Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Harley Benton TE Tremolo Series
Guitars Harley Benton unveils three entry-level T-styles with Bigbsy-style vibratos and vintage mojo to burn
Laney Prism Mini
Guitar Amps “This ease of use is rare in such a small practice amp that covers so much tonal ground, and is the reason the Prism-Mini is worth considering as your desktop companion”: Laney Prism-Mini review
Custom Line King-12 CE NT
Acoustic Guitars "For a guitar that comes in at this price, the overall build is impressive, with a level of attention to detail that’s more than respectable": Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NT review
An UDO Super Gemini synthesizer on a white table
Synths Best synthesizers 2026: Top analogue, digital, mono and polysynths
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: We've found over £1,000 off a PRS, $200 off the Akai Pro MPC Key 37, and so much more
YouTuber Jamie Slays puts the Charvel Standard Series SD2 through its paces
Guitars Charvel’s hotrodded shred performance just got more affordable with the launch of the $569 Standard SD Series
Christian Andreu plays his Jackson signature Rhoads with a whole lot of pyro in the background.
Artists Jackson launches spectacular EverTune refresh of Christian Andreu’s signature Rhoads
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Guitar Pedals Best multi-effects pedals: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage: this computer-gray stompbox is a preamp-cum-distortion that emulates the analogue mojo of the Tascam Portastudio
Guitar Pedals “There’s plenty of output to use the pedal as a conventional boost with tonal options. And there’s a whole area of dirt to be explored”: JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage review
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
Two guitars lying on the floor with guitar cables
Guitars Best guitar cables 2026: Leads and patch cables for all budgets
Woman in orange hat plays classical guitar in front of a laptop
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials What are the best online guitar lessons in 2026? I’m a professional guitar gear reviewer and these are my highest-rated lessons platforms
The Gretsch Electromatic Premier Jet reinvents the classic singlecut. Yes, there is the chambered body as before but with a compound radius fingerboard, Twin Six pickups, and contemporary touches such as Luminlay side-markers it is very much a modern update.
Guitars “The perfect marriage of brilliance and brute force”: Gretsch unveils the reinvention of the Jet
Headphones next to electric guitar
Headphones Best guitar amp headphones 2026: My top picks for practicing your guitar quietly
More
  • Sly and Survivor
  • In My Life
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • One chord Diamond
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (August 2016)

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar published 3 August 2016

All of the latest reviews

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

Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster

Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster

It has, once again, been guitar gear galore here at MusicRadar over the past month. Our review team was playing everything from lush PRS six stringers to high power amps and much more during July.

Here, we look back on all of the reviews that appeared on the site last month. We start with the Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster.

MusicRadar's verdict

"Tonally, this great little guitar wears many hats, not just a Stetson."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
Electro-Harmonix MEL9

Electro-Harmonix MEL9

MusicRadar's verdict

"Guitarists with MIDI guitars have had access to Mellotron sounds before, but this is the first time any six-stringer can recreate that vintage vibe from a plug-in-and-play pedal."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix MEL9

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Electro-Harmonix MEL9 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
633 Engineering Groove King Head

633 Engineering Groove King Head

MusicRadar's verdict

"These amps are built to last. Add up how many amps you might buy in the rest of your playing career and 633 looks to be great value for money in our book."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: 633 Engineering Groove King Head

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
D'Angelico EX-59 Standard

D'Angelico EX-59 Standard

MusicRadar's verdict

"This is a serious guitar for a serious player.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: D’Angelico EX-59 Standard

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: D’Angelico EX-59 Standard currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Mr Black Deluxe Plus

Mr Black Deluxe Plus

MusicRadar's verdict

"Twin Peaks Fender flavour in a practically sized package, featuring two effects that combine well.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mr Black Deluxe Plus

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Mr Black Deluxe Plus currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
PRS McCarty 594

PRS McCarty 594

MusicRadar's verdict

"This is simply one of the most highly-tuned instruments money can buy.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS McCarty 594

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: PRS McCarty 594 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
Ashdown Woodsman Jumbo Acoustic Amp

Ashdown Woodsman Jumbo Acoustic Amp

MusicRadar's verdict

"A solid performing acoustic amp that won't break the bank. Recommended!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ashdown Woodsman Jumbo Acoustic Amp

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Ashdown Woodsman Jumbo Acoustic Amp currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
Mr Black Ambience Echoverb

Mr Black Ambience Echoverb

MusicRadar's verdict

"Delay and reverb combine for a whole that's greater than the sum of its parts.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mr Black Ambience Echoverb

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Mr Black Ambience Echoverb currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
Hudson Electronics Broadcast

Hudson Electronics Broadcast

MusicRadar's verdict

"Despite its vintage roots, the Broadcast is a breath of fresh air: thoughtful, adaptable and full of tones to make you grin. It's sensibly-priced, too. We love it.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hudson Electronics Broadcast

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
633 Engineering Custom 36 Head

633 Engineering Custom 36 Head

MusicRadar's verdict

"The online buzz surrounding 633 Engineering is growing rapidly, so if you want to beat the likes of Carlton, Ford and Mayer to the 633 owners' club, speak to Cliff Brown now!”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: 633 Engineering Custom 36 Head

