Product: Raven RX-700
Price Paid: US $245.00
Submitted
12/10/2000
at
05:05pm
by
Len
Email: lenduffy at home<dot>com
Features
:
9
7 string electric made in Korea.....I'm sure it's a 2000. 24 fret with a quilted maple top (probably laminated) Controls are 3 way switch, 1 volume and 1 tone with a push/pull coil tap. The guitar has 2 humbuckers, and a single coil sandwitched in between. The neck is maple with a rosewood fretboard. The body style is a contemporary Strat style, like a Jackson. The Guitar has a floyd rose licensed tremelo with a locking nut. The tuners are sealed generics that work smoothly.
I purchased this guitar because I wanted to try a 7 string without breaking the bank.......I paid $245.00 for this guitar, and it was a very good deal!
Sound
:
7
It's a little difficult to get used to a 7 string, theres a lot of bottom end. When playing or chording the low B string, I employ the coil tap......it helps the low B cut, or else it's too bottomy. I may toss a Duncan Invader in the bridge to help boost the mids. I play this guitar through a digitech processor and it sounds just fine. My only complaint is the bridge pickup, needs more midrange.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
5
The guitar needed to be set up upon arrival.......but I expected as much. I needed to lower the bridge, and increase the spring tension quite a bit just to tune it to A 440. The tuners are also a little loose........but with a locking nut I'm not concerned. After set up, the guitar plays fine.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
Seems solid enough to withstand some abuse. Too soon to tell though........I'll follow up in a couple years ;)
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
This model is supposed to have a lifetime warranty, I sent in the registration card just in case.
Overall Rating
:
8
I've been playing 20 years, and wanted to try a 7 string without spending big bucks on an Ibanez. The Raven is a great deal for the $$$. I'll probably switch out the bridge pick up for a Duncan. It's a great looking guitar with a nice finish, and plays nicely. I like the Floyd and the coil tap is a must for the low B. I would compare them favorably to the Ibanez's and Jackson's I've tried........just gotta get used to that extra string!