I bought one exactly like that. Had the same tuning and intonation issues. Got a bit frustrated with it because i been playing mostly Fenders for 53 yrs and never had a guitar fight me like this one. A lot of head scratching later..I took a long look at the bridge. It is not a tunomatic style bridge...it is a Nashville style. I took a very close look at tbe bridge..sure enough..the grooves on the saddle were backwards. The larger groove was under the high E string ans smaller was under the low E. I flipped the bridge around..intonated and tuned right up, no problems..and stays in tune. The factory put the bridge on the posts backwards. Yes, that made the intontation screws a wee bit harder to access...but only had to do it once. Now..that being said...always been a tele man at heart..through all my 50 yrs of playing...but..i actually found this body style comfortable..the top wing gives me a place to rest my arm p l aying sitting down...lol. Great video and good review!
You sold me on the Musi's now albeit I'm not an Explorer or Gibsonesque style guy either , I'm digging these buys you've been hitting on. Great value of videos my friend. Well done. Regardless of why they were returned, I dig this series and your playing once again, YOU ARE a killer player. Lmao 🤣
Thank you... I wish I could tell you that every Musi or WestCreek is perfect out of the box, but like anything else, it's a gamble... But don't worry, if I get a bad one you'll know hahaha!
@@j-man9457 you're a Gigger? is it true if we gonna Gig & do cover songs we need a license from the owner of those songs & we would have to share in the profits? hmm seems like not much money in being a cover band if this is the case..
@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow nah not around here, how ever there are bars here that pay a SOCAN fee. It's a copyright fee for cover songs. That doesn't come out of the band's pay. The bar handles that in their operational costs...
You have to look below the price on the listing... Sometimes you have an option for "buy used like new". If you click on that you can buy an open box/returned item. But they are not always available...
Hey brother, I’ve watched a couple of your videos and really like the direction. BUT, I wish maybe you could do a bit less talking and get to the point . I’ve been purchasing cheap instruments and finding similar characteristics with the instruments. It’s all good. Keep it going! “FOREVER Jam’n” Jesse.
I just bought the same guitar in purple. Wouldn’t stay in tune so I swapped out the tuners for Guyker locking style and that solved the problem. Now it plays fine, holds tune and sounds excellent.
Ahhhh Nice upgrade... Gonna set it up properly in the next video... I think these tuners will be fine. They have no slop in them at all... But I'll keep those guyker's in mind if not. Thanks!
sweet riffage brotha! wonder if theres some binding in the nut goin on? possibly strings still stretchin as well? a "ping" when "up tuning" is usually a dead giveaway on binding in the nutslot(s).....i have a few i need to sort out on the ping thing lol!
I liked the Musi better. Maybe a set of locking tuners on this one? What about a Fojil from Amazon straight out of the box, not a return? I'm a Piano/Hammond player and I'm wanting a super-cheap guitar to noodle around with, and those Amazon Fojils are looking pretty good if I or a friend check (and tweak) the setup. I'd be interested in your opinion.
@@j-man9457 A shame, that's what I'm looking at. I want a cheap guitar to noodle with, Fojill seems to fit the bill, Maybe something to do with the Canuck national tree, the Maple in the neck? Those Oaks are so lofty!!!! I mistyped in the OP, BTW, it is Fojill, with two Ls. I'm pretty accomplished on Piano and Hammond.
@@stephanpeters3875 that's awesome... I'm not coordinated enough to play piano😯 I think the "Scar my guitar" channel reviewed a few Fojill guitars... Unfortunately not in Canada yet...
@@j-man9457 Yeah, I've watched his videos for the Fojill SuperStrat and RG style guitars. Watching those was what probably tripped UA-cam's "you might also like this guy, try the J-Man" algorithm that led me to you. It seems to me the Fojills have a nicer body and neck, require less setup and come with a pretty good fret job, but the West Creeks have better electronics (specifically pickups). Really I'll be a raw beginner playing through a cheap practice amp so I may not notice subtleties like "Tone Wood,' and all that stuff. But if it's an unplayable instrument, that would suck.
@@stephanpeters3875 yup totally agree... Can't speak for Fojill but if WestCreek improves on the QC issues I pointed out to them, they'll be hard to beat! If Fojill comes to Canada I'll be getting one for sure hahaha
My first time watching any of your videos, Wow! You are a awesome guitarist! And i can tell you are a cool dude! You got my subscription! Thanks for the time and effort you put into making these videos! Awesome!
Ahhh man thanks! 🙏 Nothing fancy here. Just a passion for guitars and gear and lots to learn still where the playing is concerned hahaha Love sharing with and hearing from like minded enthusiasts! Cheers!
Agree with you that the Westcreek shipping boxes are very well made and padded. I plan to keep the one my Double Trouble double necker came in until I find a reasonable case or gig-bag.
Lots of chicken pickin goodness..!!.. love how you countrified crazy train nice job.. maybe crappy string not stretched at all is rhw issue or nut slots?? Hope you tear into this one
Nice! Allen wrench didn't scratch because it didn't move with such a nice fit. (And poly finishes are bulletproof) Same principle as touring road cases. That box and foam are better than buying a a new cheapo case for it.