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
D'Angelico EX-DC Standard

D'Angelico EX-DC Standard

MusicRadar's verdict

"The EX-DC is a class act that feels very road-worthy: a real journeyman's guitar with plenty of style.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: D'Angelico EX-DC Standard

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
EVH 5150 III LBX

EVH 5150 III LBX

MusicRadar's verdict

"If you want to sound like Eddie but don't have a huge budget, this is the amp you've been waiting for.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: EVH 5150 III LBX

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: EVH 5150 III LBX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
PRS SE Mark Holcomb

PRS SE Mark Holcomb

MusicRadar's verdict

"If you're a metal player in the market for a SE Custom 24, or indeed just something that's not too pointy, then this may well be the right fit for you.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE Mark Holcomb

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: PRS SE Mark Holcomb currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR

Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR

MusicRadar's verdict

"This Charvel, as Bill and Ted might say, is most triumphant.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT

Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT

MusicRadar's verdict

"The looks will probably typecast this guitar, but it's way more versatile than you might imagine.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR

Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR

MusicRadar's verdict

"This is a guitar which very much proves that beauty is way more than skin deep.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Blue Note

J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Blue Note

MusicRadar's verdict

"This pedal is worth every penny.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Blue Note

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Blue Note currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series The Hooligan

J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series The Hooligan

MusicRadar's verdict

"Classic fuzz with more bottom-end – what's not to like?”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series The Hooligan

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series The Hooligan currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series .45 Caliber

J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series .45 Caliber

MusicRadar's verdict

"If you're seeking some classic-rock tone don't get fooled again and set your sights on the .45 Caliber.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series .45 Caliber

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Tranquilizer

J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Tranquilizer

MusicRadar's verdict

"Another well-made pedal from the J Rockett boffins.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: J Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Tranquilizer

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
Sterling By Music Man StingRay SR50

Sterling By Music Man StingRay SR50

MusicRadar's verdict

"Sterling will always be a leftfield choice when it comes to choosing a guitar of this kind, but if you're keen to straddle the gap between Fender and Gibson's classic appointments, this is a great place to look.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sterling By Music Man StingRay SR50

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Sterling By Music Man StingRay SR50 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
Total Guitar
Total Guitar
Social Links Navigation

Total Guitar is Europe's best-selling guitar magazine.

Every month we feature interviews with the biggest names and hottest new acts in guitar land, plus Guest Lessons from the stars.

Finally, our Rocked & Rated section is the place to go for reviews, round-ups and help setting up your guitars and gear.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/totalguitar

Read more
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
Guitars The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
 
 
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
 
 
MusicRadar author Matt McCracken plays a Manson 007 electric guitar at The Guitar Show in Birmingham, UK
Guitars Here's 7 of the hottest guitar gear releases I tried at The Guitar Show this weekend that are available to buy right now
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear
 
 
Close up of LR Baggs acoustic guitar pickup
Guitar Pickups Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic for stage, studio and sound fx – our top picks for all budgets
 
 
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: We've found over £1,000 off a PRS, $200 off the Akai Pro MPC Key 37, and so much more
 
 
Guitars baggage handler LAX
Guitars Viral footage shows a baggage handler throwing multiple guitars to the ground at LAX
 
 
Roland Pedal
Tech Exploring the new industry of AI-integrated hardware effects pedals
 
 
Christian Andreu plays his Jackson signature Rhoads with a whole lot of pyro in the background.
Artists Jackson launches spectacular EverTune refresh of Christian Andreu’s signature Rhoads
 
 
Harley Benton TE Tremolo Series
Guitars Harley Benton unveils three entry-level T-styles with Bigbsy-style vibratos and vintage mojo to burn
 
 
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 2270 -- Pictured: Musical guest Flea performs on Monday, March 23, 2026 -- (Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)
Artists Flea covers Frank Ocean and explains why he’s scratching a long-standing trumpet itch on his new album
 
 
Latest in News
Kenny Loggins, Charlie Puth, Michael McDonald
Artists Charlie Puth on making “yacht rock in 2026” with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins
 
 
Teddi Mellencamp presents the iHeartRadio Icon Award to honoree John Mellencamp onstage during the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award
Singers & Songwriters “He saved my life”: Teddi Mellencamp pays tribute to her dad at iHeart Radio Awards
 
 
suno
Tech Suno takes another step into music production with AI step sequencer MILO-1080
 
 
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Olivia Dean performs onstage during the 2026 MOBO Awards at Co-op Live on March 26, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/Getty Images for MOBO)
Artists Olivia Dean cleans up at the Mobo Awards, as Pharrell Williams accepts a special prize for songwriting
 
 
Sam Fender performs onstage during day two of the Syd For Solen Festival at Valbyparken on August 08, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmar
Singers & Songwriters “Projects like these are so important”: Sam Fender has raised £50,000 for youth music charity
 
 
Anderson .Paak
Drummers “That thing’s got great breaks”: Anderson .Paak rides through LA… playing a drum kit on wheels
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...