Reverend Charger HB Deep Dive

#knowyourgear
Video is time stamped for your connivence
00:00 Intro
00:34 Guitar specs
03:27 The geeky stuff deep dive into the guitars guilty
11:27 The sound Demo
15:37 Final thoughts
Some of the links below are affiliate links and when you use them your purchase helps support the channel.
Reverend Guitars
imp.i114863.net/ZdNM61
Dirty Shirley mini head (or you can check out the pedal also in the link)
imp.i114863.net/94nr3
Engl Ironball SE
imp.i114863.net/P0bn4M
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb
imp.i114863.net/XxNMma
The wall hangers I use
imp.i114863.net/aErjN
Zoom Recorder used in this video
imp.i114863.net/qR3Ay
The strings I use
stringjoy.com/partner/phillip...
Snark tuner I use in this video
imp.i114863.net/N1e5O
My absolute favorite action gauge! ( You can actually see the numbers on this thing)
imp.i114863.net/vn2d0v
The Sweetwater 55 Point Inspection Of The Reverend Guitar Video
• The Sweetwater 55 Poin...
D addario tool kits
imp.i114863.net/3P7Wdn
The mic I use for this and my podcast
imp.i114863.net/yRrAmG
Know Your Gear T shirts
teespring.com/stores/know-you...
Want to have your product reviewed on this show? Contact us here
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
You can become a Patreon and support more videos like this
www.patreon.com/home
Fixing dents in wood
• How To Fix A Dented Fr...
Check out the Podcasts here
knowyourgear.buzzsprout.com
Facebook
/ knowyourgear
Instagram
/ phillip_mcknight

[@joshmeibauer9117]

Reverend has perfected the not-fender, fender headstock.

[@barbmelle3136]

And G&L probably will not sue them.

[@joshmeibauer9117]

@@barbmelle3136 In my opinion, G&L's doesn't look good. I'd like to see an s-type reverand that's not an artist series like the GST

[@kimseniorb]

100%

[@abcrx32j]

@@barbmelle3136 I wish G&L were more similar to this

[@Megarobotsquadron]

totally agreed!

[@al271987]

I’ve owned five Reverends now, all bought used for a song, and I have never played a better guitar. I’ve had my hands on Gibsons, US Fenders, etc. Reverend has beat them all, hands down. Best guitars you can buy, imho.

[@pdbordelon]

Just bought the same guitar with P90s, the 290 Charger. Excited!

[@KennedyIvy]

How did you like it?

[@bobdavis761]

I just got my Charger 290. It just may be the best guitar I own, of 80+ right now.

[@BabylonSun]

Absolutely love Reverend and the absolute best Customer Service

[@dag410]

I have learned so much by watching your channel; your attention to detail has helped me improve my woodworking craftmanship and my overall guitar knowledge which I hope has been translated into better playability of my guitars.

[@chrispartl7446]

Thank you, for what you do for us.

[@jgmopar]

I bought a Reverend Super Rev a few years back. I got it mainly because it looks like the old Dodge coronet super Bee scheme and i am a huge car guy. When i got it and played it I really fell in love with the Reverend Guitars. It came with the Alnico Grande pickup I wasnt sure about that and it was really nice. has a certain type of growl i really like. The Rail hammer pickups are pretty good. My Super Rev fits in a normal strat or tele hard case.

[@Madchris8828]

I've wanted to look into reverend they seem very cool and a it different than a fender, but in the same kind of style. Very exciting they are getting to be more readily avaliable

[@genri.a9128]

Where? They have been for years now..and they aren't that good anyway

[@MrRafaztar]

It’s finally here yay thanks for this

[@3J_Music]

Love these demos

[@princephilip-v5t]

Nice retro shape, very attractive.

[@user-dx1jb4zq9e]

I like the design. It's a cool looking guitar.

[@aidanlonergan1937]

I found a reverend jetstream 390 about 15 years ago in a now closed down music store. It was left handed and was 2nd hand. No one had heard of them in ireland at the time..Still have it. It plays better than any other guitar I have. A real work horse!

[@Grindstaff09]

Do you do fingerstyle and jazz by chance?

[@benniejohnson81]

Great review and demo. Thanks

[@rigorhead01]

Wow! Very impressive guitar! Love the way it sounds; love the bass control. Great review Phil!!

[@gillamb8669]

I love the color & the bass contour is a nice extra touch to the tone. 👍🤘 thanks Phil & SweetWater you guys ROCK 👍🤘

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I bought a Reverend Six Gun HPP from Sweetwater recently. I’m a total newbie but I wanted a guitar to learn on and then to grow with. Even those horrible beginner sounds have a great tone and the guitar feels natural on my lap or in the sling.

