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Reverend Musical Instruments

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Reverend
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusical instruments
Founded1997; 27 years ago (1997)
FounderJoe Naylor
Headquarters
Toledo, Ohio
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsElectric guitars and basses
WebsiteReverendguitars.com

Reverend Musical Instruments, commonly known as Reverend Guitars, is an American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses. The company was established in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan[1] by noted guitar and amplifier technician Joe Naylor, a graduate of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. Reverend guitars are known for their combination of unorthodox construction methods, retro design, playability and affordable price.[2]

History

[edit]

The original Reverend models had distinctive body shape made from non-traditional materials. Inspired by semi-hollow designs produced by Silvertone as well as the venerable Gibson ES-335, the original Reverend models were constructed using a core of solid mahogany surrounded by acoustic chambers.[3] A strip of molded plastic provided the frame while the front and back of the guitar was constructed of phenolic laminate sheets in a variety of colors and finishes. All American-built Reverends were identical in body shape, with various models set apart by their pickup choices and tremolos.

Although Reverend guitars were initially sold in large guitar stores around the country, Joe Naylor eventually made the decision to sell all of his guitars direct through an internet website for a short time. This move was one of many major changes instituted by Naylor over the years, as Naylor tried to adapt to the changing market. A short-lived line of bass-guitars, called the Rumblefish, received excellent reviews from critics[4] but were eventually discontinued.[5]

In 2006, all USA Reverends were to be discontinued in favor of an imported line constructed in Korea. These guitars, known initially as the Stage King series and now known as Reverend Guitars, featured solid wood bodies and a variety of shapes. The new Reverend models have been highly regarded by players for their overall quality, affordable price, and distinctive appearance.[6]

In 2007, Naylor announced that guitars formerly made of mahogany would in the future be made of korina (Terminalia superba, also known as African limba) wood instead. Naylor cited more consistent guitar weight and excellent resonance as the reason for the change, which came into effect with guitars over serial number 07468.

The company was bought by Ken and Penny Haas in 2010, and Joe Naylor retained his role as the designer and technical advisor. Under this arrangement, the Reverend Guitars line expanded to over 50 guitar models and more than 10 bass models. The company moved to Sylvania Township, Ohio, in 2015.[7]

Reverend Guitars bought Joe Naylor's pickup company, Railhammer Pickups, in 2017 under the same arrangement as Reverend Guitars. Railhammer Pickups holds a patent for their design: US Patent No. D737891.[8]

Reverend Guitars signature models have been created with several notable artists, including Billy Corgan,[9] Reeves Gabrels,[10] and Mike Watt.[11]

Models

[edit]

Reverend has over 30 models, including 10 Signature Models. The guitars are made at Mirr Music in South Korea. Every guitar is inspected and set up at the Toledo, Ohio headquarters. Reverend uses their own custom pickups on each model. All of the guitars feature Reverend's distinctive and highly lauded Bass Contour Control (BCC), a knob allowing the player to control tone more finely than conventional bass/treble knobs (which Reverend guitars also include). The BCC allows the player to add more bass for a fuller, richer sound, or to subtract it, allowing for twangier tones that approximate those of vintage single-coil pickups.

Bolt-on neck series

  • The Buckshot, features a Telecaster-style single-coil pickup at the bridge and, for added versatility in tone, a Revtron mini-humbucker pickup at the neck. The Buckshot is an extraordinarily versatile guitar noted for its ability to produce not only Telecaster-style twang, but also fuller, warmer tones, making it particularly suitable for country, rock, and punk music.[12][13]
  • The Charger - a retro-styled but distinctive-looking guitar suitable for country, blues, and rock, with either clean or distorted tones. The Charger 290, featuring two Reverend P90 pickups, was a Guitar Player magazine 'Editor's Pick',[14] noted for its versatility and snappy attack. The Charger HB has two Reverend humbucker pickups.[15][16]
  • The Club King, a semi-hollow guitar prized particularly for rockabilly and jazz, is available in an RT model,[17] model with two Reverend "Revtron" mini-humbucker pickups, and a 290 model,[18] with two Reverend P90s.[19][20]
  • The Double Agent has a Reverend humbucker in the bridge position and P90 in the neck position, offering a unique combination of tones.[21][22]
  • The Flatroc has two Revtron mini-humbuckers, making it particularly suitable for rockabilly.[23][24]
  • The Jetstream, prized primarily by rock players for its big tone, is available in a 390 model, with three Reverend P90 pickups, and the HB model,[25] with two Reverend humbuckers. For Reverend's tenth anniversary in 2007, a special Jetstream model was released in a sparkling silver finish.[26][27]
  • The Descent baritone guitar
  • The Six-Gun 3 has 3 single-coil pickups, the Reverend Salnico single-coils featuring alnico 5 rod magnets, on a sleek body with a traditional tone.[28][29]
  • The Kingbolt is the newest Reverend Bolt-on. It has a hot-rodded body with a Wilkinson Trem. It comes with either two Special-H Zebra Humbuckers, or Joe Naylor's Railhammer pickups.[30][31][32][33]
  • In 2019, Reverend introduced the Trickshot—a single-cut guitar with T-style pickups.[34]

