Faith FVHG-PERC

Body shape wise, the FVHG is surprisingly small, with a very manageable 15” lower bout. This is perfect for extended percussive playing, and there's a distinct feeling of ease when navigating your body strikes and taps.

PROS

Superb craftsmanship

Neck shape is a dream to play

Pickup combination creates truly inspiring tones

CONS

I don't have more than two hands

Guitar Interactive star rating: 5 stars

Faith FVHG-PERC

MSRP (UK) £1049  (US) $TBC

With a recent spike in the emergence of percussive acoustic guitarists and a new generation of players hoping to slap and tap their way to glory, it seems only fitting for a manufacturer to answer a call with a guitar created for this style. Stuart Shields investigates the Faith FVHG-PERC.

The Faith FVHG - PERC HiGloss Venus is a single cut electro-acoustic that promises to be fit for the very purposes and needs of the modern percussive player, and oh my, it does its job well.

The magic really comes down to the ‘Fishman Ink Body System’ - a fusion of the usual under bridge Piezo pick up and a body sensor. This sensor transforms the top of the guitar into a more resonant and responsive surface, giving greater definition and dynamics to all the nuances of the style. The Ink Body System is controlled very simply via the ‘Body’ control knob on the preamp. With the dial at 0 we get a 100% Piezo signal, moving clockwise, we’re blessed to ‘blend in’ the body sensor to give a full spectrum of response. The Ink Body System really does work, a testament to this, it genuinely affects the way you play. With the Body Control on full, you are able to wind back your attack when creating snare sounds from the lower bout or top. Bass thumps with the heel of your hand are instantly more prominent and tend to be the hardest element to project during the often frantic arrangements typical with the style.

The FVHG is an extension of Faith’s HiGloss range. Construction and aesthetics are uncompromising here - the Englemann Spruce top is contrasted by stunningly figured Rosewood back and sides. Giving a mix of crisp, clear tone and lots of low-end. A flame adds a further touch of class. The FVHG features a Macassan Ebony fingerboard which also extends to the bridge, head plate and heel cap.

Body shape wise, the FVHG is surprisingly small, with a very manageable 15” lower bout. This is perfect for extended percussive playing, and there's a distinct feeling of ease when navigating your body strikes and taps.

The HiGloss series features really come into play with this model. The thinking behind the series is the notion that every component of an acoustic guitar can affect its tone for good or bad. This extends to the gloss and lacquer used. The HiGloss series promotes the use of gloss which has tonal enhancements and works with the wood as it moves and matures. I’m unsure whether there are also some qualities with the HiGloss which enhance or sustain prolonged percussive use, but it would be very interesting USP for this already stunning guitar.

Overall the Faith FVHG - PERC is a genuine joy to play, tonally very warm with a clear and defined high end. The FVHG also comes without the Fishman Ink Body System so; if you’re not enamoured by the idea of growing an extra two arms and following the percussive route, then this could still be the guitar for you.

SPECS

Solid Rosewood Back and Sides

Solid Engelmann Spruce Top

Macassan Figured Ebony Fingerboard

Fishman INK BODY Preamp

Undersaddle Piezo Pickup & Bridge Plate Body Sensor

For more information, please visit:

www.faithguitars.com