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  1. Guitars

The 7 best new guitar innovations of 2017

News
By MusicRadar Team
Published 13 December 2017

The true pioneers of the guitar world

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

7. IK Multimedia iRig Acoustic Stage

7. IK Multimedia iRig Acoustic Stage

The MusicRadar/Total Guitar Best in guitars 2017 polls have received over 136,000 votes, and we're now ready to roll out the winners. The nominees were what we considered to be the guitarists and guitar gear that have excelled in 2017. Here, we present the best new guitar innovations of 2017. First up we have the IK Multimedia iRig Acoustic Stage...

We say: “A quick and simple solution for amplified solo performance.”

Full review: IK Multimedia iRig Acoustic Stage review

The MusicRadar Best in guitars awards are brought to you in association with Allianz Musical Insurance - the UK's Number 1 Specialist Instrument Insurer

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Page 1 of 7
6. DigiTech SDRUM

6. DigiTech SDRUM

We say: “For players seeking to get quick and easy rhythm tracks down, it’s an inspirational tool.”

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
5. Mooer Micro Preamps

5. Mooer Micro Preamps

We say: “Out of the more ‘rock’ amps, the Marshall JCM900 model (UK Gold 900) is the most convincing. It saturates nicely with a boost or drive in front, although it does lack clarity when cranked.”

Full review: Mooer Micro Preamps review

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
4. Electro-Harmonix Synth9

4. Electro-Harmonix Synth9

We say: “It may be something of a niche product, but for some this will do a job and do it darn well.”

Full review: Electro-Harmonix Synth9 review

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Page 4 of 7
3. Elixir Optiweb strings

3. Elixir Optiweb strings

We say: “The latest innovation from coated string bods at Elixir yielded a lightweight coating that provides long-lasting tone while sounding remarkably close to uncoated strings. The most natural-feeling - and sounding - coated strings yet."

More info: Elixir Optiweb Strings

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Page 5 of 7
2. Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher

2. Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher

We say: “A genuinely exciting pedalboard development.”

Full review: Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher review

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Page 6 of 7
WINNER: TC Electronic MASH footswitch

WINNER: TC Electronic MASH footswitch

We say: “First utilised on the Hall Of Fame 2 Reverb, MASH is a kind of pressure-sensitive footswitch, which allows players to adjust the intensity of the effect by how hard they push - it controls different parameters dependent on the reverb type, and is a little like having an expression pedal built in. Impressive stuff."

More info: TC Electronic MASH footswitch

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Page 7 of 7
MusicRadar Team
MusicRadar Team
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  • STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.
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