Novo Serus T Guitar Review: Vintage Gets A Facelift

Taking a closer look at the much-hyped Novo Serus T guitar today. With tele inspirations, Novo has given us a totally new look and vibe to a well-loved classic. This guitar features a tempered red pine body, incredible relic finish and fralin pickups. Are these a future classic?
Come chat about guitars on Discord! / discord
Want a t-shirt? teespring.com/stores/the-guit...
Check out my Reverb store to buy the guitars I review: reverb.grsm.io/theguitarpitshop
The signal chain was AxeFX2 (Friedman BE, AC-20, Double Verb) with the Horizon Devices Precision Drive pedal. Check out the pedal here: amzn.to/2w2lUd0
I tweet guitar deals: / theguitarpit
See what's next on Instagram: / theguitarpit

[@TheGuitarPit]

Harley Benton: "Eyyyy cool body shape ya got there. Shame if anyone were to borrow it..." Drop by discord and say hi! discord.gg/KjWzGpx

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Still want to try one of these!

[@TheGuitarPit]

I'd send ya this one but I sold it before the package even arrived haha. Novo hypetrain, I guess!

[@RadRumblings]

they are for real

[@AKAcrunchbird]

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY.

[@Jacob-mc6tn]

@@AKAcrunchbird that bad huh?

[@zacharyhoyle7613]

This is probably the only relic job I've ever liked. Awesome review!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Thanks man! And agree, the relic on this looks really honest and authentic. Plus, the finish color is cool as hell :)

[@hibernative]

The finish looks better the more I look at it. Definitely neat!

[@TheGuitarPit]

It grew on me too. Something about the color, glitter, and relic all kind of come together. I dig it.

[@AKAcrunchbird]

ARE YOU ONE DRUGS?? FINISH IS TRASH

[@plainsroamer405]

I just ordered a new Novo, 3 years after this video. There's still a 1 year wait list. I should receive mine sometime around November 2024. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.

[@christopherguzzi1316]

I totally agree, that bone nut on your Novo looks so cool!!!🤗😇😉

[@bf7432]

Very cool vids! I was wondering you end up doing with your Novo? Sold it? New pickups? I am currently in an "unplanned but not unpleasant" situation, I have both a Serus J with P90 and a Solus M1 (P90). I am not interested in having them so similar sounding, so one or the two need some changes. What would you do? ;)

[@dr.downlow1720]

Get the gold foils for the Serus J. The best cleans and still thick and gritty when pushed. That’s what’s in mine and I’m usually a p90 guy, but I’d never take these gold foils out.

[@Oilid]

I can't unsee the wooden shoes now! While surfing randomly on Instagram, I was attracted by the shape of this guitar without knowing any backgrounds. So hard to come with a new successful shape!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah I think that's the big victory here. They made a new shape, people seem to like it, and used it across their entire line. Gives them an iconic, recognizable look and gives us all a break from the strat, for now :)

[@LodvarDude]

I AM a tele-guy and I LOVE my Novo. I have McNelly pickups on my Serus T, and it took a while to warm up to them. Like in your case, the neck-pickup (the Swagger-Stagger) was a mystery, but I love it now. I believe the most common configuration is pickups from Lollar, but I like the vibe I get from the McNellys. Great showcase of a great guitar!

[@AKAcrunchbird]

CRAPPY PAINT... BREAKS STRINGS... NO CUSTOMER SERVICE.. SO YOU PLAY GUITAR ONCE A YEAR?

[@LodvarDude]

@@AKAcrunchbird Hello there. I am in fact a professional musician. I've also had multiple interactions with Dennis Fano himself and he as always answered my questions every time I've been in contact. My Serus T never had an issue with string breaking. I don't know what else to say their, dude. Maybe you should work on your setup? Then, have a look at your use of BIG LETTERS, and punctuation needs a do-over too. Good luck.

[@yhzh2002]

Looks like the website is back up and orders are open. Any videos coming on the AXE 3 or the two rock?

