Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Guitar Amps
  • Plugin Week 25
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Artist news
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • Drums
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Plugin Week A-Z
  • You Oughta Know
  • Fake AI band
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Wrecking Crew
Recommended reading
Kramer Volante HSGT Triburst: the all-new high-performance S-style from the GIbson-owned shred brand is a grown-up looking S-style.
Electric Guitars “It’s as comfortable as a guitar can”: Kramer Volante HSGT Triburst review
EVH Gear Wolfgang WG Standard T.O.M.
Guitars Hold the Floyd: EVH reimagines Wolfgang Standard as a high-performance shredder with a TOM bridge
Spira S-450 TPP
Electric Guitars "Up there as one of the better value for money metal guitars that you can currently buy": Spira S-450 TPP review
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Guitars Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special TOM: featuring an EVH compensated bridge and tailpeice w/ fine tuners – and gold hardware – this Special offers a fuss-free and stable twist on Eddie Van Halen's electric guitar design
Guitars An EVH electric with fixed bridge and fine tuners? The Wolfgang Special TOM is one classy speedster
Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac: the new semi-hollow signature model is a stunning singlecut with a quilted maple build in a natural finish.
Electric Guitars “Unbeatable... A play-anything guitar”: Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac Session Man review
Cort KX507MS Pale Moon
Electric Guitars "Ordering one before clapping eyes on it will be a lottery": Cort KX507MS Pale Moon 7-string review
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (February 2011)

News
By Chris Vinnicombe published 11 March 2011

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

Blackstar HT Soloist 60 112 combo (£649)

Blackstar HT Soloist 60 112 combo (£649)

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 meticulously tested by either MusicRadar, Guitarist, or Total Guitar in recent months and published on MusicRadar throughout February 2011.

Flick through this month's picks and follow the links to read each product's full review. Up first is Blackstar's HT Soloist 60 combo.

Verdict:

"We think the HT Soloist 60 is the best amp in the range - put it at the top of your 'must try' list."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar HT Soloist 60 112 combo

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 1 of 22
Page 1 of 22
Epiphone Slash Appetite Les Paul (£699)

Epiphone Slash Appetite Les Paul (£699)

Verdict:

"This Slash Epi sets the bar for all signature models, subtly different from the Les Paul template and a joy to play."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Epiphone Slash Appetite Les Paul

(Reviewed in Total Guitar magazine issue 211)

Page 2 of 22
Page 2 of 22
Wampler Paisley Drive (£239)

Wampler Paisley Drive (£239)

Verdict:

"Dark and brooding to bright and punchy, the Paisley Drive is a superb all-round overdrive, whether you like Brad or not."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Paisley Drive

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 3 of 22
Page 3 of 22
LAG Tramontane T100D (£299)

LAG Tramontane T100D (£299)

Verdict:

"A hearty welcome to the ranks of affordable, eager-to-please dreadnoughts."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LAG Tramontane T100D

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 4 of 22
Page 4 of 22
Schecter PT Fastback (£599)

Schecter PT Fastback (£599)

Verdict:

"A good-quality guitar, but it could be eclipsed by the original - well worth trying, though."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter PT Fastback

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 5 of 22
Page 5 of 22
Framus Ruby Riot II (£1949)

Framus Ruby Riot II (£1949)

Verdict:

"A pro-level gigging combo with great cleans and varied rock tones."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Framus Ruby Riot II

Page 6 of 22
Page 6 of 22
TC Electronic Shaker (£105)

TC Electronic Shaker (£105)

Verdict:

"A cool pedal with an effect that's not heard as much as other modulation effects, but deserves to be."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Shaker

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 7 of 22
Page 7 of 22
Charvel Pro Mod Limited Wild Card (£821.33)

Charvel Pro Mod Limited Wild Card (£821.33)

Verdict:

"This is certainly something of a departure for Charvel, and is appealing in its own right, but we hope the next will be a graphic-clad eye-popper!"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Charvel Pro Mod Limited Wild Card

