Pro hardware, unusual circuit tweaks, and killer playability lend new twists to the P-90 solidbody template.
Light and very comfortable to play. Creative tonal options. Excellent hardware.
P-90s may be too hot or bright for some. Middle pickup not as articulate as expected—and surprisingly difficult to activate on the fly.
$1,229
Vola Guitars JZ FRO
volaguitars.com
For nearly 10 years, Vola Guitars' Japan-made instruments stood out for their somewhat unorthodox features, quality execution, visual vibes that walk the line between traditional and modern, and mid-level prices that rival industry heavyweights. In the company’s varied line of 6- and 7-string guitars (and 4- and 5-string basses), the JZ FRO is more on the traditional end. Yet it still stakes out its own territory in terms of style and performance.
Subtle Upgrades
Vola’s most distinctive aesthetic feature is undoubtedly the bodyline scoop/flourish near the rear strap button. On the JZ FRO, it lends a dash of elegance and sophistication to an outline that might otherwise seem too literally Jazzmaster-like, while the handsome roasted maple neck, swooped reverse headstock, and nonstandard pickup scheme help make it clear this isn’t your average offset. It’s a classy, understated look even in the model’s flashier aged-copper and shell-pink hues. But look closer and you’ll note appointments that a lot of seasoned guitarists will appreciate, including Luminlay position markers, stainless steel frets, and a direct-to-output circuit bypass switch situated between the volume and tone knobs.
Slicing and Then Some
It’s not often you see a solidbody outfitted with a pair of humbucker-sized P-90s anda Strat-style middle pickup. The P-90s are alnico 5 units measuring 9.5k and 10.5k ohms resistance. To avail you of this circuit’s numerous tones the JZ FRO incorporates a deceptively simple-looking control array. There’s a lone tone knob, a traditional 3-way selector, and a master volume that pulls up to bring the S-style middle pickup into the mix. In this mode, with the pickup selector down, you get the bridge and middle pickup, in the middle you get all three pickups, and in the up position you get the neck and middle pickups. (More on mid-pickup tones in a minute.)
The P-90s are pretty hot, with a lot of punch and zing. In fact, the bridge pickup’s leanness and the neck pickup’s gristliness sometimes evoke Gibson P-100s.
With the JZ FRO routed through a Celestion Ruby-outfitted 6973-powered combo set to a bit of grind, I loved the bridge pickup’s tough airiness. There’s a detailed, vintage-esque character, and it gets toothier as you pair it with a boost or dirt pedal to drive an amp hard. Compared to the vintage-spec Curtis Novak P-90s in my Les Paul Special, the Vola’s bridge pickup is a little less warm and brawny, but also probably a bit more malleable and adaptable to different genres, especially if you’ve got a lot of effects in your signal path. The neck pickup is similarly powerful, though its contrasts with a traditionally voiced P-90 feel less apparent.
How about that middle pickup? Paired with the bridge unit, it yields funky, Strat-like quack—a tone you’re not going to get with most dual P-90 guitars. Accent them with a wiggle of the super smooth-operating Gotoh trem, and the Strat allusion is even stronger. Mind you, all this tone variation is available beforeyou activate the tone-circuit bypass. It acts like a powerful onboard boost: Everything is louder, hotter, and leaner.The Verdict
Vola deserves big kudos for packing so many unique features into a guitar that feels and plays this nicely at such a reasonable price. The novel tone-circuit bypass could help you cut through a dense mix or boost your solo even when you’re away from your pedalboard. That said, in some positions I found it sounded a little strident or hi-fi, and the fact that the circuit-bypass mode renders the volume knob useless makes it something of an all-or-nothing proposition. The added middle pickup expands tonal possibilities beyond P-90 norms, but don’t expect the same type of added clarity you’d get from a Strat’s middle pickup. Even so, the JZ FRO’s exceptionally smooth performing hardware and excellent craftsmanship make playing a breeze and a pleasure, and its VFP90 pickups pack a mix of power, clarity, and flexibility that make it a great choice for biting rock and thick, bristling blues tones.