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yup! They only had 3 in stock initially and they sold immediately. Oh well haha. I figure Leon Todd (kzbin.info/door/rlsD6OalGm8pIqKVo81k6A) has Axefx3 covered, but I love it so far! I could try to do a video on the two rock, but I honestly don't have the technical knowledge on amps to put together something more than just my personal thoughts on it.

[@riccovrea841]

Last yr I had an opportunity to go to Nashville and check them out direct. they were super nice treated me like I was a rockstar. By far the best playing and sounding guitar. Humbuckers is a great store. Since I only live about 20 minutes away great video!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah these back up the price with quality, that's for sure. I'm not crazy about the tele layout, but will someday custom order one more to my tastes. They make a couple with Throbak pickups that would be awesome :)

[@riccovrea841]

Yeah I played a few different models the SERUS J was my favorite. I also played the T and TCS. And you’re right I couldn’t believe how loud and they sustain for ever. I’ve own a ton of Paul Reed Smith over the last 25 years. My only problem with Novo is the wood is extremely soft that’s why they’re all reliced.

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@riccovrea841 Pine is softer but this would be a MONSTER if it was solid ash or something. I think they made the right choice :)

[@riccovrea841]

The Guitar Pit It’s definitely magic

[@buck7477]

I sent you a message on Reverb! And I just noticed after I purchased mine they all come with 11s? I like 9s sometimes 10s.

[@JD-ey8hw]

I'm completely content with my Silver Sky I say to myself as I constantly check if the Novo site is up.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Haha yeah, I know the feeling. I kept looking at Silver Skys while playing this Novo lol.

[@tonlarj37]

Nice guitar and review. Inspiring me to put on a flannel shirt and play grunge!

[@TheGuitarPit]

It's a fun guitar! I probably won't go tele-style next time, but I'm certainly interested in ordering another one. Thanks Tony!

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

I now want a Novo acoustic 7 string in this shape. I want that to exist.

[@iloveibanez92]

When did you get the two rock? Can you review it?

[@TheGuitarPit]

I don't really have the knowledge to give you a thoughtful review of it, but maybe I'll do a short video about what I think of it at some point!

[@JimDewdGuitars]

Sounds great. And crazy how much people want one including me. You got a piece of gold right there 🤣. That neck heel did scare me though. Another great video.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah I should have gouged someone for it haha. Cool concept from Novo for sure. And thanks for stopping by as always dude!

[@JimDewdGuitars]

@@TheGuitarPit no problem man! I look forward to your reviews and let's buy a guitar videos!

[@alexmasters23]

is the neck pickup position 3 or 4?

[@guitarz]

nice I bought a J a while back full retail but when I listed it a few months later it sold same price same day. win win!!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah, right? No risk so who cares. I sold this for exactly what I paid for it after the video. Seems ok to me haha.

[@TheGuitarPit]

@mattytwohats I'll get one with a different pickup config down the road. Great guitar, but I didn't really have a reason to keep it.

[@trevorkorber]

I’m so in love with the way it sounds and looks, I want one so bad it’s a shame that it’s pretty expensive for me right now 😓

[@AKAcrunchbird]

IT'S A WASTE OF MONEY.. THEY ARE CRAP.

[@TheNohcim]

@@AKAcrunchbird Can you share more on your experience? You left a lot of negative comments and I'm curious as I was considering placing an order.

[@jorgea3507]

Nice video, I received my Custom Serus J in August, blue sparkle. It took 8 months, covid didn't help but nonetheless it does take awhile. That being said, this guitar is worth EVERY dollar. I would say cent but that doesn't apply with Novo's, lol! They are not cheap however you will not be disappointed. The craftsmanship is like no other, I own or have owned MANY top guitars, Les Paul's, Custom Shop Fender, Tele's, currently selling my Suhr Classic Pro. The best way I can describe the tone, it is perfectly balanced in every frequency. Nothing shrieks out at you on this guitar, the clarity and power is amazing, from clean funk to Rock n Roll. Ive had the opportunity to perform twice now and the feedback from band and people in crowd after show has been nothing short of amazement on this guitar. There might be a video on band page, flyte band tampa on facebook. We are just a cover band but sure is fun. Anyway, my ramble is over, lol! Im currently saving to purchase another Novo.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Thanks Jorge. Yeah they are excellent instruments. I think I'd personally buy a humbucker one next time, but we'll see when that is. Their stock has been so limited recently that I think I'll wait a year to see better options on the used market. Great playing and sounding instruments though, loved it!

