I couldn't pry myself off of this guitar long enough to write this review! I've been playing for 15 years and wanted to try an 8 string guitar without breaking the bank. I was intimidated by fanned-fret guitars and was trying to accept that I would need to spend $800 USD to buy a guitar I might end up hating. Saw a video by Glen Fricker of Spectre Media Group and ended up here!
AND WOW.
I'll just list the pros since I HONESTLY have zero cons:
- I also ordered a bag (Thomann E-Guitar Gigbag Deluxe fits perfectly for $22 USD) and a strap so my guitar came in it's little box, INSIDE another box that contained the bag and strap. Well-protected with the two layers of cardboard as well as some nice fabric around the guitar itself and held in place by foam padding on top, bottom and under the neck. It arrived 48 hours after my payment went through (I'm on the east coast of the USA)
- This guitar was setup so perfectly that I could play it right out of the box after tuning the 2 or 3 strings that were a bit off. Someone obviously put their heart and soul into tending to this piece of art.
- It's very lightweight, lighter than some 6 strings I have. Feels so comfortable with an 80mm strap even after 2.5 hours of playing.
- Paint is flawless, glossy and smooth.
- Well constructed. Again, it's obvious someone put their heart into building this.
- Electrical is very tidy and cables were bundled and organized! I don't know if the paint inside the cavity is shielding paint or not, but the back of the cover was shielded and there was ZERO hum or buzz.
- Pickups sound clear and deep in clean tones and crisp, sharp and heavy when distorted. No mud in a well-dialed tone. Tested on a 15w and 75w solid-state amp as well as an amp sim (NeuralDSP Archetype Gojira). The tone knob cuts a dramatic amount of high end, which sounds spectacular on a clean setting. It's a gradual cut also, not just an on/off knob. Dial to taste.
- Knobs have a very satisfying resistance to them, they don't just spin and spin. 3-way switch is smooth and snappy. They're all placed out of the way too, so you won't smack them when you're playing. (Looking at you, Charvel!)
- The frets are polished to perfection and perfectly cut along the neck. No overhanging frets whatsoever. My hands thank you.
- The fanned frets are very easy to get accustomed to. They're well-placed and gorgeously symmetrical.
- The neck itself is sanded to perfection, nice and flat but comfortable whether you're playing bar chords, cowboy chords or full-on riffage. No glossy finish so your hand glides very smooth.
- The guitar stays in tune very well, and my Snark tuner is capable of tuning this beast, although sometimes it struggles with the 8th string. The on-board tuner in my 75w amp can handle the low notes though!
- They even sent a 1/4" cable and an awesome "In case of emergency, rescue my guitars" sticker! (4" at least)
This guitar is absolutely perfect for players of any skill level who want to get into playing an 8-string. PERIOD. Thomann and Harley-Benton are INCREDIBLY underrated!!
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