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Spira S-450 Review – A Guitar That Punches Above Its Weight

If you are on the lookout for a great value guitar that delivers serious performance, the Spira S-450 might just be what you need. It’s part of the new Spira Guitars range, a brand created by the same team behind JET Guitars, and they have done a cracking job making an affordable axe that looks and sounds like it should cost a lot more.

Build and Design

Straight away, the Spira S-450 catches the eye with its flame maple top and roasted poplar body. The gloss finish gives it a premium look, and it comes in some stunning colours, including Transparent Purple, Transparent Green, and Transparent Red/Black. The body is comfortable and well-balanced, making it a joy to play for long sessions.

The neck is roasted Canadian maple, which not only looks great but also improves stability. It’s got a modern D-shaped profile, so it sits nicely in the hand whether you’re playing fast solos or chunky riffs. The fretboard is also roasted maple, and with a 14″ radius and 24 jumbo frets, it’s built for smooth, effortless playing. If you like a slick, fast neck, this one is spot on.

Sound and Pickups

The Spira S-450 is fitted with a pair of custom-made Villain humbuckers, designed to give a powerful and articulate tone. These pickups have a 12k output with ceramic magnets, which means you get plenty of punch and clarity, especially if you’re into rock or metal. The sound is full-bodied and rich, with enough bite to cut through a mix but still enough warmth for more mellow tones.

There’s a simple control layout with one volume and one tone knob, keeping things easy. Whether you want to crank up the gain for heavy riffs or dial it back for cleaner, expressive playing, the S-450 delivers.

Hardware and Playability

When it comes to stability, this guitar does a solid job. It has a fixed bridge, so tuning remains rock solid even after hours of playing. The black locking machine heads keep everything tight and reliable, so you’re not constantly reaching for the tuner. There’s also a double-action truss rod, so adjustments are easy if you need to tweak the neck.

Who Is the Spira S-450 For?

This guitar is perfect for rock and metal players, but it’s versatile enough to handle other styles as well. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a budget-friendly workhorse, it’s a great option. The build quality is excellent for the price, and it has the kind of features you usually see on more expensive guitars.

Price and Verdict

At around £350-£400, the Spira S-450 is a steal. For the money, you get premium looks, solid hardware, and a set of pickups that can really deliver. If you’re after an affordable guitar that looks and plays like a high-end instrument, this one is definitely worth checking out.

If you want to see the Spira S-450 in action, check out some of the recent video reviews online. It’s always good to hear a guitar before you buy, and from what we’ve seen, this one is turning heads for all the right reasons!

Final Thoughts

Spira Guitars might be a new name, but they’ve made a serious statement with the S-450. It’s well-built, sounds great, and won’t break the bank. If you’re searching for a guitar that gives you pro-level features without a hefty price tag, this is one to consider. Give it a go, and you might just find your new favourite guitar.

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Ormsby Hype GTR 6 – The Modern Guitarist’s Dream?

If you’re on the hunt for a guitar that’s got style, playability, and modern features, the Ormsby Hype GTR 6 might just be the one for you. This isn’t your typical off-the-shelf six-string – it’s a high-performance instrument designed for players who want something cutting edge. Whether you’re into metal, progressive rock, or just want a guitar that stands out, the Hype GTR 6 has a lot to offer.

Multiscale Design for Better Playability

One of the standout features of the Hype GTR 6 is its multiscale (fanned fret) design. The scale length ranges from 25.5” to 27.5”, which improves tension balance across the strings. If you play in lower tunings, you’ll notice the benefits straight away – tighter low strings and better intonation, without sacrificing the feel of the higher strings. It’s an ergonomic choice too, making it feel more natural when moving up and down the fretboard.

Premium Build and Materials

Ormsby has made sure this guitar isn’t just about high-tech features – it also looks and feels fantastic. The body is mahogany with a poplar burl veneer, giving it a rich and unique look. The neck is three-piece maple, designed for strength and stability. It’s got a smooth ebony fretboard with 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, so you’re getting durability as well as easy playability.

Powerful Pickups and Versatile Sound

The Hype GTR 6 isn’t just about looks – it sounds fantastic too. It comes fitted with Ormsby’s own Hot Rock humbucker in the bridge and a De La Creme humbucker in the neck. This setup gives you a lot of tonal versatility, whether you want warm cleans, crunchy rock tones, or full-on high-gain aggression.

There’s also a coil-split function built into the tone control, so you can switch between humbucker and single-coil sounds, adding even more variety to your tone.

Reliable Hardware for Maximum Performance

If you’re fed up with tuning instability, you’ll love the locking tuners and custom-designed multiscale bridge on this guitar. They keep everything rock solid, even if you’re playing hard or bending strings like crazy. This is a guitar that’s built to handle serious playing without constantly needing adjustments.

What Are Players Saying?

