Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

[ChickenScratch]

I was just looking around for a cheap strat style guitar that plays good (so I can rip off Stump and Bellas) and came across the Kramer focus and it looks pretty cool to me.

Have any of you played this guitar?
What's the tone like?
How's that laminated body?

The only reason I'm even considering the Kramer is because I have the Baretta FR404 and think it's a cool guitar so why not consider something from the same company.

[Swillmaster]

Re: Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

For $69 its not all that bad. Granted, it is the "cheapest of the cheap" component wise. I picked one up to experiment on and was *somewhat* impressed by the playability of it right out of the box. And, you can always return it if you decide that it's a p.o.s. or keep it for "beginners refinishing".
You might want to look into the Striker FR-400S, single angled hum/Kramer floyd for $149. (Use coupon code XNB88-3RW14) They were saying good things about it over at the Kramer Forum, mine should be here tomorrow. Here is the link.

[ July 02, 2003, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: Swillmaster ]

[2Loud2Old]

Re: Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

I'd go with the striker.

Unless you are a novice,

You will be unhappy if you pick up the "laminate" ie: Plywood.

It does not even come close to the Baretta you have.

The Strikers however are nice guitars, better than low-mid end ESPs, thats for sure. They have nice necks with real clean smooth fretwork.

They do need a decent setup however, Musicyo is terrible at that.

If you have to have a dirt cheap strat guitar...

Consider "Saga Guitar Kits"

I've played a few of them, you put em together, paint em and they are made of *real tone wood - Adler*

They DO play better then the Focus stuff, thats for sure.

[ July 03, 2003, 12:27 AM: Message edited by: 2Loud2Old ]

[ChickenScratch]

Re: Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

No I'm not a novice, I just wanted to check out a strat style guitar because all my other guitars be they Jackson, Carvin or Krame are neck thru and have 2 humbuckers. Just wanted to throw some variety in there and since I'm so into Joe Stump and George Bellas of late you know.

[Swillmaster]

Re: Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

The Striker FR400S just got here and I will have to say that I am impressed. Low action with no buzz right out of the box. Psycho splatter paint looks cool IMO. Frets are nice and the Quad Rail pickup sounds decent thru my practice amp. Best of all, they threw in the D-Tuna as well. So, overall I'd say that $149 is a smokin' deal for a Koreamer. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[ July 03, 2003, 05:55 PM: Message edited by: Swillmaster ]

[2Loud2Old]

Re: Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

Yea, the FR400S is a real steal, it plays nice.. It's DIRT Cheap Brand New, and did you notice how light it was.

If Gibson put those guitars in music stores, and properly set them up.. it would be like "LTD- who?!?"

[Swillmaster]

Re: Anyone tried the Kramer Focus VT111S?

Yeah, the body is thinner than a Strat.. kinda reminds me of a Fusion. You're right about putting them in a store with a decent setup, then all they need is the "flavor of the week" to shill for 'em. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]