[@AkiraSpectrum]

wow that looks really cool.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Fun guitar! Worth a 6+ month wait and $3k? That's a tough one. Either way, they are quality and I can't deny that at all.

[@guyfromnj]

That is a cool guitar. Great color.

[@TheGuitarPit]

I think the color is a knockout and I really like the unique shape. Hard to get a vintage tone in a package that looks refreshed.

[@dougleydorite]

I’m digging the playing. When I see someone play opeth riffs all the time, I know I can appreciate a diverse assortment of playing styles and riffs from death metal to jangly cowboy chords.

[@TheGuitarPit]

There isn't opeth in this video for the first time maybe ever haha. Trying to get a little more tele mood in there, but I just don't really know what to play on these things.

[@dougleydorite]

@@TheGuitarPit I never understood what people meant by saying that different style guitars make them play differently, until I got a basic fender strat and found myself steering away from high gain tones. looking forward to more vids!

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@dougleydorite Oh there is something to it, certainly! I don't think you "need" a specific guitar for a genre, but I think different style guitars can inspire you in different directions. Worth having a couple options :)

[@oldmanzen6682]

Gorgeous guitar. And I love the sound. Not entirely sold on the glitter, but not enough that I wouldn't buy it because of it. I just wouldn't add that as a feature if I was customizing.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Sadly, the used prices are WAY higher since I made this video. I paid $2750 new for this guitar. It's not uncommon to see them in the $4k range on Reverb now. Ouch! Hopefully they'll catch up on stock and prices will normal out...eventually.

[@homeskateco.538]

I had the impression those guitars are massive. Really great tone outta that thing!

[@TheGuitarPit]

I don't know what to do with tele pickups, but it sounded cool and the neck was perfection. Really nice guitars, I understand the hype.

[@homeskateco.538]

The Guitar Pit yeah, they’re different enough, and Dennis Fano’s reputation is damn solid!

[@EJBGuitar]

FINALLY a Novo!! LOL I am glad to see you like it for the most part...after hounding you about Novo's for so long I would have felt bad if you didn't like it! I'm a little surprised to hear your comments about the pickups, I have the Amalfitano pickups in my Serus T, but I do have the Fralins in my Mirus and they sound great in that. The Amalfitano's are magic, but don't think those are available anymore. (My Serus Athena has Lollartrons, and my double-bound Serus T has a Firebird and a Goldfoil). I dig the color of yours...I don't see too many Novo's where I don't like the color though. I think they do fantastic finish work. So, you gonna keep it for awhile?!? EDIT: Ooops...did you sell it already?!? Jeez!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Ha! I like it a lot. I think I'm not a tele guy for the most part though, so this one is already sold and I'll probably put in a custom order for one exactly to my specs. Wonder how bad the wait is though...

[@EJBGuitar]

The Guitar Pit - I’ve heard the wait time is pretty long. Supposedly every Thursday at 10:00 am they post some “stock” for sale but of course they usually sell right away. I had some thought to do another custom build with them, but it’ll have to wait now - I’ve started laying plans with Shelton B. at Shelton Guitars for my next custom build...looks like we’ll be working on a special “shredder” GalaxyFlite.

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@EJBGuitar They had 3 pretty boring models for sale...all expensive. Sold the same day LOL. I know you love those Sheltons. I saw a couple neat ones on Reverb the other day. Tempting!

[@EJBGuitar]

The Guitar Pit Ha! I am a Shelton guy for sure. I actually like them more than my Novo’s. My TimeFlite GTX and GalaxyFlite are always battling each other for my number 1 slot! The only time I don’t use them is when I’m playing in my “hair metal” band...which is why Shelton and I are trying to conjure up a “shreddy” model.

