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by Chad Johnson - Guitar Edge Magazine


REVEREND CLUB KING 290

Reverend is a Michigan-based guitar company founded by luthier/repairman/designer Joe Naylor in 1996. Their lineup of guitars now includes twenty different models in both bolt-on and set-neck designs. Designed in the Detroit-area office by Joe himself, the guitars are assembled in Korea and then returned to the States for full inspection and setup. Sporting a vintage charm and modern versatilities, Reverend guitars are used by Marc Ford (Black Crowes), Billy Corgan, and Kid Rock, to name but a few.

FEATURES
The Club King 290 is a full-sized semi-hollowbody bolt-on that features the trademark, asymmetrical, elliptical shape of most Reverends. (Some of the set-neck guitars resemble more traditional shapes.) The back, sides, and center block are mahogany, while the top is solid spruce with cream binding. This model is available in Midnight Black (shown) or Metallic Gold and features an attractive, amber-tinted maple neck, 22-fret rosewood fretboard (12" radius), and a 25 1/2" scale.

Other standard features include Wilkinson EZ-Lock tuners, dual-action truss rod, and Reverend P-90 pickups designed by Joe Naylor. The pickups are hum-cancelling when combined, and they can be re-voiced by the custom-designed Bass Contour control (located at the horn) to your taste. The standard stop tailpiece and bridge can be swapped for the optional Les Trem tremolo for an additional $100.

SOUND AND PLAYABILITY
It took me a few minutes to get used to the feel of the 290. Being mostly a Strat-style player, I found the unusual body shape a little awkward at first when sitting (although comfortable when standing) I quickly became accustomed though. The action is excellent, and the fretwork on this guitar is very impressive.

The neck pickup produced some beautiful, warm blues tones as well as a nice jazz tone. In the middle position, with the Bass Contour rolled off a bit, I was able to get some funkier things happening with a sweet, scooped sound that cut through without being offensive. In the bridge, things got nastier with substantial grit and bite that felt equally at home on blues-rock leads and bashed-out open chords.

The quality of the construction in these guitars far exceeds the price tag, and the unique styling stes them apart in an overpopulated world of guitar knock-offs. If you're looking for a great sound, unique look, and good quality construction for a very affordable price, you should certainly check out Reverend and the Club King 290. It may be just what you're after.

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