New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (April 2013)

Free The Tone Gigs Boson Overdrive

Every month MusicRadar's prestigious sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music publish the best independent gear reviews around.

Here we've collected all of the reviews of guitars, amps, pedals, recorders and interfaces to have featured on the pages of Total Guitar and Guitarist.

All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 365 and 366, Total Guitar issue 238, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There are a lot of people out there looking for an overdrive that isn't as mid-heavy as a Tube Screamer, not as ubiquitous as a Boss Blues Driver, more versatile than both and slightly 'boutique' to boot. Fulltone's OCD ticks that box, and we'd say the Gigs Boson does, too."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Free The Tone Gigs Boson Overdrive review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

Free The Tone Iron Forest Distortion IF-1D

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"For those about to rock, the Iron Forest awaits you."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Free The Tone Iron Forest Distortion IF-1D review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

Larrivée OM-02E

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Built to a price it may be, but this is a very serious, characterful electro that proves way more versatile than its wide-spaced fingerstyle design suggests."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Larrivée OM-02E

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Larrivée OM-02E currently available from:
UK: Thomann

TC Electronic Ditto Looper

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Not without certain compromises, this is a simple, great-sounding and well-conceived looper that'd be ideal to get you started."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Ditto Looper review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: TC Electronic Ditto Looper currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Mesa/Boogie Tone-Burst

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A superb booster pedal by absolutely any measure."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mesa/Boogie Tone-Burst review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Mesa/Boogie Tone-Burst currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Orange VT1000 Valve Tester

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"For pro players and all serious musical instrument retailers, it's a no-brainer. If you're serious about your tone (and if you can afford it), the VT1000 is an absolute must."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Orange VT1000 Valve Tester review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Orange VT1000 Valve Tester currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass | Sweetwater

Mesa/Boogie Grid Slammer

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Great for pushing a valve amp, just don't expect loads of gain."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mesa/Boogie Grid Slammer review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Mesa/Boogie Grid Slammer currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Gibson Les Paul '70s Tribute

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A bit rough and ready it may be, but for more aggressive rock players this has 'gig me hard' written all over it."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibson Les Paul '70s Tribute review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Gibson Les Paul '70s Tribute currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Mesa/Boogie Flux-Drive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A step up from the Grid Slammer, it's best in front of a singing valve amp."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mesa/Boogie Flux-Drivereview

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Mesa/Boogie Flux-Drivereview currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Mission Engineering Rewah Pro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A classy, top-drawer traditional wah that lets you dial in the exact response of your choice."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mission Engineering Rewah Pro review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Mission Engineering Rewah Proreview currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Mesa/Boogie Throttle Box

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Does far more than metal - a must-play pedal."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mesa/Boogie Throttle Box review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Mesa/Boogie Throttle Boxreview currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

PRS SE Bernie Marsden 53/10 Ltd

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The standard SE Bernie Marsden is a cracking guitar - this ups the audio quality, and here's hoping we see more limited runs like this."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE Bernie Marsden 53/10 Ltd review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: PRS SE Bernie Marsden 53/10 Ltd currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Fender American Standard Jazz Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Overall, it's a spectacular job. If you like Jazz basses, you must try one."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Standard Jazz Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Fender American Standard Jazz Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Hayden MoFo 30

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A superb new head from Hayden that looks set to find a lot of fans."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hayden MoFo 30review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Hayden MoFo 30review currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music

Korg TMR-50

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"While the performance is fine, the TMR-50 offers nothing that you don't already have a smartphone app for - and charges significantly more for the privilege."

2.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg TMR-50 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Korg TMR-50 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Hayden Mini MoFo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There's very little to grumble about and for grab- and-go use this head is excellent."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hayden Mini MoFo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Hayden Mini MoFo currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music | DV247

Hoovi H1 Deeflexx sound deflectors

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"In the right place, the Deeflexx can make a considerable contribution to improving your tone."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hoovi H1 Deeflexx sound deflectors review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Hoovi H1 Deeflexx sound deflectors currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247

Hayden Lil' MoFo 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's been a long time coming, but on this evidence Hayden looks set to hit the bullseye with this new MoFo range. Plug in soon."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hayden Lil' MoFo 2 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Hayden Lil' MoFo 2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music | DV247

Rickenbacker 4004CII Cheyenne Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This not only looks good, it also sounds great! Do try one if you can - it could change your bass-playing life."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rickenbacker 4004CII Cheyenne Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The most practical, cost-effective way to expand your pedalboard by adding a single pedal."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Vox amPhones

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Privacy and mobility when practising, and a quality set of uniquely styled headphones, too."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox amPhones review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 365)

BUY: Vox amPhones currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Mooer Little Monster AC

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's not the most versatile amp in the world, but the Little Monster is so good at what it does do that we love it anyway."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mooer Little Monster AC review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 238)

BUY: Mooer Little Monster AC currently available from:
UK: Andertons

Fender Chris Shiflett Telecaster Deluxe

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Like the best signature models, Shiflett's Tele is mindful of the artist's foibles - in Shiflett's case, a fondness for country and punk - while boasting a real-world practicality that anyone can dig, at a price that's within reach for many."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Chris Shiflett Telecaster Deluxe review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 238)

BUY: Fender Chris Shiflett Telecaster Deluxe currently available from:
UK: Andertons
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Blackstar ID:260TVP

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Give the ID Series a spin with an open mind and you might not think you need those hot glass bottles after all..."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar ID:260TVP review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 238)

BUY: Blackstar ID:260TVP currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Fret-King Black Label Super-Hybrid

