Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitar Amps
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • EVH trance state
  • Antonoff on Please Please Please
  • “Mick looked peeved. The Beatles had upstaged him”
  • 95k+ free music samples

Recommended reading

EVH Gear Wolfgang Van Halen Signature SA-126
Electric Guitars "Whatever magic is in the Van Halen ear canals has been imparted here too": EVH SA-126 Special review
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
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
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
Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster
Acoustic Guitars Fender Standard Acoustasonic Jazzmaster Review
Donner x Third Man Hardware Triple Threat
Guitar Pedals “A sandbox for experimentation”: Donner x Third Man Hardware Triple Threat review
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Enjoy a mind-blowing $600 off a full-fat Gibson Les Paul, £500 off Kirk Hammett's Epiphone Greeny, and so much more
  1. Guitars
  2. Guitar Pedals

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

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 2 February 2016

The latest electrics, acoustics and pedals rated

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

G&L USA Custom Shop Fallout

G&L USA Custom Shop Fallout

As guitar gear galore was unveiled at the NAMM show, the A-list reviews came in thick and fast right here, with our reviews team getting to grips with everything from the Victory VX Kraken to the PRS CE 24.

Click through the gallery for an overview of all the guitar gear that came under the MusicRadar microscope in January, and was originally featured in Guitarist and Total Guitar magazines. We start with the G&L USA Custom Shop Fallout...

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Without doubt, Leo would want us to have a great tool at the right price. Mission accomplished.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: G&L USA Custom Shop Fallout

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 1 of 17
Page 1 of 17
Fender Paramount PM-3

Fender Paramount PM-3

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Of the three PM models it's the triple 0 that'd take our cash – although we'd check the Deluxe version – as an all-rounder for home, practice, stage and studio.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Paramount PM-3

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 2 of 17
Page 2 of 17
PRS CE 24

PRS CE 24

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Whichever way you look at this new CE – as an up-spec'd S2 or down-spec'd Core model – it's a cracking guitar that distils the essence of PRS, the detailed build, intonation, resonance and style, into simply a very pro- spec instrument.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS CE 24

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: PRS CE 24 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 17
Page 3 of 17
Gibson J-45 Vintage

Gibson J-45 Vintage

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Any guitar that brings the office to a standstill while its incumbents drool and swoon over it, is something special indeed.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibson J-45 Vintage

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Gibson J-45 Vintage currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 4 of 17
Page 4 of 17
J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Ikon

J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Ikon

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The Archer Ikon is an ideal adjunct to a good valve amp.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Ikon

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Ikon currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

Page 5 of 17
Page 5 of 17
Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret

Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A versatile tone-building dirt box with two distinct M-style flavours.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 6 of 17
Page 6 of 17
Catalinbread Topanga

Catalinbread Topanga

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Many pedals simulate spring reverb, but few get this close to a Fender outboard unit.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Catalinbread Topanga

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Catalinbread Topanga currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 7 of 17
Page 7 of 17
Danelectro 58 Longhorn

Danelectro 58 Longhorn

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The '58 Longhorn guitar scores big points on price, playability and tonal versatility. They're built to last. Just don't loan them to Mr Townshend.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Danelectro 58 Longhorn

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 8 of 17
Page 8 of 17
Catalinbread Pareidolia

Catalinbread Pareidolia

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Vintage tremolo with a distinctive voice revisited. And, yes, you'll be mesmerised by it.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Catalinbread Pareidolia

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Catalinbread Pareidolia currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 9 of 17
Page 9 of 17
Catalinbread Echorec

Catalinbread Echorec

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A viable substitute for the real thing at a fraction of the size and price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Catalinbread Echorec

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Catalinbread Echorec currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 10 of 17
Page 10 of 17
Earthquaker Devices Palisades

Earthquaker Devices Palisades

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Overdrive sounds to suit many tastes, delivered in a pedal with real practicality for live work.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Earthquaker Devices Palisades

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Earthquaker Devices Palisades currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 17
Page 11 of 17
Fender American Elite Stratocaster

Fender American Elite Stratocaster

MusicRadar's Verdict

“With the Elite series Fender is moving forwards... are you?”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Elite Stratocaster

