“This guitar is fantastic for drop tunings. The stability is bar none”: Reverend Guitars’ new Billy Corgan Signature Drop-Z is a precise-engineered long-scale riff machine designed for those who love Smashing Pumpkins and drop tunings
Corgan’s latest signature Reverend is precision-engineered, and features an optimized string tension/scale length combo that ensures unparalleled drop-tuned playability
(Image credit: Future)
Of the all contemporary brand/artist partnerships that are currently in operation, the collaboration between Smashing Pumpkins' mastermind Billy Corgan and Reverend Guitars is by far one of the most notable – and prolific.
Having already joined forces for a range of hugely popular signature guitars, the two have teamed up once again for the Reverend Billy Corgan Signature Drop-Z – a model that both accommodates Corgan’s penchant for crushing drop-tuned riffs, and present fans an opportunity to play a model that has been meticulously engineered for drop tunings.
Stylistically, it takes after Corgan’s Z-One signature model, flashing an alluring double-cutaway design that is composed from alder, and specifically chambered to further enhance the guitar’s tone and resonance. There is also a premium roasted maple neck and fretboard, and locking tuners.
However, there are some key features that set the Drop-Z apart from its predecessors. Namely, this has been specifically designed for drop tunings, with a long-scale neck and a spot-on string tension that results in a tone that is deep and full, as well as punchy and clear.
With a 26.25” scale length and 24 frets, the guitar is factory-tuned to D Standard, but as Guitar World’s Paul Riario’s demo demonstrates, it can handle even lower than that, thanks to its optimized setup.
Tones come from newly voiced Railhammer Billy Corgan Z-One pickups, which offer heightened output and a full range of velvety trebles and throaty lows. Reverend’s Bass Contour circuit is also on hand to help players fine-tune the tone.
“Even if you don’t play Smashing Pumpkins, this guitar is fantastic for drop tunings,” Riario says of the Drop-Z’s broader appeal. “The stability of this guitar is bar none. It just invites a great playing feel.”
(Image credit: Reverend Guitars)
“Because of the long neck combined with the scale length, you really get that perfect playability where you’re allowed to play a chord in tune, but also the ability to bend and solo on this, just as you would on a normal guitar. It feels just the same, except in this case we’re in a drop tuning.”
“If you’ve never had a guitar that’s in a drop tuning, this particular signature model from Reverend is just fantastic. It combines the proper string tension with the long-scale neck that’s as comfortable to play as any of your standard scale length guitars.
“You don't have to be a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins to really enjoy this brand new signature guitar from Reverend.”
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