That “notch” on the bottom is indeed similar to later Ibanez Destroyer models, but the ORIGINAL “lawsuit era” Destroyers started out as perfect clones of the Gibson Explorer, too, and in both cases, I’m betting they added that “notch” to avoid lawsuits from Gibson. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say the Westcreek Revenge is an Explorer clone, too. 😊
@@Nosferdamus Ibanez, were once reasonably priced for what they were; they were one of the original “knock off” brands of everything Gibson and Fender made (I believe they started in earnest around late 1950’s - early 1960’s). Which goes to show how even knock off brands can elevate themselves to be household names in the guitar industry… with CNC machines and computer assisted design, laser cutting and precise machining available for nearly any manufacturer who wants it, the market is getting flooded with really good “knock off” brands in quality factories building the same exact instrument as the “big name” brands. In some instances, BETTER instruments than the big name brands. It’s a great time to be a young guitar student able to learn on quality instruments that can be had for $125 - $300 and excellent instruments for $400 -$550. Add to that “knock off” amplifiers and anyone can have an outstanding rig for under $500 if they want it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@-KingOfKhaos No I know Ibanez made a big name for themselves, and they tend to have high standards, just nowadays high standards come with a high price point is all. It's funny how they were a knock off brand who now have knock off brands copying them as well.
can't wait to see this guitar again with you setting it up to your specs, explorer style is not to my personal liking, but i would love to hear it reset up 😁
When it comes to ordering guitars from Amazon, it is normal in most cases that you should'nt expect them to be set up, unless maybe the guitar came from a music store, but even at that don't expect to much. Even at Canada's biggest Music store chain called Long&McQuade, when you buy a guitar there, most times they are not set-up, Only after you purchase a guitar from their, then they will provide you with a free set-up. So Yah almost anywhere you buy a new guitar from, they need new strings and a set-up, that is very normal, unless you buy a used guitar that has already been set-up. However I know for a beginner guitarist, it is a pain in the ass for them, because they can't play much to begin with and that will cause them to get discouraged if the guitar does not play well or sound good when they begin to learn how to play and practice on their guitar being brand new. Even myself I have rented guitars, and had to pay for them to get set-up while I was renting them. OK, great video and keep up the great work. I subscribed to your channel a few weeks ago, and am now following you regarding every video that you make. Don't worry about those few people who make rude remarks about what you said in almost a whole video talking about that. There is always going to be trolls, or people that interpret things the wrong way, maybe those people are suffering from mental illness or Dementia, Right? Oh I saw a peek review on your secret mystery dancer there in the beginning of your video, Ha ha ha! I see that you are quite Smart, talented and quite experienced regarding setting up guitars, wish I had that knowledge also. Well Cheers until the next video, I will be looking forward to seeing you do all the setting up regarding this guitar.
I answered in your last comment... And no tuners are great... It was just a sticky nut and crappy stock strings! Part 2 will be out tonight the set up !!!
So by the 19:00 mark, this guitar seemed to be holding tune slightly better… I wonder if those were just some junk strings on it that needed to be really stretched out first… and just never were before it got to you?
@@j-man9457 I watched the entire series you did… excellent set up you did in part 4… I actually have been eye balling that West Creek Revenge for a while now… as well as the similar model made by FireFly (although I suspect they are all made by the same company in China lol… just as are many of the “name brand” guitars like Fender, Ibanez, Epiphone etc are made in the Cort factory in Korea largely)… the entire guitar industry as a whole is somewhat of a racket when you think about it lol
Haters gonna hate, don't let it bother you. No one is forcing them to stick around, some people just like to complain. I've been playing since '76 and everything you say is correct. I like buying used guitars from guitar center for cheap and upgrading or repairing them or both. You never know when you are gonna find that particular guitar that you want to play all the time after you work on them or upgrade things. Guitars can be awesome or not depending on how much time you invest in them. Sometimes you get lucky and they are good out of the box! Anyway, just discovered your channel and its very entertaining. Thank you!
Right on man, thanks! Love hearing from people that have been on the music and modding scene for a long time. Wisdom in your words man! Thanks for sharing!
Got the m Musi tele …. And it’s great right out the box.. haven’t touched a thing… I mean could I lower the action? Yeah, but it’s perfectly intonated and it’s articulate enough for me.. thanks again for the videos … fender really better step up their game to justify those prices
It is indeed a clone of the Gibson Explorer. That “notch” on the bottom near the strap button is a slight deviation from the original Gibson design, probably to avoid a lawsuit from Gibson. Later versions of the Ibanez Destroyer have a similar “notch,” but it started out originally as a perfect clone of the Gibson Explorer-these are known as “lawsuit era” Ibanez models, and are HIGHLY collectible today, owing to their rarity, the fact that they were originally made at the FujiGen factory (one of THE highest quality guitar factories in the world), and the fact that people like Eddie Van Halen played an original Ibanez Destroyer at one point.
Yep , even in the upper bugdet range ( 300 -500 euro ) most guitars will need a set up and some new strings , but beyond that there mostly real nice guitars , i have bought a squire 40th anni vintage tele and strat lately and after a good set , new strings they sounded and played great ( i also did replace the aluminium /anodized pickguards for plastic ones , the original pickguards made the pick ups sound to dark , ones the plastic pickguards where on the guitar the guitars sounded way brighter and more open ) .
Yeah, it would be nice if they were SS frets like later Fireflys or Musis, but nevertheless, those frets look like they’re well done. The ball ends are nice, and unless you’re playing it really hard for several hours a day everyday, you probably won’t wear them out for several years. Ball end frets usually do have some variation in lengths, and don’t always reach the sides of the neck, since they cut and dress those frets before they put them on the neck… For some, this may be an issue, but I’ve never noticed it to be bad enough to cause any sort of playability issues.
If it is a great platform, you could just replace the pickups and all hardware and install stainless frets and do all the fret work yourself if you want to. I would like to know how good of a platform it is. I mean, at this price point it is competing with jackson and ibanez entry level 2 guitars
Yeah you could do all of that, but after a good set up, these are really good with the factory hardware. And the Alnico pickups can hold their own just fine... 😁
Tuning issues can usuually be easily dealt with. Easily gig with that and I'm a real guitar snob. Not that I have many high end guitars, I just like sticking with the old traditional brands.
I like mine, I have the army green color I put new strings on it oiled the fretboard action is nice, I have no complaints, have a few firefly ffsps to all great budget guitars I'm only playing in my basement after all
Awesome man... I set up an Army green Revenger for a customer a while back. Super nice guitar and cool vibe with that color! I mostly play in my basement too but sometimes on weekends I come out and they let me play gigs in real bars hahaha! Rock on buddy!
