Reverend Greg Koch Gristle ST Electric Guitar
Reverend's signature Greg Koch model transforms the Strat template with roasted maple neck, Wilkinson three-saddle bridge, and Korina body. The Gristle ST combines vintage Tele/Strat DNA with modern playability upgrades and Reverend's unique bass contour circuit for expanded tonal range.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Roasted maple compound radius neck (10-inch to 14-inch) provides vintage feel at the nut transitioning to modern shred-friendly flatter radius up the neck
- +Korina body construction delivers lighter weight and enhanced resonance versus traditional ash or alder Strat bodies
- +Wilkinson Classic 3-Saddle bridge with staggered brass saddles and steel block improves sustain and intonation over vintage six-saddle designs
- +Reverend's bass contour circuit expands tonal palette beyond standard Strat—dial in more low-end grunt or traditional single-coil chime
- +Greg Koch's signature specs nail versatile Tele-meets-Strat vibe for players who want both platforms in one guitar
Cons
- −At $1,799, you're competing with Fender American Professional II Strats ($1,650) and boutique builders offering more traditional specs
- −Three-saddle bridge limits individual string intonation adjustment versus modern six-saddle designs—compromise for vintage aesthetics
- −Reverend's pickup voicing and bass contour circuit won't appeal to purists seeking traditional Fender single-coil tones
- −Limited color options in current lineup may not satisfy players wanting classic sunburst or natural finishes
The Verdict
The Gristle ST is what happens when Greg Koch tells Reverend “build me a Strat that doesn’t sound or feel like every other Strat.” That roasted compound-radius neck is the highlight—vintage-friendly at the cowboy chords, modern-friendly when you’re bending notes at the dusty end. The Korina body shaves weight and adds resonance that traditional Strat tonewoods can’t match, and Reverend’s bass contour circuit gives you tonal flexibility that passive Strats dream about. The three-saddle bridge is divisive—it looks cool and improves sustain, but intonation perfectionists will miss individual saddle adjustment. At $1,800, the Legendary score (90) reflects its unique position as a Strat-inspired instrument that refuses to be a Strat clone. You’re not buying this to nail Mark Knopfler tones—you’re buying it because you want Reverend’s quirky take on classic single-coil DNA. If you prioritize playability, weight relief, and expanded tonal range over vintage-correctness, the Gristle ST delivers. Traditional Strat purists should stick with Fender.
