Sounds

The HB-35 does its job well, albeit without offering any real surprises in the tonal stakes. The bridge pickup isn’t as well-rounded or fat sounding as the example found on our Viking Deluxe, but it does have bags of power and definition.

It can sound a little brash through a clean amplifier, but add some dirt and you’ll unleash a cracking rock machine. Back on the clean channel, adding the neck pickup to the mix dials in some useful beef to balance out that brashness and the HB-35 reveals itself to be quite a versatile beast.

Just the thing for punk, rock, blues… and all that jazz.

Pros: Well put together; the fat neck; great all-round workhorse.

Cons: Nothing at this price.

4 Stars

Verdict: Another strong performer and excellent value for money.