Eye-catching looks, featherweight construction, and some fantastic sounding handwound pickups makes this High Spirit Shadow Hawk an easy top choice in the shop.

Why We Love This

The Shadow Hawk combines elements of the Tomahawk model in its asymmetrical double cutaways, but takes on an entirely different shape below the waist. Think of it almost like a compact Explorer with a little Futura sprinkled in, keeping in line with the progressive angular body style that has a more dramatic silhouette compared to other offerings. The shorter body not only makes it more comfortably compact, but keeps the weight to a minimum, resulting in a very lightweight solidbody electric.

Loaded with some excellent sounding handwound Danger Dog pickups and paired up with a lightly finished Mahogany neck and thin-finished Pine body, the tone is super lively and clear. We hear a little Firebird mixed with Tele - nice chirp with a balanced low end. The neck pickup has some power but doesn't muddy up, and the bridge pickup has strong definition that accents both single note leads and rhythm work equally.

The neck carve on this Shadow Hawk is excellent - a nice slim/medium C carve that reminds us a bit of early 60s electric carves.

The thin black nitrocellulose finish is the first of its kind we've had on a High Spirit. Connor approached this finish much like Dennis Fano would on his Novo electrics, with no grain/pore filler used. The result is a raw and textured look but with a semi-smooth feel. We love it!

The playing experience, tone, feel, and quality of construction is truly unmatched in this price range. If you want something fresh and unique that oozes personality without getting in the way of providing killer tones and playability, stop your search now.