@howard,
I am researching strat guitars. I came across this handmade manufacturer in Japan who have a Hong Kong address… The name is VOLA. https://volaguitars.com/
They also sell basses. They are not that popular here in Canada. They are sold direct from the manufacturer. The reviews I viewed were good but then again the reviewer had an affiliated link if you wanted to purchase one. The instruments are nice! I am reaching out to you, who is in touch with the Japan market to see if you know this company and have an opinion or have feedback on their products.
2 Likes
Never heard of them. I see very few on the market and at wildly different prices
2 Likes
There are several awesome Strats from several different companies. Vola does not have friendly price, for a company I’ve not heard off.
2 Likes
Thanks @Al1885, if you get a chance please check out some you tube reviews of the VOLA and let me know what you think.
1 Like
I would not select them over an established Japanese brand from a reputable retailer.
For the price of the Vola you could get a nice Bacchus or Momose or many other local MIJ strats that would be guaranteed good.
4 Likes
Thanks @howard
1 Like
They are great no doubt. Many reviewers love them. Looks to be very well built. You get “Japanese” made quality and some fun electronics. The components look great too.
Here’s my problems. I’m not a fan of the headstock and body design at all. It’s hard to say, it’s kinda like Ibanez headstock. I’m not a guitar player so my preference is quite limited to the traditional shape I like. I definitely love Leo’s design be it Fender, MusicMan and G&L. I own all “Strat” and Tele.
My Squier Strat is MIJ.
One of the best Leo’s Strat is the Comanche.
Next to it is the Custom G&L ASAT Classic S (CLF), this one has some special funky electronics.
Then it’s the MusicMan Cutlass. Love the 4x2 headstock
Not to mention the strandberg* “Strat” really cool too. very interesting neck, 3 straight side with thumb guide for optimum hand position.
Do you want to start playing a guitar? Not a bad idea at all.
1 Like
@Al1885, my first love is the bass and I am still a beginner. Yes, I am going to learn the guitar too. Stevie Ray Vaughan has given me the guitar bug.
1 Like
Since you’re in North America, you might want to check out these guys:
I once bought a bass from them and it was really nice, well built, finished and set-up (I just didn’t gel with it… it was a P 
)
4 Likes
Thanks @joergkutter, you are sending me down another rabbit hole!
2 Likes
That’s awesome. I love SRV. If you can get a Squier ClassicVibe Strat. If you don’t like the Fender version then check out the Sterling cutlass version or the G&L version.
My Comanche is excellent single coil pickup but zero hum, you get all of the Strat goodness but no hum.
You can find the Made in USA at almost the same price as the Vola.
3 Likes
Thanks Al, the Squire is not on my radar. I am not a great fan of Fender but I am sort of considering the Fender Ultra. My main concern is quality control issues and initial set up complications especially at the lower end price ranged instruments. If I was to buy a Squire and upgrade to lets say Texas pick ups and get it set up properly I am getting into the upper price range for a Fender anyways. This being said many of the greats play Fender’s… I am also investigating a used a 2012 Fender American Standard within 2 hours of me but don’t love the sunburst colour. It is already set up with Texas pick ups and looks pristine. I am also considering a Sire 7 FM. The Sire vintage will get me closest to the SRV sound than the Sire FM. The sire FM comes with some upgades over the Sire 7 vintage and I love the finish on them. The sires have great reviews but don’t hold their value like a Fender. Might buy both if I can get the 2012 for a better price. I am going to my local SIRE store later today.
I will check out your suggestions. Again, thank you for your time.
2 Likes
Be aware Texas pickups are very hot.
I don’t think you need hot pickup to start, if you need SRV tone there’s a lot of effect patch for it. You can dial in warm tone with clear mid and tight low end from just about any decent pickups.
1 Like
Thanks Al. Regarding texas pick up I did wonder if pedals will me to different sounds if I cannot reproduce it via the instrument itself…
It is the first I have heard of the G & L Comanche. It looks interesting! There is not alot of them for sale on reverb.
1 Like
Yeah I said to myself I gotta have one. I love Strats. That’s the latest and last Strat design Leo ever made.
2 Likes
It’s what we are excelling in here 
2 Likes