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What is the best Lava guitar?

What Is The Best Lava Guitar? What Do All The Terms Mean? Freeboost? HiLava?

Written by: Richard Cholerton

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Published on

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Last updated on

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Time to read 2 min

LAVA Guitars: Breaking Down The Jargon & Finding The Best Lava Guitar For YOU

If you are anything like me, you have visited the LAVA website and been amazed by the beautiful pictures, the incredible sleek website design and bought into the concept of LAVA guitars because they are truly awesome!


But....


When it comes to actually digging deep into what LAVA are about - I dont know.... maybe its me?   I just couldnt get my head around the terms - the phrases - the jargon - and basically the very scant detail regarding certain aspects I was trying to understand.   Anyway - I know I am not always the brightest candle in the room but I figured if I - the owner of a guitar shop (yes I know - I am getting old - and that may be the problem!) .... ok well I am bored of explaining myself - Either you will find this useful or you wont - but I did ok!!! lol


So lets get going...

Questions That You Should Be Asking & The Answers I Had Difficulty Finding (So I hope you find it useful)


1. What is FreeBoost?

FreeBoost is LAVA's onboard effects system that allows reverb, delay, and chorus to be played through the body of the guitar without external amplification. It uses the guitar's carbon fiber back as a resonator.


Versions available:


  • FreeBoost (Original) – Basic effects in early models.

  • FreeBoost 2.0 – Integrated into HILAVA OS, with touchscreen control.

  • FreeBoost 3.0 – Enhanced effects powered by a SHARC 32-bit processor.


Models with FreeBoost:


  • LAVA ME 2 – FreeBoost (basic, no screen)

  • LAVA ME Pro – Enhanced L2 Pro version

  • Blue Lava Touch – FreeBoost 2.0

  • LAVA ME 3 – FreeBoost 2.0

  • LAVA ME 4 (Carbon & Spruce) – FreeBoost 3.0




2. What is HILAVA OS?

HILAVA is LAVA's proprietary operating system powering smart features on touchscreen-equipped guitars. It supports:


  • Effects control

  • Looping

  • Recording

  • Practice tools

  • Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)


Models with HILAVA OS:


  • Blue Lava Touch

  • LAVA ME 3

  • LAVA ME 4 (Carbon & Spruce)



3. Do any models have internal memory?

Yes, only the smart models with HILAVA OS carry internal RAM and storage:

Memory Comparison:


Model RAM Storage
Blue Lava Touch 2GB 16GB
LAVA ME 3 4GB 32GB
LAVA ME 4 Carbon 4GB 32GB
LAVA ME 4 Spruce 4GB 16GB

Note: LAVA ME 2 and ME Pro do not have RAM or internal storage.



4. What connectivity options are included?

Model Wi-Fi Bluetooth USB-C Output Jack
LAVA ME 2 No No Micro USB Yes
LAVA ME Pro No No Not specified Yes
Blue Lava Touch Dual-band 4.2 Yes Yes
LAVA ME 3 Dual-band 5.0 Yes Yes
LAVA ME 4 Carbon Dual-band 5.0 Yes Yes
LAVA ME 4 Spruce Dual-band 5.0 Yes Yes

5. What are the differences in processors?


  • Standard DSP – Used in Blue Lava and LAVA ME 3 (adequate for live FX and smart features)

  • SHARC 32-bit DSP – Exclusive to LAVA ME 4 Carbon/Spruce for deeper, more dynamic effects



6. What guitar sizes are available?

  • LAVA ME 2: 36"

  • LAVA ME Pro: 41"

  • Blue Lava: 36"

  • LAVA ME 3: 36", 38"

  • LAVA ME 4: 36", 38"


7. What materials are used?

  • AirSonic Carbon Fiber: LAVA ME 2, ME 3, ME 4 Carbon

  • AirSonic 3 Carbon Fiber: LAVA ME 4 Carbon

  • High-Pressure Laminate (HPL): Blue Lava

  • Spruce Top: LAVA ME 4 Spruce


Summary Table: Key Feature Presence by Model

Feature ME 2 ME Pro Blue Lava ME 3 ME 4 Carbon ME 4 Spruce
FreeBoost Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (3.0) Yes (3.0)
HILAVA OS No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Touchscreen No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
RAM/Storage No No 2GB/16GB 4GB/32GB 4GB/32GB 4GB/16GB
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
USB-C No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

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