While electrics are often referred to as ‘axes’, designer JT Riboloff has run with the concept, creating a model that looks like it could be wielded by a berserker. “I’ve seen other companies do something similar,” he notes of this SG-with-bite-marks, “but they always make it a little blockier, bigger, droopier.”

In theory, there are many plus points, with the ex-Gibson man referring us to the EV30’s one-of-a-kind neck profile and double hotwired humbuckers voiced to combine high output and clarity. The physical reality is almost as good.

We’d be concerned about that top-fret joint on the road, but there’s much to recommend the set mahogany neck itself. It makes an immediate impression with a wide, flat carve and double-octave fingerboard. It plays fast and smooth, and access is stellar, although the lack of a vibrato makes us question if this will do it for the shred brigade.

Verdict

The EV30’s tone is generally strong. As with many metal-leaning models, the clean tone’s just decent, a warm and mid-heavy voice that lacks a little character, but it’s pretty adaptable thanks to the pickup blend control.

But Riboloff is right about the overdriven punch: it’s dark and heavy as hell, yet never sinks into the tonal quagmire that defines a below-par humbucker guitar.

4 Stars