Spira S-400 | Overview

MSRP: (UK) £295 / (US) $TBC

Nick Jennison critiques the Spira S-400—a high-performance double-cutaway guitar constructed for gamers in search of fashionable design, distinctive sonics, and playability with out breaking the financial institution. That includes a roasted poplar physique and Canadian roasted maple neck, the S-400 comes loaded with Spira’s Villain customized humbuckers in an HH configuration that ship articulate, highly effective tones.



With regards to fashionable shred guitars, the Spira S-400 MGR won’t have the many years of iconic associations that include, say, a Les Paul Customized or a Strat. However what it does have is simple attraction for gamers in search of a glossy, no-nonsense instrument that punches nicely above its weight class—each in options and in value. When you’ve ever thought a high-performance, pro-grade guitar needed to include a hefty price ticket, the S-400 MGR is right here to show in any other case.

Let’s begin with the seems to be, as a result of this guitar is undeniably cool. The reverse six-in-line headstock is a standout function, combining aggressive strains with a glossy, fashionable aesthetic. It is purposeful too, subtly enhancing string rigidity dynamics: tighter lows for chunky, articulate riffs and looser highs for easy, easy bends. Spira’s branded locking tuners full the bundle, providing stability that may deal with even essentially the most aggressive enjoying types. The headstock alone makes a daring assertion, however it’s the roasted Canadian maple neck that actually steals the present. Roasted necks at this value level? Virtually exceptional. Sure, you will discover some small imperfections within the wooden, however that is a good trade-off for the sleek, sturdy really feel and wonderful stability. Add in a contemporary D profile and a 14-inch fretboard radius, and you have got a neck that feels good for every part from rapid-fire shredding to massive, expressive bends.

Flip it over, and the tremendous strat physique continues the theme of consolation and practicality. The contours are easy and refined, and the cutaway heel makes upper-fret entry a breeze. Even small particulars, just like the rear-mounted strap pin for higher steadiness, present that this guitar wasn’t simply designed to look good however to really feel good too. The angled saddles on the bridge? A chef’s kiss for palm muting and heavy riffing.

However let’s get to the meat of it: tone. The S-400 MGR is loaded with Spira’s Villain humbuckers, they usually completely ship. These ceramic pickups pack a punch, they usually’re versatile sufficient to deal with absolutely anything. The bridge place is tight, articulate, and aggressive—excellent for contemporary high-gain tones. The neck pickup, alternatively, sings with a easy, creamy voice that is perfect for solos. And the center place? Surprisingly balanced and dynamic, making it an amazing selection for clear tones, funk, and even blues—genres you won’t initially affiliate with a guitar like this.

No, it would not have coil splits or push-pull options, and whereas some would possibly see that as a downside, the reality is you will not miss them. The pickups do all of the heavy lifting, delivering readability and punch without having any further bells and whistles. Whether or not you are riffing in drop tunings, laying down clear rhythm components, or hovering via lead strains, the Villains maintain their floor fantastically.

Now, let’s discuss value, as a result of that is the place the S-400 MGR actually blows your thoughts. To place it bluntly, this guitar is ridiculously inexpensive. How inexpensive? Much less-than-an-overdrive-pedal inexpensive. And never a flowery boutique pedal both—simply your commonplace, off-the-shelf form. When you think about the roasted maple neck, locking tuners, premium pickups, and general construct high quality, it looks like Spira is virtually giving these guitars away.

In fact, this guitar is not making an attempt to reinvent the wheel—it is a fashionable tremendous strat via and thru. However what it does, it does exceptionally nicely, and it is a testomony to how far inexpensive devices have come. Whether or not you are a seasoned participant in search of a dependable workhorse or a newbie who needs an unimaginable bang-for-your-buck guitar, the Spira S-400 MGR deserves your consideration.

When you handed this guitar to somebody and advised them it price twice as a lot, they’d imagine you primarily based on the texture alone. It is comfy, versatile, and downright enjoyable to play. Whether or not you are into chunky steel riffs, hovering solos, or something in between, this guitar will get the job achieved—and look good doing it. For the worth, it is an absolute steal.

For extra data, please go to:

spiraguitars.com