Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Guitar Amps
  • Drums
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Radiohead theory
  • Steely Dan's drum machine
  • Deep Purple in the dungeon
  • Prince's drummers
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: With a whopping $600 off a Gibson Les Paul, $500 off a stunning Guild Starfire and $400 off the modern Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6, it's all about guitars this week
A Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster on a white piece of wood with lots of holes in it
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $1,000/£1,000 in 2025: My top picks for players of all styles
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive $1,000 off Roland V-Drums, up to $320 off a range of Fender guitars, and so much more
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
PRS SE Semi-Hollow Special
Electric Guitars "A stellar build complements a gorgeous aesthetic, and thankfully, it has the tones and playability to back it up": PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow review
Fender American Ultra Luxe 60s Stratocaster
Electric Guitars Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Stratocaster review
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
Debbie Gough of Heriot demoes the new Jackson Pro Plus Metal Phase II Warrior on a darkened studio set.
Guitars Jackson adds Warrior, King V and Concert Bass to its limited edition Pro Plus Pure Metal range
Laney LFR-110: A compact 1x10 version of the British amp brand's "best in class" FRFR speaker cabinet.
Guitars Laney expands Devin Townsend and Guthrie Govan-approved FRFR speaker range with compact 1x10
The BEAM SOLO is the new headphone amp for guitar and bass from Blackstar Amplification, and is a compact unit with an integrated jack featuring amp models and effects, and a suite of digital features.
Guitars Blackstar Amplification unveils the BEAM SOLO – has the Fender Mustang Micro Plus found a rival?
Orbit Culture's guitarists
Electric Guitars Orbit Culture show us their ESP guitars – and tell us why the EverTune bridge is a game-changer
Gretsch Electromatic CVT: The bolt-on double-cut assumes a familiar form to the Jack Antonoff signature model, and features dual humbuckers, a wraparound tailpiece, and some neat vintage finishes.
Guitars Like the Jack Antonoff signature Gretsch? Then you are going to love the CVT Electromatic
TC Electronic Polytune clip-on tuner on a Martin acoustic guitar headstock
Guitar Tuners Best clip-on guitar tuners 2025: Top headstock and soundhole tuners to buy right now
Strymon EC-1 Single Head dTape Echo: the metallic gray box has cream dials, an LED that lights up blue and/or red, and is photographed here against a wooden background.
Guitar Pedals “A perfect melding of vintage sound with modern practicality”: Strymon EC-1 review
EVH Gear Hypersonic FR-12: The newly launched FRFR speaker packs 1000-watts, is available in black or ivory, and might just be the perfect companion to your amp modeller.
Guitars EVH Gear drops the Hypersonic FR-12 FRFR speaker – 1000-watts to get the most from your amp modeller
  1. Guitars

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

News
By Total Guitar, Guitarist ( Guitarist, Total Guitar ) published 4 January 2016

All of the month's guitar gear in one place

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

One Control Tri Loop

One Control Tri Loop

We started 2016 with one hell of a bang as our guitar team has reviewed some mouth-wateringly gorgeous gear.

Click through the gallery for an overview of all the guitar gear that came under the MusicRadar microscope in December, and was originally featured in Guitarist and Total Guitar magazines.

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The array of functions that the Tri Loop is capable of endows it with a broad appeal. It's a great utility item for a pedalboard and a steal at the price, too.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: One Control Tri Loop

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 1 of 23
Page 1 of 23
Electro Harmonix Octavix

Electro Harmonix Octavix

MusicRadar's Verdict

“It's not the most versatile octave fuzz, but it's one of the most enjoyable.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro Harmonix Octavix

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

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

Page 2 of 23
Page 2 of 23
Mad Professor RED Cable

Mad Professor RED Cable

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The bottom line is, if you can comfortably afford it, try it for yourself and see if it makes a difference for you.”