[@rome8180]

I've always wanted a Reverend. What appeals to me most about them is that they're not just another knockoff of the two big guitar brands. They're not afraid to do unique (and beautiful) finishes. Their body shape stands out. And they have some really interesting pickup configurations. This guitar looks cool, but it's tame compared to some of their offerings. And I forgot to mention that they're very reasonably priced for what they are, too.

[@therealtech833]

Absolutely value-for-money one of the best on the market. Top-notch hardware and electronics, locking tuners, full-size volume pots made in Korea, are just a few of the highlights. Got to mention that solid input jack as well None of the fenders in this price range have electronics anywhere close. You have to get into custom shop territory to match the quality of electronics, and on electric guitar that's extremely important.

[@bennyharderguitar]

I just got a Reverend Warhawk today. P90 in the neck. Humbucker in the bridge. I am blown away by the quality. I usually swap out pickups almost immediately. The stock ones are staying in this guitar. And the bass cut is genius. I love it.

[@darrensjames]

That was certainly the most thoroughly thorough review of any guitar I have seen since the last one I saw.

[@rufusevans7844]

Great review, as usual. Thanks!

[@natethompson1257]

Great review Phil! I'm a huge fan of Reverend guitars and basses for their tonal variety, craftsmanship and their unique yet stylish design tweaks to the old favorites we all know and love. I proudly own a Buckshot (Reverend's Telecaster clone) and a Sensei Jr. (Reverend's LP/SG Jr. clone) and they're some of the most comfortable and fun to play guitars in my collection.

[@grandpajoe3002]

Always good info and reviews.Also like the Idea of the Fretwire as a Zero fret to check the nut, thinking out of the box "Fantastic Idea".

[@javiercabrera3517]

LOL that Tone when riffing with the ENGL ... UFF!! Nice review. Thank you so much for all the detailed info!!

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Wow - that’s my evaluation. So nice. Tonelicious.

[@ColinStuart]

Another nice one Phil! Thanks.

[@bojangles4704]

Thanks for updating the podcast list Phil !

[@gmac9667]

Never thought I'd like a 50 shades of brown guitar, but I do.

[@unclefoiley819]

Cooter Brown signature guitar?

[@jrp7837]

The violin brown Charger HB is Reverend's butterscotch Tele.

[@abcrx32j]

Probably my favourite guitar in the Reverend catalogue, specially in that finish and this video convinced me even more about that. I'm glad that's the one Sweetwater sent first.

[@learningftw8173]

Beautiful video Phil

[@garymcaleer6112]

Nice, warm & clean sound. Reverend's original body shape is pleasant too. Make a nice addition to any guitarist. Thanks, Phillip.

[@rick00770]

Love the look of that guitar, very high quality , sounds great. Got to try one out soon. I like the double agent and the wild looking space hawk they have too.

[@jokermtb]

I've had more Reverend guitars than any other brand.....I'm currently on a 2017 prototype/early model Double Agent W (light blue/white binding/brown tortex scratch, also one of the first roasted maple necks they issued). This guitar does it ALL for my playing style and tone I'm after - and the tremolo stability is incredible. I live in Michigan, near where Joe Naylor used to have his factory before relocating to north Ohio, so it's a bit of a local-flavor favoritism for me as well. The quality is always top tier, and they make enough models that you can really find one that hits all your personal markers. A bit of an underdog manufacturer, but once you get on the Rev train, it's hard to jump off!

[@therealtech833]

Hundred percent agree with you. I recently purchased the Reverend Jetstream RB to add to my arsenal, it is the top dog now. Wished I had heard of Reverend before I got my 70s tele deluxe reissue last year. Nothing wrong with the telly, but for the price Reverend is a much better instrument, better hardware, better electronics and less noisy. In the future there will definitely be more Reverend's in my stash.

[@BabylonSun]

Same man we own several Flatrocs and Chargers along with a prototype Reeves and a older Round House

[@jokermtb]

I've got a 'not that fond of it - it's OK' Fender Thinline 72, an 80's era washburn hb30 semi hollow (my 'feeling like William Reid' guitar), an art project Squire strat (my dad decorated it for me) and a Fender Pawn Shop 51, in addition to my DAW. My Reverend is by far my most capable guitar and my #1, but I have to admit, the made in japan neck of my pawn shop 51 is pretty much the best guitar neck I've ever played. It's perfect. probably the two favorite guitars I've ever had.....and I've gone thru a bunch. @@therealtech833

[@miniblackhole]

Big Reverend fan here. Their pickups tend to be a little hot, but that makes sense when you consider the bass contour feature - it has a huge effect on the gain structure, so it needs to start from a hotter place. It’s pretty cool having two ways to reduce the gain: that, and volume (Revs always come with a treble bleed circuit, too).

