MAVERICK REGISTRY
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Model Guide

THE RANGE

In 1997, hardware designer Trev Wilkinson introduced Maverick Guitars to a small custom workshop in Korea. Recognising the level of hand craftsmanship on offer, Maverick spent the next three years researching what contemporary players needed — and where existing manufacturing fell short. The first guitars reached the market in late 2000.

British-designed and Korean-built, the range spanned 24 models across four catalogue series — featuring the patented Evolution roller volume and tone system as one of several in-house developments that set Maverick apart from the broader market.

Model GuideGeneration GuideColour Guide

9 models

Evolution

F1

The F1 was the birthplace of the Maverick electric guitar. An incredible amount of effort goes into every instrument we produce in order to ensure an effortless playing experience. Select Maple and Bubinga are matched with AAA grade Indian Rosewood to hand build every Maverick neck. This is then coupled to humidity controlled basswood bodies and loaded with a pair of our 'A' series humbuckers. Pick-up selection is via a 3 way toggle switch offering the classic twin humbucking tones. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

F2

The Maverick F2 guitar possesses great natural sustain resonance directly resulting from the American tonewoods and thru-body stringing. A two piece bookmatched Alder body has been selected for its legendary tone and classic looks. Tonal variation is increased by utilising Maverick's custom 5 way switch and a pair of tapped 'A' series humbuckers. This guitar is capable of producing everything from out and out rock, through to the subtlest single coil neck tones. The F2 offers a blend of stunning looks and expanded sonic capabilities, combined with Maverick's exquisite playability. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

F3

Providing what is still regarded as today's classic pick-up configuration, 2 'A' series humbuckers are perfectly matched to our overwound "Alnico V" single coil. What becomes apparent when switching between the five pick-up options is the guitars balanced output, which has great benefit under both live and recording conditions. The F3 comes with our custom built Floyd Rose tremelo unit, which provides real stability even under extreme use. Flexible sound options and dependable tuning make the F3 one of our most requested guitars. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

F4

The F4 occupies a distinct position in the Maverick Evolution range, built around a semi-superstrat body profile that sets it apart from both the standard F-body silhouette and the sharper, more angular geometry of the X-series. A 2001 Guitarist feature hinted at a HSS-configured F3 variant planned for release the following year — a guitar that never materialised. Whether delayed, redesigned, or quietly rebranded, the F4 that eventually emerged bears the hallmarks of that unrealised concept. A distinctive feature, aside from the body shape, is the Fender-style synchronised tremolo, in place of the F3's LP-1 Floyd Rose, giving the F4 a more traditional vintage feel. The HSS pickup arrangement, controlled via a 5-way blade selector, extends the tonal range beyond the standard HH configuration found elsewhere in the Evolution lineup.

SF-1Streetfighter

From its first sighting anyone can see that this is an out-and-out rock guitar. The body is constructed using the finest 2 piece American Alder and is equipped with a matched pair of custom built X-Treme pick-ups. The resulting sound is powerful and yet retains real tonal character. Some of the Streetfighter's tone is enhanced by the 'AAA' grade Canadian maple fingerboard, which features Maverick's revolutionary fret vents, offering a fantastic visual aid to any player. The guitars reverse headstock reinforces its true rock style. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

SF-3Streetfighter

A premium Streetfighter prototype reviewed in Guitarist Winter 2001 that never entered mass production. The F-series body shape in special-reserve swamp ash — two-piece bookmatched — paired with DiMarzio Air Zone and Air Norton Airbuckers and a 5-way lever switch offering split-coil single-coil tones in positions 2 and 4. Available in Honeyburst only. Approximately 50% UK assembly. One of the most spec-complete Maverick prototypes documented.

X1

The Maverick X1 is simply awesome. It has real attitude, but unlike many guitars of this genre, still manages to retain a sense of style. Unusually for a guitar of this design the X1 has perfect body and neck balance when played in any position. The handmade body is solid basswood and features the same neck profile as found on Maverick's F series guitars. Big sounds and extended harmonics are the trademarks of the new X1 pick-ups, which produce effortless output through any amplification. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

Matrix

Matrix is a guitar born out of customer demand. Many players required the opportunity to use Maverick's 'Matrix' Rosewood and Maple fingerboard in conjunction with the F1 body profile. Constructed in exactly the same manner as the Streetfighter and supplied with twin Zebra X-Treme humbuckers, the Matrix culminates in a fabulous looking guitar. The balance of set-up and attention to detail make this model the ultimate choice for those seeking flawless playability and superb styling. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

