Reverend Reeves Gabrels RG-SUS MKII

Overview: Design and Construction

The Reverend Reeves Gabrels RG-SUS MKII is unmistakably tailored for versatile sound sculpting and expressive performance. Priced at $1,750, this signature model for Reeves Gabrels (notably from The Cure) combines non-traditional woods and cutting-edge electronics into a package that focuses on both comfort and innovative tonal options. The body is crafted from African limba (korina), lending the instrument a solid, resonant platform renowned for its midrange focus and dynamic response. The finish, called Wine Dark Sea, gives the guitar a rich, immediate visual impact without overstatement.

Neck and Playability Details

The neck is built from heat-treated European maple (roasted maple) and attaches to the body with a bolt-on joint, balancing stability with the classic snap expected from this construction method. The fingerboard is cut from ebony, offering a dense, smooth surface for articulate note attack and consistent feel across positions. The medium oval neck profile caters to a broad range of hand sizes, while a fingerboard radius of 305 mm (12 inches) and a full 648 mm (25.5 inches) scale length situate the playability in electric tradition, particularly favoring both lead work and more rhythmic styles.

• Number of frets: 22, medium jumbo for wide bending and confident control.
• Nut: 43 mm (1.69 inches) wide, made from Boneite for reliable tuning and clear open notes.
• Hardware: Reverend Pin-Lock tuners for swift and secure string changes, with overall tuning stability assisted by the nut and high-quality components.

Electronic Configuration and Control Layout

This model takes its technical individuality from its pickup system: a Railhammer Reeves Gabrels humbucker in the bridge position supplies crisp attack blended with extended low end, and a Sustainiac humbucker in the neck position introduces controlled infinite sustain at the player's command. The Sustainiac system incorporates its own switching array, deepening the available tonal palette and opening possibilities for ambient, effected, or experimental sound design well beyond conventional pickups.

• Pickup configuration: humbucker-single coil array via Railhammer + Sustainiac
• Controls: Volume, tone, bass contour, plus dedicated Sustainiac system switching for on-the-fly sustain manipulations
• Three-way toggle: rapid access to bridge, neck, or combined pickup selection

The presence of the bass contour control sets Reverend models apart, allowing real-time trimming or restoration of low frequencies. This feature works well for re-shaping the output to suit clean or heavily saturated tones alike.

Tremolo and Hardware Systems

The guitar is equipped with a Wilkinson WVS50 IIK vibrato unit, offering modern response and stable return to pitch, paired with chrome hardware throughout. This type of tremolo bridges responsive, subtle vibrato applications with more aggressive dive bomb techniques without compromising tuning reliability. Strings arrive in a standard light configuration (.009,.046), balanced for both bending flexibility and solid rhythm foundation.

Notable Signature Model Features

This instrument is unmistakably built for an artist with a preference for broad versatility and experimental gestures. Features such as the combination of korina, ebony fingerboard, and roasted maple neck are not typically found in standard-issue models within this price range, emphasizing the unique specification that Reeves Gabrels requested. The absence of a case or gigbag out of the box is notable and suggests the product is targeted at players eager to select their own preferred transport solution.

Technical Focus: Unique Materials and Electronics

• Korina Body: Dense, resonant, and sustaining, favored for its sonic character.
• Ebony Fingerboard: Smooth, fast, and articulate, balancing with the bright roasted maple construction.
• Sustainiac System: Adds an entirely separate layer to the instrument's character, unlocking techniques beyond the reach of traditional pickup setups.

Verdict: Who Is This For?

The Reverend Reeves Gabrels RG-SUS MKII is a specialized tool for players who prioritize sonic experimentation and high-performance feel. Its configuration is not about vintage recreation but about forward-leaning features: modern switching, sustain systems, premium woods, and stable hardware. While many signature models offer only aesthetic distinction, this instrument delivers marked differences in both feel and sound architecture, matching the requirements of artists who need both classic playability and studio-level creative flexibility. The price point reflects the upgraded materials and exclusive pickup system but omits case or gigbag, a factor to consider for touring musicians.