The “Cigno” is inspired by elements found on some of the most artfully designed guitars of yesterday. However, the Hanson Cigno is no pawn-shop-prize knock off. Aesthetically its retro shape recalls the Italian side of the late 50’s early 60’s electric guitar revolution. However, that is where the similarities stop. Utilizing a solid Mahogany body and set-neck design (the gold standard for complex sustaining tone), the “Cigno” has a familiar feel and form factor. The neck shape is all “early 60s ‘paul” but with a re-enforced volute for strength. Rosewood fingerboard and pearl “block” inlays are standard on the “Cigno.” The back painted gold “plexi” pick guard is another cool retro touch.
Since Hanson is also a pickup company, the pickup decision was very important to us. For the “Cigno” we chose one of our personal favorites, the classic P90; but wound our own way for incredible complexity and power. A 3-pickup array was also chosen for an extra wide palette of tonalities. Single volume and master tone is combined with a 5-way pickup selector switch to achieve the following positions:
TonePros licensed adjust-o-matic fixed bridge with fat posts holds rock solid and allows for individual string intonation adjustments.
And of course the Cigno utilizes the classic Bigsby “horse shoe” style Vibrato tail piece, super cool for all types of music and a favorite of professionals for generations.
The Verdict:
The Hanson “Cigno” delivers a complex “focused” tone that will drive any tube amp into creamy distortion with ease, but also possesses best of class, full-range clean tones. The “Cigno” is ready to conquer any sized stage, from school or church, night club, theater, arena or stadium. It’s easy on the eyes, and easy on the bank account!
Body: Bound Mahogany
Neck: Set neck bound Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood with Pearl Block Markers
Scale: 24.75”
Frets: Medium Jumbo
Pickups: Hanson Designed P90s
Bridge: TonePros Tune-o-matic
fixed bridge, large posts
Tail Piece: Bigsby “horse shoe” top mounted vibrato tail piece
Tuners: Enclosed full size chrome
Controls: Master Vol. Master Tone,
5 way pickup selector