Decent deal on a KVX10?

[adoxtater]

Hey guys, I found a transparent blue KVX10 (with flamed maple top ) new in a local store for $450. Is this a decent deal? It has Duncan Designed pickups in it but they can be switched easily enough. I'm also curious of two other things.... first, is the flame maple top a photo or is it real maple? I've also seen conflicting stories of body wood, but am understanding the new models are basswood. How would this affect tone over a standard Alder body? I normally toss a Duncan Distortion in the guitars I buy, but am wondering if that would sound like shit in this body wood haha. I've never played a basswood-based guitar before so am curious. Any other input is welcome too. Thanks for the input!

[Hatekid]

Didn't that one have a bolt on neck? If it does then I'm fairly sure $450 is the average price, because I was looking a picking one up.

[adoxtater]

Yep it's a bolt on. So 450 is normal eh?

[Hatekid]

Yep it's a bolt on. So 450 is normal eh?

I think theres one at Musiciansfriend for the same I do beleive, but I don't think it has the flames.

[adoxtater]

I think theres one at Musiciansfriend for the same I do beleive, but I don't think it has the flames.

Hmmm ok. I do have to say the flames look pretty sweet

[Hatekid]

Hmmm ok. I do have to say the flames look pretty sweet

Pics plox

[wilkinsi]

I don't know how economics work in the USA, but for the same guitar in the UK, you'd be paying £450 which is around $900.

[Axewielder]

One minor issue I have with the KVX10 and the RX10D is they put the output jack on the bottom wing (unlike the USA versions). Kind of annoying if you are practicing sitting down, but a right-angle plug helps. Also, on the RX10D the strap button is in an odd place, and the guitar is somewhat unbalanced for me when standing. Looks like the KVX10 might have the same issue from the pics I've seen. The Pro series is so much better IMHO.

[memphiskat]

Does it have a trem? If its string thru its pre 2006 and alder I believe. I'd say its not a bad price as the plain black one's go for @ $489 new. Anything extra (swirl, burst, ect) it goes up. Just put an EMG81/81 set in mine and it rips! Karl

[adoxtater]

I think it's a newer model (I am getting it today so will check the serial on it when I get home and can take a look), and it has a licensed Floyd Pro trem. First thing I'm gonna do is yank out those pickups and put real Duncans in it hehe

[wilkinsi]

[adoxtater]

Ok I am going to go pick it up tonight. Will post pics when I get it home

[emperor_black]

Just put an EMG81/81 set in mine and it rips! Karl

Theoretically, EMG's in a basswood body will not sound as good as they do on Mahogany or Alder. But its up to you. I would go with the real duncans suggestion.

[adoxtater]

Theoretically, EMG's in a basswood body will not sound as good as they do on Mahogany or Alder. But its up to you. I would go with the real duncans suggestion.

Yeah I am gonna go with a Duncan Distortion in the bridge (never used one in a basswood body before so am hoping it sounds good) and either an SH1 or SH2 in the neck.

[Inazone]

The SD Invader sounds awesome in basswood, so I would expect the Distortion to sound good too. Much better than an EMG 81 in any case, which is pretty gutless in basswood.