Impeccable delivery despite the current situation (covid-19)... thank you, Woodbrass ;-)
Buying a guitar on the Internet often boils down to a difficult exercise. Especially when the brand in question is little known (or even unknown) and no reviews are available.
Despite my fears, I must admit that this instrument is a very unexpected surprise and I would even add that this manufacturer deserves more consideration!
Indeed, upon opening the box, you discover a quality control report on various elements of the guitar.
Considering the fact that the instrument is made in Indonesia, this is rather surprising and contributes to the feeling of quality (some manufacturers should take inspiration from this).
And, from the moment you hold it, the feeling of quality is confirmed:
- rather light guitar (about 3.65Kg)
- no neck dive
- natural finish (open pore) with a three-piece sungkai body covered with a veneer of the same wood.
Superb rendering... even if I know nothing about the properties of said wood species!!!
- beveled headstock of the most beautiful effect... which shows that it takes little to renew the 'genre'.
- 10" fretboard radius: a perfect mix between vintage 7.5" necks and shredder-type 12" or 16" necks.
- exemplary fretting and quality ebony fingerboard (very little porosity present... or a composite material was used) => absolutely comfortable neck!!!
Regarding the negative points:
- 3-position switch of average quality (the transition from one position to another is rather soft)
- the width of the bridge pickup poles does not match that of the saddles of the tailpiece.
As a result, the G, B, and E strings are completely offset relative to the poles of said pickup...
I admit that, considering the quality of the lutherie, the previously mentioned negative points are absolutely minor.
Moreover, once plugged into a Cort CM30R amp, this guitar presents no ground issues.
The "Michael Kelly" neck pickup (under OEM license, most certainly) produces a very bluesy/jazz sound (depending on the tone).
I will avoid commenting on the intermediate position and the bridge pickup since the installed pickup was not adequately chosen.
Conclusion:
For the price, this instrument has real arguments.
If you want an HS configuration that breaks the mold, the choice is quickly made.
I do not regret this purchase and highly recommend it!!!
Certified
Posted on 14 Jun 2020
By Arnaud W.