[@engelsjn]

Thank you for this video Phil. I have a charger 290 and it’s one of my favorites. 👍

[@BoomaBendz]

Another great review Phil, looking forward to seeing more Reverends and maybe some Orange amps sometime. I have a Super Rev in Lime Green and a Buckshot (like the Charger but with a filtertron style pup in the neck and a T style single coil in the bridge), there are certainly enough body styles and pick up combinations for people who want something different and highly playable. I've had no problem getting cheaper aftermarket cases to fit and you can always get Reverend cases if you shell out a bit more.

[@AlbusBand]

Glad you dug the Reverend, I’ve had/have them and love them. Hope all’s well my friend. -Aaron (the dude at NAMM w/Ben Coombs)

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Sounds amazing. My band mate bought one of the first Reverends back in '97. Iirc it was a formica style body, but it had a similar shape as this one. It was an aqua color. Sounded/played really good.

[@jray5363]

Been looking forward to the Reverend review! Glad Sweetwater is carrying them. They’ve been on my list for quite a while.

[@TrickyGomez]

I bought a Reverend a couple years ago... P90s, Bigsby, Green, and absolutely love it!!!

[@jamessterritt1261]

Nice one Phillip! Thanks.

[@surfrby8876]

Love Reverend , they put out interesting designs well made guitars at a great price , My Reverend Charger 290 is killer !

[@aaronwebb1548]

Oh man, this guitar is amazing.

[@markallen2984]

Thanks for doing a Reverend. I've always been interested in these guitars... I would love to see your review a Hagstrom Ultra Max, too

[@OmniZero1178]

Beautiful instrument

[@thebaldshredder]

Looks pretty nice

[@fu5illij3rry92399]

I was planning on skipping this review as I'm not in the market for a Reverend. So glad I didn't. For one it looks like a superb guitar, but secondly, I am really impressed with the way Phil analyzes it. Well thought out Phil!

[@palm444]

Reverend is a great company. They will answer questions and will work with you on issues,

[@jackpot848]

This is interesting, I've never really given Reverend any thought, but that thing is nice.

[@toddn.kenyon6900]

Bought a super rev a couple years ago and just bought a Ron Asheton signature 390 (3 P90s). Love them. Play great, stay in tune, huge tonal range. The trem on the Asheton is flawless. Great great guitars. My strat is lonely.

[@Aeon135]

I had one of these in the p90 variant. An excellent guitar! I ultimately sold it because I didn’t like the kinda flat and shoulderless neck carve. It made it feel wider than it was - definitely a “modern” neck feel. I didn’t know at the time that i like thick U necks and narrow nut widths

[@sinisterj73]

I'm holding a Charger 290 right now thinking the same thing. The neck carve is the only thing I don't like about this guitar and I totally agree with your neck profile choice, just don't know if I could ever see this because it sounds so much clearer than my other guitars.

[@BobPerrone]

Very nice instrument, I'm impressed. Totally agree about including a case or good gig bag at that price point

[@ShanePasqualla]

I want this guitar so bad! Love the color.

[@raymondsurace2575]

Great review. I have a Reverend Six Gun TL in a similar color (burnt brick) which I love.

[@brettneuberger6466]

If you’re considering a guitar purchase; or simply like being inspired by stories of people who dare to be themselves, I suggest watching Sweetwater’s interview with Ken Hass, CEO of Reverend. Top to bottom, this company seems committed to doing it right and sharing in their joy. I’m sold. ….Now, which to buy, and how many? At my skill level, I shouldn’t even be aloud to ask the question; one is more than enough. Then again…..being true to Reverend’s spirit “should’s” are just limitations….

[@lucasspillman7742]

Owned a Reverend Warhawk II since 2009. Hands down best guitar I’ve ever owned.

[@colinmcguigan4630]

I'm considering a Sensei. Probably my favorite body shape, right now

[@jlore6344]

I like that brown. Looks and sounds great!

