Having successfully made its debut in the guitar industry with the innovative smart guitars of the S800 and M800 series, Mooer is now expanding its range to include traditional electric guitars that can do without any of their more advanced electronics – which makes for an extremely attractive price. The Mooer MSC20 Pro Guitar, shown here in its Amber Brown finish, is a solidly crafted guitar made entirely out of tried and tested tonewoods – including a roasted maple neck – with a pickup configuration that combines two single coils with a humbucker at the bridge, ensuring maximum sonic variety. As well as fitting the MSC20 with a respectable array of hardware, such as a vintage vibrato and sealed machine heads, Mooer has also made absolutely sure the neck is as playable as could be, making every new owner's first steps as easy as possible – especially for beginners.
A poplar body and a heat-treated maple neck give the Mooer MSC20 Pro Guitar its robust construction, its great sound, and its appealing look. The dark colouring of the neck provides an eye-catching contrast to the rich amber brown finish that enhances both the ashwood top and the headstock. As is standard, the electric circuitry is housed in the pickguard and comprises a single coil each in the neck and bridge positions (for bright, clear sounds) and a bridge humbucker (for powerful riffs) that can also be operated as a single coil via the coil split switch, further expanding the MSC20's sonic capabilities. A five-way pickup selector and a master control each for volume and tone round off the simple but effective control layout. And since every ST-style guitar needs an authentic vintage vibrato, there is of course one mounted on the MSC20.
The Mooer MSC20 Pro Guitar is a great way for beginners in particular to get a lot of guitar for a price that's practically pocket change. With its roasted maple neck and jatoba fingerboard, the MSC20 couldn't be more comfortable to play, and yet the flexible pickup switching (including the humbucker's coil split option) mean that even less experienced guitarists can jump right into an enormous world of creative sounds, from crystal-clear articulation to rich, dynamic overdrive right through to Hard Rock and Metal. The vintage vibrato is sure to enhance any performance, although players should take care not to be too heavy-handed with it, as this can quickly put the guitar out of tune (an unfortunate but typical phenomenon with designs of this type). In addition to its flexible sound, the Mooer MSC20 Pro is also a real sight for sore eyes, with its rich, aged finish and glossy black pickguard making it a head-turner, whether it's hanging on a living room wall or being played on stage.
Mooer is based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen and has been making products for guitarists since 2010, which include compact single pedals through to multi-effects units and compact amplifiers. The company initially produced a range of mini pedals before making perhaps its most significant breakthrough in 2016 with the sophisticated Ocean Machine delay pedal, which was designed in collaboration with Devin Townsend. Mooer's product range now also includes solutions that feature amp modelling, IR-based speaker simulation, and matching equalisers, and the company's focus remains firmly on the use of digital technology.
Whether it's playing Rock, Blues, Soul, Funk, Alternative, or Metal, the Mooer MSC20 Pro will prove a reliable companion for every style and skill level, perhaps surprisingly given its accessible technology and easy playability. The two single coils, bridge humbucker, and vibrato give it a wide range of different sounds that are still clearly distinguishable – i.e. with very little interference or noise – when they arrive at the amp. Speaking of amplifiers: Mooer has a wide range on offer, from compact, app-driven desktop amps to powerful combos for live performances, all of which are attractively priced despite their extensive functions. Every guitarist is sure to find the right amp for their needs, right here on this very website.