What body wood is used in the Hartwood Charger Vibrato?

The guitar is constructed using an alder body, which is a classic tonewood choice known for its balanced response across the frequency spectrum.

What neck profile does the Charger have?

It features a C-shaped neck profile, designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.

Can the Hartwood Charger produce single-coil sounds?

Yes, the guitar features a push-pull tone pot that activates a coil-tap, allowing the humbuckers to produce thinner, single-coil-style tones.

What is the finish on the back of the neck?

The neck has a sleek satin finish, which is intended to provide a smooth feel and prevent the hand from sticking during fast transitions.

How many pickups are installed on this model?

The guitar is equipped with two humbucking pickups, providing a high-output sound with hum-cancelling properties.

What type of bridge does this specific model use?

This model is equipped with a vibrato bridge, enabling the player to perform pitch bends and add modulation to their playing.

Is the Hartwood Charger suitable for live performances?

Yes, Hartwood describes the instrument as having pro-quality features and modern construction, making it suitable for both the stage and the rehearsal room.

How do you switch between the different pickup settings?

The guitar includes a three-way toggle switch, which allows you to select the bridge pickup, the neck pickup, or both simultaneously.

What is the aesthetic design of the body?

The Charger features an offset body design, which offers a vintage-inspired look combined with modern ergonomic considerations.

What is the typical price range for the Hartwood Charger Vibrato?

The guitar typically retails for around £250, positioning it as a high-value option in the electric guitar market.

Does this guitar offer any modern utility features?

Yes, the inclusion of a push-pull coil-tap and a satin-finished neck are modern features intended to enhance versatility and playability.

What genres is the Hartwood Charger suited for?

Due to its humbuckers and coil-tapping capabilities, it is a versatile instrument suitable for rock, blues, pop, and various alternative genres.

Gear article

Hartwood Charger Vibrato Electric Guitar (Cigar Burst)

The Hartwood Charger Vibrato is an offset-body electric guitar designed to blend vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern playability and versatile electronics. Featuring an alder body and a pair of humbucking pickups with coil-tap functionality, it occupies a competitive position in the entry-to-mid-range market.

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Overview and Construction

The Hartwood Charger Vibrato is constructed with an alder body, a tonewood traditionally favoured for its balanced tonal profile and weight. The guitar features a distinctive offset body shape, providing a modern twist on classic '60s designs. The finish, titled 'Cigar Burst', emphasizes a vintage aesthetic that complements the chrome hardware.

Playability is addressed through a maple neck carved to a C-shaped profile. This is finished in a sleek satin, designed to provide a smooth, non-stick surface for the fretting hand. The combination of these materials aims to offer a professional feel at an accessible price point.

Electronics and Sound

The sonic character of the Charger is defined by its two humbucking pickups. These are controlled by a standard three-way toggle switch, allowing for bridge, neck, or combined positions.

A key feature of the model is the inclusion of a push-pull coil-tap function located on the tone potentiometer. This allows the player to split the humbuckers into single-coil configurations, significantly expanding the instrument's dynamic range. This versatility makes the guitar suitable for genres ranging from high-gain rock to cleaner, articulate pop and blues tones.

Hardware and Vibrato

Distinct from the standard hardtail Charger models, this version includes a vibrato system. This hardware allows players to add pitch modulation and 'scintillating' vibrato effects to their performance. The bridge works in tandem with the guitar's modern construction to ensure that while the hardware looks vintage, it maintains the reliability required for modern rehearsals and stage use.

Market Context

Retailing at approximately £250, the Hartwood Charger Vibrato competes with entry-level offerings from major brands, such as the Squier Mini Stratocaster or the Stagg SES-30. However, its use of an alder body and pro-quality features like coil-tapping and a full-scale offset design places it as a higher-value alternative to standard 'budget' instruments. It serves as a middle ground for players who desire the vintage aesthetic of a Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar or an American Professional II Stratocaster but require a more affordable price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Hartwood Charger Vibrato?: The guitar is constructed using an alder body, which is a classic tonewood choice known for its balanced response across the frequency spectrum.
What neck profile does the Charger have?: It features a C-shaped neck profile, designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.
Can the Hartwood Charger produce single-coil sounds?: Yes, the guitar features a push-pull tone pot that activates a coil-tap, allowing the humbuckers to produce thinner, single-coil-style tones.
What is the finish on the back of the neck?: The neck has a sleek satin finish, which is intended to provide a smooth feel and prevent the hand from sticking during fast transitions.
How many pickups are installed on this model?: The guitar is equipped with two humbucking pickups, providing a high-output sound with hum-cancelling properties.
What type of bridge does this specific model use?: This model is equipped with a vibrato bridge, enabling the player to perform pitch bends and add modulation to their playing.
Is the Hartwood Charger suitable for live performances?: Yes, Hartwood describes the instrument as having pro-quality features and modern construction, making it suitable for both the stage and the rehearsal room.
How do you switch between the different pickup settings?: The guitar includes a three-way toggle switch, which allows you to select the bridge pickup, the neck pickup, or both simultaneously.
What is the aesthetic design of the body?: The Charger features an offset body design, which offers a vintage-inspired look combined with modern ergonomic considerations.
What is the typical price range for the Hartwood Charger Vibrato?: The guitar typically retails for around £250, positioning it as a high-value option in the electric guitar market.
Does this guitar offer any modern utility features?: Yes, the inclusion of a push-pull coil-tap and a satin-finished neck are modern features intended to enhance versatility and playability.
What genres is the Hartwood Charger suited for?: Due to its humbuckers and coil-tapping capabilities, it is a versatile instrument suitable for rock, blues, pop, and various alternative genres.