2.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mad Professor RED Cable

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 3 of 23
Page 3 of 23
Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine

Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A superb tone for adding some classic organ sounds to your arsenal.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 4 of 23
Page 4 of 23
Electro-Harmonix Nano POG

Electro-Harmonix Nano POG

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The Nano represents another successful step forward for the POG.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix Nano POG

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

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

Page 5 of 23
Page 5 of 23
Vintage V6M24

Vintage V6M24

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A well made guitar at a great price - what's not to like?”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vintage V6M24

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 6 of 23
Page 6 of 23
Boss DD-500 Digital Delay

Boss DD-500 Digital Delay

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A worthy successor to the Boss digital delay throne.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss DD-500 Digital Delay

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Boss DD-500 Digital Delay currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 7 of 23
Page 7 of 23
Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini

Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Retains the classic Tube Screamer flavour in a cute compact package. What's not to like?”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 8 of 23
Page 8 of 23
Vintage VEC501BGB

Vintage VEC501BGB

MusicRadar's Verdict

“If the new year brings with it resolutions to get out there and play as an acoustic troubadour or band leader, the VEC501 could certainly help make them a reality.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vintage VEC501BGB

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 9 of 23
Page 9 of 23
PRS S2 Standard Singlecut Satin

PRS S2 Standard Singlecut Satin

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Clean, low, medium or high-gain, this one's a banker: the most rock-out, resonant blue-collar PRS we've ever played.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Standard Singlecut Satin

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: PRS S2 Standard Singlecut Satin currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 10 of 23
Page 10 of 23
Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster

Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster

MusicRadar's Verdict

“This Hendrix model might just turn everything you think you want from a Stratocaster on its head.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 11 of 23
Page 11 of 23
DOD Gonkulator 2015

DOD Gonkulator 2015

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Most of the time the Gonkulator sounds like a bemused Dalek – whether that's a good thing or not is up to you...”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Gonkulator 2015

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: DOD Gonkulator 2015 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 23
Page 12 of 23
MXR Iso-Brick

MXR Iso-Brick

MusicRadar's Verdict

“With plenty of options for a mixed range of power-hungry pedals that will cover most pedalboards' needs, the Iso-Brick offers great value for money.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MXR Iso-Brick

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: MXR Iso-Brick currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 23
Page 13 of 23
Xvive D3 Duet Looper

Xvive D3 Duet Looper

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The D3 is not as intuitive as TC Electronic's Ditto, but those dual loops could seal the deal.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Xvive D3 Duet Looper

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Xvive D3 Duet Looper currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 14 of 23
Page 14 of 23
MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

MusicRadar's Verdict

“If you love Mr Van Halen, it's got his name written all over it.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 23
Page 15 of 23
DOD Meatbox 2015

DOD Meatbox 2015

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The 2015 Meatbox is very much like the original; it's enormously fun, but ultimately niche.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Meatbox 2015

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: DOD Meatbox 2015 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 16 of 23
Page 16 of 23
Rainger FX Echo-X

Rainger FX Echo-X

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The Echo-X is a perfect blend of untameable and controllable.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rainger FX Echo-X

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 17 of 23
Page 17 of 23
Xvive Memory Analog Delay

Xvive Memory Analog Delay

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Familiar vintage analogue delay sounds in a reasonably sized (and priced) box.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Xvive Memory Analog Delay

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

BUY: Xvive Memory Analog Delay currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 18 of 23
Page 18 of 23
Fender Paramount PM-1

Fender Paramount PM-1

MusicRadar's Verdict

“The PM-1 is light in weight and feel and sounds just as good acoustically as it does amplified and offers excellent strum-friendly projection.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Paramount PM-1

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 19 of 23
Page 19 of 23
DOD Gunslinger

DOD Gunslinger

MusicRadar's Verdict

“A sure-shootin' pedal that delivers straight-up distortion.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Gunslinger

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: DOD Gunslinger currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 20 of 23
Page 20 of 23
DOD Boneshaker

DOD Boneshaker

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Provided its particular brand of grit is your cup of tea, you'll have no problems honing in on the dirty sound you're after with the Boneshaker.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Boneshaker

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

BUY: DOD Boneshaker currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 21 of 23
Page 21 of 23
Smooth Hound Classic Wireless Guitar System