X-Treme

This guitar is a monster! It has killer looks and simply outstanding sounds. The Maverick X-Treme is hand crafted from American Alder and employs the use of body and headstock routs — a signature feature whose origin, per Guitarist Winter 2001, "stemmed from 'experimentation' by one of the Maverick men — suitably 'refreshed' one night — with an old body and a wood screw." Everyone is blown away by the X-Treme. This was the first guitar anywhere in the world to use Maverick's unique patented 'Matrix' fingerboard design. The X-Treme's hand wound custom "Alnico V" pick-ups are constantly requested by guitarists everywhere to replace their existing pick-up units. Humbucker selection is via a 3 way toggle switch and offers a total wall of sound. Welcome to the X-Treme. [Sources: 2002 Maverick Catalogue; Guitarist Winter 2001]

6 models

Century

Chaos 1

This range presented a challenging brief to the designers at Maverick. Specifically to produce an instrument without any compromise on quality. The concept was initiated during conversations between Chris Ingham, editor of Metal Hammer Magazine and ourselves. Chris knows that Maverick build beautiful guitars, but believes that many of his readers may aspire to own a Maverick but cannot achieve the levels of our existing range. The Century Series guitars are hand built by our craftsmen, in the exact same manner as our Evolution and D-Tox Series instruments. Solid tonewoods along with maple and rosewood are employed throughout the range. These guitars offer professional build quality and great playability for guitarists everywhere. To confirm our commitment to the range we installed our new Evolution Series X-1 pick-ups. Wired via a Custom 5 way selector switch, outstanding humbucking and single coil sounds are available on demand. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

Chaos 2

This range presented a challenging brief to the designers at Maverick. Specifically to produce an instrument without any compromise on quality. The concept was initiated during conversations between Chris Ingham, editor of Metal Hammer Magazine and ourselves. Chris knows that Maverick build beautiful guitars, but believes that many of his readers may aspire to own a Maverick but cannot achieve the levels of our existing range. The Century Series guitars are hand built by our craftsmen, in the exact same manner as our Evolution and D-Tox Series instruments. Solid tonewoods along with maple and rosewood are employed throughout the range. These guitars offer professional build quality and great playability for guitarists everywhere. To confirm our commitment to the range we installed our new Evolution Series X-1 pick-ups. Wired via a Custom 5 way selector switch, outstanding humbucking and single coil sounds are available on demand. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

Species 1

Maverick's Species guitars were conceived and developed with one thing in mind - unrivalled sustain. Fundamental to our design philosophy was the use of solid tonewood bodies and the application of a glued in neck. The direct coupling of neck to body delivers improved resonance to the guitars natural sound. Maverick's recessed tune'o'matic bridge and thru-body stringing satisfy the critical element of stable tuning. At the heart of our Species guitars sit the Evolution series X-1 pick-ups. The high output and precise tone are a perfect blend for these instruments. Wiring is via our custom 5 way selector switch, offering authoritative humbucker and single coil tones. All Species guitars come fitted with 10-52 gauge strings. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

Species 2

Maverick's Species guitars were conceived and developed with one thing in mind - unrivalled sustain. Fundamental to our design philosophy was the use of solid tonewood bodies and the application of a glued in neck. The direct coupling of neck to body delivers improved resonance to the guitars natural sound. Maverick's recessed tune'o'matic bridge and thru-body stringing satisfy the critical element of stable tuning. At the heart of our Species guitars sit the Evolution series X-1 pick-ups. The high output and precise tone are a perfect blend for these instruments. Wiring is via our custom 5 way selector switch, offering authoritative humbucker and single coil tones. All Species guitars come fitted with 10-52 gauge strings. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

Species 3

The pre-production prototype that preceded the G1 and G2, and the first Maverick guitar to feature a single-cutaway body design. Shared the same string-through bridge, pickups, and electronics as the Species 1 and 2. Featured 24 frets and a 3+3 headstock. Available in black only, with a retail price of £449. "How cool is this? The new Species 3 is a real departure for Maverick – it's their first single cutaway. The guitar packs a two-piece basswood body, one-piece maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and a pair of fat humbuckers. It will be available in black only. The Species 3 will retail at £449. We'll be taking a closer look at the Species range in a forthcoming issue of TG." [Source: Total Guitar magazine — issue and date TBC]

Species 7 String

Seven-string variant within the Species line. One of the few extended-range instruments Maverick offered alongside the X1.

2 models

D-Tox

FD-Tox

As music changes so does the method of producing it. Developed in conjunction with some of our existing players the criteria was simplicity and usability. The D-Tox has a very specific purpose, one that gives the player exactly what is required yet removes everything surplus to their needs. A single volume and 3 way toggle switch control Maverick's new active pick-up system. When plugged in, the benefit of our on board active circuitry becomes very apparent. On clean amp settings the guitar has a wonderful, crisp transparency that really accentuates the notes. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue — note: final paragraph partially obscured, description incomplete]

XD-Tox

Built in exactly the same way as its partner but featuring Maverick's 'X' style body profile with D-Tox specification. Both Maverick D-Tox guitars are fitted with a reverse headstock which not only adds an attitude of aggression, but also greatly improves lower string tension for detuning on our fixed bridge models. To complete the perfect balance all D-Tox guitars come fitted with 10 - 52 gauge strings. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue]

3 models

Unknown

G1

Maverick's take on the single-cut format. Set-neck construction departs from the bolt-on superstrat approach of the F-Series. Rarer than the F-Series models.

