New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (August 2012)
43 products at a glance
Every month, MusicRadar's industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.
This is a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, amps and effects - all of which have been tested meticulously by either Guitarist or Total Guitar in recent months and published on MusicRadar throughout July 2012.
Flick through this month's picks and follow the links to read each product's full review. First up, Fender wades into the multi-FX marketplace…
Next: Fender Mustang Floor
Fender Mustang Floor (£298)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A worthy contender, but in this instance the mighty 'F' isn't yet at the top of the heap.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender Mustang Floor
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
BUY: Fender Mustang Floor currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Full Compass
Tonebutcher Weewah ($185)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“It's bags of fun, and we don't want to give it back.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tonebutcher Weewah
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
Chandler Limited Germanium Drive (£327)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A pedal that you'll need to demo before you make the commitment.
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Chandler Limited Germanium Drive
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 327)
BUY: Chandler Limited Germanium Drive currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Gibson Firebird Studio Non-Reverse (£1129)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A killer one-two combination: superstar looks and boasting more under the hood than you could possibly conceive.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Gibson Firebird Studio Non-Reverse
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
BUY: Gibson Firebird Studio Non-Reverse currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
ESP LTD EC-256P (£419)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“For jazzers or punks looking for a bit of class, this beast is the business.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: ESP LTD EC-256P
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
Peavey Captain America Predator (£249)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“This guitar is at the upper end of quality and playability for its price range making it unbeatable for crime-fighting shredders on a budget.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Peavey Captain America Predator
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
Sabre Wraith (£1299)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“An outstanding guitar, whatever your style.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sabre Wraith
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
Squier Jim Root Telecaster (£406)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“With a pickup upgrade, the improved tones would take the Jim Root Tele to the next level, but even at its most basic, this is simply a great rock guitar.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Squier Jim Root Telecaster
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
BUY: Squier Jim Root Telecaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Tanglewood Sundance Natural TW15 OP (£399)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“This is one guitar that deserves to be on your most-wanted list, and you won't have to spend an outlaw's bounty to get it.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tanglewood Sundance Natural TW15 OP
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 229)
BUY: Tanglewood Sundance Natural TW15 OP currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
Boss GT-100 (£470)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The GT-100 continues the lineage of this series with sonic and ergonomic advances that make it a powerful tool for both recording and live use.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Boss GT-100
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Boss GT-100 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Carvin VL300 Legacy 3 (£1130)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Finally, a high-powered, all-valve amp that comes in a more than portable package.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Carvin VL300 Legacy 3
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Koch Jupiter 1 x 12 Combo (£610)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A superb grab-and-go club amp, perfect for the working musician and tonally in a class of its own.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Koch Jupiter 1 x 12 Combo
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Joyo Analog Chorus (£39)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“An inexpensive pedal to provide some '80s-style chorus flavour, especially if you like your effects to cut through when you kick them in.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Joyo Analog Chorus
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Joyo Analog Delay (£39)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Analogue or digital, it does a great job at a bargain price. If you want 100 per cent genuine BBD analogue delay, you need to pay a whole packet more.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Joyo Analog Delay
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Joyo Roll Boost (£37)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The Roll Boost offers transparent boost when you need it at a budget price and is doubles as a viable alternative to an overdrive pedal for valve amps. Blimmin' excellent.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Joyo Roll Boost
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Joyo Vintage Overdrive (£29)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“There are Tube Screamer clones everywhere you look. This one has the advantage of taking care of the overdrive and amp-driving duties for under 30 quid, even if the design is highly derivative.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Joyo Vintage Overdrive
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Mayones Setius GTM6 (£1279)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Do we really need another twin-bucker rock machine clogging up our music shops? When it's as good as the Setius GTM6, why the heck not?”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Mayones Setius GTM6
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Dunlop SC95 Slash Cry Baby Classic (£149)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“If you use a wah in a rock environment and don't necessarily need to double as a Nile Rodgers-style funk guitarist at weekends, you should give this a try.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Dunlop SC95 Slash Cry Baby Classic
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Dunlop SC95 Slash Cry Baby Classic currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
Vintage VRC-800AMF electro resonator (£429)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Vintage can't seem to decide who this is for. The strings don't match the pickup and what for many is a slide guitar is set up as a standard electric. Nicely made though…”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Vintage VRC-800AMF electro resonator
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Vintage VRC-800AMF electro resonator currently available from:
UK: DV247
Korg Pitchblack Poly (£83)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Overall, the Pitchblack Poly is a fine unit that does nothing to dilute Korg's reputation as a maker of quality tuners.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg Pitchblack Poly
