What body wood is used in the New Jersey Select?

The guitar features a lightweight poplar body, which provides a comfortable weight for long playing sessions.

Does the guitar require a professional setup upon arrival?

No, the manufacturer states that all New Jersey guitars arrive pre-strung and set up as standard, requiring only a quick tune-up.

What type of pickups are installed on this model?

The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups, which are designed to provide a versatile range of tones with minimal noise.

What is the fretboard material?

The fretboard is made from laurel, which serves as a sustainable and durable alternative to traditional rosewood.

Is this a full-sized guitar?

Yes, the New Jersey Select is a full-sized electric guitar, making it suitable for adults and teenagers.

What controls are available for tone shaping?

The guitar features a three-way selector switch to choose between the humbucking pickups, allowing for various tonal variations.

How does the neck feel?

The neck is made of maple with a glossy finish, designed to offer an ultra-comfortable playing experience for beginners.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The New Jersey Select typically retails for approximately £130, placing it in the budget-friendly category.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model features a Cherryburst finish, giving it a compelling retro appearance.

Is the guitar suitable for heavy rock music?

Yes, the dual humbucker configuration is well-suited for heavy rock and other styles that require a thicker, higher-output sound.

How does the weight compare to other electric guitars?

Because it uses poplar for the body, it is generally lighter than traditional mahogany-bodied guitars, making it easier to hold for extended periods.

Can I use this guitar for styles other than rock?

Absolutely. The three-way switch and humbucker design allow for experimentation across various genres, including blues, jazz, and pop.

Gear article

Gear4music New Jersey Select Electric Guitar

The Gear4music New Jersey Select is a full-sized electric guitar designed to offer a vintage aesthetic combined with accessible playability. Featuring two humbucker pickups and a gloss maple neck, it serves as a versatile entry-point instrument for new players and collectors alike.

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Overview

The New Jersey Select Electric Guitar by Gear4music is a budget-conscious instrument that adheres to classic single-cutaway design principles. Finished in a traditional Cherryburst, the guitar is built around a lightweight poplar body, which is intended to reduce fatigue during long standing sessions. The instrument is positioned as a 'player-friendly platform' for those beginning their musical journey or looking for a secondary guitar to expand an existing collection.

Construction and Build

The guitar features a combination of tonewoods selected for their balance and weight. The body is crafted from poplar, a wood known for being lightweight yet resonant. This is paired with a bolt-on gloss maple neck and a laurel fretboard, providing a standard scale length and a familiar feel for students. A significant feature of this model is its readiness for use; Gear4music supplies the guitar pre-strung and set up as standard, requiring only a tuning adjustment before play.

Electronics and Sound

Equipped with two humbucker pickups, the New Jersey Select is designed to handle high-gain settings while minimizing the background noise often associated with single-coil pickups. The electronics are controlled via a three-way toggle switch, allowing the player to select the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both. This configuration makes the guitar suitable for a wide range of genres, from heavy rock and blues to cleaner jazz tones.

Target Audience

Due to its ultra-comfortable design and accessible price point, the New Jersey Select is primarily aimed at budding guitarists. The lightweight body makes it particularly suitable for younger players or adults who find heavier solid-body guitars cumbersome. Additionally, its retro looks and reliable hardware make it a viable option for hobbyists seeking a versatile instrument without a significant financial investment.

Market Comparison

In the entry-level market, the New Jersey Select competes against models such as the Squier Mini Stratocaster or the Stagg SES-30. While those models often cater to younger players with smaller hands, the New Jersey Select offers a full-sized scale and humbucking pickups. Compared to premium alternatives like the Gibson Les Paul Standard or Fender American Professional II series, this guitar provides a significantly lower barrier to entry while maintaining the essential layout of a classic rock instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the New Jersey Select?: The guitar features a lightweight poplar body, which provides a comfortable weight for long playing sessions.
Does the guitar require a professional setup upon arrival?: No, the manufacturer states that all New Jersey guitars arrive pre-strung and set up as standard, requiring only a quick tune-up.
What type of pickups are installed on this model?: The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups, which are designed to provide a versatile range of tones with minimal noise.
What is the fretboard material?: The fretboard is made from laurel, which serves as a sustainable and durable alternative to traditional rosewood.
Is this a full-sized guitar?: Yes, the New Jersey Select is a full-sized electric guitar, making it suitable for adults and teenagers.
What controls are available for tone shaping?: The guitar features a three-way selector switch to choose between the humbucking pickups, allowing for various tonal variations.
How does the neck feel?: The neck is made of maple with a glossy finish, designed to offer an ultra-comfortable playing experience for beginners.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The New Jersey Select typically retails for approximately £130, placing it in the budget-friendly category.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model features a Cherryburst finish, giving it a compelling retro appearance.
Is the guitar suitable for heavy rock music?: Yes, the dual humbucker configuration is well-suited for heavy rock and other styles that require a thicker, higher-output sound.
How does the weight compare to other electric guitars?: Because it uses poplar for the body, it is generally lighter than traditional mahogany-bodied guitars, making it easier to hold for extended periods.
Can I use this guitar for styles other than rock?: Absolutely. The three-way switch and humbucker design allow for experimentation across various genres, including blues, jazz, and pop.