Smooth Hound Classic Wireless Guitar System

MusicRadar's Verdict

“Small size, competitive price and a really good sound make this home-grown product well worth checking out.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Smooth Hound Classic Wireless Guitar System

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 22 of 23
Page 22 of 23
Fender Paramount PM-2

Fender Paramount PM-2

MusicRadar's Verdict

“There's a lot here to like, not least the price-to-spec ratio.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Paramount PM-2

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 23 of 23
Page 23 of 23
Guitarist
Guitarist
Social Links Navigation

Guitarist is the longest established UK guitar magazine, offering gear reviews, artist interviews, techniques lessons and loads more, in print, on tablet and on smartphones
Digital: http://bit.ly/GuitaristiOS
If you love guitars, you'll love Guitarist. Find us in print, on Newsstand for iPad, iPhone and other digital readers

The magazine for serious players image
The magazine for serious players
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: With a whopping $600 off a Gibson Les Paul, $500 off a stunning Guild Starfire and $400 off the modern Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6, it's all about guitars this week
A Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster on a white piece of wood with lots of holes in it
Best electric guitars under $1,000/£1,000 in 2025: My top picks for players of all styles
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive $1,000 off Roland V-Drums, up to $320 off a range of Fender guitars, and so much more
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
PRS SE Semi-Hollow Special
"A stellar build complements a gorgeous aesthetic, and thankfully, it has the tones and playability to back it up": PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow review
Fender American Ultra Luxe 60s Stratocaster
Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Stratocaster review
Latest in Guitars
Andy Summers of The Police performs at Oakland Coliseum on June 13, 2007 in Oakland, California
“Every culture has accessed it and made something of their own of it”: Andy Summers to front new docu-series about the guitar
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: With a whopping $600 off a Gibson Les Paul, $500 off a stunning Guild Starfire and $400 off the modern Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6, it's all about guitars this week
Gibson Custom SJ-200 Monarch #100: this stunning one-of-one jumbo is replete with all kinds of rococo flourishes, from the diamond and gold crown inlay on the headstock, to the 14k gold rope binding, Gibson calls it the "ultimate custom" acoustic and not without some justification.
Gibson gives the “King of the Flat-Tops” a whole new meaning with the $99,999 SJ-200 Monarch #100
Sir Paul McCartney rocks the London O2 crowd in 2024 and gives them a sly glance as he plays his iconic Hofner 500/1 bass.
Paul McCartney’s stolen bass was one of music’s biggest mysteries – and now they are making a film about it
Rick Graham is photographed in a dark setting with a warm stagelight in the background; he holds his new signature electric guitar, a shell-pink S-style with a reverse headstock
Charvel and Rick Graham team up for Pro-Mod signature model with relic'd nitro cult colour finish
Jackson Pro Series Limited Edition Phil Demmel KV King V: the V-style electric is finished in black-and-white polka dots, and looks good in all settings, against a white background or barroom scene alike.
Jackson and Phil Demmel salute Randy Rhoads with limited run Pro Series King V in polka dot finish
Latest in News
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 24: Laufey performs onstage with FIJI Water at A Very Laufey Day 2025 at Los Angeles Grand Park on August 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for FIJI Water)
Laufey says she’s happy to use voice memo recordings and doesn’t pay much attention to the mics she uses
Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead performs at Madison Square Garden on July 11, 2018 in New York City, NY.
Colin Greenwood suggests Radiohead will take "a busking attitude" to setlists for upcoming gigs
Glenn Hughes
“I’m not trying to alienate my audience!”: Glenn Hughes says he's still taking inspiration from David Bowie
 Morrissey performs at The SSE Arena, Wembley on March 14, 2020 in London, England
Morrissey’s Smiths’ sale: The plot thickens as singer says email for potential buyers has been switched off
Rick Davies
“I think a certain amount of friction is inevitable”: How Rick Davies described the conflict that ruined Supertramp
Graham Smyth
“I wanted to save my sister the torment of listening to songs about coconuts and infant fish”: Meet the DJ who’s made a babies' rave album

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...