What is the Cream T Crossfire LT?
Picture a guitar that allows you to swap pickups in mere moments without any soldering,transitioning effortlessly from a vintage Patent Applied For pickup to a scorching hot humbucker.
However, these brands aren’t exactly household names. Cream T’s Standard pickup-swapping models start at £1,499,with Custom models beginning at £1,999. While these well-crafted UK guitars are produced in limited quantities, the pickup-swapping concept has yet to gain widespread popularity.
To invigorate interest, Cream T has launched its latest initiative by targeting a more accessible price point, opting to manufacture its new LT range in China instead of the UK. Currently,two models are available: the offset Crossfire and the S-style Polaris.
Each model comes in three different packages,each with a price increase and featuring three humbucker-sized pickups; all include a Guitar-X humbucker-sized P-90 single coil.
The Guitar-X package (£749) includes two uncovered Guitar-X tribute humbuckers, while the Seymour Duncan package (£879) replaces those with an uncovered Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded humbucker set (JB and Jazz). The Cream T Custom Shop Package (£999) features a set of Cream Of The Crop humbuckers and includes a premium logoed gig bag (the other two come with standard bags). The entry-level package is only available in metallic black, while the other two options come in four different colors for each model.
Our review model is the Seymour Duncan package Crossfire,which combines an offset design reminiscent of the Surfcaster. Pulling it from its decent gig bag, priced at just over half of the UK-made Standard model, the first impressions are quite positive.
The glossy Inferno Red finish (one of four colors available for the Chrysler Crossfire) is a striking metallic hue, complemented by a large, bright-white pearloid scratchplate.
While the design may not evoke a vintage vibe,it clearly indicates mass production rather than boutique craftsmanship. The elegant Suhr-inspired headstock is color-matched with a simple white logo,which is a nice touch.
Underneath the finish,the body is made from poplar,a wood favored by modern manufacturers like PRS for their SE Silver Sky model. It features standard contours, a rounded heel, and a typical thickness of 45mm. The neck is crafted from roasted maple with a dark caramel hue, showcasing some wavy grain but lacking intricate figuring.
Both this model and the Polaris utilize a full fender scale length, with the neck mirroring the UK Crossfire Standard, featuring a spoke-wheel truss rod adjustment at the end of the rosewood fingerboard.
The hardware is straightforward: die-cast tuners and a well-designed thru-strung six-saddle bridge,which we’ve previously encountered on Shergold’s Telstar and PJD’s Indonesian Origin Pro series guitars.
While this may seem standard, the standout feature is undoubtedly the pickup swapping capability. Flipping the guitar over reveals two neatly milled open holes, devoid of covers like the UK models.
This design allows for immediate visibility of the pickup back and the Guitar-X mounting frame, along with a large brass screw-height adjustor.Pulling on that frame releases the pickup, which, while securely held by small magnets, can be easily swapped out for another.
Specifications
- PRICE: $1,199 | £879 | €843 (includes gig bag)
- ORIGIN: China
- TYPE: Double-cutaway, offset solidbody electric
- BODY: Poplar
- NECK: Roasted maple, C profile, bolt-on
- SCALE LENGTH: 648mm (25.5″)
- NUT WIDTH: Synthetic/41.82mm
- FINGERBOARD: Rosewood, pearloid dot inlays, 305mm (12″) radius
- FRETS: 22, medium jumbo
- HARDWARE: Hardtail bridge with open block saddles and through-body stringing, die-cast tuners – chrome-plated
- STRING SPACING, BRIDGE: 51.5mm
- ELECTRICS: Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded Humbucker set – uncovered JB (SH-4) at bridge and Jazz Model (SH-2) at neck – with 3-way lever pickup selector switch, master volume and tone (both with pull-switch coil-splits for neck and bridge respectively). Also included is a Guitar-X P-90 (humbucking size with chrome cover)
- WEIGHT: 3.22kg / 7.1lb
- RANGE OPTIONS: LT range starts with Guitar-X package (£749): metallic black only, 2x Guitar-X ’50s Tribute humbuckers and P-90 (humbucking size). Cream T Custom Shop package (£999): 2x Cream T Cream Of The Crop humbuckers and Guitar-X P-90 (humbucking size). The more S-style Polaris comes in the same 3 packages
- LEFT-HANDERS: Not currently available
- FINISHES: Inferno Red (as reviewed), Aero Blue, Black Metallic, Graphite Metallic – gloss finish body, satin neck back
- CONTACT: Cream T Custom
Playability and Tone
The Crossfire’s ergonomic design offers a delightful weight, making it cozy whether seated or standing.The playability is on par with expectations.
The guitar arrived with a standard setup, requiring no adjustments. The LT neck is similar to the UK Crossfire, featuring a slim classic ‘C’ shape with a Fender-like width, measuring 20.9mm at the 1st fret and 22mm at the 12th. The neck back has a smooth satin finish.
The fretwork is commendable, with a medium gauge that provides ample height for energetic string bends (2.4mm by 1mm), and each fret has been meticulously polished.
The fingerboard edges have a slight in-curve, with a gentle rounding at the top edge, while the radius measures between 305mm and 356mm (12 and 14 inches). While some players with a preference for vintage styles might favor a fuller neck with a smaller radius, the overall feel is quite impressive.
We have no reservations about the pickup selection in this package: it features two of the most renowned and widely utilized humbuckers in the industry. The JB, known for its assertive midrange, excels in delivering thick classic rock tones and is often underrated as an excellent choice for rock rhythm.
The Jazz pickup complements it perfectly, offering a sound reminiscent of classic Patent Applied For pickups. when played clean,it produces a bell-like tone that is both emotive and clear,making it ideal for expressive blues solos.
Additionally, this setup includes coil-splitting capabilities for each pickup, allowing you to voice the slug coils. The JB pickup can achieve a Strat-like sound without the harsh high-end, blending seamlessly with the Jazz pickup.
While the JB is designated for the bridge position and the Jazz for the neck, the beauty of the pickup swapping feature allows you to disregard these labels! If you desire a more conventional Patent Applied For sound, simply place the Jazz in the bridge position (and make a quick height adjustment): it offers a brighter, more open roots-rock tone.
With the well-voiced Guitar-X P-90 at the neck, the tonal palette expands significantly, especially when combined with the coil-split Jazz at the bridge. Want to revert to the original JB/Jazz configuration? it’s a quick and easy process.
Final Thoughts
Rating: ★★★★
If you’ve ever replaced a pickup and revitalized a neglected instrument or simply sought a fresh sound, you understand the concept’s appeal.
With the Guitar-X system, you don’t need any modification skills or a technician to assist you. You can swap pickups to your heart’s content.
The Guitar-X system allows for effortless pickup changes without requiring any technical expertise. You can freely experiment with different sounds.
The LT series introduces the guitar-X concept at a more accessible price point,and this Seymour Duncan package effectively showcases the potential for recording,enabling you to revoice the guitar-without even unplugging it-to match a specific song or section.Live performances also benefit, as you can adjust the guitar’s voice for a funk band or switch pickups for a rock cover gig.One guitar, multiple tonal possibilities.
One exciting aspect of this launch is that if you purchase any LT guitar and appreciate the concept but wish to upgrade to a UK-made Cream T model, you can return the guitar (keeping the pickups) and receive a £500 credit towards the higher-spec model. Intrigued?
Guitar World verdict: The Crossfire LT is a solid instrument, though it may feel somewhat conventional.Its weight, neck, and playability are commendable. Though, the true brilliance lies in the pickup swapping feature.
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