Vola Guitars collaborates with guitarists Pierre Danel and Quentin Godet to announce the all new J3 series to their line of signature guitars.
With both Pierre Danel and Quentin Godet rising to the forefront of the heavy music scene, they have caught fire with distinct approaches and undying tenacity. Furthermore, their involvement with Vola Guitars has led to brand growth as a direct result of their endeavors. Equipped with Bare Knuckle pickups, 27” scale length, Gotoh hardware, and crafted with precision. "These two unmistakable designs are meant to be extensions of their handlers, catalysts for creative expression."
Features include:
• Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
• Scale Length: 27" Extended Scale length
• Construction: Bolt-on neck with new contour heel
• Body: Alder
• Fingerboard: Roasted Maple
• Neck: Roasted Maple neck with 3x3 Vola headstock
• Nut: 48mm * 3.4T Graphtech nut
• Frets: 24 Medium Jumbo Stainless Frets
• Inlay: Custom Luminlay Kadinja with Luminlay side dots
• Radius: 16" Radius
• Pickups: Bare Knuckle™ Bootcamp Brute Force HSS
• Electronics: 1 Volume (Push/pull : Add neck Pickup switch) 1 tone 5 way switch 1 mini switch (On-On-On: series/parallel/ coil tap)
• Bridge: Gotoh NS510TS-FE7 tremolo
• Tuners: Gotoh SG381-07 MG-T locking tuners
• Strings: Daddario XTE1059 10-59
• Case: Vola Custom Series Gig Bag (included)
The Vola Oz and Vasti J3 Series are the culmination of Vola’s dedication to designing top quality instruments for demanding players, without sacrificing the beauty that invites a closer look. Street price $1,749 USD. Vola Guitars now sells direct! For more information on this model and more, visit www.volaguitars.comHandmade in Japan, this bass features a bolt-on hard maple neck, alder body, VolaJS5-N neck and Vola JS5-B bridge pickups, and a Vola ATR-I Active 3-band EQ. Experience top-quality craftsmanship and tonal potential with the ZVA 5 Bass.
The tried-and-true ZVA bass is back, this time with additional range! The all-new 5-string version maintains its most prominent features while providing players with an expanded scope of tonal potential. Its bolt-on hard maple neck is equipped with 21 frets, a rosewood fingerboard, a 34.5” scale, and a Duracon nut for optimal performance. The modern C-shaped neck allows for easy access to the entire fretboard while maintaining perfect comfort. The body is made of alder, offering a balanced playing experience. From a hardware standpoint, the nickel components were manufactured by Gotoh, including the machine heads and a string-through bridge setup. The bass is equipped with VolaJS5-N neck and Vola JS5-B bridge pickups, coupled with a Vola ATR-I Active 3-band EQ and a handy mini switch for seamless transition between passive and active modes. Overall, the ZVA 5-string carries on its predecessor’s legacy with extended range and accessibility for every type of bassist.
Features Include
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Construction: Bolt-on neck
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple/Rosewood, Vola Modern C shape (bass) 1F(21.5mm)/ 12F(24mm)
- Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5" Radius
- Inlays: Classic dot inlay
- Nut: 47.6mm Duracon nut with Zero Fret
- Frets/ Scale: 21 Frets/ 34.5"
- Pickups: Vola JS5 neck, Vola JS5 Bridge
- Electronics: 1 Volume, 1 Balance, Vola ATR-I Active 3band EQ, 1mini switch(passive/active)
- Hardware: Gotoh 303 SJ 5 Bass bridge w/String thru the body, Gotoh 404SJ-5(4:1) Tuners
- Strings: Daddario EXL-170-5SL 45-65-80-100-130 Super long
- Misc: 4mm Allen key for truss rod adjustment
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Case: Vola Custom Series bass Gig bag
The Vola ZVA 5Bass is the culmination of Vola’s dedication to designing top-quality instruments for demanding players, without sacrificing the beauty that invites a closer look. Visit their website or your local Vola dealer for a closer look at the Vola ZVA 5 Bass. The Vola OZ Supernova has a street price of$1,189 USD. Vola Guitars now sells direct!
For more information, please visit volaguitars.com.