Guitarists who’ve played the Ormsby Hype GTR 6 tend to rave about its comfort and playability. The multiscale design is a big hit, especially for those who like to experiment with tunings. The pickups also get a lot of love for their clarity and punch.

Some players have mentioned that, while the build quality is solid, it might not feel quite as high-end as a full custom shop guitar – but for the price, you’re getting a seriously well-designed instrument that outperforms a lot of other guitars in its range.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a modern, high-performance guitar, the Ormsby Hype GTR 6 is definitely worth considering. It’s got all the right ingredients – great looks, killer tone, and cutting-edge features. Whether you’re playing at home, in the studio, or on stage, it’s a guitar that’s designed to keep up with whatever you throw at it.

If you fancy trying one for yourself, come down to our store and check it out in person – or browse our selection online. You won’t be disappointed!

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Discover Roland Pianos at Hickies Music Store

At Hickies Music Store, we’re delighted to be Reading’s official Roland Piano Store. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or you’re a seasoned pianist, our showroom provides a perfect opportunity to experience Roland’s wide range of digital pianos first-hand. Roland has led digital piano innovation for decades, combining advanced technologies like SuperNATURAL sound modelling and Piano Reality to deliver remarkably realistic acoustic piano experiences, enhanced with modern connectivity.


The Roland Piano Range – Find Your Perfect Match

We proudly stock a variety of Roland piano series, each tailored to different lifestyles and musical needs. Our expert team is always available in-store or online to provide personal advice, arrange delivery and setup, or offer after-sales support.

DP Series – Stylish, Space-Saving Digital Pianos

The DP Series is perfect for those looking for quality sound in a sleek, compact design. The flagship DP-603 packs an impressive 80-watt Acoustic Projection speaker system and authentic PHA-50 wooden-core keyboard into a slim cabinet just 31cm deep. Ideal for stylish homes and apartments where space matters, these pianos offer beautiful sound and feel without compromise.

FP Series – Versatile Portability for All Occasions

The FP Series is designed to suit the needs of musicians who want portability without sacrificing quality. From the FP-10 through to the powerful FP-90X, these models offer impressive sound systems, robust construction, and extensive connectivity options, making them perfect for practice, recording, and performing. Whether at home, in the studio, or on stage, the FP Series delivers versatile, professional-quality sound.

GO Series – Perfect for Beginners and Young Musicians

Roland’s GO Series offers accessible, lightweight, and portable instruments designed for beginners, students, and musicians on the move. The GO:PIANO models provide a simple yet high-quality piano experience, while the GO:KEYS models offer over a thousand exciting sounds and a fun Loop Mix feature to encourage creativity. Battery-powered and compact, the GO Series makes learning and playing enjoyable anywhere you go.

GP Series – Elegant Digital Grand Pianos

The GP Series blends the elegance and grandeur of a traditional grand piano with advanced digital technology. Ranging from the compact GP-3 to the majestic GP-9M, these pianos feature Roland’s Piano Reality Projection sound system, providing immersive 360-degree audio experiences. Perfect as centrepieces in homes, venues, and hotels, the GP Series offers striking visuals and unmatched acoustic realism.

HP Series – Ideal for Growing Pianists and Families

The HP Series is cherished by families and students who desire the authentic look and feel of an upright piano with digital convenience. The HP702 and HP704 models feature sophisticated designs, realistic key actions, and powerful sound systems. The HP704 in particular, with its hybrid PHA-50 keyboard and enhanced Acoustic Projection speakers, is especially popular for ambitious students needing a space-efficient piano that grows with their skill level.

LX Series – Luxurious, Premium Upright Pianos

The LX Series offers Roland’s flagship upright piano experience, showcasing incredible depth, clarity, and realism. With models such as the LX705, LX706, and the premium LX708, this series features advanced Hybrid Grand keyboards, extensive customization via the Piano Designer, and powerful multi-speaker Acoustic Projection systems. The LX708 even includes a grand-style lid and eight-speaker arrangement, creating an immersive playing experience that brings concert-quality sound into your home.

RP Series – Accessible, Reliable Practice Instruments

Perfect for beginners and advancing learners, the RP Series focuses on ease of use, reliability, and educational features. The RP107 and RP701 models offer intuitive interfaces, Twin-Piano duet mode, and Bluetooth connectivity for interactive lessons and enjoyable practice sessions. The inclusion of Roland’s 3D-Ambience headphone output ensures silent practice feels natural and comfortable, perfect for extended playing sessions.


Visit & Explore

Nothing compares to experiencing these pianos in person. Visit Hickies Music Store to try out any Roland piano, talk with our knowledgeable team, and arrange convenient delivery, professional setup, and flexible financing options. Already own a Roland? Ask about our upgrade program and extended warranty services.

Discover your musical potential at Hickies Music Store – where tradition meets innovation.