Bob Balch Signature Guitars
In the pantheon of rock guitarists, some names blare out like the aggressive riffs of a cranked-up amplifier, while others simmer in the background, exuding a quiet prowess that resonates with every note played. Bob Balch falls into the latter category. Not as in-your-face as some of his peers, but equally, if not more, influential in the world of stoner rock and beyond. Whether he’s crushing it on stage with Fu Manchu or sharing his vast guitar knowledge via his instructional website, Bob’s commitment to the six-stringed beast is unquestionable.
This dedication has not only led him to be recognized among his peers but has also paved the way for collaborations with esteemed guitar manufacturers. Among these collaborations, the most notable is with Reverend Guitars, resulting in the creation of the Bob Balch Signature guitar. But before we dive into the technicalities and the beauty of this instrument, let’s embark on a journey to know a bit more about the man himself.
Bob Balch Signature Guitars
Bob Balch: The Guitar Maestro
The late 90s saw the rise of a band named Fu Manchu, which brought with it a breath of fresh air, or rather, a gust of dusty desert wind in the world of rock. With their fuzzy tones, groovy riffs, and a laid-back Californian vibe, Fu Manchu quickly garnered a cult following. And one of the central figures in creating that iconic sound was none other than Bob Balch.
Joining the band in 1996, Bob’s influence was almost immediately felt. His ability to merge bluesy licks with heavy stoner rock riffs added a new dimension to the band’s sound. Songs like “King of the Road” and “Hell on Wheels” are classic examples of his impeccable style.
But Bob isn’t just about heavy riffs; he’s a multi-faceted musician. This was evident when he launched his website, PlayThisRiff.com, where he shares guitar lessons, not just from himself but also from many renowned musicians across different genres. This endeavor showcased another side of Bob, a dedicated teacher keen on sharing his love for the guitar with the world.
Reverend Bob Balch Signature Guitar
Genesis of a Masterpiece
Bob’s partnership with Reverend Guitars was a match made in rock heaven. Both entities have a no-nonsense approach to their craft. While Bob is known for his straightforward yet effective playing style, Reverend Guitars has earned a reputation for producing high-quality instruments without the unnecessary frills. It was inevitable that these two would come together to create something special.
Design Aesthetics and Build
At first glance, the Reverend Bob Balch Signature guitar exudes a sense of retro charm mixed with modern sensibilities. The body shape, reminiscent of classic designs, is both ergonomic and visually pleasing. The deep cutaways ensure easy access to the higher frets, a must for those soaring solos.
Crafted with a korina body, the guitar not only looks good but promises a rich tonal quality. Korina, as wood enthusiasts might tell you, is known for its consistency and balanced resonance.
Sound and Performance
But what’s a guitar without its sound, right? The Bob Balch Signature is equipped with a Reverend-designed P-Blade pickup at the bridge and a Reverend Double Agent humbucker at the neck. This combination ensures a wide palette of tones, from clean and jazzy to gritty and aggressive.
A unique feature of this guitar is the Bass Contour knob. Unlike regular tone knobs, this one allows you to control the bass frequencies, enabling a more versatile tone shaping. Whether you’re playing chunky rhythms or wailing leads, this guitar has got you covered.
Playability
Reverend Guitars has always emphasized player comfort, and this signature model is no exception. The medium oval neck profile, combined with a 12″ radius rosewood fretboard, ensures that the guitar feels natural in your hands. The 22 jumbo frets are a boon for players who love to bend notes and express themselves.
SPECIFICATION TABLE: Reverend Bob Balch Signature
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | Reverend |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | South Korea |
| Series: | Signature |
| Colors: | Gold, Brown |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Type: | Solid Body |
| Body Material: | Korina |
| Bridge: | TOM with Stop Tail |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Reverend Pin-Lock |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood |
| Neck Material: | Three-Piece Korina |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Blocks |
| Scale Size: | 24.75″ |
| Shape: | Medium Oval |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.85” (21.6mm) – 12th Fret: 0.9” (22.9mm) |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12″ |
| Nut: | Boneite |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Dome |
| Volume Controls: | 1 |
| Tone Controls: | 2 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Bob Balch Bridge (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Bob Balch Neck (Humbucker / Passive) |
Wrapping It Up
Bob Balch’s journey in the world of music is a testament to passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of one’s craft. His collaboration with Reverend Guitars to create his signature model is a reflection of his musical journey, encapsulating his style, ethos, and spirit.
In the world of signature guitars, where sometimes aesthetics can overshadow functionality, the Reverend Bob Balch Signature stands out as an instrument that is true to its purpose – to be a reliable companion to the musician, whether on stage or in the studio.
To conclude, the guitar is not just a piece of wood and metal. It’s a vessel that carries the soul of the musician. And in the case of the Reverend Bob Balch Signature, it’s a reflection of a guitar maestro’s journey, love for music, and an invitation for others to join him on this melodious ride.