Set-Neck Series

  • The Warhawk 3 has a thicker raised center section increases body mass, while the thinner wings increase resonance. It is available in an HB or a 390 version.[35][29]
  • The Sensei series are all classic double-cutaway models. Each have a pair of Reverend pickups, in a choice of Humbuckers (HB), Revtrons (Reverend's mini-Humbuckers RT), Railhammers (RA), or P-90's (290).[36][37]
  • Reverend's vintage V-shaped guitar is called the Volcano. It has a raised center ridge for increased body mass and sustain. The Volcano comes with a pair of Special-H Zebra Humbuckers. There is also a flat, flame-maple version called the Volcano RA-FM.[38][32]
  • The full-sized semi-hollow in the line is the Manta Ray. It has a 1-3/4" thick body with a solid maple flat top. It comes with a pair of Humbuckers (HB) or P-90s (290).[39][40]
  • The Tricky Gomez is based on the Manta Ray platform, but it has mini-Humbuckers, called Revtrons, a 6-in-line headstock, and a Bigsby. The name was based on the myth of a guitar virtuoso who lived in obscurity and could never quite get his career off the ground.[41][42][33]
  • The Bayonet is Reverend's newest set-neck guitar. A modernized body design that is loaded with Railhammer pickups,[43] a pickup designed by Joe Naylor. It comes in hardtail or with a Wilkinson Trem.[44][45][33]

Signature Series

  • Pete Anderson has a series of signature models with Reverend Guitars. The PA-1[46][47] is a large hollow-body that has been improved with the Uni-Brace system to address the feedback issue common with hollow-body guitars. It has 2 dog-eared p-90 pickups. The PA-1 RT[48][32][29] is the same guitar, but with Reverend's proprietary Revtron mini-HUmbucker pickups. The Eastsider[49][50] is on a vintage-T platform that has been chambered around the neck joint. It has a compound radious (10-14) neck. The Eastsider-T has two single-coils and a push-pull phase switch, and the Eastsider-S has three single-coils and a push-pull studio switch to achieve all the pickup combinations.
  • The Reeves Gabrels Signature Model 2 is loaded with Railhammers and has many features, including a push-pull phase switch.[51][52]
  • The Gil Parris Signature 2 has the Humbucker-Single Coil-Humbucker pickup configuration. With the Bass Contour Control, the guitar is extremely versatile.[53]
  • Rick Vito's Signature is an Art Deco masterpiece with ebony fretboard, stairstep tuner buttons, pickup pan knob, and included two-tone tapered case. It has a Dual-Pro pickup, hot single coil with a second blade polepiece in addition to the standard screw polepieces in a standard Humbucker cover.[54][55]
  • The Reverend Ron Asheton Signature Model[56][57] is based on Reverend's vintage v -- the Volcano. It has 3 P-90s, and features three lightning bolts in the upper horn. Since Asheton's passing in 2009, proceeds of the sale of this model go to the Ron Asheton Foundation.[58]
  • Mike Watt Wattplower[59] is a short-scale bass guitar designed by Reverend and Watt featuring an anchor inlay at the first fret (as a tribute to Watt's band Minutemen) and a decal of a California map with a star on San Pedro on the headstock's rear.[59]

Artists

[edit]

Reverend guitars have been endorsed by several high-profile musicians over the years.[60]

