What body material is used for the Hartwood Novella?

The body is constructed from basswood. This choice provides a warm, balanced tone and ensures the instrument remains lightweight for the player.

Can the Hartwood Novella be played without an amplifier?

Yes, it can be played unplugged. The full-sized F-holes and hollowbody construction allow for exceptional dynamic projection compared to a solid-body guitar.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar features two vintage-voiced humbuckers. These are designed to provide a smooth top-end, articulate midrange, and a tight bass response.

What genres is the Hartwood Novella best suited for?

It is highly suitable for Jazz, Blues, and Rockabilly. Its warm tone and resonance make it ideal for styles that require a blend of clarity and depth.

How many frets does the guitar have?

The guitar features 20 jumbo frets. The jumbo size is intended to make fretting notes and bending strings easier for the guitarist.

What material is the fretboard made from?

The fretboard is made from laurel. It is decorated with pearl block inlays for a classic, high-end aesthetic.

Does the guitar have independent controls for each pickup?

Yes, it features independent volume and tone pots for both the bridge and neck pickups. This allows for precise blending when using the middle toggle position.

What finish is available on this specific model?

This specific model features a Tobacco Sunburst finish. It is designed to give the guitar a retro, vintage-inspired appearance.

How does the sound character differ between the bridge and neck pickups?

The bridge pickup offers more definition for lead work, while the neck pickup provides a smoother, warmer sound. They can be used in isolation or blended via a three-way switch.

Is the Hartwood Novella a hollowbody or semi-hollowbody guitar?

It is a full hollowbody guitar. This design maximizes acoustic resonance and provides a different tonal character than semi-hollow guitars that contain a center block.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

The Hartwood Novella typically retails for approximately GBP 190. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those entering the hollowbody market.

How does this guitar compare to a Gibson ES-335?

While it shares a similar double-cutaway aesthetic, the Hartwood is a full hollowbody at a much lower price point. The Gibson ES-335 typically uses a semi-hollow construction with a center block for higher gain stability.

Gear article

Hartwood Novella Hollowbody Guitar Tobacco Sunburst

The Hartwood Novella is a retro-inspired hollowbody electric guitar designed to balance vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Featuring a basswood construction and twin vintage-voiced humbuckers, it is designed for genres such as Jazz, Blues, and Rockabilly.

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Overview

The Hartwood Novella represents a contemporary take on the classic hollowbody design, offering a versatile platform for guitarists seeking traditional tones at an accessible price point. The instrument is distinguished by its full-sized F-holes and a stylish Tobacco Sunburst finish, allowing for significant acoustic projection even when not connected to an amplifier. The construction utilises basswood for the body, which contributes to a lightweight feel and a balanced tonal response.

Design and Construction

The guitar's body is crafted from basswood, a tonewood known for its consistency and warmth. It features a laurel fretboard, which provides a sustainable alternative to traditional rosewood while maintaining a similar feel and appearance. Aesthetic touches include large pearl block inlays and 20 jumbo frets, which facilitate easier string bending and clear note articulation. The hollow design ensures the instrument is resonant, providing a natural dynamic range that responds well to the player's touch.

Electronics and Sound Character

Equipped with two vintage-voiced humbuckers, the Hartwood Novella is designed to produce a 'tight' bass response and an articulate midrange. The bridge pickup provides clarity for lead lines, while the neck pickup offers a smoother, warmer top-end ideal for rhythm parts.

Control is managed through: * Independent volume and tone pots for each pickup. * A three-way toggle switch for selecting the bridge, neck, or a blended combination. * Passive electronics that maintain a traditional signal path suitable for various amplifier types.

Target Audience and Applications

Due to its warm, balanced tone and hollow construction, the Novella is particularly suited for genres that benefit from natural resonance, such as Jazz, Blues, and Rockabilly. Its ability to handle both clean and slightly overdriven tones makes it a flexible tool for the modern guitarist who requires a retro look without sacrificing functionality. The inclusion of jumbo frets also makes it a viable option for players who prefer a more modern neck feel compared to strictly vintage specifications.

Market Comparisons

Within the hollowbody market, the Hartwood Novella occupies a specific niche focused on affordability. While it shares the classic silhouette of premium instruments like the Gibson ES-335 or the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body, it is positioned as a more accessible alternative. Unlike the semi-hollow construction found in some ES-339 models, the Novella's full hollow design provides a more pronounced acoustic character, though it may be more prone to feedback at very high gain levels compared to its semi-hollow counterparts.

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Frequently asked questions

What body material is used for the Hartwood Novella?: The body is constructed from basswood. This choice provides a warm, balanced tone and ensures the instrument remains lightweight for the player.
Can the Hartwood Novella be played without an amplifier?: Yes, it can be played unplugged. The full-sized F-holes and hollowbody construction allow for exceptional dynamic projection compared to a solid-body guitar.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar features two vintage-voiced humbuckers. These are designed to provide a smooth top-end, articulate midrange, and a tight bass response.
What genres is the Hartwood Novella best suited for?: It is highly suitable for Jazz, Blues, and Rockabilly. Its warm tone and resonance make it ideal for styles that require a blend of clarity and depth.
How many frets does the guitar have?: The guitar features 20 jumbo frets. The jumbo size is intended to make fretting notes and bending strings easier for the guitarist.
What material is the fretboard made from?: The fretboard is made from laurel. It is decorated with pearl block inlays for a classic, high-end aesthetic.
Does the guitar have independent controls for each pickup?: Yes, it features independent volume and tone pots for both the bridge and neck pickups. This allows for precise blending when using the middle toggle position.
What finish is available on this specific model?: This specific model features a Tobacco Sunburst finish. It is designed to give the guitar a retro, vintage-inspired appearance.
How does the sound character differ between the bridge and neck pickups?: The bridge pickup offers more definition for lead work, while the neck pickup provides a smoother, warmer sound. They can be used in isolation or blended via a three-way switch.
Is the Hartwood Novella a hollowbody or semi-hollowbody guitar?: It is a full hollowbody guitar. This design maximizes acoustic resonance and provides a different tonal character than semi-hollow guitars that contain a center block.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The Hartwood Novella typically retails for approximately GBP 190. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those entering the hollowbody market.
How does this guitar compare to a Gibson ES-335?: While it shares a similar double-cutaway aesthetic, the Hartwood is a full hollowbody at a much lower price point. The Gibson ES-335 typically uses a semi-hollow construction with a center block for higher gain stability.