|
Click "here" for
pricing and current
neck and color options on the Charger.
photo
courtesy of Reverend Guitars
|
REVIEWED: Reverend Charger 290
Model:
Reverend Charger 290
Manufacturer: Reverend Guitars
Website: www.reverendguitars.com
Review:
The
quality and sound of the Reverend USA Series Slingshot with P-90’s
was so impressive that I knew Joe Naylor would keep his reputation
in tact with the new import series, the Reverend Stage King Guitars.
Reverend’s clever marketing phrase, “The import line
for the serious player…” rings loud and clear, just
as the natural tone of the Korean-made Charger 290 does that
I am reviewing for this article.
As
in the USA Series instruments, the natural tone of the unplugged
Charger 290 is as inspirational as playing the electric guitar
through a great tube amp. Joe’s chambered body design,
combining a solid spruce top with a basswood body and strategically
placed tone chambers, makes this guitar sing; it vibrates
in a way that lets your hands and ears know the guitar is
solid and well-made.
The
body is a single cut design that is reminiscent of the original
Reverend body shape, and the finish is flawless. I looked
for flaws that are typical of import guitars (overspray,
bad tape jobs, loose neck pockets, poor binding), but this
guitar could easily pass for American made. The finish is
a beautiful faded sunburst, and the crème colored
binding is perfect. The color of the binding has that aged
look, just enough to please those that love a vintage vibe.
The back and sides are painted a glossy black and finished
smooth, adding to the quality of this import line.
The Dual Action Truss Rod maple neck with a satin finish
has a
medium profile and attaches to the body in a nice tight joint
with four screws holding it perfectly in place. With 22 medium
jumbo frets and rolled edges, this smooth neck feels like
home, a Reverend tradition. Great action and closed gear
tuners with a Les Paul style bridge and tailpiece keep this
guitar in tune. Once again Reverend has captured the “modern
vintage” vibe and has kept their own identity. It feels
like a great guitar should feel: solid, dependable, and inspirational.
|
|
| |
The pickups and controls that come with the import line are the
same as those in the USA Retro Pro Series. The Charger 290 is
equipped with two P-90’s, a three position switch, a master
volume and tone, and Reverend’s own Bass-Contour, all designed
by Joe Naylor. Each pickup is wound specifically for it's position.
The bridge pickups are designed to be slightly hotter than that
of the the neck pickups. As in the case of the
American made Slingshot, the Charger 290 captures the essence
of a Les Paul Jr. and a Telecaster and gives you the opportunity
to do your own thing. The ability to have a sweet bluesy tone
turn into a clean country twang in seconds with the use of the
Bass-Contour is one of the best features of the Reverend design.
I played this guitar through my 50 watt Marshall Half stack and
feel in love with the tone. Notes sustained for days during solos
and the crunch of power chords rang pure. Through my Fender
4 x 10 Hot Rod Deville, it just screams! Blues, country, rock,
pop, you can do it all with this one guitar!
The Reverend Stage King Charger 290 changes the rules with imports
and raises the bar! This is a quality instrument that maintains
the standards expected of American made guitars. From the modern
vintage design to the pride and quality put into the construction,
this guitar is 100% Reverend. Click "here" for
Reverend's detailed description of the Stage King Series
-Steve
home
|
|
|
|
|