G2

Second variant in the G-Series. Complements the G1 within the set-neck, humbucker-driven side of the Maverick catalogue.

JR4

A limited production guitar with a direct tie to Jim Root of Stone Sour and Slipknot. Maverick provided Root with several prototypes to test, and he played them live — including at the 2002 Reading Festival. The signature relationship was never formalised and Root moved on, but Maverick went ahead and produced a limited run for the market regardless. Superstrat body with full Maverick contouring, no pickup surrounds, and a hardtail bridge. 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with centralised inlays. Headstock matches body colour — observed in Pewter/Silver. Factory pickups were Duncan Designed or Wilkinson Alnico V humbuckers as standard across the Maverick range — many owners have since upgraded to EMG 81/85 actives.

Low end

BASS GUITARS

The Nemesis series covers Maverick's full bass range. The B1 and Z-47 predate the Nemesis branding appearing in catalogues but are referenced as Nemesis in secondary market listings — Registry Derived. The S4 and S5 are Catalogue Confirmed from the 2002 catalogue.

4 models

Nemesis

B1

Maverick's first bass guitar, featured in the 2001 catalogue. Brought the same British-designed ethos and Korean manufacturing to the low end.

Z-47

A 4-string bass built on the Explorer/Mockingbird body platform — the only known Maverick bass to use this angular body shape. Features the Evolution Roller Pot complement in a straight-line configuration beneath the bridge, consistent with the B1. Bolt-on two-piece scarf joint neck with skunk stripe, 24-fret Indian Rosewood fingerboard, 4-aside headstock.

S4

Many of today's [basses] have become very small. Maverick's ambition was to age rock bass [beyond] the classics, [using] body mass to [create something] capable of great resonance. [Their] manufacturing costs [led them to choose] American bookmatched Swamp Ash as the ultimate body material. This commitment was fully rewarded with an incredibly responsive bass. In association with our great friend Trevor Wilkinson, we designed a very dynamic 3 band active EQ. When this is used in conjunction with Maverick's Evolution volume and tone system the Nemesis basses have limitless capabilities. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue — note: top portion heavily obscured, words in brackets are reconstructed approximations]

S5

Many of today's [basses] have become very small. Maverick's ambition was to age rock bass [beyond] the classics, [using] body mass to [create something] capable of great resonance. [Their] manufacturing costs [led them to choose] American bookmatched Swamp Ash as the ultimate body material. This commitment was fully rewarded with an incredibly responsive bass. In association with our great friend Trevor Wilkinson, we designed a very dynamic 3 band active EQ. When this is used in conjunction with Maverick's Evolution volume and tone system the Nemesis basses have limitless capabilities. [Source: 2002 Maverick Catalogue — note: top portion heavily obscured, words in brackets are reconstructed approximations]

Model descriptions are based on catalogue sources, press references, and documented registry examples. If you own a Maverick in a series not yet well-documented, register your guitar to help complete the archive.

Generation Guide

IDENTIFY YOUR GEN

Maverick guitars were produced across multiple generations with identifiable spec changes between them. Seven confirmed indicators have been established from catalogue evidence and documented examples — primarily the F1 and F1HT. This guide sharpens as more examples are registered.

NoteGeneration boundaries are based on catalogue evidence and physical examples. Where evidence is limited, indicators are marked Tentative. If your guitar doesn't match what's described here — register it to help extend the picture.

The quickest test

LOOK AT THE PICKUPS

The single most reliable visual indicator is the pickup surrounds. Does a plastic frame surround each pickup, or does it sit flush in a routed cavity with body finish visible around it?

No surround → Gen 1

Pickup sits flush in the routed cavity. Confirmed spec shown throughout the 2001 and 2002 catalogues.

Surround present → Gen 2

A metal surround frames each pickup. Confirmed Gen 2 indicator across documented examples.

