickups. Alonso was 16 when he got it

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Vintage ReIssued VSA500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
robin_summerfield

robin_summerfield

Gear IQ 163

amit_meir

amit_meir

Gear IQ 341

amit_meir

amit_meir

Gear IQ 341

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