Xaviere or Edwards?

[Soundhound]

That might sound like an unfair fight, and if so (or if not!) I'd love to hear your thoughts. I've been looking for a 335 and pretty much settled on the Edwards E-SA-125lts. I have their ELP130ltd les paul and I love it. But the Xaviere's are intriguing, sound like they're well made, people seem to like the GFS pickups. Anyone have experience with their XV-900 semi-hollow, and if so, do you think it can compare to a really well made 335? It's not so much about looks with me. It's ALL about playability, great feeling neck, and tone.

Thanks!

[examiner]

You are right. Unfair fight.

[Stringz]

It depends what you're looking for. The Xaviere is a good budget guitar for beginners and for intermediate players to practice with when they don't want to take out their #1. The Edwards is one of the guitars you step up to on the way to a real Gibson. Many people even stop at the Edwards because they are so good. They are a lot more expensive than the Xaviere and sound a lot better but still cheaper than a Gibson. You really can't compare the two brands because they sell to completely different markets. Someone looking to buy an Edwards isn't suddenly going to change their mind and buy a Xaviere instead. That would be like shopping for a Ferrari and coming home with a Fiat.

[joeh77]

I have an XV-900. I also owned an early 80's Ibanez AS-200, which is a great 335 like guitar. I have also played Heritage 535s. I have never played an Edward's though. I have been playing for a long time and purchased the Xaviere because I no longer had a semi hollow and didn't want to spend a lot on one. It is a very good guitar for the money. If you have the cash for a higher priced brand, then you should go with the Edwards. But the Xaviere is just as good as any Epi, Wasburn, or Ibi Artcore, in my opinion.

Joe

[Soundhound]

Interesting takes guys, thanks. I played Gibsons back in the day - I grew up on an SG, an LP standard and a 345, all bought new or just a few years old, in the late 60s and early 70s... My 345 in particular was a great guitar (shouldn't have sold it, but live and learn...) I have an Edwards LP now and it's every bit as good as the guitars I had back then, there's nothing a 'real' gibson has that this guitar doesn't. Of course every guitar is different, there's no doubt about that. I've played some wonderful real 335s, and some real dogs as well.

But, I really do like the sound and feel of a 335, and from these reports, it seems like the Xaviere might fall a bit short. Nothing to sniff at perhaps, it does sound like a good axe, but maybe not the same quality as the Edwards.

Having said that, for $300, if it's close, it could be way good enough. Tough call!!

[Peeb]

I love my Xaviere because it's not a national treasure. I can treat it like a tool, rather than a jewel.

[Soundhound]

That's what has me interested in them. If I could have a guit that I love that cost $300 instead of $1000, I think I'd be happy about that. Curious to find out...

Originally Posted by Peeb

I love my Xaviere because it's not a national treasure. I can treat it like a tool, rather than a jewel.

[Gasp100]

Sounds to me like Edwards is already a known entity to you. If you want a keeper and have the cash ready, I would go Edwards. But if you are just testing the waters and want a particular style of guitar just to get your feet wet (again) then I could see taking it slow to see what the Xaviere line is like.
I dig GFS pickups. They are pretty cheap, they sound pretty good and they are usually a step up from some of the stuff that is put in mass produced guitars. BUT, they are not on the level of some of my favorite winders (IMHO) - Fralin, Lollar, BG pups, etc... I venture to think their guitars are similar in that respect to higher level guitars. But, I'm biased towards MIJ stuff as well.

[pennylink]

Since you have an Edwards budget anyway I would go with Edwards, but not before taking a look at MIJ Tokai, Ibanez or Yamaha 335's that might be available un your area. They are all great guitars, whether you get a used 80's model or a current production one.

[bmetelits]

The Xaviere has a maple neck and the center block is maple. I believe that the 60's 335 (i.e. Larry Carlton's axe) has a mahogany neck and block. I've been lusting for an inexpensive semi-hollow body with a stop tailpiece, but I'm holding out for the mahogany neck and block. Indie Guitars has a single cutaway model (ILP-2 classic http://www.indieguitars.ca/products/ilp2classic.htm) that looks good, has almost no neck heel and sells for $749. I'm waiting until others have tried and commented before buying.

[DrumBob]

I think the Xaviere guitars are pretty cool for the money, but I wouldn't expect high-end quality. Asian guitar makers usually skimp on the electronics, wiring, switches, etc. The guitars make a nice appearance, but when you check out the innards, you'll see the quality is not up to par with anything made in this country. If you're OK with that, then buy a Xaviere and mod out the guts; upgrade the electronics to better stuff and you'll have something nice to play. A couple of Lollar pickups will cost you under $200, the switches and wiring will set you back under $50. If you do the work yourself, that's great.

Chances are, you'll have to upgrade this stuff on an Edwards also. For years, Epiphone guitars have been considered good "platform" instruments that needed improvement. You bought one and modded it. It's the same deal with Xaviere and the others. Remember, a $300 (or cheaper) guitar is that price for a reason. I'm not saying you won't find a good cheap basic guitar, but most likely, you will have to fix it up to make it play and/or sound great.