[@christopherklein4203]

That neck pickup sounds amazing. I don’t think you have any issues if you just play heavy big fat chords... sounds legit.

[@TheGuitarPit]

It sounds great on some settings. I would probably pick through some patches and find ones that suit it better than my standards. I thought it sounded very odd out of my regular tube amp (which I didn't record on this demo).

[@christopherklein4203]

The Guitar Pit yeah, just find a patch that lets the pickup shine. Try pulling the volume knob back a little. I love that sound on those pickups. I find my Novo has a lot of sounds by utilizing the volume and tone knob. But obviously it all depends on what you’re trying to go for. For me, that neck pickup would used for that fat warm slightly dirty tone.

[@subtimusprime482]

I thinks there’s something to the reclaimed / aged wood concept. The sound is there. Killer sound, really. And what more is there? Looks, I guess. And on looks I think the Fano-branded guitars win out. A clean gf6, hard to beat that.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah neat woods for sure. This thing rings for days. And I can get on board with the looks. It's a little different but we'll warm up to it :)

[@red240red2]

Want a sevenstring novo !!!!!

[@valebliz]

I was here on warmoth's website configuring a tele with the same exact layout lol

[@TheGuitarPit]

Ha. But Warmoth won't do oxblood burst glitter!

[@valebliz]

@@TheGuitarPit thanks god!

[@Justafeller]

I'm not a fan of the body design, but it sounds nice and by the way you described the neck, it should feel good.

[@TheGuitarPit]

The neck is really awesome. I totally get that the style isnt for everyone, but this thing delivers where it counts. You might like a Friedman more, if these are a little too out there stylistically.

[@griblat371]

You should try and get a Kauer guitar on

[@TheGuitarPit]

Those looks cool! Big range of prices on Reverb, but I'm digging this wacky one: reverb.com/item/33947311-kauer-starliner-express

[@stringlocker]

The neck color and headstock shape seems to be taken from the'60s Japanese guitars. I guess it doesn't matter if I think they are a wee bit overpriced because I don't have to buy one. but I do like it.

[@MartinCliffe]

Great review. These guitars do nothing for me personally. Give me a Suhr or PRS. But they clearly have a hungry target market!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Thanks! And yeah I totally get that. I'd assume they are pretty polarizing as far as shape and relic and whatnot. But you're not kidding, they're selling em like crazy.

[@druwk]

I love this company, and I want one! I’m a larger dude and like lighter, larger guitars. Appreciate the “vintage” vibe, and sound. Like that they make a super quality instrument, with a funky vibe. -- I really enjoy Lindy Fralin pickups? They are out of my budget ☹️😤

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah sounds like a good match. Better start saving cause yeah...ouuuuuuch.

[@wolvesandguitars]

UPDATE for NOVO ordering, They have a SELECT series that takes 4-6 weeks to get to your door!!!!! not months but weeks!!!

[@sologitara]

Chris can you do amp review amps i see you change amps but never talk about them?

[@TheGuitarPit]

I figure there are better players than me who have already gone over the amps for the most part. I don't know enough to take apart the amps and go over the specifics of them, so other than "here is what some of these knobs do" I'm not sure what I would really review about them. Plus, I mostly use axefx. I trade out amps once in a while but hardly play them, if I'm honest.

[@sologitara]

@@TheGuitarPit I saw in the background some different amp... You are so theril at review that's why i asked. Thx for response ;) Be safe

[@meatrocket1]

Cool feature - you can get all your money back and then some , if you’re not happy with it 👍🏻

[@TheGuitarPit]

I forgot which store it was on Reverb, but they pulled one down for $2750 and relisted it at like $3400! Insane.

[@BrandonBames]

I want to hate the shape, but I just.....like it.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah same. They really grew on me over the years until I couldn't resist it anymore. Plus they have really great finishes. Killer!

[@BrandonBames]

@@TheGuitarPit It just seems as I get deeper into my 30's I find myself repeatedly craving grandpa guitars.