Reverend Guitars Greg Koch signature model Gristlemaster in Blucifer blue

List of artists endorsed

[edit]
  • Andy Gill (Gang Of Four)
  • Mike Watt (Solo, fIREHOSE, Minutemen, Secondmen, The Stooges)[66]
  • Shade Balderose (Code Orange)
  • Kyle Shutt (The Sword)
  • Reeves Gabrels (The Cure, David Bowie, Tin Machine, Reeves Gabrels and His Imaginary Friends)
  • Meshell Ndegeocello[66]
  • Pete Anderson
  • Rick Vito (Solo, Mick Fleetwood's Blues Band, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Seger, Jackson Browne"
  • Gil Parris
  • Ron Asheton (The Stooges)
  • Bob Balch (Fu Manchu)
  • Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)
  • Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak, Flock of Dimes)
  • Aden Bubeck (Miranda Lambert)
  • Alex Stern (Big D and the Kids Table)
  • Amit Peled (Ramzailech, Les Rhinoceros)
  • Andrew Shack (Pravada)
  • Andy Patalan (Sponge)
  • Arthur Zubkov (Mi Gang)
  • Audley Freed (Black Crows, Cry of Love, Sheryl Crow)
  • Benjamin Williams (The Indigo Girls)
  • Bernie Williams
  • Bo Ramsey
  • Bobby Calabrese (Calabrese)
  • Boris Pelekh (Gogol Bordello, Hey Guy)
  • Brad Houser (Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians, Critter's Buggin', The Dead Kenny G's)
  • Brian Dowling (Crash The Calm)
  • Brian Rivers
  • Brook Graeff (Good Graeff)
  • Browan Lollar (St. Paul and the Broken Bones)
  • Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship)
  • Chris Bruce (Seal)
  • Chris Funk (The Decemberists)
  • Chris Teti (The World is a Beautiful Place and I am no Longer Afraid to Die)
  • Christofer Drew (NeverShoutNever)
  • Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music)
  • Connor Holzmann (Crash The Calm)
  • Curt Kirkwood (Meat Puppets)
  • Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys)
  • Dave Smalley (Down By Law, Dag Nasty)
  • Deanna Belos (Sincere Engineer)
  • Derrick Anderson (The Bangles)
  • Durl Purry (Thaylo Bleu)
  • Elvis Kuehn (Fidlar)
  • Emily Estefan
  • Gabe Simon (Kopecky)
  • Gary Hooker (Brad Paisley)
  • Greg Koch of (The Koch Marshall Trio)
  • Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits)
  • Halston Castro (Joy)
  • Hannah Rose
  • J Navarro (Suicide Machines, Break Anchor, Hellmouth, J Navarro and the Traitors)
  • Jackson Smith
  • Jake Bonham (Dangerkids)
  • Jake Woodruff (Defeater)
  • Jeff Adams (Starship)
  • Jeff Schroeder (The Smashing Pumpkins)
  • Jermaine Jackson (The Jacksons)
  • Jesse Phillips (St. Paul and the Broken Bones)
  • Josh Canode (Convictions)
  • Josh Childress (The Plot in You)
  • Katie Harkin (Sky Larkin, Sleater-Kinney, Flock of Dimes)
  • Keith Lowers (20 Dead Flower Children/Corporate Avenger)
  • Kenny Lewis (Brad Paisley)
  • Kevin Hornback (Reeves Gabrels and His Imaginary Friends)
  • Madison Velding-VanDam (BODEGA, The Wants)
  • Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
  • Matt West (Neck Deep)
  • Michael Krygier (Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas)
  • Mike Bray (Tenacious D)
  • Mike Poulin (Defeater)
  • Mitski
  • Neil Patterson (Downtown Brown)
  • Pat Smith (Crash The Calm)
  • Paul Cuddeford (Lisa Ronson, Holy Holy)
  • Paul Langlois (The Tragically Hip)
  • Richard Bennet (Mark Knopfler, Neil Diamond)
  • Rob Baker (The Tragically Hip)
  • Robert "Bucket" Hingley (The Toasters)
  • Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails)
  • Rudy Boy (The Rudy Boy Experiment)
  • Russell Javors (Billy Joel)
  • Ryan Scott Graham (Speak Low, State Champs)
  • Ryan Sweeney (Crash The Calm)
  • Ryland Dehlers (Citizen)
  • Sam Williams(Down By Law)
  • Scottie Frier (The Travelin' Kine)
  • Semyon Bashmakov (Mi Gang)
  • Sergie Loobkoff (Samiam)
  • Steve Amaral (The Nickel Slots, Red Star Memorial, Popgun)
  • Thao Nguyen (Thao and the Get Down Stay Down)
  • Tim "Izo" Orindgreff (The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie)
  • Tim Langford (Too Slim and the Taildraggers)
  • Tim Palmer (The Polyphonic Spree)
  • Tito Jackson (The Jacksons)
  • Tommy Koffin (Koffin Kats)
  • Zach Myers (Shinedown)
  • Kevin “The Dood” Doud (Inner Temple)[66]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Born in Detroit". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Reverend Guitars". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  3. ^ "The Early Days of Reverend Guitars". reverb.com. 2021-06-17. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  4. ^ Patt, Stephen. "Reverend Rumblefish Bass | Vintage Guitar® magazine". Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  5. ^ "Reverend Rumblefish Bass". www.revfan.com. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  6. ^ Tekippe, Bob. "Reverend's Stage King Series Charger 290 | Vintage Guitar® magazine". Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  7. ^ "Company settles into new store in Sylvania Twp". Toledoblade.com.
  8. ^ "United States Design Patent do Patent No.: US D737,891 S" (PDF). Patentimages.storage.googleapis.com. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  9. ^ Chris Gill (22 August 2016). "Review: Reverend Billy Corgan Signature Guitar". Guitarworld.com.
  10. ^ Damian Fanelli (17 May 2012). "Reverend Guitars Introduces Reeves Gabrels Signature Model with Railhammer Chisel Pickups". Guitarworld.
  11. ^ Jordan Wagner (13 April 2017). "Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower Review". Premierguitar.com.