@@bobrichardson3854 it's a luck of the timing sort of thing. When you're looking at an item on Amazon, below the listed price, sometimes there's an option that says “save with used like new“ if you click that link you can buy the item you're viewing at a reduced rate. It's either a return, an overstock or an open box item... You just have to keep watching...
Man don't count yourself as a player . Love your channel and your honest reviews . I love to play but having five operations on my hands it gets a bit tough sometimes . A good set up takes care of a lot of problems . Be well .
They return them because out of the Box they expect a full top of the range custom set up Stratocaster, and play like KANAMI, or IGOR PASPALJ, or maybe Clapton does not sound right so send it back :-)
I have 3 of the revenge and 2 racer and double trouble. All have full size pots.tje double trouble does not have ball end frets and has some finishing defects on necks . West Creek guitars are in my opinion better then other budget guitar brands.
@@j-man9457 Same here brother… and now all my kids are in love with 80’s rock (I wonder why)… let’s be honest, no other decade produced better songs in every genre… the 80’s is when production got better, gear got better, and players seemingly just got way better. Of course there are 70’s bands like Boston, KISS, etc that are incredible still today as well… but the 80’s, that was it 🤘🏻 🎸
Plays like a dream but man the poor thing is in need of some major TLC! Wait till part 2... I suspect an Epiphone killer is waiting to be released hahaha! It may even seriously injure a Gibson and all for only 300$ 😆
My God J-Man you absolutely blow it away when you play. Have you ever thought of giving lessons. I'm in desperate need of some. Between my crippled hands and lack of knowledge it would be welcomed. You sound great and the guitar doesn't do bad either. Just absolutely hate the look of it though.
Thanks so much man! Not my style either but man these play great! No lessons... I don't know what I'm doing half the time so how would I teach it hahaha!
My guess on the tele type.... someone who doesn't play a style that a tele is common on? Perhaps a victim of persuasive marketing? I have seen quite a few high subscriber UA-camrs saying that everyone should have a tele in their collection. I can see some youngin' who only plays with high distortion, perhaps? Im not sure as that thing was amazing looking and sounding.
that a string going out is probs the nut i'd raise the bridge and redo the nut notice it's the A and B strings going out? put some emg's in that thing man
Every slot had to be filed. Strings at the nut were too high, not enough relief, intonation wasn't set and the original strings are cheap... Pups are good! 👍
Are you asking or saying? Not sure with the question mark... If you're asking, and you watched part 4 with the new strings and set up, I'd have to say no. Not muddy at all. For a guitar that costs 250$ brand new in the US, these pickups are great. 😉
Yup I get it, however I'll take a sweet playing and feeling guitar with a dent in it any day over a perfect looking one that plays terribly due to bad build quality....
@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow yeah not sure... That works on wood finishes, but on a sealed painted surface I'd be afraid to yellow the paint even more with the heat!
@@j-man9457 Good point, but they're getting so good with these "budget" guitars. There's a really good chance the next one would be blemish free, and play well.
Yeah there is a guitar channel that I feel gives guitar brands a bad name if id doesn't get the guitar free & money for referring people to buy them. I Have however that THE FLYING V HAS issues with intonation and staying in tune. Which could be true. But the X Body is a good guitar 🎸 cheers 🍻🥃🥃🎸🎵🎶🎶
Hey are you talking about the WestCreek flying V? Check out my videos on the flying V Cerberus guitars I bought 2 identical ones. After a little work they were fantastic! 😍
@@j-man9457 oh I saw a few videos on them and they were all intonation issues. So apparently you are saying basically this is a set up issues...It perplexed me with CNC MACHINING and Computer Design. Just purchase the original one scanned in done. Cheers 🍻 🥃🥃 🎸 🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶
@@j-man9457 They are listed as high return items. .Like I said with CNC MACHINING I thought how could anyone mess that up you don't even have to understand scale lengths. I like the new purple & black ones they have Super Strat style guitars with EVH inspiration colors and patterns which Eddie Van Halen got from a band he watched the Dill's he did a little different pattern and colors. Thanks. Hey HOW ARE YOU GETTING DISCOUNT ON RETURN ITEMS????
@@BackWoodsBillyCraftBeerReviews On Amazon, below the price, if it says Save now with used like new, click on that link. It will give you a discount on an open box returned item like the one you're looking at... The only problem is the description is not always accurate🥴 .... And that's why I'm confused... My 2 Cerberus were perfect after a set up. Maybe I got a different production lot than you and the problem you had was corrected on mine???🤔🤔
I watched all your reviews, including the no.4 review on a patterned stratty-type gitar with issues such as as low spring tremolo tension, too much F/b relief to name a few of the problems. Many of these companies producing from Countries with cheap labour resources, liberal tax advantages etc, are start-up punters having a go. And like Ffly, they'll get better at it. Why don't you buy a Bacchus Universe , Yammy pacifica , Ibanez, or an Aria Proii, which are made in China, or Indonesia. They're relatively cheap, too. But two worlds apart in quality, 9.5/10 stocking test every time. Perfect intonation , etc , One reason for this :is the return of these instruments to Japan, for quality control by Japanese company luthiers. Or they are made at a particular in Indo, which produces high quality OEM , for a plethora of companies worldwide. Most buyers are not adept at set-ups and other tweaking requirements , nor do they have the tools, gadgets , time or workspace etc. Comparing spades with spades is one way, but not the only way. PS I have no idea whether you can buy these guitars on North American continent or not. But they're readily available elsewhere.
