ST-62MN VW Vintage Series : Excellent purchase

This isn't a great guitar for the money - it's a great guitar - period. I don't believe I'd have found a better guitar on the market at this money - even 4 or 5 times the money, having tried "official" non USA models previously. I've never tried USA models and frankly have no need or desire to, considering the cost involved.

Fit and finish are faultless, electronics are quiet and effective with full effect pots that feel just right. Great 'ST' tones from the alnico pickups, clearly discernable in all switch positions. Great cleans that dirty up nicely with the right amp settings.

Mine is just an excellent guitar at a superb price. It does seem to have been the latest model, newly in stock. Usual complaints about string condition seem to have been sorted out - strings wrapped in waxed paper with silica gel pack inside wrapping, so I was able to give it a good road test without having to concern myself with changing strings before I got started. Set up was superb out of the box. I got my gear out to double check and found I had nothing to do. The extra room at the nut (42mm) helps too. Under the plate, the routing is ultra clean and professional, wiring is clean and modern as is the soldering.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.