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Fender American Elite Stratocaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 17
Page 12 of 17
Fender American Elite Telecaster

Fender American Elite Telecaster

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A very good guitar that die-hard Tele players could enjoy, too.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Elite Telecaster

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Fender American Elite Telecaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 13 of 17
Page 13 of 17
J Rockett Audio Designs The Dude

J Rockett Audio Designs The Dude

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The Dude is an excellent sounding overdrive that can endow any amp with overdrives right across the range to higher gain while offering some of that elusive D-flavour and mojo.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: J Rockett Audio Designs The Dude

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: J Rockett Audio Designs The Dude currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 14 of 17
Page 14 of 17
Gibson Hummingbird Vintage

Gibson Hummingbird Vintage

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The crew at Bozeman can be justly proud that they have taken their company founder's aspirations another step forward.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibson Hummingbird Vintage

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Gibson Hummingbird Vintage currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 17
Page 15 of 17
Hagstrom Retroscape Condor

Hagstrom Retroscape Condor

MusicRadar's Verdict

“In terms of build quality, sounds and playability, the Condor is up there in the retro guitar pecking order.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hagstrom Retroscape Condor

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Hagstrom Retroscape Condor currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 16 of 17
Page 16 of 17
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass

Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The '58 Longhorn bass scores big on price, playability and tonal versatility.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 17 of 17
Page 17 of 17
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

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
EVH Gear Wolfgang Van Halen Signature SA-126
"Whatever magic is in the Van Halen ear canals has been imparted here too": EVH SA-126 Special review
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
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
EVH Gear Wolfgang WG Standard T.O.M.
Hold the Floyd: EVH reimagines Wolfgang Standard as a high-performance shredder with a TOM bridge
Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster
Fender Standard Acoustasonic Jazzmaster Review
Donner x Third Man Hardware Triple Threat
“A sandbox for experimentation”: Donner x Third Man Hardware Triple Threat review
Latest in Guitar Pedals
Line 6 Helix Stadium XL: The new flagship amp modeller and multi-effects unit is a dramatic expansion of the Helix framework with a suite of state-of-the-art features
Line 6 debuts all-new AI tech as it supercharges its amp modelling platform with the Helix Stadium
An original silver Klon Centaur overdrive pedal, with its trio of oxblood coloured knobs and a single footswitch
“For the record, I have never been consulted in any way about this pedal, it has never been authorised by me”: Bill Finnegan sues Behringer parent company over Klon Centaur clone
Mad Professor Simble MKII
Mad Professor's refreshed D-style overdrive pedal is here – with improved clarity and dynamics
Pedalboard
The ultimate guide to pedal board essentials (and what order to put them in)
Donner x Third Man Hardware Triple Threat
“A sandbox for experimentation”: Donner x Third Man Hardware Triple Threat review
Electro-Harmonix Oceans Abyss Advanced Reverb Laboratory: not so much a reverb pedal as a MIDI-enabled workstation.
EHX promises a “completely unique soundscape building experience” from the Oceans Abyss über-reverb
Latest in News
pmt
"It’s been a tough few years": UK gear retailer PMT closes its doors and sells stock to Gear4Music
Gretsch Broadkaster Jr LX Center Block with Bigsby
Gretsch’s unveils new MIJ high-end semi-hollows with redesigned bodies and Pro Twin Six humbuckers
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter on her musical heroes, and why she decided to release a new album so soon... and Rush
Liam Gallagher, Sharna Liguz, Nicole Appleton and Zak Starkey attend the launch party of Liam Gallagher's new store Pretty Green on July 29, 2010
“I’ll cry... I’d have done that gig for nothing” Zak Starkey on why he'll miss the Oasis gigs
Fred Armisen as George Ross, Amy Poehler as Carolyn Kepcher, Donald Trump during "The Apprentice Band" skit on April 3, 2004
“I could’ve been a flutist”: Donald Trump is claiming he has an aptitude for music
Jackson X and JS Series Surfcasters: the long-awaited offset electric guitar is now being offered in white, satin black and metallic black, and and at the entry-level JS price point and the mid-priced X Series.
“A bold new take on a classic metal machine”: Having ridden the wave of popular demand, Jackson’s Surfcaster offset has landed – and it’s built for speed

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...