Yup good points. Very limited here in PEI Canada. And also, keep in mind that I'm fussier than most. These guitars don't necessarily need all the work I do to them, but I want to be able to gig with these with no issues! 😉
Im mainly a Gibson guy and i have Firebirds, an IBG Epiphone 63 Les Paul custom and I think the guitar sounds dead to me. .On Amazon's prime website the guitar is $69. Im sorry i cannot gig with a $69 guitar. .i want the best possible sound out of my guitars. I dont believe you will get this from these guitars. To practice with yes sure but not gig...you sound good but imagine with a good quality guitar in your hands. You would sound great..and would stay in tune.
69$? What? Where are you from? If you can get this guitar for 69$ new, grab it! Put a 300$ set of pickups in it and it will be killer. And still a sub 400 dollar guitar. The weight, feel, playability and build quality of this thing is fantastic.... Wait till part 2. A basic set up and some TLC will make all of the difference! 😁
Why was the guitar sent back? Maybe it's an ounce too heavy or possibly ordered by mistake...so what' the point of these videos???? Assuming a guitar is sent back because it's flawed or unplayable, etc. is a big a*s assumption, and wrong. So again, what's the point of these videos? Argggggh.....
Holy you're back? We'll welcome I guess.... Now this one, could of been too heavy I guess but if you watched the video 1st, you'll see that this particular guitar just did not hold tune. It was terrible to play. Now it was an easy fix, but most people who buy a guitar don't have a clue how to troubleshoot and fix an issue, so in this case the reason for the return was pretty obvious. Unplayable! Plus it had a small ding on the upper front edge. Some people are extremely fussy about cosmetics so that could have been the reason. Humans are a strange breed man, everyone knows it. I was hoping to find obvious issues with these returns, and then fix them so people who have these and are having similar issues, can perhaps resolve them before resorting to send it back.. with a little work, these are amazing guitars for the price, even here in Canada where everything is ridiculously expensive! Cheers!
Strings made all the difference in the world on my Revenge. I absolutely love mine. Great series.
I bought one exactly like that. Had the same tuning and intonation issues. Got a bit frustrated with it because i been playing mostly Fenders for 53 yrs and never had a guitar fight me like this one. A lot of head scratching later..I took a long look at the bridge. It is not a tunomatic style bridge...it is a Nashville style. I took a very close look at tbe bridge..sure enough..the grooves on the saddle were backwards. The larger groove was under the high E string ans smaller was under the low E. I flipped the bridge around..intonated and tuned right up, no problems..and stays in tune. The factory put the bridge on the posts backwards. Yes, that made the intontation screws a wee bit harder to access...but only had to do it once. Now..that being said...always been a tele man at heart..through all my 50 yrs of playing...but..i actually found this body style comfortable..the top wing gives me a place to rest my arm p l aying sitting down...lol. Great video and good review!
Cool man I'll check that. However I think the grooves on mine are all the same size🤔
I'm a tele guy too. Can't beat them!
Gest found your channel. This is great for people who like guitars. Your doing a good job. Don't let any one tell you any thing different
Just
American education 😂😂😂
You sold me on the Musi's now albeit I'm not an Explorer or Gibsonesque style guy either , I'm digging these buys you've been hitting on. Great value of videos my friend. Well done. Regardless of why they were returned, I dig this series and your playing once again, YOU ARE a killer player. Lmao 🤣
Roo agrees 🐕
Thank you... I wish I could tell you that every Musi or WestCreek is perfect out of the box, but like anything else, it's a gamble... But don't worry, if I get a bad one you'll know hahaha!
I don’t know, but watching you noodle around relaxes the shit out of me😂
@@gjonesy6224 haha that's cool man! Never heard that one before! Thanks! 👍
String change and a set up is all that she needs.
Yeah agreed.... Feels great to play!
@@j-man9457 you're a Gigger? is it true if we gonna Gig & do cover songs we need a license from the owner of those songs & we would have to share in the profits? hmm seems like not much money in being a cover band if this is the case..
@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow nah not around here, how ever there are bars here that pay a SOCAN fee. It's a copyright fee for cover songs. That doesn't come out of the band's pay. The bar handles that in their operational costs...
@@j-man9457 wow cool beans.. that's a cool deal.
Question please sir? How does one look for returned items to purchase? Never thought of that, but like the idea. Thanks and love yer show!
You have to look below the price on the listing... Sometimes you have an option for "buy used like new". If you click on that you can buy an open box/returned item. But they are not always available...
@@j-man9457 Thx, I have noticed that occasionally but never specifically looked for it, or clicked through. I’ve learned something! Thx again.
@@nicks931 no problem!
Good luck! 👍
Hey brother,
I’ve watched a couple of your videos and really like the direction.
BUT, I wish maybe you could do a bit less talking and get to the point .
I’ve been purchasing cheap instruments and finding similar characteristics with the instruments.
It’s all good. Keep it going!
“FOREVER Jam’n”
Jesse.
Thanks man! Will work on that in part 2
I'm a bass player but gotta say I'm loving your videos and analysis!! 🎸
Ahhh thanks man! Much appreciated! 😊
1 minor blemish. A string change and intonation will work wonders. Should be a cool project!
Yes sir! 😄
I just bought the same guitar in purple. Wouldn’t stay in tune so I swapped out the tuners for Guyker locking style and that solved the problem. Now it plays fine, holds tune and sounds excellent.
Ahhhh Nice upgrade... Gonna set it up properly in the next video... I think these tuners will be fine. They have no slop in them at all... But I'll keep those guyker's in mind if not. Thanks!
Dont the tuners have little screws in the top of them to tighten them, Maybe that could help?
Tuners are not loose at the heads. Just crappy strings binding in the nut!
sweet riffage brotha!
wonder if theres some binding in the nut goin on? possibly strings still stretchin as well?
a "ping" when "up tuning" is usually a dead giveaway on binding in the nutslot(s).....i have a few i need to sort out on the ping thing lol!
Thanks man! Definitely binding going on... All will be addressed soon! 😃
I liked the Musi better. Maybe a set of locking tuners on this one?
