Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $966

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Reverend Contender 290". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Reverend Contender 290 is a masterful blend of vintage allure and contemporary craftsmanship, making it a standout in the realm of solid body electric guitars. Its single-cut design, constructed from lightweight korina, not only ensures excellent tonal balance but also adds a touch of elegance with its offset body. The strategic chamber beneath the pickguard heightens resonance while keeping the instrument manageable in weight, making it perfect for extended performances.

Equipped with a pair of Reverend's custom 9A5 pickups, the Contender 290 offers a remarkable tonal palette—from the raw, bluesy grit to a well-defined midrange punch. The bass contour knob allows you to dial in just the right amount of low-end to suit any style, while the treble bleed circuit ensures your high frequencies remain crisp even as you roll back the volume. Reverend's attention to detail is further exemplified in features like the Boneite nut and pin-lock tuners, which guarantee tuning stability and smooth playability.

The Contender 290 isn't just a visual treat; it's an instrument designed with the player's needs at the forefront. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar promises a performance that's as reliable as it is inspiring.

Key Features:

  • Offset korina body with a strategic chamber for increased resonance and reduced weight
  • Custom 9A5 neck and bridge pickups for a balanced midrange tone
  • Bass contour knob for enhanced tonal versatility
  • Treble bleed circuit to preserve brightness at lower volumes
  • Boneite nut and pin-lock tuners for stable tuning
  • Rosewood fingerboard with white block inlays
  • Medium Oval korina neck with a 24.75" scale and 12" radius
  • T.O.M.-style bridge with stop tailpiece
  • Chrome hardware and Reverend Pin-Lock machine heads

Product specs

Available since April 2025
Colour Black
Body Korina
Top Maple
Neck Korina
Fretboard Rosewood
Frets 22
Scale 629 mm
Pickups P90, P90
Tremolo None
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of music is the Reverend Contender 290 best suited for?

The Reverend Contender 290, with its dual P90 pickups, is versatile and excels in blues, rock, and alternative genres, offering a warm, punchy tone with a bit of grit.

What is the neck profile of the Reverend Contender 290 like?

The Reverend Contender 290 features a Medium Oval neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

Does the Reverend Contender 290 come with a tremolo system?

No, the Reverend Contender 290 does not include a tremolo system, making it ideal for players who prefer a fixed bridge setup for stability and sustain.

What materials are used in the construction of the Reverend Contender 290?

The Reverend Contender 290 is constructed with a korina body and neck, a maple top, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its rich tonal characteristics and sustain.

How many frets does the Reverend Contender 290 have?

The Reverend Contender 290 is equipped with 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing across the fretboard.

Is the Reverend Contender 290 suitable for beginners?

The Reverend Contender 290 is suitable for both beginners and experienced players, offering a user-friendly design and versatile sound that can accommodate various skill levels and musical styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Reverend Contender 290.

Mods and upgrades

  • DP154 and DP162 pickups were used as P90-sized humbuckers, offering a humbucker alternative without altering the guitar's body.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners who prefer humbuckers find the guitar plays beautifully even after changing the stock P90s.

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  • Owners appreciate the bass contour feature for its versatility in shaping tone, enhancing the playability and sound options of the guitar.

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Comparisons

  • A user replaced the Fallout model's neck pickup with a DP162, indicating compatibility and satisfaction with this pickup in similar models.

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  • Users often compare the Contender 290's build quality and features favorably against higher-priced Fender or Gibson models, noting exceptional value.

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Build quality

  • The medieval red finish is frequently highlighted for its aesthetic appeal, suggesting a high-quality and visually striking appearance.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Contender 290 effectively bridges the tonal gap between a Telecaster and an SG, making it suitable for players seeking a versatile P90-equipped guitar.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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