Reverend Contender RB Rock Orange

The Reverend Contender RB is a new-for-2020 flat-top, single-cut electric guitar from Reverend’s set neck range. Here presented in a stunning Rock Orange finish, the RB model comes equipped with Reverend’s equally-new Retro Blast pickups, as well as a Bigsby B50 Vibrato system. 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. The pickups are the standout feature though. Percussive and smooth, with power to shame a traditional mini humbucker, these are a perfection of their type.

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 stock a huge range of Reverends, 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 RB IN ROCK ORANGE – 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 RB model, Reverend have used two of their brand new Retro Blast pickups. Designed to mitigate against the worst features of mini-humbuckers, these pickups nevertheless maintain the characteristics which have endeared their ilk to guitarists over the years. Retroblast pickups are neither under-powered or harsh – but have the midrange punch, chimey highs, and string-to-string definition for which mini-humbuckers are revered. Whether you’re looking for retro rock tones or that classic crunch, these are the pickups for you!

BASS CONTOUR CONTROL, KORINA BODY, RETRO BLAST PICKUPS AND BIGSBY B50 VIBRATO

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 RB’s Retro Blast pickups, you can dial in a much greater level of classic single-coil twang – it can make a humbucker sound like a single coil. Variable pickup voicing at your fingertips!

The Contender RB in Rock Orange comes with a 12” radius Rosewood 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 RB 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 Bigsby B50 Vibrato needs no introduction, but Reverend have fitted their unique soft touch spring to the unit, completely transforming its feel. If you’ve ever played a broken in, vintage Bigsby, you’ll get the idea. This little spring is actually one of our most popular aftermarket upgrades for owners of non-Reverend, Bigsby-equipped guitars.

The Reverend difference doesn’t stop there, however! 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 RB in Rock Orange has the looks, tone and reliability to make it a competitor for much more expensive guitars.