What about a Fojil from Amazon straight out of the box, not a return? I'm a Piano/Hammond player and I'm wanting a super-cheap guitar to noodle around with, and those Amazon Fojils are looking pretty good if I or a friend check (and tweak) the setup. I'd be interested in your opinion.
I have heard the Fojils are pretty good... I can't get them here in Canada on Amazon...🙁
@@j-man9457 A shame, that's what I'm looking at. I want a cheap guitar to noodle with, Fojill seems to fit the bill, Maybe something to do with the Canuck national tree, the Maple in the neck? Those Oaks are so lofty!!!! I mistyped in the OP, BTW, it is Fojill, with two Ls. I'm pretty accomplished on Piano and Hammond.
@@stephanpeters3875 that's awesome... I'm not coordinated enough to play piano😯
I think the "Scar my guitar" channel reviewed a few Fojill guitars... Unfortunately not in Canada yet...
@@j-man9457 Yeah, I've watched his videos for the Fojill SuperStrat and RG style guitars. Watching those was what probably tripped UA-cam's "you might also like this guy, try the J-Man" algorithm that led me to you. It seems to me the Fojills have a nicer body and neck, require less setup and come with a pretty good fret job, but the West Creeks have better electronics (specifically pickups). Really I'll be a raw beginner playing through a cheap practice amp so I may not notice subtleties like "Tone Wood,' and all that stuff. But if it's an unplayable instrument, that would suck.
@@stephanpeters3875 yup totally agree... Can't speak for Fojill but if WestCreek improves on the QC issues I pointed out to them, they'll be hard to beat!
If Fojill comes to Canada I'll be getting one for sure hahaha
My first time watching any of your videos, Wow! You are a awesome guitarist! And i can tell you are a cool dude! You got my subscription! Thanks for the time and effort you put into making these videos! Awesome!
Ahhh man thanks! 🙏
Nothing fancy here. Just a passion for guitars and gear and lots to learn still where the playing is concerned hahaha
Love sharing with and hearing from like minded enthusiasts!
Cheers!
Hitting all the notes I love. Great stuff and I have no complaints with that axe.
Wait till it's all set up! It'll be great when it actually stays in tune hahaha!
Agree with you that the Westcreek shipping boxes are very well made and padded. I plan to keep the one my Double Trouble double necker came in until I find a reasonable case or gig-bag.
Yeah good idea. Just build a light box and put the foam in it. Instant case!😉
@@j-man9457 Gotta mull over that! 🤔
Lots of chicken pickin goodness..!!.. love how you countrified crazy train nice job.. maybe crappy string not stretched at all is rhw issue or nut slots?? Hope you tear into this one
Yup video 2 coming soon! Haha
Thanks!
Good god J-MAN! You smoke that thing! I freakin love the rock medley you played.
Hahaha thanks!
awsome video again, i hear it all the time, all these guitars need is a setup, and not just the 'budget' ones.
It's a given... Definitely needs personalized tweaking for sure!
In my opinion, you do a fantastic job reviewing whatever is in your hands. 🎸👍🤘
Thank so much man! Much appreciated!
Nice! Allen wrench didn't scratch because it didn't move with such a nice fit. (And poly finishes are bulletproof) Same principle as touring road cases. That box and foam are better than buying a a new cheapo case for it.
Yup no doubt!
That looks like an Ibanez Destroyer
That “notch” on the bottom is indeed similar to later Ibanez Destroyer models, but the ORIGINAL “lawsuit era” Destroyers started out as perfect clones of the Gibson Explorer, too, and in both cases, I’m betting they added that “notch” to avoid lawsuits from Gibson. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say the Westcreek Revenge is an Explorer clone, too. 😊
Yup that's what others say as well
for the price range and the sound tho that is AMAZING quality, Ibanez is similar but more expensive and it's mind boggling as to why.
@@Nosferdamus Ibanez, were once reasonably priced for what they were; they were one of the original “knock off” brands of everything Gibson and Fender made (I believe they started in earnest around late 1950’s - early 1960’s).
Which goes to show how even knock off brands can elevate themselves to be household names in the guitar industry… with CNC machines and computer assisted design, laser cutting and precise machining available for nearly any manufacturer who wants it, the market is getting flooded with really good “knock off” brands in quality factories building the same exact instrument as the “big name” brands. In some instances, BETTER instruments than the big name brands. It’s a great time to be a young guitar student able to learn on quality instruments that can be had for $125 - $300 and excellent instruments for $400 -$550. Add to that “knock off” amplifiers and anyone can have an outstanding rig for under $500 if they want it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@-KingOfKhaos No I know Ibanez made a big name for themselves, and they tend to have high standards, just nowadays high standards come with a high price point is all. It's funny how they were a knock off brand who now have knock off brands copying them as well.
It looks like it’s comfortable to play. Am I right or wrong? How much does it weigh?
Super nice to play.... I'll get a weight in part 4 but my guess would be around 8lbs
Cool info fella thanks a bunch for the intel
And cool vibe
Feels like I’m at my friends house 😎
Hey thanks. I appreciate that alot. That is exactly my goal!
can't wait to see this guitar again with you setting it up to your specs, explorer style is not to my personal liking, but i would love to hear it reset up 😁
Stay tuned... Working on it now hahaha!
When it comes to ordering guitars from Amazon, it is normal in most cases that you should'nt expect them to be set up, unless maybe the guitar came from a music store, but even at that don't expect to much. Even at Canada's biggest Music store chain called Long&McQuade, when you buy a guitar there, most times they are not set-up, Only after you purchase a guitar from their, then they will provide you with a free set-up. So Yah almost anywhere you buy a new guitar from, they need new strings and a set-up, that is very normal, unless you buy a used guitar that has already been set-up. However I know for a beginner guitarist, it is a pain in the ass for them, because they can't play much to begin with and that will cause them to get discouraged if the guitar does not play well or sound good when they begin to learn how to play and practice on their guitar being brand new. Even myself I have rented guitars, and had to pay for them to get set-up while I was renting them.