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 8 of 22
Page 8 of 22
Line 6 DT50 (£1349)

Line 6 DT50 (£1349)

Verdict:

"A new hybrid amp design delivering the best amp sounds we've ever heard from a Line 6 product."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Line 6 DT50

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 9 of 22
Page 9 of 22
LAG Tramontane T66A (£179)

LAG Tramontane T66A (£179)

Verdict:

"Don't for one minute dismiss the T66A because of its laminated top. It should easily go the distance against similarly priced solid-top rivals, making it something of a snip. This Tramontane is a real find among budget folks."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LAG Tramontane T66A

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine 337)

Page 10 of 22
Page 10 of 22
Peavey 6534+ (£1499)

Peavey 6534+ (£1499)

Verdict:

"Not many amps provide such a good metal tone, let alone a decent clean and crunch too. A highly credible, more Marshally flavoured take on the much-loved 6505+."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peavey 6534+

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 11 of 22
Page 11 of 22
Schecter PT (£599)

Schecter PT (£599)

Verdict:

"The PT is a modern classic with great playability and tone, and pickups that can kick your teeth in."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter PT

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 12 of 22
Page 12 of 22
Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 (£727.33)

Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 (£727.33)

Verdict:

"All that separates this from the deleted US models is the price; great rock tone, high spec and the Hollywood vibe remain. At this price, you must seriously consider one."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 337)

Page 13 of 22
Page 13 of 22
Blackstar HT-1R (£199)

Blackstar HT-1R (£199)

Verdict:

"Loads of fun, but it's no toy. For great low-volume sounds at home, this is a no-brainer."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar HT-1R

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 14 of 22
Page 14 of 22
Blackstar HT-Blackfire (£199)

Blackstar HT-Blackfire (£199)

Verdict:

"At £199, it's a pretty serious purchase, but with two channels of convincing valve tones, pro build quality, tonal flexibility via the ISF control, and that handy emulated output, this is a viable option for any rig that's in need of a sonic power-up."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar HT-Blackfire

(Reviewed in Total Guitar magazine issue 211)

Page 15 of 22
Page 15 of 22
Jackson JS32 Kelly (£363)

Jackson JS32 Kelly (£363)

Verdict:

"A monster metal axe on a budget."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Jackson JS32 Kelly

(Reviewed in Total Guitar magazine issue 211)

Page 16 of 22
Page 16 of 22
Guitar Tech Dot-Matrix Tuner (£49)

Guitar Tech Dot-Matrix Tuner (£49)

Verdict:

"The Dot- Matrix is tough enough to be booted around your local, and offers all the basic requirements for onstage tuning."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guitar Tech Dot-Matrix Tuner

(Reviewed in Total Guitar magazine issue 211)

Page 17 of 22
Page 17 of 22
Effectrode Fire Bottle (£189)

Effectrode Fire Bottle (£189)

Verdict:

"An interesting, good-sounding pedal that's ideal for expanding a single-coil-equipped guitar."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Effectrode Fire Bottle

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 18 of 22
Page 18 of 22
Guild F-30R Std (£1714)

Guild F-30R Std (£1714)

Verdict:

"Expressive, lyrical, clear-toned - nailing the essential OM criteria."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guild F-30R Std

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 19 of 22
Page 19 of 22
Blackstar HT-Delay (£199)

Blackstar HT-Delay (£199)

Verdict:

"A versatile delay that offers a range of additional tonal options."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar HT-Delay

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 337)

Page 20 of 22
Page 20 of 22
Guild D-40 Std (£1606)

Guild D-40 Std (£1606)

Verdict:

"Everything a great dread should be."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guild D-40 Std

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 338)

Page 21 of 22
Page 21 of 22
Guitar Tech Vintage Chorus (£49)

Guitar Tech Vintage Chorus (£49)

Verdict:

"Not bad, but not amazing."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guitar Tech Vintage Chorus

(Reviewed in Total Guitar magazine issue 211)

Page 22 of 22
Page 22 of 22
Chris Vinnicombe

Chris Vinnicombe worked with us here on the MusicRadar team from the site's initial launch way back in 2007, and also contributed to Guitarist magazine as Features Editor until 2014, as well as Total Guitar magazine, amongst others. These days he can be found at Gibson Guitars, where he is editor-in-chief.

