My first post people. I had to reply as I saw this inquiry while lurking, and this is currently on my mind.
I have one, well actually the XV-510 (quilted maple veneer over solid maple top) model, in Lemon Drop finish. The guitar is astonishing for the money (and a good guitar at any price really), with nice woods, finishing, and more than acceptable hardware. Some may find the need to change the tuners, but they upgraded them in the last year from the previous versions, so I'm keeping mine as is. Hey they work fine.
The pickups are much better than the ones on my Agile 2000. I like GFS pickups (My GFS Vintage Noiseless Hot Lead single coils are WAY better than my FENDER Noiseless for example, at less than a third of the price).
Again, some may choose to change them out for their own preference, but this isn't any different than what happens to even top of the line guitar purchases. I'm more than happy with the equipped Crunchy pups for a sub $500 guitar, and some priced even higher. YMMV.
Expect some tweaking in the setup and action department. The action is set a bit high, and I recommend changing out the strings right away. Again, not unusual for a new guitar of any make/model. The fretwork and neck feel is wonderful, at least on my example.
I'd have no problem recommending this LP knockoff to anyone who wants a solid, well made LP model, but doesn't have or want to spend $2,000 to $3,000 on one. These are WAY better than most Epiphone models at even double the cost of the 500/700 models. Same can be said of the Agile 2000, and most definitely the 3000 guitars, which are quite nice as well.
How anyone can offer this much for so little money is beyond me, but I'm not complaining. Asian (non Japanese that is. The Japanese have been making good instruments for years) made guitars in this price range have REALLY come a long way in the last few years, at least the Xaviere and Agile lines impress me in this fashion.
Nice forum BTW, and I'm pleased to be a part of it.
Cheers.
welcome Mike!