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It appears simple, but the Super-Hybrid is a highly flexible guitar, designed with players in mind and put together with panache."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Super-Hybrid review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 238)

IK Multimedia Amplitube Jimi Hendrix for iPad

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Quibbles with the clarity of higher-gain tones aside, AmpliTube Hendrix provides a solid selection of usable, Hendrix-inspired tones on a device smaller than a printed magazine. And that's an enticing prospect, no matter how you look at it."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia Amplitube Jimi Hendrix for iPad review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 238)

Marshall SL5 Slash signature amp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is a truly superb little amp, and for all-out rawk, it's the ultimate practice tool."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Marshall SL5 Slash signature amp review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 239)

BUY: Marshall SL5 Slash signature amp currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Dr Green The Hairy Tongue

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A traditional Brit fuzz box. Nice."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dr Green The Hairy Tongue review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Dr Green The Hairy Tongue currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247

Bogner Ecstasy Red

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Reinhold Bogner is clearly just as adept at getting phenomenal tone from solid-state circuits or valves: the Ecstasy Red pedal rates among the very best in its class."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bogner Ecstasy Red review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Bogner Ecstasy Red currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Sigma SDM-15

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This guitar has it all: classic looks, quality build, excellent playability, evocative sounds acoustically and plugged in, and an ultra-keen price. What's not to like?"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sigma SDM-15review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Sigma SDM-15review currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music

SubZero Tube-H50R Valve Stack

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you're looking for retro-vibed stack and don't want to part with too much cash, SubZero's offering is well worth a look."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SubZero Tube-H50R Valve Stack review

BUY: SubZero Tube-H50R Valve Stack currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

SubZero 60W Acoustic Guitar Amp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"SubZero's 60-watter is an ideal combo for the acoustic player who wants total control over their sound, whatever the gigging scenario."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SubZero 60W Acoustic Guitar Amp review

BUY: SubZero 60W Acoustic Guitar Amp currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Gear4Music Electric RS-40 Bass Guitar

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This bass is good enough to get you gigging and should suit seasoned players on a budget, too."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music Electric RS-40 Bass Guitar review

BUY: Gear4Music Electric RS-40 Bass Guitar currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Schecter Diamond Series PT F-4 Phantom

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Clearly a derivative design, but the F-4 Phantom offers a solid slab of tonal armoury, and is one seriously versatile guitar."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter Diamond Series PT F-4 Phantom review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

Dr Green The Waiting Room

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An easily dialled-in analogue-style delay."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dr Green The Waiting Room review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Dr Green The Waiting Room currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247

Jackson JS32T Dinky

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The JS32T is not the most versatile guitar in the world, but the right kind of player will find a lot to get their teeth into here, and without breaking the bank, either."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Jackson JS32T Dinky review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 239)

BUY: Jackson JS32T Dinkyreview currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

SubZero 25W Acoustic Guitar Amp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Its excellent performance and great price make the SubZero 25W Acoustic Guitar Amp with Chorus a hot deal."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: SubZero 25W Acoustic Guitar Amp review

BUY: SubZero 25W Acoustic Guitar Amp currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Hiwatt T40 2x12 combo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Worth checking out if you're looking for an alternative mid-priced Brit sound."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hiwatt T40 2x12 combo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"On many pedals the distorted sound is pretty much universal, but with this Deluxe Muff, everything has been included to allow you to bring your own tonal personality into your distorted sound. A huge leap forward."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi currently available from:
UK: Andertons | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Dr Green The Cubicle

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Try out this pedal if your amp hasn't got spring reverb, but you'd like some."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dr Green The Cubicle review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Dr Green The Cubicle currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247

Bogner Ecstasy Blue

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An amazing pedal from one of the greatest amp designers in the world – not to be missed!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bogner Ecstasy Blue review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Bogner Ecstasy Blue currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Z.Vex Vexter Wah Probe

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Wah Probe is an innovative approach to an old favourite, and you simply have to try it."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Z.Vex Vexter Wah Probe review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 239)

BUY: Z.Vex Vexter Wah Probe currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Dr Green The Black Death

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"While distortion pedals all do the same thing, they each have their own voice, and no two guitarists will probably ever agree which is the best. However, The Black Death has a tone that will surely appeal to plenty."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dr Green The Black Death review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Dr Green The Black Death currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247

Godin Montreal Premiere

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"More often than not, Godin creates trends rather than follows them. Here is a case in point: a new spin on the centre-blocked semi that looks old-school, but sounds more contemporary."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Godin Montreal Premiere review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Godin Montreal Premiere currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Schecter Diamond Series Ultra B-17 Bombshell

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Ultra B-17 Bombshell is a modern- retro metal machine with slamming tones and individual looks."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter Diamond Series Ultra B-17 Bombshell review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

DigiTech JamMan Solo XT

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"DigiTech transforms its most compact looper into a more powerful machine with more creative possibilities."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DigiTech JamMan Solo XT review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: DigiTech JamMan Solo XT currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-S

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"For just over a grand, Schecter is delivering an immensely shreddable pro-quality guitar."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-S review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 239)

BUY: Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-S currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Mimesis Kudos Blend System

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A thoroughly professional solution for amplifying your acoustic - especially if you don't like that piezo sound."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mimesis Kudos Blend System review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

Hiwatt T10 1x10 combo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's maybe not quite the vintage Brit tonal experience the cab styling and brand might suggest, but great for a lot of young bands looking for credible alternatives to the more common names."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hiwatt T10 1x10 combo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)