Reverend Contender HB Italian Purple

The Reverend Contender HB is a new-for-2020 flat-top, single-cut electric guitar from Reverend’s set neck range. Here presented in a stunning Italian Purple finish, the HB model comes equipped with Reverend’s alnico humbucker pickups - hotter than vintage, and with added clarity. The Contender is packed with Reverend innovation: A six-in-line headstock and offset body bring the looks bang up-to-date; outstanding quality pervades even the smallest component; Bass Contour Control gives you a level of tonal control which puts the Contender in a class of its own.

Here at Merchant City Music we are extremely proud to have been a specialist Reverend dealer for many years. It’s been really exciting to have been a part of this plucky little Ohio company’s story, one which has taken the sometimes-stuffy guitar world by storm. We always have a huge range of Reverends physically in stock, making us a go-to shop for Reverend fans worldwide. Each one is given a comprehensive check over and professional set up before it goes out the door. If you have an address - virtually anywhere in the world - we can ship one to you, fast!

THE CONTENDER HB IN ITALIAN PURPLE - REVEREND’S NEW FLAT TOP, SINGLE CUT, SET NECK ELECTRIC GUITAR

With their intoxicating mix of phenomenal quality, outstanding playability, standout looks and world class tone, Reverend guitars are winning over a rapidly growing number of guitarists. True to this mould, the new Contender model is designed to appeal to the guitarist looking for a new take on the classic, no-nonsense set neck guitar with flat top and single cutaway. As with other solid body set neck guitars in Reverend’s line up, the Contender’s body is carved from Korina - an acoustically resonant, yet lightweight tone wood. To this is set a 24 3/4” scale, three piece Korina neck, topped with a six-in-line headstock for unique looks.

For this Contender HB model, Reverend have used two of their classic-style HA5 humbucker pickups. The bridge pickup is wound slightly hotter than vintage for extra drive and punch. It offers warm but open tone. The neck pickup is, again, warm and open, with slightly relaxed mids. For neck position, the HA5 is slightly underwound. A standout feature of both is the high level of clarity they offer.

BASS CONTOUR CONTROL, KORINA BODY, HA5 PICKUPS AND QUALITY COMPONENTS

In addition to a three-way switch, you also get Reverend’s secret weapon: the Bass Contour control. This passive bass roll-off is great for tightening up the low end, or re-voicing the pickups. Used in conjunction with the Contender HB’s humbucker pickups, you can dial in a much greater level of twang - it can make a humbucker sound more like a single coil. Variable pickup voicing at your fingertips!

The Contender HB in Italian Purple comes with a 12” radius Pau Ferro fretboard, resulting in a modern feel. The 22 medium jumbo frets are beautifully finished, allowing the action to go nice and low without buzz. A strategic chamber under the pickguard increases resonance and reduces weight - both factors augmenting Korina’s natural harmonics and light weight. This makes the Contender HB a great working instrument, perfect for hours on stage or in the studio.

In terms of components, Reverend uses top shelf hardware and electronics. The Pure Tone jack socket features dual contacts for much improved reliability compared to standard sockets, which only have a single contact. A treble bleed circuit is used for the volume control, preserving the trebles when you roll back the volume. Reverend also uses 10% Alpha control pots and 10% polyester capacitors. The tighter tolerances (most pots and caps only have a 20% rating), result in much improved consistency and reliability. Reverend’s outstanding locking machine heads are a joy to use and virtually eliminate string slippage, as well as making string changes a cinch.

A Fantastic addition to the Reverend line up, the Contender HB in Italian Purple has the looks, tone and reliability to make it a competitor for much more expensive guitars.