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If you’re into modern metal and need a guitar that can handle heavy riffs, low tunings, and fast shredding, the Ibanez RGD61-BAM is definitely worth a look. This beast is part of Ibanez’s RGD series, which is designed with extended-range players in mind. Whether you’re chugging through aggressive riffs or soaring with high-speed solos, this guitar has the specs to deliver.

Built for Performance and Playability

One of the first things you’ll notice about the RGD61-BAM is its Black Aurora Burst Matte finish. It’s sleek, modern, and has that stage-ready look that screams attitude. But it’s not just about appearances – this guitar is built for serious players.

The body is made from Nyatoh, a tonewood known for delivering a warm, balanced sound with a solid low-end response. It’s paired with a roasted maple Nitro Wizard neck, which is thin, flat, and incredibly smooth to play on. Roasting the wood also makes it more stable, so you don’t have to worry about sudden changes in temperature or humidity messing up your setup.

Topping off the neck is a Macassar ebony fretboard, which not only looks stunning but also gives you a snappy, bright attack with great sustain. The jumbo frets make bending and soloing effortless, while the luminescent side dots help you keep track of your position when playing in dim lighting.

Designed for Lower Tunings

If you’re a fan of low tunings, this guitar is built for you. With its 26.5-inch scale length, you get tighter string tension compared to a standard 25.5-inch scale guitar, meaning your low strings won’t feel floppy when you tune down. Whether you’re in drop C, drop A, or even experimenting with extended tunings, you’ll get clear definition and punchy low end without things getting muddy.

Pickups and Electronics

At the heart of the Ibanez RGD61-BAM’s sound are the Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic humbuckers. These pickups are designed to give you the best of both worlds – high output with crushing distortion but also the ability to clean up beautifully when you need to dial it back. They’re active pickups, so they’re extremely clear and noise-free, making them perfect for everything from djent to classic heavy metal.

A standout feature is the push-pull volume knob, which lets you switch between two different voicings. You can go from an aggressive, modern metal tone to a cleaner, more organic sound, making this guitar surprisingly versatile for different playing styles.

Hardware That Holds Up

Tuning stability is always a big concern for guitarists, especially if you’re playing with heavier strings and lower tunings. That’s where the Gotoh MG-T locking tuners come in. These make string changes quick and painless while keeping your tuning rock solid.

The Mono-Rail bridge is another great feature, helping to eliminate unwanted string vibration and cross-talk between the strings. This means better sustain and a clearer overall tone, which is exactly what you want when you’re playing complex riffs or fast solos.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

The Ibanez RGD61-BAM is a fantastic guitar for metal players who need something that’s built for precision, low tunings, and killer tone. From the roasted maple neck to the Fishman pickups and solid hardware, everything about this guitar is designed with performance in mind.

If you’re after a guitar that can handle heavy riffs, shred effortlessly, and stay in tune no matter what you throw at it, this one’s definitely worth trying out.

Pop into our store and give it a go – you might just find your new favourite guitar!

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.

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!