[@hibernative]

Brandon Bames Same. But like, play metal on grandpa guitars, like Dunable or Godcity instruments.

[@kdrake777]

It’s cool but I’m guessing you don’t keep it long..

[@TheGuitarPit]

It was literally sold before it had been delivered. I cant turn down a break-even purchase hah. That said, I'd be game to custom order one later for sure.

[@mtitus27]

You desperately need a Tom Anderson. Best bolt on guitars on the market IMO.

[@TheGuitarPit]

I was eyeballing a nice Angel yesterday, until I realized it had a HUGE gash in the front that I think the seller was avoiding taking direct pictures of. I guess the search continues.

[@guyfromnj]

When I see the guitar (which I love btw) I just think Rhett Shull.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Ha yeah, he seems to come up in every mention of these guitars. Fair enough!

[@silvioschurig749]

People bored with standard shapes should go Boyarsky or similar ^^ but honestly - when is the Metro D review? (scnr)

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah there are certainly a lot of out-there builds, as your collection shows! I think Novo is going after that vintage/relic buyer with a little something new.

[@papasmamas1]

Not my thing at all, the shape or the pait, but cool review.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Thanks for watching. We gotta cover the gamut, ya know? :)

[@alexmarshall3815]

Really appreciate the review Chris. Still fail to understand the hype around these guitars. Nicely made, but EXTREMELY conservative-they could basically have been made in the 1950s from what I can see. But this is coming from a guy who plays Steinbergers and thinks the guitar world has been going backwards rather than forwards pretty much ever since...What's the neck radius?

[@TheGuitarPit]

All hope is not lost. There are plenty of crazy modern guitars that will give your Steinberger a run for it's money! How about the new Aristides H/0? instagram.com/p/CECC3Kwp8jj/

[@cairesy]

@@TheGuitarPit Aristides are doing headlesses now?! That's so sick

[@charlesbolton8471]

Obviously, I don’t know the radius on that particular guitar. However, Novo gives you three options: 9.5 which is the standard option, or for a $100 up change they offer two different compound radius options 7.25-9.5 or 9.5-12.

[@harryanderson7282]

@The Guitar Pit : Just flip it for you paid for it, and spec out of new one more to your liking.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yup! Step 1 of that plan is already complete :)

[@thepick5663]

Who knows what people will think about Novo guitars say 20 years from now

[@0megalul309]

Headstock looks like my grandmas shoe 😭

[@acemodean]

Can you say novo headstock without giggling?

[@TheGuitarPit]

Clearly, no.

[@mattharrison4238]

Yes, they are unique, but i just think they’re ugly, 😂 I don’t get it, honestly. It’s like the ultimate offset for a trust-fund hipster. I appreciate you covering all these high end brands Chris, it gives us regular folk a chance to check them out as well. Nice Two Rock Flex btw 😂, did Cheddar peer pressure you into pulling the trigger? 🤣

[@TheGuitarPit]

I got mine before he did! :P It's a lower end model, little 22w and I got a great deal on it. It's a cool amp, but why bother with the axefx sitting right there :) But when I'm just playing for myself and not recording, it's an enormous sounding amp. Really neat.

[@mattharrison4238]

The Guitar Pit I hear ya, I’m not normally a modeling guy, but the AxeFX 3 is just ridiculous, they’ve really got that thing dialed in, Thanks again bud!

[@OldSchoolEmoVids]

trust fund hipster? These are like 30% more than a gibson . get real !

[@georgem5589]

I have a Serus T. Will never sell it.

[@jayd9707]

It's definitely "a thing." Not my kind of thing, but a thing. I like a relic that has wear marks where your hands and arm constantly make contact with it, but not one that looks like someone chained it to the back of a truck and drove up and down gravel roads all night....I'd rather save 800 to a grand and get a Friedman any day.

