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Vantage 320T
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Are vantage guitars good for heavy/thrash/death metal?

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Topic Are vantage guitars good for heavy/thrash/death metal?
Seen a good deal on a 320t pearl ,pretty dusty ,but that’s ok ,my only issue is I’m not at all familiar and havnt found much online upon surface searches,any one have any experience or info? I’m I play till it breaks kind of guy(as in I barely have any money to shell) so I’ve only been able to have hands on experience with bc rich ,eppihone explorer,for the heavy muddy taste and dabbled into shecters for the fast neck,finger friendly fret inlays I’m not properly trained to avoid cuttin my under hands in Jackson’s unless it’s a 7 str and Ibanez doesn’t fit my aggressive play style so long rant short, how’s it glide on the neck and does or will it hold up? Sorry it’s intriguingly low $ enough to grab but still a lil above my budget to surprise myself any input would greatly appreciated thanks, -james
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Hey James,

Sounds like you’re eyeing that Pearl 320T! I get where you’re coming from—if you’re a “play till it breaks” kinda guy, you want something that’ll hold up without costing a fortune.

While the Pearl 320T isn’t as well-known as brands like BC Rich or Schecter, here’s what I can offer based on similar guitars from that era/price range:

1. Build Quality & Durability:
Pearl guitars are generally built well for their price, especially older models like the 320T. Even if it’s dusty, a good cleanup and setup (adjusting action, truss rod, intonation) should make it playable. If you’re used to guitars that can take a beating, I think it could hold up decently for a while, but since you’re on a budget, you might want to keep an eye on the hardware or electronics, which could be a bit worn.

2. Playability / Neck Feel:
If you’re into Schecters for their fast necks, the Pearl 320T might not feel as slick. Pearl necks tend to be on the chunkier side, more in line with classic rock or blues guitars, but nothing too extreme. If you like a thin, fast neck, this may not be exactly the same, but it should be playable if set up properly. Finger-friendly frets can be hit or miss depending on the condition, but some TLC should help.

3. Tone & Versatility:
For the “heavy and muddy” tones you’re after, it might not hit BC Rich levels right out of the box, but with some tweaks (maybe changing pickups down the line), it could get close. Stock pickups on these are generally decent but won’t have the high output aggression of a BC Rich or Ibanez.

4. Price vs. Condition:
If it’s a good deal, even with some dust and wear, it might be worth it—especially if you’re comfortable maintaining it yourself. I’d recommend seeing if the electronics are in working order (pots, pickups, etc.) and if the neck is straight. If those are good, you can probably make it work for your style without much hassle.

Overall, it sounds like a gamble that could pay off if the price is right and you’re ready to give it a little love. If you’re on the fence, I’d check out the condition in person, especially the neck and electronics.

Hope that helps!