Vision VBL or VBX?

[Kevaruka]

Hi there. A little confusion here as to what I actually have. This kit is a Vision 100% Birch SST in Clear Lacquer. How can I tell between the two?

many thanks in advance & kind regards, Kevin

6F70ED0E-F6F9-4226-9484-BE6FB04330E0_1_201_a by Kevin Frost, on Flickr
Untitled by Kevin Frost, on Flickr
Untitled by Kevin Frost, on Flickr
Untitled by Kevin Frost, on Flickr

[Cheez_Whiz]

Based on the date code you posted, they appear to have been produced in June of 2008, so that would most likely make them "VBX" in the "Clear Birch" lacquer finish. Pearl did not offer anything called a "VLX" during that year (at least not in the U.S.). They offered VMX (Maple shells, lacquer finish), VBX (Birch shells, lacquer finish) and VSX + VX kits (Birch kits with wraps).

This is based on their 2008 catalogue which can be found here: http://catweb.tgtel.com/2008%20Gener...%20spreads.pdf - No affiliation with the site, but I find it helpful.
It appears that you are in the UK, so I do not know if Pearl Europe offered any other variations than these.

Hope that helps...

[Kevaruka]

Based on the date code you posted, they appear to have been produced in June of 2008, so that would most likely make them "VBX" in the "Clear Birch" lacquer finish. Pearl did not offer anything called a "VLX" during that year (at least not in the U.S.). They offered VMX (Maple shells, lacquer finish), VBX (Birch shells, lacquer finish) and VSX + VX kits (Birch kits with wraps).

This is based on their 2008 catalogue which can be found here: http://catweb.tgtel.com/2008%20Gener...%20spreads.pdf - No affiliation with the site, but I find it helpful.
It appears that you are in the UK, so I do not know if Pearl Europe offered any other variations than these.

Hope that helps...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]515487[/ATTACH]

Excellent & many thanks. I know there is a VBL here (Vision, Birch Lacquer) & also the VBX. Hence my confusion.

[Cheez_Whiz]

Happy to (hopefully) help. In 2007, at least based on the US catalogue, they offered VSX (birch + basswood, wrapped) and VLX (birch + basswood, lacquered), but I cannot find any references to a VBL in other years. Apparently, in 2008, the VBX was all birch, while the VX and VSX retained the original "recipe" of birch + basswood.

In any case, looks like a nice kit. Enjoy playing it.

[Kevaruka]

Happy to (hopefully) help. In 2007, at least based on the US catalogue, they offered VSX (birch + basswood, wrapped) and VLX (birch + basswood, lacquered), but I cannot find any references to a VBL in other years. Apparently, in 2008, the VBX was all birch, while the VX and VSX retained the original "recipe" of birch + basswood.

In any case, looks like a nice kit. Enjoy playing it.

Yes, This one is 100% Birch. I actually think the build quality & the components are better than my old BLX........... (Dons fire suit). Certainly the chrome is a lot better. Should have it finished this week so will hopefully be giving it a whirl. Will be interesting to see how it compares to my Masters kit

[Kevaruka]

VBL's -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...l+VBL&_sacat=0

[Kevaruka]

Aha, Think I have it sorted now. Mine is a VBX as it has the 6/8 shells & also the badges are the earlier type.