The B&G Crossroads Stepsister Midnight Ocean with Humbuckers is a classy, sleek machine with a retro look and a versatile modern feel! 

Photos provided by B&G Guitars

GEAR SPECIALIST| GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE TAMPA, FL U.S.A.

Kevin Sergent

I am a seventh generation Floridian and come from a long line of musicians. I have been teaching for over 15 years. At The Vibe, I teach Guitar, Ukulele, and Drums. I have used my many years experience of the road and studying music theory to design my programs to help you achieve your personal goals in the absolute best way possible! Learning how to play the music you love and enjoy is something that lasts a lifetime. I'm looking forward to helping you on your journey.

 I was already expecting the doorbell to ring when the package arrived right on time, shipped via UPS. The first thing I noticed as the box was handed to me was how light it was and was reminded that these Crossroad series guitars from B&G weigh between 6.4 and 7.5lbs. It was packaged in top notch fashion and padded for a safe delivery. A very nice B&G soft shell case was included, and the guitar fits like a glove inside of it. A QC card was included revealing the action on various fret locations and the guitar was delivered with a professional set up and strung with D’Addario 10’s.

What I noticed right off the bat, even before removing the guitar from its case, was the ‘tip of the hat’ to the appearance of guitars from the 20’s and 30’s and how that substantially contributes to its classy look. However, the reverse F-holes along with the volume knob, tone knob, 3-way pick-up selector, and binding around the maple top, all colored orange are the flavorful icing on the cake! The Crossroads Step - sister Midnight Ocean with humbuckers has a solid headstock and one-piece neck made with African mahogany solid Tone-Wood for the body and neck. The sticker on the back of the neck alerts to the fact that the Crossroads Model is made in China and assembled with B&G’s strict specifications. This model comes with nickel hardware, including an attractive tailpiece with the title “Step-Sister” engraved. They also give it a Katalox Fingerboard, and a solid maple top. The fretboard has 22 frets. 

There is a little bit more length to the neck before it hits the body as opposed to the Little Sister model as the Stepsister has a neck joint on the 16th fret location for easier higher fret access whereas the Little Sister Model does so at the 14th fret. As a result of this purposeful extension of the fretboard, the neck pick-up is placed slightly closer to the bridge of the guitar. The result was a creamy, ever so slightly brighter tone than one may be accustomed to from the neck positioned humbucker. Perhaps my favorite part is there is no muddiness at all, it sounds delicious, and I find myself looking for excuses to switch to the neck pickup while soloing.

To experience the full gamut of what this guitar is capable of with such specifications, I auditioned it through a Fender Blues Junior amp with Fender stock speaker, also a Mesa Rectifier 1x12 combo with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker and finally a Positive Grid Spark 40. With the bridge pick up activated and played through the Mesa Rectifier, I was easily able to dial in some Metallica-like crunch, as well as AC/DC and Guns’N Roses tones. With the neck pick up activated and played through the Fender Blues Junior I instantly was in BB King, Eric Clapton & David Gilmore lead guitar territory. With both pick-ups activated and playing through the Spark 40 with a few effects I was playing the melodic lead guitar part to “Just Like Heaven” just like Robert Smith. This guitar will give you instant access to a wide array of tones and genres of music. Not just one trick pony! In the interest of the inclusion of a touch of honest, constructive criticism, I would include the actuality that I did notice a bit of buzz on the fretted notes on the 4th and 5th strings, 4th and 5th fret area. I feel confident, however, that a little more tweaking of the action would remedy the situation. The solid headstock gives the open chords and strings an abundant amount of sustain and shimmer.

All said and done, the entire experience from delivery, to unpacking, to rocking out on three different amplifiers has been a delightful escapade of great solid tone with no unwanted muddiness, and I look forward to utilizing this classy, versatile guitar at my upcoming live shows. I’ve found that The Step-Sister Crossroads lives up to what is stated on the official website - A Gorgeous, Enchanting Instrument That Will Inspire You To Play All Day Long!

B&G Guitars

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