Reverend guitars
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Reverend Guitars was launched in 1996 by noted guitar and amp technician Joe Naylor, a graduate of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. Reverend guitars are known for their combination of unorthodox construction methods and retro vibe, topped off by top-quality playability and sound at a price that the working man can afford.
[edit] History
The original Reverend models were known for their distinctive body shape as well as their use of non-traditional materials. Inspired by semi-hollow designs produced by Silvertone as well as the venerable Gibson ES-335, the original Reverend models were constructed using a core of solid mahogany surrounded by acoustic chambers. A strip of molded plastic provided the frame while the front and back of the guitar was constructed of phenolic laminate sheets in a variety of colors and finishes. All American-built Reverends were identical in body shape, with various models set apart by their pickup choices and tremolos. Because of its plastic-like texture and non-traditional appearance, the use of phenolic laminate would prove to be a polarizing design feature among players. Some guitarists were wildly enthusiastic about the distinctive style and lively tonal response, while others derided it as being too similar to plastic for their tastes.
Although Reverend guitars were initially sold in large guitar stores around the country, Joe Naylor eventually made the decision to sell all of his guitar direct through an internet website as a way of making the company more cost-efficient. This move was one of many major changes instituted by Naylor over the years, as Naylor tried to adapt to the changing market. New USA Reverend models were frequently introduced and, if they failed to sell, soon discontinued with only a few stalwarts (such as the Slingshot) being offered consistently. A short-lived line of bass-guitars, called the Rumblefish, received excellent reviews from critics but were eventually discontinued along with various amplifier models such as the Hellhound, Kingsnake, and Goblin. For a relatively brief period of time, a budget line of American-made Reverends--the Workhorse series--were available. Despite all of these changes, Reverend guitars were not able to translate their small, fanatically loyal owner-base into mainstream acceptance.
Recently, Naylor surprised many of the company's devoted customers by announcing that all USA Reverends were to be discontinued in favor of an imported line constructed in Korea. These guitars, known as the Stage King series, featured solid wood bodies, and a slightly more traditional shape than the American models. Despite the shift to overseas construction, the new Reverend models have been highly regarded by players for their overall quality, affordable price, and distinctive appearance.
[edit] Artists Who Use Reverend Guitars
Reverend guitars have been endorsed by several high-profile musicians over the years.
- Kid Rock was one of the first major-label artists to be associated with Reverends, after being photographed with a Reverend for the cover of The History of Rock (2000).
- Billy Corgan has used Reverends on studio recordings as far back as 2000, and has been seen playing Reverends during television appearances.
- Ron Asheton of seminal protopunk band The Stooges has been using Reverends on stage for current reunion shows with the group, notable for launching the career of Iggy Pop.
- A premium line of signature guitars was developed by Reverend and guitarist Rick Vito.