[@AdADglgmutShevanel]

I had heard about these guitars for a while. Then I went to GC and saw a few. I didn't even know what they looked like prior to that. Kind of a funky design. I kept looking at other guitars, but I got curious so I grabbed the Charger HB, and had such a great time playing it! I did play some others, but then the Charger again. I would have bought it if I liked the color a bit more. It was Metallic Alpine. So later I went on Reverb and saw a bunch of great colors, especially the Sunburst. I've always wanted a cherry sunburst guitar. I had to buy it!

[@jameskaihatu6209]

I had a Reverend Slingshot Custom that I stupidly sold. It was one of the original Eastpointe models, before they started going to Korea for their construction. Phenolic resin body, black with grey pickguard, and 3 P90s. Wonderful guitar.

[@jalmodov7817]

I was never interested in Reverend until I saw the just released Greg Koch signature tele. That thing looks amazing!

[@jokermtb]

greg is an awesome player and brand ambassador - his youtubes are fantastic

[@gathda]

I have the Double Agent version and the guitar is perfect, too.

[@pjr114]

I have four Reverends, two with a similar body shape to the Charger HB. One is a Charger 290 LE, the other a Double Agent OG. Love them both. QC very high on these guitars. Pickups are excellent, especially the P90s.

[@sergedenovo2389]

I watch your videos because of your vast expertise about guitars. I have an ESP ltd. (I wish one day you could mention what is the difference between LTD deluxe and ESP. And if they’re just as good. :) And you sound like a cool guy, too. Rock on!

[@jetblack7044]

awesome

[@markpjf85]

Nice looking guitar 👍

[@MaxRockatansky853]

I own three Reverends. A Super Rev, a DA Warhawk and a Roundhouse. Some of the best guitars I've ever played.

[@jokermtb]

my bass player is still mad I sold my Roundhouse (had a blue burst one)

[@mctape]

I've got that same violin brown Charger HB, a 2016. it's an incredible instrument.

[@julesdiakogiannis]

These look and sound great imho.

[@schreds8882]

It's good to know they're doing frets better. Some years back, I test drove a Reverend at one of my local guitar shops. I ran my hand up the neck and sliced my fingers on the frets. Fortunately, no red stuff got on the guitar so, I put it back and never looked at a Reverend again. For me, it's an unforgivable sin to injure your customers. I'm glad that they're taking quality seriously now but, I can't bring myself to try one again.

[@GamerPastHisPrime]

I have a few Reverend guitars, and it’s nice to see you play a few lately. I have an Airsoinc, Airwave 12, Contender RB, Warhawk RT, and a Double Agent W. They are all very fun instruments. I do often find finish issues on them though. Paint transfers on the binding is the most common.

[@Baci302]

How would you compare the "Reverend guitar sound" to that of Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch?

[@GamerPastHisPrime]

@@Baci302 I don’t have any experience with Gretsch, but I would say the models I have tend to be somewhere in between a Fender Strat and a Les Paul, and then the bass contour lets you kind of tweak that sound a little further. My contender, which has Retroblast pickups (mini humbukcers), and is a single cut guitar, definitely sounds more Gibson than Fender. But the other models I have can definitely have that snappier Fender sound with pickups that are more single coil/p90s style, especially if you dial the bass contour way back. Their bigsby trems are nice and they install a different spring in them. I love the Wilkinson trem as well though. More like a Fender, but… more expressive maybe? It just might suit my playing better, so I use it more.

[@kimseniorb]

Really like their sense of style. I just wish they’d place the bridge pickup like on a les paul, closer to the saddles

[@jokermtb]

I'm the opposite - always found Gibson pickups to be too scrunched together crowding the bridge

[@JosephCompton66]

I have a Reverend Crosscut, it is really an awesome guitar.

[@njcranes]

I like it. Looks sweet

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Always wondered about Reverend. Got a chance to play around with one of those Mike Watt basses (I think they are slightly different now) - guitar was brand new but felt like it had been around much longer - in a good way. Cool vibe on these

[@lachlan1971]

I have a Reverend Manta Ray lefty. Lovely instrument.

[@gregorygetable]

Really nice demo. Great versatile guitar. I wonder how different Reverend Double Agent guitar sounds.

[@malcolmkew]

I have a Charger P90 and it is my go to, do everything guitar, if I have an audition I always take it because it is the most versatile guitar I have (SG, 335, Teles, Gretsch)!

[@bleedingfingers7457]

I've got one of these in gunmetal. Great guitar! FWIW, I've got the Reverend Billy Corgan model too (huge SP fan, especially when they were more guitar oriented), which is also a great guitar. Reverend makes some quality instruments. Next on my list, the Double Agent W. I've just got to convince my wife that I need "one more guitar." She may have heard that before......

