Photo credit: Cream Guitars
There is no possible way to form an emotional connection with something that doesn’t have a heartbeat. At least that is what I used to think. My wife made me a believer that there is such thing as an emotional connection with items that have no ability to speak. The lesson began when we first started building her walk-in closet. In my mind, I was thinking “this room would make a wonderful space for my guitar collection”. She must have my mind. She said don’t even think about it. I asked her why do you need a huge room for shoes, and handbags. She began to talk about how she loves them, and they love her back. 😊 I started to wonder if the chemicals from the wood was getting to her. Until she asked me this vital question. “Have you ever connected with an object that affected you emotionally”. Just think about it without answering.
The first thing that came to mind was my car and then one specific guitar. Don’t get me wrong, I have a bond with all the other guitars as well. However, there is a specific “go to” guitar that I will never connect with like the others.
My “go to” guitar has always been a Gibson SG in the Vintage Cherry Red. It is perfect for a specific set up that is conducive to the 60s era, that I enjoy so much. The equation is the Standard Gibson SG with the Vox AC15 Amp with no pedals. Perfect sound with a nostalgic feeling of the first British Invasion. However, it doesn’t end there, there’s more to it. On a deeper level there is a connection to my brother that passed away. He was a Gibson SG junky. Which is one of the first reasons why I decided to buy Gibson. It was a reminder of something that mean much more to me than a nostalgic era for the music industry. Maybe you can also relate to the same emotional connection.
It is one consideration to any of the guitars that I review. Is there anything about a specific model that can create an emotional response? What about this guitar that can establish a bond or connection that would result in a purchase? If you consider these two questions before buying your next guitar, I guarantee that it will be a driving force that is stronger than price point, or any other factors.
I jumped at the opportunity to review the "Revolver" from Cream Guitars. I know several talented artists that own a Cream Guitar. Both artists rave about their experience with their particular Cream Guitar Model. After considering their input, I figured that it wouldn't be a waste of time. There was more to the Revolver that required my attention. With most guitars there are several components that I consider before I dive into tone and performance. Let's consider some items that should be extremely important to you before buying your next guitar. Needless to say, the Revolver from Cream Guitars was impressive.
PACKAGING:
Recently, I had an opportunity to unveil a guitar that blew my mind “out of the box”. It is the Cream Guitars “Revolver”. Visually, it is flashier than what I would normally perform with. However, it was the details and sound that resonated with me. The packaging of the Revolver was amazing. The black hardshell case came with a pink trim on the sides. The inside “seating” was nothing less than perfect. Even the smell was enriched by the elements that made up this gem of a guitar. The certificate of authenticity was included as well. It passed the initial phase.
However, do not be fooled by packaging alone. Sometimes, it is used to hide the flaws of of the guitar itself. ☹ The complete opposite can also be said. Poor packaging doesn’t complete the story either. In fact, I purchased a Yamaha acoustic guitar that came in a cardboard box. The protective materials were included, but I wasn’t impressed by the packaging. It was probably the quickest I have ever tested out a guitar. I had to ensure that the Yamaha guitar was authentic and not a dud.
Back to the review of the “Revolver”. Once I got past the packaging, I started focusing on several key areas that are important to how I was to view the entire review of this guitar. The are as follows:
The machine heads were made by “Ratio”. I know the folks at Graph Tech Labs, and they are well-known for their machine heads. In fact, they make them for many Guitar Brands. My comfort level with the Revolver started to increase. I was certain that the normal tune out of the box, wasn’t going to be necessary. I was right. Guyer makes some good “tuning heads” but it is difficult to be the ones from Ratio. You can buy a pair online for $160.00 for 6 machine heads.
Guitar Thrills Broadcast
It is important for me to what may seem to be basic components or characteristics of an electric guitar. However, they are far from being common. There are some other unique elements that I will cover in the next issue regarding the Revolver. It was important for me to highlight what would contribute to your decision on whether or not, your next guitar purchase should be a Cream Guitar. The fundamentals of the perfect guitar will always change based upon your perception and what you need to make an emotional connection. What has been covered thus far, will help you embrace the idea of making the Revolver your own. If this isn’t enough, no worries, read my follow up review in the next issue of Guitar Thrills Magazine.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
