While there are countless guitar brands around the world, B.C. Rich is one of the most recognizable. It is a favorite even amongst seasoned players. In this B.C. Rich Warlock review, I’ll talk about some of the features and specs of the models within this line to help you decide if this is the right guitar for you.
The B.C. Rich Warlock is a series of classic heavy metal guitars with a bold design. They have thin necks, making them lightweight, comfortable, and easy to handle. It is available in different models, including high-end options. Regardless of the chosen model, you can be confident of top-notch sound quality, making it worth every dollar.
Read on to learn more about B.C. Rich Warlock guitars, including some of their most popular models and features.
About the B.C. Rich Warlock Guitar
From its distinct design to innovative features, B.C. Rich has always stood out of the competition. Their guitars are built with neck-through construction and a deep cut, making it possible to access deep notes.
More so, they have a top-notch tone for the best in terms of musicality. The company is proud to offer guitars that are designed by shredders for shredders.
B.C. Rich has its humble beginnings as a small shop in Los Angeles. A few years after its establishment, it has grown into one of the best guitar builders in the 1970s, specifically because of the radical designs of its guitars. The heavy metal craze during such an era has also been instrumental in propelling the company’s popularity.
While the company has several product lines, in this short review, our focus is on Warlock. It is an electric and bass guitar that is known for its jagged body. The latter was designed in 1969 by Bernie Rico, the company’s founder. While some people might consider it an ugly guitar, it was one of the most recognizable in the heavy metal scene.
Our Favorite B.C. Rich Warlock Guitars
Warlock refers to a product line from B.C. Rich. This means that it isn’t a single product. Instead, it is a collection of different models, including those that we’ll discuss in this section:
1. Hand-Crafted Warlock USA Custom Shop Guitar
A popular option amongst artists, this high-end guitar is for those who value quality over anything else. It is easy for some to ditch this guitar after seeing its price. However, some will look at its features and benefits before judging. And when you look closer, it won’t take long before you realize that it is worth every dollar.
Summary of Its Specs and Features
- Body Construction: No Heel Neck-thru Body
- Top Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Wood: Three-piece mahogany
- Body Wood: Mahogany
- Number of Frets: 24
- Fret Size: Jumbo
- Nut: Floyd Rose Locking
- Number of Strings: 6
- Strings: D’Addario NYXLO946
- Orientation: Right-handed
2. MK5 Warlock Guitar
With a wicked and neck-through-body, this is one of the most popular guitars from B.C. Rich. This is a mid-level model, which is also perfect even if you are a novice. Additionally, this guitar has a classy and radical appearance that goes against industry standards. Nonetheless, even if it deviates from what is conventional, its sound quality is excellent.
Speaking of sound quality, it has refined highs and lows. It has passive bobbins, which are perfect for heavy metal. You will find two tone knobs and two volume knobs, making it easy to adjust the output as you deem necessary. This is better compared to cheaper models with only a single knob for adjustments.
Features and Specs of the Mk5 Guitar from the Warlock Series
- Body Type: Solid
- Body Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Body Construction: Double cutaway
- Number of Frets: 24
- Number of Strings: 6
- Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
- Neck Pickup: Humbucker
- Finish: Gloss
3. Extreme Exotic with Floyd Rose Guitar
One of the original guitars from the company has a refreshed design to celebrate their 50 years. Even with the redesign, it maintained its non-traditional shape while delivering the same sound quality.
Once you hold this guitar in your hand, you will understand why the price is justifiable. Plus, the aesthetically pleasing design will make it a great choice for those who collect guitars.
Features and Specs of the Extreme Exotic Guitar
- Body Wood: Mahogany
- Top Wood: Quilted maple
- Neck Wood: Maple and wenge
- Sides: Abalone binding
- Fretboard Material: Indian Ebony
- Fret Size: Jumbo
- Strings: D’addario NYXL
- Number of Strings: 6
- Finish: Natural transparent
4. Prophecy QB GB Warlock Guitar
It may not be as popular as the other Warlock guitars mentioned above, but that does not mean that it is any less when it comes to its performance. It has the same radical body and a thin neck for easy handling, even longer. Furthermore, from the strings to the other components, it uses top-notch material that makes it worth the price.
