Spira S-507 QGY | Review

Spira S-507 QGY | Review

MSRP: (UK) £449 / (US) $TBC

Extended-range guitars have come a long way from niche novelties to essential tools for modern metal and progressive players. Yet, finding one that balances affordability, build quality, and tonal excellence can still feel like a quest. Enter the Spira S-507 QGY—a 7-string powerhouse that doesn't compromise. With its distinctive style and formidable sound, this guitar has the potential to meet the needs of both aspiring extended-range players and seasoned pros. Sam Bell tells us more.

When I first joined Gi Mag, I was brought on as the 'Extended Range' instrument specialist. At the time, quality 7- and 8-string guitars existed, but they were often hard to find—either due to their high price tags or limited availability. So, when I discovered Spira Guitars, I was thrilled to learn about a company dedicated to crafting modern metal-style instruments, offering a fantastic 7-string guitar that not only performed well but also looked and sounded amazing—all at an accessible price.

The Spira S-507 QGY is a 26.5-inch scale 7-string guitar with a striking reverse headstock, a hardtail bridge, and high-output Villain™ pickups. Its sleek, transparent gray finish gives it a modern, eye-catching look. The guitar features a beautifully crafted Canadian roasted maple neck and an ebony fingerboard with offset fret dots and a 14-inch radius, making it a joy to play. The design is particularly well-suited for technical playing styles, with easy access to the lower B string—essential for extended-range guitars. The body is made of mahogany with a quilted maple top, adding both visual appeal and tonal warmth. Right out of the box, the guitar feels perfectly balanced, both in terms of weight and appearance.

In terms of electronics, the Spira S-507 features an HH (humbucker/humbucker) pickup configuration with custom-designed 12k ceramic magnet pickups, which Spira calls Villain™ pickups. These aggressive, high-output pickups are ideal for heavy music and lower tunings. The controls are simple and intuitive, with a single volume and tone knob, while the pickups are selected via a 3-way toggle switch.

Where this guitar really shines is in high-gain, modern tones. The bridge pickup is voiced for tight, focused lows with a quick attack and excellent clarity, even with saturated distortion. The neck pickup, while still high-output, has a slightly lower gain, offering more warmth and smoothness—perfect for melodic lead lines. When used in combination with the bridge pickup, it delivers a well-rounded, midrange-heavy tone that's great for lower-gain crunch sounds or clean passages.

Had this guitar been available during my early days with 7-string instruments, I would have snapped it up without hesitation. As an extended-range player, I would highly recommend this guitar to anyone serious about starting their 7-string journey or to seasoned players looking for a quality, affordable option. While it's priced as a budget guitar, don't let that fool you—this instrument offers outstanding value for the money.

I truly wish Spira had been around sooner, and if you're in the market for a quality 7-string, I'd highly recommend checking this guitar out. In fact, I'd suggest exploring the entire Spira lineup if you're into modern progressive, heavy, or alternative styles of music. These guitars look great, offer excellent value for the price, and most importantly, they sound and play fantastically.

For more information, please visit:

spiraguitars.com