Rarebird Stratohawk

I don't know what kind of wood, just a peice Bruce had laying around, but it looked very cool when we tested some black stain. Two knobs, on for volume and one for mid-boost, no tone control. Usual Strat' pickup configuration, using very dynamic EMGs. Instead of the Fender five way switch, it has three indidual switches for each pickup. The finish was a black fade, with a glossy enamel, very pretty (orriginally). Body is almost just like a Strat', but with a sloping edge. Has reliable tuners with a shaft down the middle that holds the string and makes changeing on stage a snap. The neck is a strange combination, flater fret board, but thicker, wider neck than a Strat'.

I play all styles of music, and this guitar is amazingly versatile. I can't say enough about the extrodinary quality of the guitars sound and dynamics. There is no noise at all, even if I stand in front of a TV under flourecent lights. The EMG pickups have the ability to give off a soft, easy sound, or a punchy growl. Good components for sure.

The action was adjusted immedietaly, as I'm always changeing string guage, so I can't say how Bruce set it up. The only flaw in the set up was the string guide at the tuner end of the neck poped off, and I've never gotten it back on. It was just glued on, no bracing. Everything else is prefect, as far as hardware. But, the beautiful finish was ruined by a cheap top coat. Two months after getting the guitar, zillions of cracks appeard all over the body. Now the guitar really looks crappy because of the cheap lamination.

Reliable? Durable? Hell yes! Besides the string guide poping off, I haven't had any problems. Live, the feedback is minimal. I've played this guitar daily for nearly three years and no problem.

Like the previous reviews state, this is not Bruce's strength. But, you can't rush an artist, and that's what he is. I consider myself lucky that I got my guitar in a year and a half. But, I did bug him most every week, and that's what it takes. But, I didn't get a couple featurs I asked for, and I got some that I didn't. When the string guide came off, and the finish cracked, I didn't take it back because I was afraid I wouldn't get it back for years. But, Bruce does provide life time set up and reapair of non-critical damage. I'll give Rarebird a good rating here for one reason - when I came to him to decide the specs, he spent the entire day showing me all the variations of neck design in order to find the perfect feel.

I've been playing for 9 years and also own a Mexican Deluxe Strat'. I play the Rarebird through a '68 Fender Bandmaster Stack. The Rarebird has an expensive sound, and not as bluesy as my Strat'. If the guitar was stolen, I wouldn't have the patients to replace it, but I would cry for a couple months. The one thing I wish it had was a tone nob, can't figure out why Bruce put a mid-boost in it's place, which I never use. One last thing, Bruce has many already made guitars, and each one is a steal. So, buy one of those and save yourself some time. But, in ordering my guitar, Bruce spent the entire day with my testing all kinds of necks, and the formula we arrived at is perfectly suited to my hands. No other guitar has ever fealt so perfect to hold, and that might be worth the wait on a custom job.