What is the primary body material of the Hartwood Revival?

The body of the Hartwood Revival is constructed from basswood, which is chosen for its balanced tone and warm sound profile.

Does this guitar require an amplifier?

While the Hartwood Revival is a semi-acoustic guitar with F-holes that allow for unplugged practice, its vintage-voiced humbuckers are designed for use with an amplifier for full volume and tonal range.

What kind of pickups are installed in this model?

It features two vintage-voiced humbuckers, one at the bridge and one at the neck, providing a thick and warm output with reduced noise compared to single-coils.

How many frets does the Hartwood Revival have?

The guitar is equipped with 20 jumbo frets, which are designed to offer a comfortable playing experience and facilitate easier note bending.

What type of fretboard inlays are used?

The laurel fretboard features aesthetically pleasing pearl block inlays, providing a classic, high-end look.

What genres of music is this guitar best suited for?

The Hartwood Revival is versatile enough for several genres including Jazz, Blues, and Rock, thanks to its blendable humbucking pickups.

Can the pickups be adjusted independently?

Yes, the guitar features independent volume and tone pots for each pickup, along with a three-way toggle switch for selecting or blending them.

What is the specific finish of this model?

This specific model features a stylish 'Jet Black' finish, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.

How does the bass response sound on this guitar?

The humbuckers are designed to provide a tight bass response, which ensures the low-end remains defined and articulate rather than muddy.

What material is used for the fretboard?

The fretboard is made from laurel, a common and sustainable alternative to rosewood that offers similar tonal properties and durability.

Is the Hartwood Revival a solid body or a hollow body?

It is a semi-acoustic or hollow-body design featuring F-holes, which allows for greater resonance and dynamic projection compared to solid-body electrics.

What is the typical price for the Hartwood Revival Jet Black?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £220, making it an accessible option for those seeking a semi-acoustic instrument.

Gear article

Hartwood Revival Semi Acoustic Guitar

The Hartwood Revival is a semi-acoustic guitar featuring a retro-inspired design and a Jet Black finish. It is constructed with a basswood body and dual humbucking pickups, designed to offer a balance between vintage aesthetics and modern playability.

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Overview and Construction

The Hartwood Revival is a hollow-body instrument that bridges the gap between traditional acoustic resonance and electric versatility. The body is crafted from basswood, a tonewood selected for its ability to provide a warm, balanced tonal foundation. The 'Jet Black' aesthetic is complemented by full-sized F-holes, which serve both a functional and stylistic purpose by allowing for natural acoustic projection when played unplugged.

The neck features a laurel fretboard, chosen for its smooth playing surface and durability. For visual appeal and easy navigation of the fretboard, the instrument is adorned with pearl block inlays across its 20 jumbo frets.

Electronics and Hardware

Equipped with two vintage-voiced humbuckers at the bridge and neck positions, the Hartwood Revival is designed to handle a wide variety of genres. The control layout provides a high degree of customisation, featuring:

Independent volume and tone pots for each pickup.
A three-way toggle switch for selecting the bridge, neck, or a blend of both.
Chrome-finished hardware that complements the Jet Black body.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Hartwood Revival is defined by its articulate midrange and smooth top-end. The humbucking pickups are voiced to provide a tight bass response, ensuring that the low-end remains defined even when playing through an amplifier with higher gain or grit. Due to the basswood construction and F-hole design, the guitar maintains a dynamic projection that is more pronounced than a standard solid-body electric guitar, yet more controlled than a full dreadnought acoustic.

User Suitability

This model is marketed toward guitarists seeking a versatile instrument capable of transitioning between Blues, Jazz, and Rock. Its combination of jumbo frets and a hollow body makes it a suitable choice for players who prefer the feel of an electric neck but desire the resonance of an acoustic instrument. It serves as a middle ground for students and intermediate players who require a functional, stylish semi-acoustic without the high cost associated with vintage originals.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Hartwood range, the Revival offers a different aesthetic and functional profile compared to the Hartwood Sonata Grand Auditorium or the Artiste Dreadnought, which are more traditionally acoustic-focused. Compared to competitors like the Northstar Tanglewood Pro series, the Revival emphasizes a vintage 'hollow-body' feel rather than a modern open-pore finish. While the Tanglewood NSP5BK offers a black open-pore look, the Hartwood Revival differentiates itself with its gloss Jet Black finish and pearl block inlays.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the Hartwood Revival?: The body of the Hartwood Revival is constructed from basswood, which is chosen for its balanced tone and warm sound profile.
Does this guitar require an amplifier?: While the Hartwood Revival is a semi-acoustic guitar with F-holes that allow for unplugged practice, its vintage-voiced humbuckers are designed for use with an amplifier for full volume and tonal range.
What kind of pickups are installed in this model?: It features two vintage-voiced humbuckers, one at the bridge and one at the neck, providing a thick and warm output with reduced noise compared to single-coils.
How many frets does the Hartwood Revival have?: The guitar is equipped with 20 jumbo frets, which are designed to offer a comfortable playing experience and facilitate easier note bending.
What type of fretboard inlays are used?: The laurel fretboard features aesthetically pleasing pearl block inlays, providing a classic, high-end look.
What genres of music is this guitar best suited for?: The Hartwood Revival is versatile enough for several genres including Jazz, Blues, and Rock, thanks to its blendable humbucking pickups.
Can the pickups be adjusted independently?: Yes, the guitar features independent volume and tone pots for each pickup, along with a three-way toggle switch for selecting or blending them.
What is the specific finish of this model?: This specific model features a stylish 'Jet Black' finish, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.
How does the bass response sound on this guitar?: The humbuckers are designed to provide a tight bass response, which ensures the low-end remains defined and articulate rather than muddy.
What material is used for the fretboard?: The fretboard is made from laurel, a common and sustainable alternative to rosewood that offers similar tonal properties and durability.
Is the Hartwood Revival a solid body or a hollow body?: It is a semi-acoustic or hollow-body design featuring F-holes, which allows for greater resonance and dynamic projection compared to solid-body electrics.
What is the typical price for the Hartwood Revival Jet Black?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £220, making it an accessible option for those seeking a semi-acoustic instrument.