Important Specs of This Guitar
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Maple
- Fretboard: Indian Ebony
- Number of Frets: 24
- Size of Frets: Jumbo
- Pickup Selection Switch: Three-way toggle
- Strings: D’Addario NYXL
- Finish: High gloss, black
Again, what does the B.C. Rich Warlock Guitar offer? The B.C. Rich Warlock Guitar series is a collection of heavy metal guitars with a bold design and top-notch sound quality. The guitars are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to handle due to their thin necks. You can choose from different models and high-end options.
B.C. Rich Warlock Guitar Pros and Cons
Undecided if the B.C. Rich Warlock is the right guitar for you? Here, we look at some of the good and the bad to help you come up with the right choice:
Pros
This section looks at some of the most compelling reasons to choose the Warlock guitar.
1. Handmade Craftsmanship
One of the best things about the B.C. Rich Warlock is that they are handcrafted. In turn, you have an assurance that the manufacturer pays attention even to the smallest details. Going into the company’s shop, you will not notice any machine. Instead, you will see block planes, belt sanders, and band saws, among other tools for guitar production.
2. Intricate Circuits
The craftsmanship that the company is known for is evident even in circuitry. B.C. Rich takes pride in having a state-of-the-art circuit board. The different components of the latter, including the tone controls and master volume, are indicative of top-notch construction. As a result, you can anticipate that the performance is second to none.
3. A Great Choice for People with Small Fingers
With a thin neck, this is a great choice if you have small fingers. The playability is effortless since you do not need to hold the broad neck. Even if you are playing for a long time, your hands do not have to take a beating. To add, the thin neck will also guarantee your highest level of comfort.
4. Good Colors and Finishes
The guitar is available in a wide array of colors and finishes, but they all look good. For the finish, you can choose from gloss or semi-gloss. Meanwhile, for the color, they range in different shades depending on the type of wood.
5. Offers Options for Customization
One more thing that we love about BC Rich Warlock guitars is that they allow different customizations. Through their website, you can set specific preferences, such as the body and neck designs and the specific components.
6. Comes with a Satisfaction Guarantee
For your peace of mind, it is good to know that the manufacturer backs your purchase with a satisfaction guarantee. This means that you have 30 days to try the guitar. If you are unhappy in any way, let the company know, and they will issue an unconditional refund.
Cons
Despite the good things, B.C. Rich Warlock has its fair share of drawbacks, including those that we’ll be talking about below:
1. Some Might Not Appreciate the Shape
As radical as it may seem, the shape may not work for everyone. One look at the guitar, and you can tell that it has a wild shape. As the year progresses, the shapes become even wilder. While this is indicative of how the company challenges conventions, some people might find the design ugly.
2. Targets a Very Specific Market
The B.C. Rich Warlock Guitars are not for everyone. Instead, it targets a particular niche – heavy metal players. If you do not play heavy metal, then this guitar is not for you. On the other hand, if the latter is your jam, you will like its features and innovations.
3. Expensive
If you are on a budget, Warlock isn’t the guitar for you. It is for people who are willing to splurge. Nonetheless, we believe that the cost is justifiable, so the price should not be an issue. From its craftsmanship to sound quality, this guitar is impressive.
Conclusion: BC Rich Warlock
When searching for the best guitars in the market, BC Rich Warlock is one name that should be on your list. Especially if you play heavy metal, their guitars are unmatched. You can easily recognize them because of their edgy and distinct appearance. More so, it comes with a thin neck, which is easy and comfortable to handle.
We like how these guitars are handcrafted using the finest materials. More so, they have intricate circuitry, which elevates the overall performance. To add, the company is offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. Nonetheless, there are also some problems, such as being designed for a specific niche.
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