The New "Cantrell" Superhawk

[Spotmandeux]

Guess I’ve been away too long. I stopped by the G&L booth at NAMM and saw the ivory reissue of the Superhawk. Then, I saw it was a “Jerry Cantrell” signature Superhawk. It’s bad enough G&L didn’t call me to ask my opinion about reissuing the Superhawk but putting Cantrell’s name on it was too much. He can have his damn Rampages and jack the price of the real ones through the roof making them unobtainable for the working musician but he doesn’t get to have the Superhawk to. No, no way. I’m the Superhawk guy, screw him. I’ve owned more Superhawks over the past 12 years than anyone anywhere. Cantrell doesn’t get to take credit for starting that revolution to. Sorry Jerry, you’re just selling out now.

[Elwood]

yah, I feel ya...damn hype !!

[Ahryn]

There is only one way to determine who is king of the Superhawk.





Thunderdome.

[sscandyman]

i love me some Cantrell and have to own a blackburst Cantrell Superhawk at some point . but there are few guitars that are more Mad Max than Spots "sibyl" .... best stay out the dome Jerry ....

[Craig]

Dave's got the spec page up for the Superhawk Deluxe Jerry Cantrell Signature model on the main G&L website.

It’s been well over two decades since a G&L Superhawk was last produced. Now G&L is proud to announce
the launch of the Superhawk Jerry Cantrell Signature Model, available in two USA-made versions as well as a
surprisingly affordable G&L Tribute Series version.

[JagInTheBag]

Guess I’ve been away too long. I stopped by the G&L booth at NAMM and saw the ivory reissue of the Superhawk. Then, I saw it was a “Jerry Cantrell” signature Superhawk. It’s bad enough G&L didn’t call me to ask my opinion about reissuing the Superhawk but putting Cantrell’s name on it was too much. I’m the Superhawk guy, screw him. I’ve owned more Superhawks over the past 12 years than anyone anywhere. Cantrell doesn’t get to take credit for starting that revolution to. Sorry Jerry, you’re just selling out now.

I'm not huge on artists models myself, unless it really catches my eye like the WR did. Okay, so you're supposed to be the artist synonymous with the Superhawk? Who are you?

[Elwood]

Okay, so you're supposed to be the artist synonymous with the Superhawk? Who are you?

Spot has been a member here for a while, he's been in cloaking mode lately it seems.

Maybe if he reappears he'll repost some of his superhawk pics .

elwood

[JagInTheBag]

Okay, so you're supposed to be the artist synonymous with the Superhawk? Who are you?

Spot has been a member here for a while, he's been in cloaking mode lately it seems.

Maybe if he reappears he'll repost some of his superhawk pics .

elwood

This I should much like! Just as mush as I'd like the Cantrell series Superhawk make for a successul model re-introduction and then they can offer a "no signature" model for a few bucks less. I'd buy one!

[Elwood]

This I should much like! Just as mush as I'd like the Cantrell series Superhawk make for a successul model re-introduction and then they can offer a "no signature" model for a few bucks less. I'd buy one!

Jag,
For Spot's Sig. ax we'll have to find a bunch of these (apologies if it's the wrong emblem, I'm going by memory)
I'm not sure how that would add to the cost .



You might even have some around since your in the vintage car biz.

I'll have to do a search for "Sybil" and Superhawk . It's a cool guitar .

elwood

[JagInTheBag]

This I should much like! Just as mush as I'd like the Cantrell series Superhawk make for a successul model re-introduction and then they can offer a "no signature" model for a few bucks less. I'd buy one!

Jag,
For Spot's Sig. ax we'll have to find a bunch of these (apologies if it's the wrong emblem, I'm going by memory)
I'm not sure how that would add to the cost .



You might even have some around since your in the vintage car biz.

I'll have to do a search for "Sybil" and Superhawk . It's a cool guitar .

elwood

That "400" is a 1970 - 74 Impala item. Sybil proudly wears a '68-'71 Ford Bronco "302" callout:

[Elwood]

Now I'm in trouble...ford vs chevy and all that.

thx for deliverin' the goods Jag.
(mopar rules!)

elwood

[JagInTheBag]

thx for deliverin' the goods Jag.
(mopar rules!)

elwood

Indeed they do:

[KenC]

I'm all for dusting off some of the Leo-era models, but I am a bit puzzled about the Superhawk "return edition" being a Jerry Cantrell-branded product. The write-up on G&L's website makes it sound like this was just done because of the similarity to the Rampage. Am I missing something here?

Also, does anybody know why these only come with SaddleLocks? IMO, the Kahler was a big part of what made the Superhawk what it was.

Ken

[JagInTheBag]

I'm all for dusting off some of the Leo-era models, but I am a bit puzzled about the Superhawk "return edition" being a Jerry Cantrell-branded product. The write-up on G&L's website makes it sound like this was just done because of the similarity to the Rampage. Am I missing something here?

Also, does anybody know why these only come with SaddleLocks? IMO, the Kahler was a big part of what made the Superhawk what it was.

Ken

Looks like they still make 'em https://www.kahlerusa.com/

and they list Jerry Cantrell as an endorsing artist. Whats up G&L?