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Korg Pitchblack Poly currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
Fender American Standard Telecaster 2012 (£1330)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Not the most vintage or modern Tele in Fender's range, this is nonetheless a thoroughly competent modern Tele: plug in, play.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender American Standard Telecaster 2012
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Fender American Standard Telecaster 2012 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass
Fender American Standard Stratocaster 2012 (£1402)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Not the most vintage or modern Strat in Fender's range, but hard to fault on any level.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender American Standard Stratocaster 2012
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Fender American Standard Stratocaster 2012 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Gibson 2012 Les Paul Standard (£1999)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Looks like a classic 'Paul but has numerous good-sounding additional tones. A very well-made guitar indeed.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Gibson 2012 Les Paul Standard
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB-12 (£499)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A pro-sounding and playing guitar with heritage features that are suitable for home, gigging and the studio.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB-12
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB (£449)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A worthy addition to any collection. Professional performance without the eye-watering pricetag to match.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB currently available from:
UK: DV247
Marshall JMP1 combo (£589)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A piece of history that all self-respecting guitar players should own.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Marshall JMP1 combo
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Vox DelayLab (£238)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“If you want easy onstage access to a range of different delay times and types, the DelayLab sets a new practical standard: superb.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Vox DelayLab
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Vox DelayLab currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
Yamaha APX1200II (£1189)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A comfortable, powerful electro equally at home on stage or in the studio.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Yamaha APX1200II
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Marshall JCM1 combo (£599)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“If you can afford it, take the chance to grab a little slice of rock history.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Marshall JCM1 combo
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
Yamaha CPX1200II (£1189)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Great looks, great tone, well-priced - what's not to like?”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Yamaha CPX1200II
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 357)
BUY: Yamaha CPX1200II currently available from:
UK: Thomann
Midland Subzero Sun Headphones (£34.95)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“As an all-in-one product it's a smart buy, and there's also a winter version for colder climes. Just make sure to pack the right set…”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Midland Subzero Sun Headphones
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
Steve Clayton Pork Knuckle Slide (£16.95)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“If you prefer your slides on the porky side, check it out.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Steve Clayton Pork Knuckle Slide
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
Coda 251 Foot pedal (£89.99)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Brilliant stuff - we'd love to see a more affordable plastic version for bedroom players, though.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Coda 251 Foot pedal
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 357)
Planet Waves Cellu-Glo Picks (£2.99)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Added luminosity is a very welcome feature indeed.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Planet Waves Cellu-Glo Picks
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
BUY: Planet Waves Cellu-Glo Picks currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
Carvin V3M Micro Amp (£694)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The V3M may be a micro amp but there's nothing small about how it delivers its tonal payload.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Carvin V3M Micro Amp
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
Custom 77 'The Watcher' DL3 (€945)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A real peach.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Custom 77 'The Watcher' DL3
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
Fender Pawn Shop Special Greta (£202)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Bags of fun, completely affordable and stylishly bridges the gap between living-room gadget and a proper practice tool.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender Pawn Shop Special Greta
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
TC Electronic Spark Booster (£105)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Whether you've picked up any of TC's other drive pedals or not, you'll be in fine company with the Spark Booster.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Spark Booster
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
BUY: TC Electronic Spark Booster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Farida Guitars Marina MD-10 (£199)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“This is an underpriced, overachieving axe that's cheap enough to drag around the festival circuit, but good enough to use for low-key recording.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Farida Guitars Marina MD-10
(Reviewed in Total Guitar 230 issue 230)
Washburn WD7S (£179)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“When it comes to big performance on a tight budget, this workhorse from the Windy City comes up trumps.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Washburn WD7S
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 232)
BUY: Washburn WD7S currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
Peavey PXD Vicious Devin Townsend (£1299)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“If you really need a baritone seven-string as well as a throwing/bludgeon weapon, this simply has to be at the top of your list.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Peavey PXD Vicious Devin Townsend
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
Charvel Desolation DST-1 ST (£634)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“This is for the flamboyant among you. Are you going to live your life a chicken, or strut like a peacock?”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Charvel Desolation DST-1 ST
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
ESP LTD EX-360 (£689)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“With its extra grunt and tonal versatility, we'd go with function over form, dress down and tool up with the EX-360.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: ESP LTD EX-360
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 230)
BUY: ESP LTD EX-360 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater