The Ugly Truth: Ventura Guitars

The first time I ran across one these guitars, I may have told this story before, was when a student of mine brought one in. I had never heard of them and was curious, as I am with all new guitars. So I picked it up and played a little bit to get the feel of it. I was surprised with how well it sounded. It looked like a decent student guitar and it sounds better than most student guitar I've seen. When I asked about were they found it, I was told they had bought it in a local shop. The only reason they had bought that guitar was because it was the cheapest 3/4 guitar in the store. I was so impressed that I went online to find out more. What I found out was surprising.

They Don't Sell Online

In a day and age when everything is available on the internet, we don't know what to do when you literally can't buy something online. Obviously, this does not apply to used Ventura instruments. No dealer is allowed to post Ventura guitars online, or mention there prices. This is because Ventura wants to protect the local music store. Local music stores are slowing going the way of the buffalo. I try to support my local music stores as much as I can. However, I am cheap and often deal peer-to-peer when buying a lot of gear. I like to find used gear and save some money, but sticks, strings, picks, capos, and the occasional pedal will be bough in a local music store. So when I learned that Ventura supported the same guys that let me play with their fun, new guitar stuffs, I felt good about that.

No One Knows About Them

Ventura might be the biggest secret it the music industry. Thirty something years ago, Ventura was a small but respected brand of guitars. If you go to Ebay and type in "Ventura", you will most likely see the vintage instruments that are associated with the brand. I won't speak to the particulars (because I don't actually know them) but in the last few years the brand has been revived. Manufacturing in China, at least for the most part, they make a wide range of instrument. Everything from student guitars to Acoustics made for solid wood and Fishman pickup systems. I actually own a Les Paul copy that I wrote a review about, here. Long story short, it's pretty freakin' amazing.

In Conclusion

Besides no one ever hearing of these guitars, Ventura is a great company that put out fantastic guitars. They are budget friendly and excellent quality. Today we find more and more brands going in the opposite direction. Fender guitars used to offer a decent guitar for an affordable price, but now even the Squire line is raising to the upper limits of "affordable". Ventura not only keeps small, local stores in mind, but they allow people access to quality instrument at nearly any price point. If you are looking for great deal on a quality instrument, find a Ventura dealer and try them for your self. If the name on the headstock makes no difference to you, then you will appreciate these instruments.

The Best Deal on a Banjo has Been Found!

If you've been reading this blog (bless you) then you may know that this year I've resolved to learn new instruments this year. The banjo is one of the instrument that I want to learn. Those intrested in this instrument know that it can be a little daunting to choose the right instrument. First of all there are several types of banjo, but the most popular is the 5-string tenor banjo. Looking at many of the larger retailers, you'll see many options in the beginner range. there are options starting at around $150. Most of the banjos at this range have no resinator (the round wooden back piece that projects the sound forward). If your local music store is any thing like mine, then the banjos there are a little more cost prohibitive. Being a novice and on a tight budget limits my option.

Is there an option at the $150 mark that is suitable for a serious beginner? Absolutly, and I'll share with you exactly where I found it. I found a retailer on eBay, but their prices are slightly less at there site (probably due to eBay fees. The site is Musicians Discount Warehouse I can't speak for anything other than the 24 Bracket Closed Back Jameson Banjo with Remo Head but what I've found really surprised me.

I'm sure that this banjo is imported for china or someplace simular. I'm am no stranger to these "value" instruments. I'm always on the look out for a great deal on any instrument. So, when I found this banjo that appeared to have all the features as other banjos costing 2 or 3 times the price. I was suspisious to say the least. When it arrived I was pleased to see that it was shipped in a double box and well packaged. It was well set-up out of the box. The bridge was well placed and after tuning the insturment was ready for action. I was planning on putting some time into adjusting things like head tention or bridge placement, but everything seemed to be in good working order. Next thing I instected was the fit and finish, and again, I was impressed. No noticable finsh flaw and all the fittings were snugg and well fitting. The only thing that I could complain about is that there a loose retaining screw for he resinator.

If you are concidering purchasing a banjo you should really consider the one linked about. I'm not sponcered by the retailer or brand or anything of the sort. I was just impressed by the value of the instrument that I received. I wouldn't call it a professional instrument and the appointment are not ornate. As far as a functional insturment, this banjo really shines. I have no doubt that I can learn on and use this instrument for my needs.