GEN 1 vs GEN 2

Feature
Gen 1
Gen 2
Pickup surrounds
Confirmed

None — pickups sit flush in routed cavities with no plastic frame

Metal surrounds — a frame surrounds each pickup housing

Switch knob
Confirmed

Cylindrical barrel knob with O-ring detail

Tapered knob — no O-ring

Headstock logo
Confirmed

Maverick script — lacquer-encapsulated foil decal

Maverick script — cream silkscreen print

Bridge logo
Confirmed

Maverick classic script logo on bridge plate

Maverick stencil script logo on bridge plate

Neck construction
Confirmed

Bolt-on 2-piece with scarf joint

Bolt-on 1-piece

Neck binding
Confirmed

No binding

Cream binding

Skunk stripe
Confirmed

Bubinga skunk stripe on neck back

No skunk stripe

Potentiometers
Tentative

Evolution roller pots — distinctive rolling barrel controls

To be established — pending more documented Gen 2 examples

Serial number range
Unknown

Not yet established

Not yet established

MODEL-SPECIFIC NOTES

F2
Confirmed

Gen 1 F2 examples carry a ~1° neck pitch requiring ~8mm body packing — PRS-equivalent geometry producing exceptionally low action. Confirmed available in Tobacco Burst and Fireburst per the 2002 catalogue.

X1
Tentative

Available in 6 and 7-string configurations. The 7-string variant is rarer and generation placement is unconfirmed. If you own an X1 7-string, register it.

SF-1
Confirmed

Retailer-commissioned limited run — does not follow the same production timeline as the main catalogue. As few as 4 known examples in certain colourways. Generation assignment should be treated with caution.

Colour Guide

THE PALETTE

All known Maverick body finishes — factory catalogue colours and confirmed custom shop options. Grouped by source material.

NoteSwatches are approximate — sampled from printed catalogue material and rendered as flat colour. Metallic, burst, and natural-grain finishes will differ significantly in person.

Factory Colours · 13 colours

2001

MTR
Metallic Red
Gloss Metallic
MTA
Metallic Aqua
Gloss Metallic
MBK
Metallic Black
Gloss Metallic
MB
Metallic Burgundy
Gloss Metallic
MDB
Metallic Dark Blue
Gloss Metallic
MGN
Metallic Green
Gloss Metallic
MGY
Metallic Grey
Gloss Metallic
MIB
Metallic Ice Blue
Gloss Metallic
PTR
Metallic Pewter
Gloss Metallic
DY
Dayglow
Gloss Solid
TOB
Tobacco Sunburst
Burst
HNB
Honeyburst
Burst
MPL
Metallic Purple
Gloss Metallic

Factory Colours · 12 colours

2002

TBK
Transparent Black
TR
Tribal Red
Gloss Solid
DY
Dayglow
Gloss Solid
CBK
Cosmos Black
Gloss Metallic
GM
Gun Metal
Gloss Metallic
TOB
Tobacco Sunburst
Burst
UV
Ultraviolet
Gloss Metallic
NAT
Natural
Natural Grain
FB
Fireburst
Burst
LB
Lunar Blue
Gloss Metallic
AQ
Aquamarine
Gloss Metallic
DS
Desert Storm
Gloss Metallic

Factory Colours · 8 colours

2004

STBK
See Thru Black
HCB
Heritage Burst
Burst
STBL
See Thru Blue
See Thru
SGN
Saigon Green
Gloss Metallic
TR
Tribal Red
Gloss Solid
CBK
Cosmos Black
Gloss Metallic
GM
Gun Metal
Gloss Metallic
LB
Lunar Blue
Gloss Metallic

Factory Colours · 3 colours

2005

CBK
Cosmos Black
Gloss Metallic
GM
Gun Metal
Gloss Metallic
LB
Lunar Blue
Gloss Metallic

Factory Colours · 4 colours

2006

TR
Tribal Red
Gloss Solid
CBK
Cosmos Black
Gloss Metallic
GM
Gun Metal
Gloss Metallic
LB
Lunar Blue
Gloss Metallic

Factory Colours · 1 colours

2007

HCB
Heritage Burst
Burst

Factory Pickup Colours · 4 options

Factory Pickup Colours

NKL
Polished Nickel Covers
ZBR
Open Coil Zebra Bobbins
OBL
Open Coil Black Bobbins
ACT
Black Active Pickups

Hardware Finishes · 4 options

Hardware Colours

SBK
Satin Black
Satin
PLN
Polished Nickel
Gloss Metallic
BAL
Brushed Aluminium
Brushed
BKP
Black Pearl
Gloss Metallic

Custom Shop · 6 options

Custom Shop Colours

SGN
Saigon Green
Gloss Metallic
BW
Black & White
Zebra
Striped
BR
Black & Red
Denis the Menace
Striped
Custom Airbrushed
NY
Neon Yellow
Gloss Solid
UV
Ultra Violet
Gloss Metallic

Custom Shop · 6 options

Custom Shop Pickup Colours

BLK
Black Covers
NKL
Polished Nickel Covers
CRM
Cream Covers
ZBR
Open Coil Zebra Bobbins
OBL
Open Coil Black Bobbins
OCR
Open Coil Cream Bobbins