Michael,
I just wanted to provide some feedback on the Bender. Michael, you have hit on something very special here. I’ve only had it for a few days but I cannot seem to be able to put it down. I own a dozen plus guitars and this one is a welcome addition. I was taken aback when I first put my hand on the neck. I am normally a thinline type of guy on my electrics. The neck felt very much like a Gibson SG, something I have shied away from in the past because of the size. It only took me a little while to get used to the neck and found it to be very comfortable, stable and fast.

I love the pickups. On all my guitars I tend to use the bridge pickup for distorted and high gain sounds. I typically find using the center or neck pickup results in some muddiness. With the Bender, the bridge+middle pickup result in round, sweet, singing tone which is perfect for solos. You now have me considering putting Bare Knuckle Pickups in my other guitars.

I love the quality of the components; the Grover machine heads are really nice and accurate. All the knobs feel substantial. The finish is perfect; like the white (really more of a cream).

The setup was good, just about as low as you can go. The only thing I noticed was the tailpiece adjustment (on the higher strings) was all the way at the bottom, the lowest it can go. It does not bother me because I cannot see the action getting any lower, but is a little concerning when a component is in its extreme position. Intonation is very good.

For the money, there is nothing that I’ve played that comes anywhere close to this guitar in terms of quality and standard components. How you can create something for that price is a mystery to me.

I went to my local guitar super store to look at some amplifiers; I was pulling Fenders, Gibson’s, Schechter’s , PRS and other guitars off of the display and none of them sound or felt as good as the Bender.
I really had my heart set on the Zero Dot but I am glad I got the Bender.

My first gig with the guitar is this weekend; I will let you know how it goes. I will also try to get a video review together in the next few weeks.

Lastly, you need to get some distribution going on in the US. There is no reason why these guitar should not do great in the market.

Regards,

R.S.- NJ, United States

 

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Hi Michael,

No. 2
Just a quick note to let you know that the guitar arrived safely yesterday. I was going to write to you last night, but, well, I couldn't bring myself to put the guitar down long enough to write an email. Overall, I am very pleased with it! It is an elegant design, and seems to resonate very nicely unamplified. The fretboard is flatter than I'm used to (I mainly play Fender strats), but I am finding that I really like it! The neck is like silk, and the pickups are the nicest I've ever played on. I'm very impressed by their responsiveness and articulation. If I could sum the sound up in one word, I would say "rich."

Are you thinking about working out any other designs for your guitars? Like I say, I was on the market for a tele style guitar this time, and I already have 3 Fender strats, a Gibson LP, so I probably won't be going for the Zero-dot or the Bender right away. I think a semi-hollow or an acoustic would be very interesting though. Any plans down the road for something along those lines?

Again, thank you so much for a great experience. I am really grateful that I was able to find out about Hell guitars!

Please don't hesitate to say 'hi' from time to time, neighbor!

 

CB, Japan

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Hi Michael

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you , I arrived home to a busy couple of days work and
only had time to unpack and admire the guitar before working all weekend.I have just had the
chance to relax and play this evening.

I found the setup and playability great , and am impressed with the range of tones that can be
achieved with the pickups . I am pleased with the look (Esp with the TS pick guard) also the
hardware and finish.You have done a great job developing and getting these to market at this
price and quality ! Thank you for letting me have the case , also the packing was excellent ! 

I will be following your brand's progress and wish you success in your business , (Advice; make
sure you get some (more?) good help so you can continue to keep up the enthusiasm that is
obvious in your product).

I am sure this instrument , and the positive experience of the transaction with yourself , will
remain with me for a long time .

 

D.B.- NSW, Australia

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Hey Michael,

It just occurred to me that I never got back to you on the Bender I bought a while back. What can I say, you’ve done it again my man! First of all, it is just rock solid. The Bare Knuckles burn like Hell (pun intended) and finally it is as pretty as they come from the chrome knobs to the pearl banding to the tastefully finished headstock. Well done. I am extremely happy with both of my Hell guitars. The Bender has knocked the No 2 off of its pedestal as my #1 axe but it is a close second and for certain songs (with a real hard rock bite) it is perfect.

