HEX Guitars have arrived in India about 3 years ago after a successful response from other Asian countries. HEX is an excusive brand that specializes in Acoustic, Electrics and Bass guitars. Developed in Korea and Made in Indonesia, HEX is ready to take over the ever changing guitar market. Incase you are wondering about the origin of the name, it is Inspired by the Greek word for 6, the number of strings on an acoustic guitar, and the word Hexagon. After extensive testing and customer feedback we have finally decided to go ahead and write this blog. So if you are curious about HEX guitars too, its time to read on :)
One of the first models we tested out and reviewed is the HEX GA400ce. The specs itself intrigued us pretty much as we were surprised to see a solid top + Solid back and fishman sonitone electronics on a guitar under the price range of Rs. 25000. And with the addition of a gig bag and pick-guard, we were pleasantly surprised about this offering. One of the things we noticed immediately is the finishing quality. We have to hand it to the Indonesian manufacturers that they do know their stuff. The second thing we are most impressed by is the fret work. Hex is the only brand we have found to give pristine fretwork - that means no sharp frets, no unlevelled frets and also highly polished frets. Generally its a rare sight to see on entry level guitars or brands. Another impressive thing we found is the quality of rosewood being used across all models - the wood grains are tight and the color almost a deep black. The entry level models under Rs. 16000 in India come with a more basic padded bag (about 5 mm) and the ones above this price comes with a 10mm padded bag that becomes sufficient for the local travel and protection.
Most of the acoustic models that are now available in India are grand auditorium options, however there are couple of options in dreadnought, parlor and OM size too. We generally suggest the GA shape to most first time buyers as it a comfortable without compromise size. A lot of models means a lot of confusion as well, so we took the time to shortlist the models with reference to the sound profile, shape and recommended for.
HEX F70m, F72m and F70m BT - OM Shape | Warm | Matt finish | Under Rs. 12000 - Recommended for Beginners (Also available in electro acoustic)
HEX Ga70c, GA70ce, GA100, GA100ce - GA shape | Moderate warm | Matt Finish | Recommended for beginners and intermediates
HEX GA200ce, F120 - GA Shape | Warm | Recommended for Beginners and intermediates
HEX F200M, F300, F320M - OM Shape | Warm | Solid Top | Recommended for Beginners and intermediates
HEX D350G - Dreadnought Shape | Bright | Soldi Top| Recommended for Beginners and intermediates
HEX SJ300 - Southern Jumbo Shape | Warm | Solid Top | Recommended for Beginners and intermediates
HEX P300 - Parlor size | Warm | Solid Top | Recommended for travel purpose for beginners and intermediates
HEX GA400ce, GA500ce, GA520ce - GA Shape | Warm | Solid woods | Recommended for intermediates and semi professionals
HEX GA350ce, GA450ce - GA Shape | Bright | Solid woods | Recommended for intermediates and semi professionals
So that covers most of the acoustic guitars by HEX that are now available in India. Remember that a beginner can buy a high end guitar if its affordable and there is only a good side to it. On the other hand an intermediate or a professional player shouldn't go in for beginner gear as it will hamper with their growth as a musician. Its always the subtle specs that matters that might not meet the eye, the wood quality being one of the crucial aspects. John's Music has been selling Hex Guitars since 2022 and we have been getting a great response from all the buyers. When we combine our expertise along with customer feedback we are always capable to come to a impartial conclusion that also has experiential knowledge from a wide range of users. The inclusion of Fishman Sonitone electronics on all their electro acoustic variants makes these guitars stage ready in an industry standard tone. This might not favor for the ones seeking 3 band EQs on their pickups, but trust me, you might not even need it. The tone knob does it all!
Its important to list out the negatives so as to have a balanced opinion on this brand and here are some -
1. Very limited color options - If you are looking beyond the natural color on a spruce top or a mahogany top - Sorry ! (atleast for now - HEX may launch this in the future)
2. No EQ on electronics - Fishman sonitone pickup comes only with a volume and tone knob and there isn't any controls beyond this
3. No dreadnought with cutaway - Currently there isn't a model that is a dreadnought size with a cutaway. This might be something few guitarists are seeking and they might have to move on to another brand.
Other than thee above cons, we haven't found anything much to list about this brand. With the usage of great tone woods, impeccable finishing, great tone quality and industry standard electronics, HEX Acoustic guitars now becomes one of our favorite recommendations from beginners to professionals. Being Made in Indonesia also is a great incentive when it comes to the overall craftsmanship of the instrument. And with all that, HEX acoustic guitars now come under the list of recommended guitars to beginners, intermediates and professional guitarists in India.
