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OK, I've been back from Australia for almost a week now and have had the chance to fiddle around with my new (used) AL2500.
It is one of the older ones with the correct horn and headstock that can't be bought anymore.
1. fit and finish:
As usual, this Agile is top notch in terms of how everything is put together. You'd be hard pressed to find anything wrong with the woodworking on these (I have two other "old headstock" Agiles this is the forst one with the correct horn). Being used, there are a few nicks in some of the plastic pieces. Namely the poker chip has a ding in it, but that is easily replaced if I am so inclined. The finish on this one is just as durable as my other two, and to be honest the previous owner definitely took better care of this than I do mine. Single bound neck, body and headstock which is well done. I would have rather had the triple bound body and heastock and single bound neck that I have on my AL3000, but other that going custom shop, that ain't gonna happen much less getting the correct headstock and horn. The neck has the typical gloss back and the rosewood of the fretboard is very nice with a consistent grain pattern. I am very pleased.
2. Electronics:
Some talk about the need to replace the threeway switch, but at this time, I do not see a need for that. It works as it should, and I just don't see why I should replace something that works fine. It came loaded with a Duncan SH-4 in the bridge and the stock ceramic in the neck. I bought this guitar with the intent of replacing the pups with GFS VEH pups, so both of those WILL be taken out and replaced. Not that there is anything wrong with what's in there because they both really sound good, just not what I want.
3. Playability:
The action is ALMOST where I want it. I say almost because I like it really, REALLY low. As it is now and how I got it, it is just kinda low. But that will be remedied once I give up this guitar to the plek tech/luthier for a plekking/bone nut install/RSguitarworks vintage/modern wiring harness/pup swap. (This was in the plans before I made the purchase.) The only major flaw (that I knew to expect because it is true of my two previous Agiles), is the damn weight. It really has to be at least 10lbs. I will compensate with a 3.5 inch strap, so it shouldn't be too much of a factor.
Pix will be forthcoming once I find my camera.
I have to say, after buying this one, owning two other older models, and reading reviews on more recent purchases, Agile has certainly been one of the better companies out there since its inception. They really have put out a very high quality product from the beginning and from what I've read, that business plan has not changed at all. I am very happy with all three of my Agiles, and will more than likely look to them again if a need for a different guitar arises again.
Front: removed pickguard-
Back: not even belt buckle swirl, never mind rash!
Only blemish: nicked edge of poker chip-
Now to find one of their 1st generation SG copies to kill that GAS!
It is one of the older ones with the correct horn and headstock that can't be bought anymore.
1. fit and finish:
As usual, this Agile is top notch in terms of how everything is put together. You'd be hard pressed to find anything wrong with the woodworking on these (I have two other "old headstock" Agiles this is the forst one with the correct horn). Being used, there are a few nicks in some of the plastic pieces. Namely the poker chip has a ding in it, but that is easily replaced if I am so inclined. The finish on this one is just as durable as my other two, and to be honest the previous owner definitely took better care of this than I do mine. Single bound neck, body and headstock which is well done. I would have rather had the triple bound body and heastock and single bound neck that I have on my AL3000, but other that going custom shop, that ain't gonna happen much less getting the correct headstock and horn. The neck has the typical gloss back and the rosewood of the fretboard is very nice with a consistent grain pattern. I am very pleased.
2. Electronics:
Some talk about the need to replace the threeway switch, but at this time, I do not see a need for that. It works as it should, and I just don't see why I should replace something that works fine. It came loaded with a Duncan SH-4 in the bridge and the stock ceramic in the neck. I bought this guitar with the intent of replacing the pups with GFS VEH pups, so both of those WILL be taken out and replaced. Not that there is anything wrong with what's in there because they both really sound good, just not what I want.
3. Playability:
The action is ALMOST where I want it. I say almost because I like it really, REALLY low. As it is now and how I got it, it is just kinda low. But that will be remedied once I give up this guitar to the plek tech/luthier for a plekking/bone nut install/RSguitarworks vintage/modern wiring harness/pup swap. (This was in the plans before I made the purchase.) The only major flaw (that I knew to expect because it is true of my two previous Agiles), is the damn weight. It really has to be at least 10lbs. I will compensate with a 3.5 inch strap, so it shouldn't be too much of a factor.
Pix will be forthcoming once I find my camera.
I have to say, after buying this one, owning two other older models, and reading reviews on more recent purchases, Agile has certainly been one of the better companies out there since its inception. They really have put out a very high quality product from the beginning and from what I've read, that business plan has not changed at all. I am very happy with all three of my Agiles, and will more than likely look to them again if a need for a different guitar arises again.
Front: removed pickguard-
Back: not even belt buckle swirl, never mind rash!
Only blemish: nicked edge of poker chip-
Now to find one of their 1st generation SG copies to kill that GAS!
On that front though I am OK with the weight of the Agiles, they are solid non chambered, non drilled pieces of wood whereas the Gibson WILL be at the very least swiss cheesed or chambered. I would rather the solid piece myself. With the Gibson with the same appointments as an AL2000 (bottom of the Agile line), you would have to go with a LP Standard. Out of the box, you will be out $2500 (Musicians Friend), and have no idea what the quality of the guitar will be.
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