Just so you know, my brother (Steve) was over on the weekend and we jammed for a bit. He used the Bender and couldn’t stop talking about how nice it felt, played and looked, and he is a very well-practiced (jazz head) guitarists who has played a few in his time. He contacted me the next day to ask for a link to your website and I wouldn’t be surprised if he buys one very soon.

Anyway, thanks again Michael, your guitars are outstanding and I’m sure it won’t be long before I go for the full triumvirate and order a Zero Dot just to complete the collection.

Take care.

R.V., Canada

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Hi, Michael,

 

I picked it up from the post office this morning before work and only had time to unpack it. I was finally able to get home, tune it up,

and play it - and that's all I've been doing since. I only stopped to send you an email.

 

I absolutely love it. It plays great, sounds fantastic and looks beautiful. Even my wife (who's not into music and never notices things

like this) said "that sounds really good". She's right, it does, and I couldn't be happier with it.

 

I have a PRS Mira and I feel it could go toe-to-toe with it in quality, sound, and playability. It's going to get some jamming time

around Detroit rock city this weekend.

 

The T-shirt is perfect too. It is exactly the design and color I would have picked.

 

So thanks again, I love my new Bender. Besides getting a quality guitar for a great price it has been a great experience as a buyer

and I've enjoyed talking with you.

 

K.S. Michigan, U.S.A.

 

Note from Hell Guitars: Here is a follow-up to the above email:

 

I wanted to tell you that I took my Bender out this weekend (I just play with some locals for fun) and it really spoke for itself. As

soon as I took it out of the case, before I could say a word, it was getting oohs and aaas on its looks - even the drummer took great

interest. I told them all about Hell and my experience which impressed them more but the real seller what's when I played it. Getting

little help from my skills, the Bender sounds so good that everyone was commenting on how great it sounded. When I told them the

price they could not believe it - in-between songs I was fielding a lot of questions.

 

Usually when I get a new guitar or play someone else's there is a period where I have to get used to it; like when you get a

new car. Not so with the Bender, it feels and plays so well it is like I've been playing it for years. Great work!

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Hell Comes Down Under

 

So I got in touch with Michael, and after a couple of questions, I was ready to rock. I know the other guys who have dealt with

him have already said it, but he's a really nice guy to deal with. Absolutely 10/10 for customer service.

 

In a matter of days a little piece of Hell made it from Japan to Australia, and I've been hanging out with it for the last couple of nights.

 

Frankly, I'm impressed! I spend most of my time playing my Maton's that both retail up in the several thou range. I'm not suggesting

I'm worthy of them, but by default, they're my benchmark. Well those and my $100 Squier.

 

My first impressions were great. I have the Ivory, and I really dig the colour. It's a fair bit creamier than it looks in some photo's,

something I was delighted to see. Fit and finish are spot on, everything feels quality, more so than I was expecting for the price if

I'm honest. It's nicely resonant unplugged and those Bare Knuckle pickups are pretty much perfect for me. The bridge is nice and hot

and the single coils in the other two spots absolutely deliver as well.

 

The first thing I noticed playing it, was the neck. Compared to the painted necks on all my other guitars, the ZeroDot feels

amazingly slick. I don't know why they don't leave the back of the necks unfinished on all guitars. Super slidey! The neck profile is a

little different to what I'm used to, I think it's a little flatter/slimmer perhaps, and surprisingly, I can actually feel the difference

between jumbo and medium frets, the ZeroDot equipped with the latter. Both those things I take as pluses. As I mentioned, I

wanted something different to what I have.

 

Looking closely you can see how much thought Michael has put into these guitars. From the knobs, the tuners (which, by the way,

are as good as, if not better, than my pricey Spurzels.) and the cool plate where the neck joins the body. It's like I've bought a guitar

with all the best mods done for me! In fact so far, after a couple of days, the only thing I'd consider changing might be the pick guard.

I'm not a huge tortoise fan. Don't get me wrong, it matches the Ivory body perfectly, but I have a bit of an idea up my sleeve.

 

So there you have it. My first Impressions of perhaps the first ZeroDot in the country. I'm sure I'll end up waxing lyrical about it

again after I've had more time to play with it, but for now, what more can I say other than I'm completely happy with my new guitar!

