Category: Hickies Music Store Posts

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!