  12. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Buckshot". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  13. ^ "Electric & Acoustic Guitar Gear, Lessons, News, Blogs, Video, Tabs & Chords - GuitarPlayer.com". Guitarplayer.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  14. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-11-12. Retrieved 2008-08-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Charger HB". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  16. ^ "Reverend Guitars Announces the Return of the Charger Guitar". Premierguitar.com. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  17. ^ "Reverend Guitars". Archived from the original on 2008-07-26. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  18. ^ "Reverend Guitars". Archived from the original on 2008-09-08. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  19. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Club King RT". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  20. ^ "News: Reverend Introduces The Club King RT Electric Guitar". Harmonycentral.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  21. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Double Agent". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  22. ^ "News: Reverend Unveils Double Agent Guitar". Harmonycentral.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  23. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Flatroc". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  24. ^ "Reverend Offers Flatroc in Limited-Edition Colors". Vintageguitar.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  25. ^ "Reverend Guitars". Archived from the original on 2008-10-11. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  26. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Jetstream HB". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  27. ^ "Reverend Tweaks Jetstream Series". Vintageguitar.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  28. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Six Gun". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  29. ^ a b c "Reverend Guitars Introduces New Models and Updates". Premierguitar.com. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  30. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Kingbolt RA FM". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  31. ^ "Reverend Kingbolt Electric Guitar Review". Premierguitar.com. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  32. ^ a b c "Summer NAMM 2013 Video: Reverend Guitars Introduces Volcano RA FM, Kingbolt RA and Pete Anderson PA-1 RT Models". Guitarworld.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  33. ^ a b c "NAMM '13 - Reverend Guitars Kingbolt RA FM, Bayonet, & Tricky Gomez Demos & Volcano RA FM, Sensei RT". Premierguitar.com. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  34. ^ "Reverend Guitars - Trickshot". Archived from the original on 2019-05-30. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
  35. ^ "Reverend » Warhawk III HB". Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-09-20.
  36. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Sensei HB FM". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  37. ^ "Reverend Sensei RA Electric Guitar Review". Premierguitar.com. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  38. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Volcano". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  39. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Manta Ray HB". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  40. ^ "Reverend Guitars Introduces the Manta Ray 290 in Flame Top". Premierguitar.com. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  41. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Tricky Gomez RT". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  42. ^ "Tricky Gomez: An Enigma, Legend and Reluctant Star". Guitarworld.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  43. ^ "Railhammer Pickups". Railhammer.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  44. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Bayonet RA90". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  45. ^ "Review: Reverend Guitars Bayonet". Guitarworld.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  46. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Pete Anderson PA-1". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  47. ^ "ReverendPete Anderson Signature". Guitarplayer.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  48. ^ "Reverend Guitars » PETE ANDERSON PA-1 RT". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  49. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Pete Anderson Eastsider S". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  50. ^ "Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider S Guitar Review". Premierguitar.com. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  51. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Reeves Gabrels Signature". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  52. ^ "Reverend Guitars Introduces Reeves Gabrels Signature Model with Railhammer Chisel Pickups". Guitarworld.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  53. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Gil Parris Signature". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  54. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Rick Vito Classic". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  55. ^ "Reverend Releases Rick Vito Signature Guitar". Premierguitar.com. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  56. ^ "Ron Asheton: Detroit's Real Cool Guitar Icon". Guitarworld.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  57. ^ "Reverend Guitars » Ron Asheton Signature". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  58. ^ "Official Ron Asheton Foundation Website". Ronashetondoundation.org. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  59. ^ a b c Herrera, Jonathan (August 30, 2017). "Review: Reverend Guitars Mike Watt Wattplower". Bass Player. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  60. ^ "Artists - Reverend Guitars". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  61. ^ Bienstock, Richard (July 26, 2019). "Reverend Guitars Unveils Reeves Gabrels Signature RGX". Guitar World. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  62. ^ "12 Questions with Dan Auerbach". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  63. ^ "Arists". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  64. ^ "12 Questions with Robert "Bucket" Hingley". Reverendguitars.com. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  65. ^ "everend Guitars Unveils the Greg Koch Gristlemaster and Rick Vito Signature Soulshaker". Premier Guitar. January 24, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  66. ^ a b c "Reverend Guitars - Artists". Reverendguitars.com.
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