[@TheGuitarPit]

I bought a Metro D with the money I got from selling this, for what it's worth lol. But that one, does in fact look like it was beaten with chains and dragged by a truck. It's extreme :)

[@jayd9707]

@@TheGuitarPit can't wait to see the review on the Metro! Looks like a cool guitar. Made by Grover, voiced by Dave.....I'd blind buy a guitar with that combo making it!!

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@jayd9707 instagram.com/p/CEDV_nsnOWa/ :) Oh, it's blinding alright hahhaa.

[@jayd9707]

Ok ya. ...that just screams plug me in and play me with reckless abandon!! I bought a '19 LP Standard. It looks too perfect to play it hard. That Metro would be the cure for that situation. Cant wait to hear it!!

[@STRATSAFIRE]

They are a pine block, super unimpressed

[@thedaver8]

Novo looks cool, and I'm sure they're good instruments, but I think they are WAY overhyped right now. There are plenty of comparable guitars that are easier to find, play better, and don't sell for ridiculous prices.

[@TheGuitarPit]

What, you don't want to fight over a low end model, get into a bidding war, then pay over retail? :P

[@OldSchoolEmoVids]

how can you say this without playing one???

[@thedaver8]

@@OldSchoolEmoVids say what without playing one? That they are overhyped? Anything that is unavailable at market prices and sells for more than you bought it for is overhyped, imo. I don't need to play it to think that.

[@christopherklein4203]

Dake Townsend you do need to play it to tell how it plays though. Saying you can find other comparable guitars that plays better is the bizarre statement without trying one. Over hyped? Sure. But who cares about what ppl think about it. And that only benefits you if you own one. For the simple fact you may be able to sell for more that you paid.

[@allstopblue5717]

Name those guitars then....

[@SixString_J5]

Killer tones and I dig the shape... but that finish is not for me, lol. It looks like a worn fence that has overspray on it from an ill thought out DIY project. I like relics that look like they are honest. This one is past the line for me.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Ha, totally fair. It's nice work but I could see how it comes off as home made lol. You're gonna hate the metro D i just got.... :)

[@SixString_J5]

@@TheGuitarPit Check out Corey Taylor's Corey Taylor - Black Eyes Blue [OFFICIAL VIDEO] at the 2:55 mark... you're welcome

[@allstopblue5717]

I don’t think it’s meant to look “honest”l it’s a modern guitar with a crazy glitter paint job. Lol it’s just an aesthetic thing.

[@nigelvonshredman]

Everything about a Novo screams 'trying too hard' to me. However, I still want one like you wouldn't believe!

[@QS-si3cq]

*too

[@nigelvonshredman]

@@QS-si3cq Thanks

[@shaft9000]

LOL...wtf were they thinking with that hideous horn shape and "speckles" that look like sand glued to a wet mess? People will spend an extra $500+ for an expert luthier to artlessly apply fake wear&tear that looks like what a monkey with a can of krylon could do in about ten minutes. _Send 'em my way! Discount relic'ing at yer soy-viss!_

[@shaft9000]

It sounds pretty good, but how much better is a $2500+ mutant telecaster vs a $1200 one, truly? Let alone a $1000 Revstar or Fender Jag / Mustang with an afternoon or two of setup, customizing/mods. It just seems the more interesting proposition to me than this fugly thing. 'Special' is in the eye of the beholder, indeed. ~ CHEERS n JEERS ~

[@courtwatch1]

painful to watch

[@milenakorovljev4209]

Novo guitars are the ugliest and stupidest guitars ever made. Whoever came up with the idea and shape of it , has a problem with esthetics : it's way too big, uncomfortable just to look at it, let alone holding it in hands. It is a display of bad taste all over and I cannot understand those that sing praises to it. It also sounds crap.

[@HamptonGuitars]

I built guitars for a number of years and just never had the heart to do a finish like this. It felt like I would be destroying my work, I just couldn't do it. I know these are great guitars, and lots of people like the aged or relic look of a ACTUAL vintage guitar...so do I, I just believe it has to be earned, like faded jeans. I long assumed that builders just do this with guitars whose finish has gotten screwed up, this is a way to salvage it without a complete strip & sand down, but it does seem to be an intentional thing.