OK, great video and keep up the great work. I subscribed to your channel a few weeks ago, and am now following you regarding every video that you make.
Don't worry about those few people who make rude remarks about what you said in almost a whole video talking about that.
There is always going to be trolls, or people that interpret things the wrong way, maybe those people are suffering from mental illness or Dementia, Right?
Oh I saw a peek review on your secret mystery dancer there in the beginning of your video, Ha ha ha!
I see that you are quite Smart, talented and quite experienced regarding setting up guitars, wish I had that knowledge also.
Well Cheers until the next video, I will be looking forward to seeing you do all the setting up regarding this guitar.
Thanks bro! Much appreciated!
So it goes out of tune. Is it tuners? saddles? Guitar sounds great=with J-Man playing it.
How do you buy returns-anyone? A LITTLE HELP here?
I answered in your last comment... And no tuners are great... It was just a sticky nut and crappy stock strings!
Part 2 will be out tonight the set up !!!
So by the 19:00 mark, this guitar seemed to be holding tune slightly better… I wonder if those were just some junk strings on it that needed to be really stretched out first… and just never were before it got to you?
They are definitely throwaway strings... In part 4 I do a full set up and the results are excellent! 👍
@@j-man9457 I watched the entire series you did… excellent set up you did in part 4… I actually have been eye balling that West Creek Revenge for a while now… as well as the similar model made by FireFly (although I suspect they are all made by the same company in China lol… just as are many of the “name brand” guitars like Fender, Ibanez, Epiphone etc are made in the Cort factory in Korea largely)… the entire guitar industry as a whole is somewhat of a racket when you think about it lol
@@-KingOfKhaos no doubt man no doubt!
Thanks for tuning in man! Much appreciated!
Haters gonna hate, don't let it bother you. No one is forcing them to stick around, some people just like to complain.
I've been playing since '76 and everything you say is correct. I like buying used guitars from guitar center for cheap and upgrading or repairing them or both. You never know when you are gonna find that particular guitar that you want to play all the time after you work on them or upgrade things. Guitars can be awesome or not depending on how much time you invest in them. Sometimes you get lucky and they are good out of the box! Anyway, just discovered your channel and its very entertaining. Thank you!
Right on man, thanks! Love hearing from people that have been on the music and modding scene for a long time. Wisdom in your words man!
Thanks for sharing!
Got the m Musi tele …. And it’s great right out the box.. haven’t touched a thing… I mean could I lower the action? Yeah, but it’s perfectly intonated and it’s articulate enough for me.. thanks again for the videos … fender really better step up their game to justify those prices
Hahaha that's great man!
And yes I agree! 😀👍
It is indeed a clone of the Gibson Explorer. That “notch” on the bottom near the strap button is a slight deviation from the original Gibson design, probably to avoid a lawsuit from Gibson. Later versions of the Ibanez Destroyer have a similar “notch,” but it started out originally as a perfect clone of the Gibson Explorer-these are known as “lawsuit era” Ibanez models, and are HIGHLY collectible today, owing to their rarity, the fact that they were originally made at the FujiGen factory (one of THE highest quality guitar factories in the world), and the fact that people like Eddie Van Halen played an original Ibanez Destroyer at one point.
Good info. Thanks!
Yep , even in the upper bugdet range ( 300 -500 euro ) most guitars will need a set up and some new strings , but beyond that there mostly real nice guitars , i have bought a squire 40th anni vintage tele and strat lately and after a good set , new strings they sounded and played great ( i also did replace the aluminium /anodized pickguards for plastic ones , the original pickguards made the pick ups sound to dark , ones the plastic pickguards where on the guitar the guitars sounded way brighter and more open ) .
Cool good to know!
Love your playing with LLB
@@charliemancuso5690 hahaha thanks man!
Reminds me a bit of my white Wesley warlock I used to own years ago, similar shape a wee bit
Yeah, it would be nice if they were SS frets like later Fireflys or Musis, but nevertheless, those frets look like they’re well done. The ball ends are nice, and unless you’re playing it really hard for several hours a day everyday, you probably won’t wear them out for several years. Ball end frets usually do have some variation in lengths, and don’t always reach the sides of the neck, since they cut and dress those frets before they put them on the neck… For some, this may be an issue, but I’ve never noticed it to be bad enough to cause any sort of playability issues.
Agreed!
I could almost feel it go out of tune on the first bend in the ZZ Top song.😆
Haha yup binding bad or these strings just suck hahaha!
Great video, keep ‘‘em coming. From NS
Nice plain by the way. I love those licks
Well thank you, I appreciate it!
If it is a great platform, you could just replace the pickups and all hardware and install stainless frets and do all the fret work yourself if you want to. I would like to know how good of a platform it is. I mean, at this price point it is competing with jackson and ibanez entry level 2 guitars
Yeah you could do all of that, but after a good set up, these are really good with the factory hardware. And the Alnico pickups can hold their own just fine... 😁
you could make a hardcase from this packaging :)
17:43 Appreciate the Guns n Roses thrown in for flavor during this review lol… well done 👍🏻
hahaha I don't really do it justice but I love that riff!
Thanks brother!
Man you definitely have some chops
Tuning issues can usuually be easily dealt with. Easily gig with that and I'm a real guitar snob. Not that I have many high end guitars, I just like sticking with the old traditional brands.
I'd change the pickups, put in some good 500 k pots and locking tuners and a better toggle switch. Change the tail piece to a tone pros.
Yup all great mods. And that would take this thing over the top!😁
I love my Revenge. Great guitar for a ridiculous price!
I really dig your chicken-pickin’ style 👍🏻.
