William, I have one of those Vineyard Weissenborn copies, the cheaper laminated one.
Here it is:
I can honestly say that it's worth more than I paid ( $250 from ebay user: 6686mike )
He shipped it to the UK cheap, very well packaged and no problem at all.
I just wanted a really cheap Weiss-style guitar, to "try out" and a year on I'm hooked!
I made a brass nut to replace the naff wooden one, and brass saddle, which sounds better.
Also I changed the tuners ( the originals are nasty ) for some Kluson-style.
The mods cost hardly anything, brass is cheap!
I can send you a brass saddle piece if you like, I made a bunch while I was at it.
I'm using Newtone "Aloha" strings on this, tuned to openD.
On a cosmetic note, I gave the matt finish a buff with some rubbing compound (T-Cut), looks kinda vintagey!
Sure it's a "cheapo", don't expect the tone to rival that of a "proper" guitar.
But, having said that, all my friends who have heard this cheap laminate Weiss have been blown away! All are music-lovers, many are musicians, all are impressed and describe it's sound as "beautiful"(!)
Stuff like that reminds you how subjective "tone" is.
Obviously to a trained ear the difference compared to a more expensive guitar is plain to hear.
Anyway, I'd say it's cheapness hasn't held back my learning or inspiration at all.
When I think I'm good enough to warrant ( & can afford! ) a better guitar I'll keep the Vineyard as a "no-worries" beater, for outdoors, busking etc...