Read more
Kramer Volante HSGT Triburst: the all-new high-performance S-style from the GIbson-owned shred brand is a grown-up looking S-style.
“It’s as comfortable as a guitar can”: Kramer Volante HSGT Triburst review
EVH Gear Wolfgang WG Standard T.O.M.
Hold the Floyd: EVH reimagines Wolfgang Standard as a high-performance shredder with a TOM bridge
Spira S-450 TPP
"Up there as one of the better value for money metal guitars that you can currently buy": Spira S-450 TPP review
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special TOM: featuring an EVH compensated bridge and tailpeice w/ fine tuners – and gold hardware – this Special offers a fuss-free and stable twist on Eddie Van Halen's electric guitar design
An EVH electric with fixed bridge and fine tuners? The Wolfgang Special TOM is one classy speedster
Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac: the new semi-hollow signature model is a stunning singlecut with a quilted maple build in a natural finish.
“Unbeatable... A play-anything guitar”: Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac Session Man review
Latest in Guitars
Jackson Pro Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT7 and HT7P
Misha Mansoor spills blood as a home shopping TV presenter to unveil new signature Jackson 7-strings
Blackstar ID:X 50: The new combo from the British amp titan is described as "this is the most natural-sounding" modelling amp on the market.
Blackstar unveils ID-X combos – complete with 6 amp voices, over 35 effects, CabRig and OLED display
The Gibson Les Paul Music City Special – 50th Anniversary is a limited edition hybrid that combines the old Marauder and Music City Junior, and offers them in wine, tobacco sunburst and ebony finishes.
Gibson celebrates 50 years in Nashville with limited run twist on a cult electric played by KISS
PRS SE NF 53: the super-versatile bolt-on electric gets a long-awaited SE release, and here all three finish options – White Dog Hair, Black Dog Hair and Pearl White – are photographed in front of a pair of PRS half-stacks.
PRS remixes its NF 53 for the SE line – and it's a serious workhorse electric for under a grand
Dickey Betts and Warren Haynes live onstage with the Allman Brothers Band in 1992. Haynes wears a patterned shit and plays his Les Paul Standard.
Warren Haynes on what Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts told him when he joined the Allman Brothers Band
Joe Trohman of Fall Out Boy plays his Zemaitis singlecut onstage in 2023.
Fall Out Boy’s Joe Trohman ruled out for rest of the year as he gets surgery on injured right hand
Latest in News
Jackson Pro Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT7 and HT7P
Misha Mansoor spills blood as a home shopping TV presenter to unveil new signature Jackson 7-strings
Ozzy Osbourne
“The greatest day in the history of metal”: Black Sabbath’s final mega-gig raised £140m for charity
David Guetta
David Guetta says he’s never played a pre-recorded DJ set, and can’t understand why anyone would think he has
Blackstar ID:X 50: The new combo from the British amp titan is described as "this is the most natural-sounding" modelling amp on the market.
Blackstar unveils ID-X combos – complete with 6 amp voices, over 35 effects, CabRig and OLED display
The Gibson Les Paul Music City Special – 50th Anniversary is a limited edition hybrid that combines the old Marauder and Music City Junior, and offers them in wine, tobacco sunburst and ebony finishes.
Gibson celebrates 50 years in Nashville with limited run twist on a cult electric played by KISS
PRS SE NF 53: the super-versatile bolt-on electric gets a long-awaited SE release, and here all three finish options – White Dog Hair, Black Dog Hair and Pearl White – are photographed in front of a pair of PRS half-stacks.
PRS remixes its NF 53 for the SE line – and it's a serious workhorse electric for under a grand

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

  • 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...