Hahaha thanks man!🐓🐓🐓
I like mine, I have the army green color I put new strings on it oiled the fretboard action is nice, I have no complaints, have a few firefly ffsps to all great budget guitars I'm only playing in my basement after all
Awesome man... I set up an Army green Revenger for a customer a while back. Super nice guitar and cool vibe with that color! I mostly play in my basement too but sometimes on weekends I come out and they let me play gigs in real bars hahaha!
Rock on buddy!
Amazing guitar
They’re based on the Ibanez Destroyer, the body shape anyway. The famous Ibanez ones had 3 pickups. Guy in Def Leppard had one.
@@timmackenzie8145 cool man thanks! Good to know. Either way, very sweet guitar after a proper set up!
@@j-man9457 So I hear. I’m picking a couple up on the first, with a few other WestCreek guitars. I believe in your neck of the woods.
@@timmackenzie8145 hahaha you sure it's not from me? I just bought a pallet of 40 of them and I'm selling them on market place at 50% off!
@@j-man9457 See ya in a few days 😃👍
@@timmackenzie8145 sounds good!
Very interesting and great playing ! Canadian for J-Man ! If you have the chance to try a JET guitar go for it !
I did a review on a 300 series jet tele and it didn't go well hahaha! 😂
The problem with all that foam is landfill.
So just keep it. It can be used for so many things... Tool cases, insulation, knee cushions for kneeling on hard floors etc... I keep all that stuff😀
How do you buy Amazon returns?
@@bobrichardson3854 it's a luck of the timing sort of thing. When you're looking at an item on Amazon, below the listed price, sometimes there's an option that says “save with used like new“ if you click that link you can buy the item you're viewing at a reduced rate. It's either a return, an overstock or an open box item... You just have to keep watching...
Man don't count yourself as a player . Love your channel and your honest reviews . I love to play but having five operations on my hands it gets a bit tough sometimes . A good set up takes care of a lot of problems . Be well .
What does that mean? this dude plays just fine although the tin can sounding amp is a bit cringe sounding
Wow man I feel for you. Keep rocking. You're an inspiration!
Are those crappy strings stretched out?
Probably not enough... Regardless, they are coming off!
They return them because out of the Box they expect a full top of the range custom set up Stratocaster, and play like KANAMI, or IGOR PASPALJ, or maybe Clapton
does not sound right so send it back :-)
Hahaha if it were only that easy!🥴
I have a revenge. New strings and a set up. One of my favorites (among some very expensive ones)
Ahhh cool man! Good to know. Thanks for the comment!
Rock on! 😁
J-MAN. You have taught me a lot.
Oh cool man thanks very much!
I have 3 of the revenge and 2 racer and double trouble. All have full size pots.tje double trouble does not have ball end frets and has some finishing defects on necks . West Creek guitars are in my opinion better then other budget guitar brands.
Hmmm interesting and surprising that the frets would be different... Good to know though. Thanks for sharing. You have a nice collection for sure! 😀
@@j-man9457 not rounded and are bigger frets and I like bigger frets.. Six string neck has back bow and will need a fret job.
@@mikesyria1787 the back now should be easily corrected by adjusting the truss rod counter clock wise... That may help the frets as well...😊
Yes I adjusted the truss rod and now it needs fret job
@@mikesyria1787 ahhh got ya!
18:44 Bon Jovi “Living on a Prayer” … not bad for a Tele-Only player (I knew you had more in you than just Tele licks lol)
hahaha thanks! I did grow up in the 80s after all lol!
@@j-man9457 Same here brother… and now all my kids are in love with 80’s rock (I wonder why)… let’s be honest, no other decade produced better songs in every genre… the 80’s is when production got better, gear got better, and players seemingly just got way better. Of course there are 70’s bands like Boston, KISS, etc that are incredible still today as well… but the 80’s, that was it 🤘🏻 🎸
@@-KingOfKhaos 100% I feel bad for the kids today. They don't know what real meat and potatoes music is hahaha and rap isn't music! Lol
I hate it. Premium strings and pickups might help. Some unique custom wiring might release this guitars soul, but I hate it.
Plays like a dream but man the poor thing is in need of some major TLC! Wait till part 2... I suspect an Epiphone killer is waiting to be released hahaha! It may even seriously injure a Gibson and all for only 300$ 😆
My God J-Man you absolutely blow it away when you play. Have you ever thought of giving lessons. I'm in desperate need of some. Between my crippled hands and lack of knowledge it would be welcomed. You sound great and the guitar doesn't do bad either. Just absolutely hate the look of it though.
Thanks so much man! Not my style either but man these play great!
No lessons... I don't know what I'm doing half the time so how would I teach it hahaha!
Cool looking guitar
Yup sure is. We'll made too! Impressive for the price!!! 😜
New guitar, new strings.
Yup 100%!
My guess on the tele type.... someone who doesn't play a style that a tele is common on? Perhaps a victim of persuasive marketing? I have seen quite a few high subscriber UA-camrs saying that everyone should have a tele in their collection. I can see some youngin' who only plays with high distortion, perhaps? Im not sure as that thing was amazing looking and sounding.
Yup Teles are not for everyone!
This thing is a beast for sure
Does sound great though!
Good thing it had a hard poly finish. That wrench would have destroyed nitro lol
No kidding! 😉
that a string going out is probs the nut
i'd raise the bridge and redo the nut
notice it's the A and B strings going out?
put some emg's in that thing man
Every slot had to be filed. Strings at the nut were too high, not enough relief, intonation wasn't set and the original strings are cheap... Pups are good! 👍
Most Amazon guitars are gifts. People return gifts much more frequently than musicians buying themselves instruments.
Yup good point!
And check the tuners!
Yup, part 2, stay tuned!
Sounds very muddy?
Are you asking or saying? Not sure with the question mark...
If you're asking, and you watched part 4 with the new strings and set up, I'd have to say no. Not muddy at all. For a guitar that costs 250$ brand new in the US, these pickups are great. 😉
It's definitely the dent. Why keep one with a dent when you can get a replacement delivered to your front door in a few days?
