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New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (August 2012)

By Alex Turner; Guitarist, Total Guitar
published 2 August 2012

July's new products at a glance

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43 products at a glance

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

Page 1 of 44
Page 1 of 44
Fender Mustang Floor (£298)
Fender hits the deck, but are we floored?

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

Page 2 of 44
Page 2 of 44
Tonebutcher Weewah ($185)
The tiny little secret to massive tone

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)

Page 3 of 44
Page 3 of 44
Chandler Limited Germanium Drive (£327)
It's one louder

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

Page 4 of 44
Page 4 of 44
Gibson Firebird Studio Non-Reverse (£1129)
Open the door to tonal heaven with this retro-flavoured blue beauty.

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

Page 5 of 44
Page 5 of 44
ESP LTD EC-256P (£419)
Put your velvet jacket on, light a cigar and prepare to kick out the jams…

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)

Page 6 of 44
Page 6 of 44
Peavey Captain America Predator (£249)
Kapow! Time to wear your underpants outside your trousers and play some super-powered sweep picking

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)

Page 7 of 44
Page 7 of 44
Sabre Wraith (£1299)
En garde! This ghostly swordsman has come to test your mettle

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)

Page 8 of 44
Page 8 of 44
Squier Jim Root Telecaster (£406)
No sour notes here - this Tele's got the stones to shred

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

Page 9 of 44
Page 9 of 44
Tanglewood Sundance Natural TW15 OP (£399)
The stripped-back finish of Tanglewood's latest steed lets the tone do the talking

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

Page 10 of 44
Page 10 of 44
Boss GT-100 (£470)
The latest GT series unit offers increased DSP power, new features and improved ease of use

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

Page 11 of 44
Page 11 of 44
Carvin VL300 Legacy 3 (£1130)
The latest version of Steve Vai's signature amp head drops down in size but does it retain its myriad features and versatile tones?

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)

Page 12 of 44
Page 12 of 44
Koch Jupiter 1 x 12 Combo (£610)
Koch returns to centre stage with a killer hybrid combo that you won't want to miss

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)

Page 13 of 44
Page 13 of 44
Joyo Analog Chorus (£39)
Bucket-brigade Chorus

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)

Page 14 of 44
Page 14 of 44
Joyo Analog Delay (£39)
Cheap old-school delay

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)

Page 15 of 44
Page 15 of 44
Joyo Roll Boost (£37)
You gotta roll with it

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)

Page 16 of 44
Page 16 of 44
Joyo Vintage Overdrive (£29)
It's green for a reason

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)

Page 17 of 44
Page 17 of 44
Mayones Setius GTM6 (£1279)
The rock guitar market might runneth over but there's always room for one more killer shred machine. Take this handsome Polish beast for example…

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)

Page 18 of 44
Page 18 of 44
Dunlop SC95 Slash Cry Baby Classic (£149)
Welcome to the wah-wah

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

Page 19 of 44
Page 19 of 44
Vintage VRC-800AMF electro resonator (£429)
A plug-in-and-play resonator. Almost

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

Page 20 of 44
Page 20 of 44
Korg Pitchblack Poly (£83)
Accurate tuning at a single strum

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

Page 21 of 44
Page 21 of 44
Fender American Standard Telecaster 2012 (£1330)
We ask what's changed in more than 60 years of Tele evolution

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

Page 22 of 44
Page 22 of 44
Fender American Standard Stratocaster 2012 (£1402)
Can the latest incarnation of the Strat offer anything new?

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

Page 23 of 44
Page 23 of 44
Gibson 2012 Les Paul Standard (£1999)
Gibson has given the trusty LP a few tweaks - so how does the new model measure up?

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)

Page 24 of 44
Page 24 of 44
Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB-12 (£499)
A 12-stringer that uses vintage techniques to create a more satisfying guitar for the modern player

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

Page 25 of 44
Page 25 of 44
Vintage Paul Brett Signature VE8000PB (£449)
A budget parlour acoustic from a man who knows

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

Page 26 of 44
Page 26 of 44
Marshall JMP1 combo (£589)
Marshall offers a mini take on the legendary Super Lead

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)

Page 27 of 44
Page 27 of 44
Vox DelayLab (£238)
Vox eases your onstage delay experience with a practical three-in-one stompbox

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

Page 28 of 44
Page 28 of 44
Yamaha APX1200II (£1189)
An update to Yamaha's popular gigging electro

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)

Page 29 of 44
Page 29 of 44
Marshall JCM1 combo (£599)
Marshall shrinks down a classic '80s amp

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)

Page 30 of 44
Page 30 of 44
Yamaha CPX1200II (£1189)
One of Yamaha's flagship electros receives an upgrade…

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

Page 31 of 44
Page 31 of 44
Midland Subzero Sun Headphones (£34.95)
Seriously cool cans

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)

Page 32 of 44
Page 32 of 44
Steve Clayton Pork Knuckle Slide (£16.95)
Treat yourself to a crackling slide

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)

Page 33 of 44
Page 33 of 44
Coda 251 Foot pedal (£89.99)
A foot controller for hands-free operation of PC, Mac and tablet

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)

Page 34 of 44
Page 34 of 44
Planet Waves Cellu-Glo Picks (£2.99)
Your new glo-to plectrum

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

Page 35 of 44
Page 35 of 44
Carvin V3M Micro Amp (£694)
Here's one small amp head that dares to compete with the big boys

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)

Page 36 of 44
Page 36 of 44
Custom 77 'The Watcher' DL3 (€945)
Alternative fans take note: this retro looking beauty is one to, err, watch…

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)

Page 37 of 44
Page 37 of 44
Fender Pawn Shop Special Greta (£202)
It's cool, it's quirky and it makes a lot of noise. Say hello to Greta

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)

Page 38 of 44
Page 38 of 44
TC Electronic Spark Booster (£105)
Massage into rig to revitalise dull, lifeless tone

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

Page 39 of 44
Page 39 of 44
Farida Guitars Marina MD-10 (£199)
Farida's girlie-named workhorse turns in a man-sized performance

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)

Page 40 of 44
Page 40 of 44
Washburn WD7S (£179)
This slugger from Chicago deserves a heavyweight title

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

Page 41 of 44
Page 41 of 44
Peavey PXD Vicious Devin Townsend (£1299)
Can a guitar get any more metal than this seven-string baritone V? Let's rock!

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)

Page 42 of 44
Page 42 of 44
Charvel Desolation DST-1 ST (£634)
Hey, the 1980s called - they want the future back

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)

Page 43 of 44
Page 43 of 44
ESP LTD EX-360 (£689)
Black as midnight on a moonless night

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

Page 44 of 44
Page 44 of 44
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