What is the body construction of the Hartwood Speedway?

The guitar features a semi-hollow body design. This construction provides a bold, proud resonance and a distinctive acoustic character that differs from traditional solid-body electric guitars.

What pickups are installed in the Speedway Vibrato?

The instrument is equipped with a pair of high-output humbuckers. These pickups are designed to be versatile, offering clear tones for clean playing and plenty of crunch when used with high gain.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features a smooth C-shaped maple neck. This profile is intended to provide increased tonal brightness and an exceptionally comfortable playing experience for various hand sizes.

What makes the 'Greaser Black' finish unique?

The Greaser Black finish is defined by a sublime racing stripe design that runs down the middle of the body. This provides a luxurious, high-performance aesthetic inspired by classic automotive designs.

Does this guitar include a tremolo system?

Yes, it is equipped with a vibrato bridge. This allows the player to add pitch-bending effects and expressive modulation to their notes and chords.

What wood is used for the neck?

The neck is made from maple. Maple is chosen for its durability and its ability to add a touch of brightness to the guitar's overall tonal profile.

Is the Hartwood Speedway suitable for high-gain music?

Yes, the pair of humbuckers are designed for high output. This makes them very effective at maintaining clarity and adding crunch when the gain on an amplifier is turned up.

How does the semi-hollow design affect the sound?

The semi-hollow design adds a proud resonance to the tone. It gives the guitar a more 'open' sound compared to solid-body guitars, which can be useful for both jazz and rock styles.

What is the typical price range for this guitar?

The Hartwood Speedway Vibrato typically retails for approximately £300. This places it in an accessible category for intermediate players and working musicians.

Who is the intended user for this guitar?

It was built for the modern musician. It suits players who need a dynamic instrument that offers a mix of vintage resonance and modern, high-output electronic performance.

How does the playability compare to other models?

The combination of the C-shaped neck and the body design offers exceptional playability. It is designed to be comfortable enough for long sessions of riffing and lead playing.

What aesthetic style does the guitar follow?

The guitar follows a 'racing' or 'greaser' aesthetic. The central stripe and dark finish give it a look reminiscent of classic mid-century performance vehicles.

Gear article

Hartwood Speedway Vibrato Electric Guitar (Greaser Black)

The Hartwood Speedway Vibrato is a semi-hollow electric guitar featuring a distinct racing stripe aesthetic and high-output humbucking pickups. Designed for modern playability, it incorporates a C-shaped maple neck and a vibrato bridge system to provide a versatile range of tones with enhanced resonance.

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Overview

The Hartwood Speedway Vibrato in Greaser Black is a contemporary electric guitar that blends vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern construction. As part of the Hartwood lineup, it is positioned as a dynamic instrument for musicians seeking a combination of semi-hollow resonance and high-output electronics. The visual hallmark of the model is its 'Greaser Black' finish, which is complemented by a central racing stripe, giving the instrument a luxurious, high-performance appearance.

Design and Construction

The guitar features a semi-hollow body design, which is engineered to provide a bold, proud resonance that solid-body guitars often lack. This construction method allows for a distinctive acoustic character that translates well when amplified. The neck is crafted from maple and carved into a smooth 'C' profile. This choice of wood contributes to the overall tonal brightness of the instrument while ensuring a comfortable grip for various playing styles, from rhythm work to fast-paced lead sections.

Electronics and Hardware

Equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups, the Speedway Vibrato is capable of delivering a versatile range of sounds. These pickups are designed for a high-output signal, making them suitable for clean tones as well as high-gain settings where they provide significant crunch. The hardware configuration is rounded out by a vibrato bridge system, allowing players to incorporate pitch modulation and expressive textures into their performances.

Target Audience

This instrument is primarily built for the modern musician who requires a flexible tool for live performance and recording. Its ergonomic neck design and high-output electronics make it suitable for players who prioritise comfort during long sets. While its resonance appeals to fans of traditional semi-hollow designs, its aggressive styling and humbucker configuration make it equally appropriate for rock, blues, and alternative genres.

Market Comparison

Within the wider market, the Hartwood Speedway Vibrato competes with other specialized electric guitars such as the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster or the Stagg SES-30BK, though it distinguishes itself through its semi-hollow construction and vibrato system. While it occupies a different price bracket and functional niche than premium models like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s, it offers a distinct aesthetic alternative for guitarists seeking the 'racing' look found in certain limited-edition competition models.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body construction of the Hartwood Speedway?: The guitar features a semi-hollow body design. This construction provides a bold, proud resonance and a distinctive acoustic character that differs from traditional solid-body electric guitars.
What pickups are installed in the Speedway Vibrato?: The instrument is equipped with a pair of high-output humbuckers. These pickups are designed to be versatile, offering clear tones for clean playing and plenty of crunch when used with high gain.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features a smooth C-shaped maple neck. This profile is intended to provide increased tonal brightness and an exceptionally comfortable playing experience for various hand sizes.
What makes the 'Greaser Black' finish unique?: The Greaser Black finish is defined by a sublime racing stripe design that runs down the middle of the body. This provides a luxurious, high-performance aesthetic inspired by classic automotive designs.
Does this guitar include a tremolo system?: Yes, it is equipped with a vibrato bridge. This allows the player to add pitch-bending effects and expressive modulation to their notes and chords.
What wood is used for the neck?: The neck is made from maple. Maple is chosen for its durability and its ability to add a touch of brightness to the guitar's overall tonal profile.
Is the Hartwood Speedway suitable for high-gain music?: Yes, the pair of humbuckers are designed for high output. This makes them very effective at maintaining clarity and adding crunch when the gain on an amplifier is turned up.
How does the semi-hollow design affect the sound?: The semi-hollow design adds a proud resonance to the tone. It gives the guitar a more 'open' sound compared to solid-body guitars, which can be useful for both jazz and rock styles.
What is the typical price range for this guitar?: The Hartwood Speedway Vibrato typically retails for approximately £300. This places it in an accessible category for intermediate players and working musicians.
Who is the intended user for this guitar?: It was built for the modern musician. It suits players who need a dynamic instrument that offers a mix of vintage resonance and modern, high-output electronic performance.
How does the playability compare to other models?: The combination of the C-shaped neck and the body design offers exceptional playability. It is designed to be comfortable enough for long sessions of riffing and lead playing.
What aesthetic style does the guitar follow?: The guitar follows a 'racing' or 'greaser' aesthetic. The central stripe and dark finish give it a look reminiscent of classic mid-century performance vehicles.