Yup I get it, however I'll take a sweet playing and feeling guitar with a dent in it any day over a perfect looking one that plays terribly due to bad build quality....
i think we could take the dent out with some steam to a damp cloth & a hot iron or something ..
@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow yeah not sure... That works on wood finishes, but on a sealed painted surface I'd be afraid to yellow the paint even more with the heat!
@@j-man9457 Good point, but they're getting so good with these "budget" guitars. There's a really good chance the next one would be blemish free, and play well.
@@danrunnoft6642 yup good chance for sure!
Revenge is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah there is a guitar channel that I feel gives guitar brands a bad name if id doesn't get the guitar free & money for referring people to buy them. I Have however that THE FLYING V HAS issues with intonation and staying in tune. Which could be true. But the X Body is a good guitar 🎸 cheers 🍻🥃🥃🎸🎵🎶🎶
Hey are you talking about the WestCreek flying V?
Check out my videos on the flying V Cerberus guitars I bought 2 identical ones. After a little work they were fantastic! 😍
@@j-man9457 oh I saw a few videos on them and they were all intonation issues. So apparently you are saying basically this is a set up issues...It perplexed me with CNC MACHINING and Computer Design. Just purchase the original one scanned in done. Cheers 🍻 🥃🥃 🎸 🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶
@@BackWoodsBillyCraftBeerReviews both of mine intonated perfectly. No issues whatsoever 🤔🤔🤔
@@j-man9457 They are listed as high return items. .Like I said with CNC MACHINING I thought how could anyone mess that up you don't even have to understand scale lengths. I like the new purple & black ones they have Super Strat style guitars with EVH inspiration colors and patterns which Eddie Van Halen got from a band he watched the Dill's he did a little different pattern and colors. Thanks. Hey HOW ARE YOU GETTING DISCOUNT ON RETURN ITEMS????
@@BackWoodsBillyCraftBeerReviews On Amazon, below the price, if it says Save now with used like new, click on that link. It will give you a discount on an open box returned item like the one you're looking at... The only problem is the description is not always accurate🥴
.... And that's why I'm confused... My 2 Cerberus were perfect after a set up. Maybe I got a different production lot than you and the problem you had was corrected on mine???🤔🤔
I watched all your reviews, including the no.4 review on a patterned stratty-type gitar with issues such as as low spring tremolo tension, too much F/b relief to name a few of the problems.
Many of these companies producing from Countries with cheap labour resources, liberal tax advantages etc, are start-up punters having a go. And like Ffly, they'll get better at it.
Why don't you buy a Bacchus Universe , Yammy pacifica , Ibanez, or an Aria Proii, which are made in China, or Indonesia. They're relatively cheap, too. But two worlds apart in quality, 9.5/10 stocking test every time. Perfect intonation , etc ,
One reason for this :is the return of these instruments to Japan, for quality control by Japanese company luthiers.
Or they are made at a particular in Indo, which produces high quality OEM , for a plethora of companies worldwide.
Most buyers are not adept at set-ups and other tweaking requirements , nor do they have the tools, gadgets , time or workspace etc. Comparing spades with spades is one way, but not the only way.
PS I have no idea whether you can buy these guitars on North American continent or not. But they're readily available elsewhere.
Yup good points. Very limited here in PEI Canada. And also, keep in mind that I'm fussier than most. These guitars don't necessarily need all the work I do to them, but I want to be able to gig with these with no issues! 😉
part 4 teardown?
Yes and set up!
Looks heavy like you could kill a Rhino with it.
Cowboys chord guitar player tries a review , hilarious
I just did that for you hahaha
The last guy said I play too fast and to play more chords lol!
Man you guys are hard to please lol!
Im mainly a Gibson guy and i have Firebirds, an IBG Epiphone 63 Les Paul custom and I think the guitar sounds dead to me. .On Amazon's prime website the guitar is $69. Im sorry i cannot gig with a $69 guitar. .i want the best possible sound out of my guitars. I dont believe you will get this from these guitars. To practice with yes sure but not gig...you sound good but imagine with a good quality guitar in your hands. You would sound great..and would stay in tune.
69? BS
69$? What? Where are you from? If you can get this guitar for 69$ new, grab it! Put a 300$ set of pickups in it and it will be killer. And still a sub 400 dollar guitar. The weight, feel, playability and build quality of this thing is fantastic.... Wait till part 2. A basic set up and some TLC will make all of the difference! 😁
probably too big.
That's what she said! Lol 😅😅😅😅
@@j-man9457 lol. but did she say it to you. maybe to big jim slade. lmao. kentucky fried movie reference.
@@mts982 hahaha! To the guitar! Lol
Isn't that another white one?
Hey not sure what you mean? Yes it's white... But I don't have 2 white revenge guitars... ??
Ye those strings suck gawds hahaha
Yup!
Why was the guitar sent back? Maybe it's an ounce too heavy or possibly ordered by mistake...so what' the point of these videos???? Assuming a guitar is sent back because it's flawed or unplayable, etc. is a big a*s assumption, and wrong. So again, what's the point of these videos? Argggggh.....
Holy you're back? We'll welcome I guess.... Now this one, could of been too heavy I guess but if you watched the video 1st, you'll see that this particular guitar just did not hold tune. It was terrible to play. Now it was an easy fix, but most people who buy a guitar don't have a clue how to troubleshoot and fix an issue, so in this case the reason for the return was pretty obvious. Unplayable! Plus it had a small ding on the upper front edge. Some people are extremely fussy about cosmetics so that could have been the reason.
Humans are a strange breed man, everyone knows it. I was hoping to find obvious issues with these returns, and then fix them so people who have these and are having similar issues, can perhaps resolve them before resorting to send it back.. with a little work, these are amazing guitars for the price, even here in Canada where everything is ridiculously expensive!
Cheers!