[@jokermtb]

I've a DAW.......you need one. The trem is probably the best I've ever tried, and it's so comfortable to play

[@MrMd5555]

I'm really liking this guitar! Id really like to play one Is there any guitar shops that carry reverend guitars in order to get one in hands?

[@lutephilips5550]

That guitar is amazing looking. Looks like it's moving sitting still

[@monmixer]

that Ironball is killer. 20 watts is plenty and actually perfect. I used a deluxe reverb most of my life after learning that more was not better.

[@jean-philippemorin1176]

This one looks nice

[@samiam9059]

Own an RAfm that is rare now. Killer dark purple and wood is over the top with set neck. The pickups was nervous about but the high tech adjustable contour which is not a normal tone knob make it. Ebony neck. Even came with one of the nicest cases I have. Can't go wrong with them at all. And play many different styles on that guitar.

[@ZL1LoVeR]

The zero fret trick is genius!!

[@unclefoiley819]

A friend of mine has a Reverend. I've played it & liked it. Do I need another guitar? No. But if I was interested in getting another guitar, Reverend would definitely be a contender.

[@gtr1952]

Great review!! The only thing I'm not sure I agree with is the 'gig bag'. I'm sure they price those at their minimum margin, to stay as competitive as possible. If they included a gig bag they might have to kick the price up $50 or whatever. I don't use gig bags, I always have, or buy a case. So I would rather have the lower price point, not add to my pile of bags I never use. 8) Thanks for the great review! JMHO --gary

[@allenwoody5909]

Phil, regarding you gauge you made to check string height. Do you nip the tang off or leave. Please can you explain. Thanks.

[@grumpymikeguitar]

Won't lie, I am kind of a Reverend fanboy. My #1 is a 2017 Double Agent 20th Anniversary model. Can't even begin to describe how perfect that guitar is for me. Gotta say, it kind of looks like you'd really like to keep this one. Wouldn't blame you if you did. I want it and I don't even care for the color. Excellent and thorough review as always. Thanks

[@TheBenb1999]

I bought this same guitar in January 2021 from Wildwood. Phil’s review is dead on 100% accurate here if I compare to my guitar. The setup and fretwork were about the best of any guitar I’ve owned or picked up except for a teeny bit of fret sprout on the treble side above the 12th fret. So minor mine passed the glove test and it didn’t cost me anything at the local tech to clean it up the last 5%. I think my neck might be a little darker in color but hard to tell. My guitar is a little lighter weight too. The bridge pickup is maybe too hot, I agree. It can be tricky to dial clean sounds in on that pickup on certain amps, but not on Fender amps, the bridge pickup sounds great clean through my Princeton. I do think the bridge pickup sounds better on a Les Paul but the last LP I tried was $2500 and it was a disaster setup wise compared to my Reverend.

[@are-you-ready2518]

I took an interest in guitars late enough in life to not be bored with Fender yet. Most guys probably start young and will stray after a while thinking the grass is greener somewhere.

[@KristianHeartmusic]

god I want a REVEREND now

[@Russell_Optics]

Absolutely love the shape and looks of it. It appears that it would be very comfortable to play as well. If they made one with a P-90 in the neck it might just be perfect.

[@gathda]

They do make one with a P90 in the neck. I have the Double Agent with a P90. Same guitar.

[@Russell_Optics]

@@gathda Thank you. The Double Agent and also it looks like they make a set-neck with the P-90 called the Warhawk. I like the body style of the Double agent better though.

[@Skeyechi]

They do! It is called the Double Agent OG.

[@RobertFisher1969]

They’ve also said the Double Agent is their best seller.

[@Mr.Wrong1]

Check out the Double Agent OG or the Charger 290 (double P90s). Both sound amazing

[@jamesmorgan2064]

Thank you. Is the yellow Telecaster on your wall for sale ? Or are you like me?

[@TheGorillafoot]

Sweet guitar.

[@alanpettibone]

Really like Reverend products and have enjoyed my Sensei Jr. Might have to go back to the Reverend well. Can you throw an affiliate link in somewhere? Thanks Phil!

[@deanmass]

I love Reverend. I stupidly sold my P90 Charger with black headstock. Rock machine. These guys are tops at customer service too. If you ask questions on their Reverend FB page, it is likely you will hear from Ken the CEO directly.

[@Baci302]

That makes sense about the roasted maple necks chipping. Baseball hitters started using maple bats instead of the ash bats because they are harder and they can hit more home runs with them. The downside is that they break very easily.

[@w1nky77]

He bass contour is awesome , much more useful than the traditional tone knob for me.