Among others, the $200 Agile AL-2000 electric guitar from Korea has received many rave reviews from owners, and it’s often compared with Epiphone electric guitars from the Standard series.
The other thing to consider is whether it would be worthwhile spending a couple of hundred dollars extra to get the AL-2500 (which is seen as Les Paul knock-off), or the AL-2800, which costs approximately $310, or the AL-3000 series which goes for about $370.
Agile models in the 3000-series and higher tend to be of much higher quality, have more robust specifications, and gives you the greatest return on your investment. If you’re looking into taking your guitar for some serious gigging, the higher-priced models have higher levels of reliability, and you don’t have to deal with the unit breaking down half-way through your playing.
To help you with your quest, RondoMusic.net has a page which compares the specs and features of the following Agile models:
- AL-2000
- AL-2500
- AL-2800
- AL-2900
- AL-3000
- AL-3000 Slim Taper
- AL-3000M
You basically get better wood construction, electronics, pickups and strings with the higher-end models.
An alternative to consider if cash is tight is to purchase the AL-2000, which is already an excellent guitar in and of itself, and mod the guitar yourself. These modifications should be done to extract every ounce of performance and functionality from the unit.
Here’s a picture series of the Agile AL-3100 Wide posted by OsirisProtocol.
As mentioned previously, the basic Agile electric guitars are also frequently compared to the LP Standard electric guitars from Epiphone, but I personally dislike the way the Epiphone necks are built, and much prefer the Agiles.
I’m being quite picky here, and your hands are definitely not the same as mine, so you might want to go to the nearest guitar store and try both models out yourself. Experienced guitarists also cite poor build quality in many of the Epiphone models, so be sure to check this out also.
On another note, Gibson guitars are definitely superior to the Agiles, but you pay a hefty price for owning a Gibson.
If you’re interested in purchasing an Agile electric guitar, here are some additional resources that can help:
- Agile Guitar Forums – a very active online community that discusses everything Agile, from gear reviews to modifications to sound samples
- Extensive collection of user reviews at Harmony Central for each and every Agile guitar … and here’s Page Two.
- Agile user reviews at Ultimate Guitar – Not as extensive as the compilation at Harmony Central, but a useful addition nonetheless.
- Ratings data and best prices on: Agile AL-2800 | Agile AL-3000 | Agile Guitars
Hey when you say “wide”, is that the neck profile or the body?
I have fat, short fingers, which would you recommend? Thanks! JR
There’s some more reviews at ultimate guitar tone, too.
Their Agile AL-3100 is a great piece of craftsmanship. It plays like a dream, and has that nice buttery Les Paul tone! I recommend the snake-skin case to slip around this guitar! I have the spalted maple – ALWAYS gets an oooh or aaah from everyone who sees it.
Peace all ~ Buy an Agile, you will be very happy with it!
“Wide” refers to the neck on the Agile AL models (and perhaps other Agile guitars as well). Incidentally, the “wide” neck is not THAT much wider.
what is the spalted maple? at rondo music, they list the colors by code, like spalted csb, or HSB, etc..what those stands for?
I own an al-3100 with the wide neck. Plays like a dream, is of high quality. Got one to satisfy my Les Paul itch, cured it, and have a lot of cash left over to celebrate! Of course, is no Gibson Les Paul. But, get an Agile, and you will not be disappointed!