I visited Harvey last November and saw the new V-As. Mine still isn't ready yet (it's being custom-built, so I am on luthier time :-) ), so he'll be sending me one "off the rack" to use when I tour the West Coast in Oct-Nov.

My road tests were done three years ago and in that time, I know that the hinge has been greatly improved and is alot more durable than it was on the early models. What is very cool is that now you don't have to de-tune to fold it back up, and the intonation is spot-on when it's unfolded.

Another cool thing is that Harvey has partnered with Lance McCollum to build the necks of the V-As. Lance is an excellent luthier and if I were rich, I'd be ordering a McCollum guitar as well.

As for tone, the tone is amazing. Even the proto-types that Jed and I tested had superior tones. As for the backpack, now with all the airlines charging an arm and a leg for checked baggage, I'll be able to carry-on the V-A and I'll only have to check my suitcase.

Sharon, if you have any other questions, Harvey is very approachable and is always ready to answer questions.

Debra Cowan