What body wood is used in the Knoxville Select?

The guitar features a lightweight poplar body, chosen for its balanced weight and approachable feel for players of all levels.

What type of pickups are installed on this model?

It is equipped with two covered humbucking pickups designed to provide a fuller output with less background noise than single-coil alternatives.

What is the scale length of the Gear4Music Knoxville Select?

The guitar has a standard 25.5-inch scale length, which is traditional for this style of electric guitar.

Is the neck profile suitable for beginners?

Yes, it features a comfortable C-profile maple neck which is designed to be approachable and easy to grip for beginners and experienced players alike.

What material is the fingerboard made from?

The fingerboard is made from laurel, providing a smooth playing surface for practice and performance.

How does this guitar handle high-gain music?

Due to its humbucking pickups, it handles blues-rock and heavier tones well by reducing the 'hum' often associated with high-gain settings.

What is the typical price range for the Knoxville Select?

The guitar is generally positioned as an affordable entry-level instrument, typically retailing around the £130 price point.

Does the Knoxville Select come in other finishes?

This specific model described features a Sunburst finish, though Gear4Music often produces the Knoxville range in various colours.

Is this guitar suitable for live performances?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as an ideal choice for a player's first gig or their thousandth, due to its versatile tones and reliable build.

How does it compare to a Fender Telecaster?

While it shares a similar body shape, the Knoxville Select uses humbuckers instead of the single-coils typically found on models like the American Professional II or Custom Shop '61 Telecaster.

What controls are available on the guitar?

The guitar features a three-way pickup selector switch, allowing the player to toggle between the neck, bridge, or both pickups.

Who is the primary target audience for this guitar?

It is designed as an affordable alternative for players of all skill levels, particularly those looking for a versatile instrument for blues and rock.

Gear article

Gear4Music Knoxville Select Electric Guitar (Sunburst)

The Gear4Music Knoxville Select is an affordable electric guitar featuring a classic single-cutaway design, a lightweight poplar body, and a Sunburst finish. It is distinguished by its dual humbucking pickups, which offer higher output and noise reduction compared to traditional single-coil models.

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Background and Design

The Knoxville Select is part of Gear4Music's proprietary range of instruments, designed to offer high-specification features at an entry-level price point of approximately £130. It utilises a classic T-style silhouette but deviates from traditional specifications by incorporating hardware and electronics typically found on more expensive contemporary alternatives. The body is constructed from lightweight poplar, which provides a balanced weight for players standing during long sessions, while the aesthetic is defined by its traditional Sunburst finish.

Technical Specifications

The guitar is built with a focus on ergonomics and playability. Key technical details include:

Neck Profile: A comfortable 'C' profile maple neck designed to suit various hand sizes.
Scale Length: A standard 25.5" scale, providing familiar tension and string spacing.
Fretboard: A laurel fingerboard which offers a smooth surface for both chordal work and lead playing.
Electronics: Two covered humbucking pickups paired with a three-way selector switch, allowing for a variety of tonal configurations.

Sound and Performance

Unlike many entry-level guitars in this style that use single-coil pickups, the Knoxville Select employs humbuckers. This choice results in a 'fuller' output and significantly reduced background noise (hum). This makes the instrument particularly well-suited for genres that require higher gain, such as blues-rock and hard rock, as the covered pickups help maintain signal clarity without unwanted electrical interference.

Comparison to Alternatives

In the budget market, the Knoxville Select competes against instruments like the Squier Mini Stratocaster and the Stagg SES-30. While those models often focus on smaller scales or traditional single-coil setups, the Knoxville Select offers a full-scale experience with higher-output humbuckers. Compared to premium models like the Fender American Professional II or the Gibson Les Paul Standard, the Knoxville provides a functional, affordable entry point that mimics the professional 'feel' of high-end single-cutaway guitars.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Knoxville Select?: The guitar features a lightweight poplar body, chosen for its balanced weight and approachable feel for players of all levels.
What type of pickups are installed on this model?: It is equipped with two covered humbucking pickups designed to provide a fuller output with less background noise than single-coil alternatives.
What is the scale length of the Gear4Music Knoxville Select?: The guitar has a standard 25.5-inch scale length, which is traditional for this style of electric guitar.
Is the neck profile suitable for beginners?: Yes, it features a comfortable C-profile maple neck which is designed to be approachable and easy to grip for beginners and experienced players alike.
What material is the fingerboard made from?: The fingerboard is made from laurel, providing a smooth playing surface for practice and performance.
How does this guitar handle high-gain music?: Due to its humbucking pickups, it handles blues-rock and heavier tones well by reducing the 'hum' often associated with high-gain settings.
What is the typical price range for the Knoxville Select?: The guitar is generally positioned as an affordable entry-level instrument, typically retailing around the £130 price point.
Does the Knoxville Select come in other finishes?: This specific model described features a Sunburst finish, though Gear4Music often produces the Knoxville range in various colours.
Is this guitar suitable for live performances?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as an ideal choice for a player's first gig or their thousandth, due to its versatile tones and reliable build.
How does it compare to a Fender Telecaster?: While it shares a similar body shape, the Knoxville Select uses humbuckers instead of the single-coils typically found on models like the American Professional II or Custom Shop '61 Telecaster.
What controls are available on the guitar?: The guitar features a three-way pickup selector switch, allowing the player to toggle between the neck, bridge, or both pickups.
Who is the primary target audience for this guitar?: It is designed as an affordable alternative for players of all skill levels, particularly those looking for a versatile instrument for blues and rock.