Vester Tradition Series

(Originally written by frapana/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
American brand with Korean manufacturing. The production was discontinued in '94 after a lawsuit by Fender.

21 frets

3 active Vester HB 1 single coils,

1 volume control, 2 tone controls

2-point massive bronze Vester bridge

Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, Strat-like head

2-piece ash body with translucent red sunburst varnish, rear compartment for a 9-volt battery.

Gotoh machine heads

5-way toggle switch

Roller nut

High-quality chrome hardware

UTILIZATION

Very straight and pleasant neck, flat radius, low action, no fret noise problems.

Typical Strat playing comfort but it's heavier than an alder Strat (because of the pretty ash body and the massive bronze bridge).

SOUNDS

With my Hot Road Deluxe amp the sound is stunning! The guitar provides a typical high-class Strat sound in each of the 5 positions, it generates no noise at all and the output level is comparable to DiMarzio Virtual Vintage pickups (I own a Strat with DiMarzio pickups). The sound quality is virtually the same.

The massive bronze bridge gives a very long sustain to the guitar.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this guitar secondhand in a music store. I first noticed the wood and hardware quality, I tested it at the shop without a 9-volt battery and the sound wasn't convincing. I bought it because I had the idea to replace the pickups. But once I got home, serviced it and installed a new battery it blew me away. I still can't believe it. A super Strat for the price of a couple of good pickups. If you ever see a Vester Tradition Series somewhere try it because you might miss the chance of discovering a very exciting adventure .