Reverend Guitars Descent Midnight Black: Baritone Power, Modern Playability

The Reverend Guitars Descent Midnight Black sets a new standard for baritone electric guitars, offering players extended low-end range without losing comfort or clarity. Standing out through its pairing of a lightweight korina body and a 677 mm scale roasted maple neck, this instrument is engineered for resonance and effortless playing. Railhammer Humcutter pickups, custom-voiced for the Descent Midnight Black, provide tight, punchy lows and crisp highs. Players can explore styles from surf and country to heavy rock and cinematic soundscapes. Designed for guitarists who want a baritone that retains the feel of a guitar, not a bass, this model redefines versatility in the category.

Category-Leading Design Features

One standout element is the inclusion of the Wilkinson WVS50 IIK tremolo—a rare feature on baritone guitars—combined with a dual contour tone circuit for advanced sound shaping. Details such as the Reverend Pure Tone jack and a hand-initialed headstock demonstrate a focus on boutique-level craftsmanship.

Extended Range with Familiar Feel – Core Specs

Balancing scale length, weight, and hardware, the Descent offers agility for complex chord work, lead lines, or alternate tunings.

• Scale Length:677 mm — Supports B standard tuning and robust lows while keeping a guitar-like feel
• Body Material:Korina — Chosen for its lightness and resonance, favored in boutique builds
• With a fingerboard radius of 305 mm (12"), players benefit from smooth string bending and comfortable hand positioning for long sessions.

Hardware & Player Comfort

Stability and expressiveness are central to this model. Custom hardware, a dual-action truss rod, and locking tuners keep tuning steady during live or studio use.

• Pickups:Railhammer Humcutter Nuevo 90 (bridge), Cleancut (neck) — P-90 punch meets hum-free clarity
• Bridge:Wilkinson WVS50 IIK Tremolo — Enables smooth, accurate tremolo effects for creative players
• String changes are fast and tuning improved with Reverend Pin-Lock tuners, enhancing reliability.

Electronics for Creative Tone Shaping

Dual tone controls—Treble and Bass Contour—let users shape the low end or dial in single-coil definition on humbuckers. The treble bleed circuit preserves high frequencies even at lower volumes.

• Controls:Volume, Tone, Bass Contour, 3-way toggle — Adapt the baritone’s voice for any genre or setting
• Nut Width:43 mm (Boneite) — Promotes a comfortable grip and stable tuning

Who Should Choose the Descent Midnight Black?

Session musicians, rock players, and composers needing expanded range will appreciate the blend of deep tuning and agile playability. The Descent is aimed at those seeking a baritone that inspires creativity, meets modern demands, and stands up to touring. Its hardware and advanced tone circuit support both studio work and performance across musical styles.

Reverend Story and Craftsmanship

Founded by luthier Joe Naylor, Reverend Guitars is known for accessible innovation, with artists like Billy Corgan and Reeves Gabrels among its users. Every instrument is set up and initialed by a skilled technician, reinforcing the brand’s focus on ready-to-play quality. The Descent series continues this approach, offering boutique features for today’s guitarist.