Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jan 1, 2021 16:26:29 GMT -6
So, having done well with my Cort Sterling (as detailed elsewhere), I soon managed to pick up another Cort in good condition. That it's a Viva is inarguable, as not only does the headstock decal call it Viva Series, but for good measure the 12th-fret inlay is an in-set white pearloid bar upon which is etched
V I V A
Korea build, back-mount h-h, gloss black, 24 frets, offset abalone dots, the two-point trem plate has a heavy chrome surround (very similar to the Washburn X-33), and there's a distinctive chrome bar across the strings just behind the nut.
The Blue Book lists five models of Viva in two series. First time around were the Viva Gold I (discontinued 1998), the Viva Gold II (1998), and the Viva 7 (discontinued 2002), all with Lo-Pro licensed Floyd Rose. The line returned in 2011 with the new Viva Gold I (h-h, Full Action II bridge) and Viva Gold II (h-s-h, double-lock trem).
Looking at the basic features, my guitar doesn't fit in either camp. And the first serial-number digit is "3," so likely 1993 though maybe 2013 (if the above info can be taken literally) or even 2003. The Book doesn't mention abalone, and none of the models is in gloss black. Guitar List has no photos, and little to add except the guess that all Viva bodies are maple.
Viva Gold I (second series) --
Viva Gold II (second series) --
V I V A
Korea build, back-mount h-h, gloss black, 24 frets, offset abalone dots, the two-point trem plate has a heavy chrome surround (very similar to the Washburn X-33), and there's a distinctive chrome bar across the strings just behind the nut.
The Blue Book lists five models of Viva in two series. First time around were the Viva Gold I (discontinued 1998), the Viva Gold II (1998), and the Viva 7 (discontinued 2002), all with Lo-Pro licensed Floyd Rose. The line returned in 2011 with the new Viva Gold I (h-h, Full Action II bridge) and Viva Gold II (h-s-h, double-lock trem).
Looking at the basic features, my guitar doesn't fit in either camp. And the first serial-number digit is "3," so likely 1993 though maybe 2013 (if the above info can be taken literally) or even 2003. The Book doesn't mention abalone, and none of the models is in gloss black. Guitar List has no photos, and little to add except the guess that all Viva bodies are maple.
Viva Gold I (second series) --
Viva Gold II (second series) --