 

D.B. NSW, Australia

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Hi Michael,

Received the #2 safe and sound, have been playing it pretty much non stop.

 

The guitar is fantastic in all respects, fit and finish, the pickups, and overall quality is way above the price you are charging.

I am playing it through a " Kustom Defender " V-30 all tube 50 watt amp and it can go from " Buckaroo " to "Johnny be good "

without any trouble, those " Boss " pups are very versatile.

 

Also I should mention the set up you did on the guitar is perfect, just the way I would have requested it.

Thank you for your personal attention in all respects of the purchase, customer service is an art lost on so many these days.

Rest assured if I need to add another guitar to my arsenal you will be top of list, [ those Benders sure look nice ], and I will do my

best to let people know about my experience with Hell Guitars.

 

Thanks again.

 

R.L. Alberta, Canada

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I've played many different Tele's from Classic Vibes to MIM's, American Specials, and American Standards.

The CV's were pretty good for the price, if a slight bit ice-picky at the bridge pickup. The CV's (Tele's and Strat's) are a must try

before you buy due to the occasional quality inconsistency. The American Special Tele's sounded even better than the American

Standards, yet had all of the build quality. Their Texas Special pickups became the mark to compare other to.

 

I bought the No.2 after watching Robert Renman's demo's and listening to the Bare Knuckle sound samples on their website. Mine

has "The Boss" Tele pickups, and I couldn't be more pleased. They sound better than any Tele pickup I've ever heard. They have a

an improved bass and mid range, retain the sparkle of a true Tele, and never come close to any ice pick shrill. They are wound just a

little hotter than vintage so they can rock hard, and then play pure country clean or jazz.

 

The quality of the Hell No. 2 is also incredible, especially for the price. It is light, small body, and comfortable. All of the hardware and

electronics are of high quality. Michael is a pleasure to work with as well. I can't recommend Hell Guitars enough!

 

D.F. Texas, U.S.A.

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Man, these guitars are so awesome!

 

Michael set the action so low that the guitar could play itself.. good thing too because I am totally unworthy.I've only had a few

hours to play but I plugged them both in to my Boogie and the sustain is incredible.

 

Did I mention the fret work? It is amazing! Absolutely no fret buzz with the lowest action you could imagine-- with 10s even!. My one

real Gibson has jagged frets that is no where near the quality of these guitars.And these Bare Knuckle pickups are astounding...

 

I'll have to wait a bit to post more because I just watched Boston kick the crap out of Vancouver and I drank(and BBQ'd) way too

much but these are awesome guitars! I just wish I could call in sick tomorrow so I could play these bad boys all day long...

 

D.H. Vancouver, Canada

(Note from Hell: Purchased both a Bender and ZeroDot, and later a Sunburst No. 2- please see below)

 

--This guitar is absolutely gorgeous! The maple neck is spectacular and the entire guitar is a work of art.

 

--You will not believe how glassy this neck is... it is spectacular. I have an Epiphone with a maple neck but it is nothing like the Hell #2.

What a great guitar!!

 

--this guitar is unbelievable.

 

--I swear, it's like some of those super expensive teles I was playing with recently on my trip back home. What a great guitar! The

pickups sound great. I'm really enjoying the neck position right now.

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Happy Valentines day to me...lol. Got my Zero Dot today. It was well worth the wait. Been trying since last

summer. What a GREAT guitar. The Bare Knuckles pups are awesome. Lots of the good Strat quack. The unfinished neck is smooth

as silk. I also love the locking tuners, they too work very smoothly. Would like to thank Michael for putting up with my constant

bugging him about are they ready yet, are they ready yet, are they ready yet. Was a real pleasure doing business with him.

 

(Note from Hell: And a little over a month later...)

 

My HELL #2 just arrived. Man what a GREAT guitar!!! The neck is just incredible. The action is not to be believed.....sooooo low!!!

WOW! The fit & finish are spot on. The Grover tuners are smooth as silk. And those Bare Knuckles pups are outta sight!! This guitar

rates a 10 with me! WTG Michael very nice job.

 

R.S. California, U.S.A.

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