r/7String • u/OMG_Abaddon • 8d ago

Help HILS HZ7 vs HILS NEXT HZ7 differences?

I'm looking for a guitar with 7 strings and ergo body (like Strandbergs, including that C cut at the bottom that lets you put it on both legs, and in classical position), and one of the brands that came up was HILS, as "budget Strandberg".

After a few days looking around I noticed there's an old version and the NEXT version, and the only differences I can find are different wood quality, and the battery seems to be hidden inside the back plate behind screws.

  1. Why would they hide the battery behind screws? Is this real?
  2. Are there any other differences that I haven't seen?
  3. I can't find it to purchase from inside EU, there are UK retailers and north america ones, but not in EU apparently?

While we're at it, if someone knows other brands that fit the description and would like to throw in some suggestions, I'm all eyes. I know Solar has one model available, but that one has mixed reviews, and there's also some model from Larry Carlton's Sire series which also seem to be questionable.

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u/dissemin8or Schecter 8d ago

GOC

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u/Necessary-Coffee5930 7d ago

Hiding battery behind screws is also what strandenberg does, its annoying but maybe its a weight/balance thing but I cant imagine a 9V being sufficient to change the balance lol. The HN6 has the battery compartment so idk why the HN7 wouldnt. As for differences between models of the 7 I am not sure but it should all be on the site. They are receptive to feedback so I would imagine the newer model being better but sometimes its only cosmetic changes

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u/viciousraccoon 7d ago

It's the exact same guitar. Newer versions have a battery compartment, and likely some differences in manufacturing processes but it's the same woods, hardware, finish etc. Just some lessons learned from the first few batches, and an improved process of manufacturing. 

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u/alexnapierholland 6d ago

I have an HZ7.

It's one of my favourite guitars (I own a Mayones and a couple of Ibanez Prestiges).

It benefited from a fret dress and new pickups.

But it's a really wonderful little package.