[Craig]

I'm all for dusting off some of the Leo-era models, but I am a bit puzzled about the Superhawk "return edition" being a Jerry Cantrell-branded product. The write-up on G&L's website makes it sound like this was just done because of the similarity to the Rampage. Am I missing something here?

Also, does anybody know why these only come with SaddleLocks? IMO, the Kahler was a big part of what made the Superhawk what it was.

Ken

Looks like they still make 'em https://www.kahlerusa.com/

and they list Jerry Cantrell as an endorsing artist. Whats up G&L?

The current Rampage models all come with Kahlers. For the Superhawk, here's what is posted on the G&L spec page:

The Rampage’s Kahler bridge is swapped for a G&L Saddle Lock bridge for improved comfort, stronger sustain and rock-solid tuning stability. This axe is all about capturing the Jerry Cantrell feel while offering more tonal versatility.

I personally, like that they changed to a G&L Saddle-Lock bridge.

[meowmix]

Like what others have said on this board.

Get the guitar with the wammy bar, and if you want to operate it like a saddle lock, use a block.

[sirmyghin]

I see black hardware on one of them, that alone makes me all warm inside. I have enough guitars with Trems though, and Saddle Locks are very nice, esp compared with Kahlers (over engineered pieces of garbage)

[KenC]

Being mainly into older G&Ls, I take whatever bridge came on the guitar. I don't use vibrato at all when I play. I'm generally happiest with SaddleLocks rather than DFVs, but I have been very happy with my two Kahler-equipped G&Ls - an ASAT and a Superhawk, both from '86. Those two guitars are the only Kahlers I've ever played (that I can remember), and I have been very impressed with them. I can't hear any difference in tone or sustain. The tunings may not hold as perfectly over time as the hardtails do, but I've come to appreciate the fine tuners.

Ken

[Elwood]

here's a nice clean old Superhawk at a shop in Seattle,
that kahler looks smooth, I've seen some that are pretty hammered.
I think that's when they go south, the chips get oxidized and everything starts to stick.
...a little light oil and 600 grit with a light touch is a good thing every couple years.

(no affilliaton)
http://www.thunderroadguitars.com/gl-superhawk/

I might have to stroll in and see her first hand.

[JagInTheBag]

here's a nice clean old Superhawk at a shop in Seattle,
that kahler looks smooth, I've seen some that are pretty hammered.
I think that's when they go south, the chips get oxidized and everything starts to stick.
...a little light oil and 600 grit with a light touch is a good thing every couple years.

(no affilliaton)
http://www.thunderroadguitars.com/gl-superhawk/

I might have to stroll in and see her first hand.

she looks mighty tastey!

[Scott Granger]

I love my Superhawk, but the site indicates that there is a push/pull coil tap on the tone control. I've owned two and that is not accurate. What am I missing? Would loved to have had that for a bit more versatility, but it is still very god at what it does.

[JD0x0]

Scott, I believe the US verson has no 'taps' while the 'tribute' uses a push-pull split. No idea why G&L decided to do that. Maybe an issue with getting 4 conductor wire Seymour duncans, used in this model

My tribute (2014) has the push pull.

[jayochs]

eh, if it weren't for jerry to help them market it, the rampage would have never come back, and i'm sure the same for the superhawk.

i love my rampage, and i only knew about the guitar BECAUSE i was such a huge alice in chains fan...they're the reason i got so big into G&L. i def want a superhawk, and i have no problem that it's a "sig" model.

[Fumble fingers]

I wouldn't mind a new Super Hawk either , 1 Kahler that's on my Rampage is enough for me .... much prefer the saddle lock but wish they offered some neck choices , I don't mind Jerry's #4 but it's a little thinner than I prefer , I would rather regular #4 or wide C , also would like full paint and finish options

[jayochs]

I wouldn't mind a new Super Hawk either , 1 Kahler that's on my Rampage is enough for me .... much prefer the saddle lock but wish they offered some neck choices , I don't mind Jerry's #4 but it's a little thinner than I prefer , I would rather regular #4 or wide C , also would like full paint and finish options

i'd go with the tribute, but i don't think i'd get ivory because my rampage is...the blue burst color is nice, but i don't like chrome hardware..wish it were black like the ivory version. would look so much cooler.

[Scott Granger]

Scott, I believe the US verson has no 'taps' while the 'tribute' uses a push-pull split. No idea why G&L decided to do that. Maybe an issue with getting 4 conductor wire Seymour duncans, used in this model

My tribute (2014) has the push pull.

JD0x0,

Thanks brother. I can definitely see that being the case. On the specs tab included on the current Cantrell USA Superhawk page, it reads as follows still:

"CONTROLS: 3-position pickup selector, volume, tone with push/pull coil tap"

Mine was produced in December of 2013, so I was wondering whether current models indeed have this feature, or if it's a misprint?! I'm not sure. I was able to grab mine for $899 shipped, so I'm not being picky! Lol!

[jayochs]

doesn't the american model have the jeff beck pickup? the SH4JB or something? my parker p-42 pro has that in it, stock, and it has coil tapping. so i don't know why it was left out.