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
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Celebrate the 4th of July in style with hundreds slashed off gear from Gibson, Fender, Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, Boss and 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.
Electric Guitars “It’s as comfortable as a guitar can”: Kramer Volante HSGT Triburst 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
Fender Player II Modified Series
Guitars Fender remixes its blockbuster Player II range with the Modified Series and got IDLES to demo them
Jackson Pro Plus Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut: the newly refreshed signature Superstrat is offered in Red Crystal and Blue Sparkle with a string-through-hardtail, and in Riviera Blue with an EverTune bridge. Stainless steel frets and an ebony fingerboard come as standard.
Guitars Jackson gives Misha Mansoor’s Juggernaut a new lick of paint and upgrades to stainless steel frets
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
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (July 2010)

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar, Si Truss, Computer Music ( Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music ) published 15 July 2010

Electric, acoustic and bass guitars, amps and effects (July 2010)

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

June-July 2010: guitars, amps, effects and software

June-July 2010: guitars, amps, effects and software

Every month MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm, Future Music and Guitar Techniques - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

This is a collection of the best electric, acoustic and bass guitars, amps, effects and guitar software - all of which have been meticulously tested by either Guitarist, Total Guitar or Computer Music in recent issues and published on MusicRadar throughout June and July.

Flick through this month’s top picks and follow the links to read each product’s full review. Up first: The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy

Page 1 of 18
Page 1 of 18
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy (£125)

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy (£125)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Boy, is this good. Huge scope for experimentation and a great core sound."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Boy

(First reviewed in Total Guitar issue 202)

Page 2 of 18
Page 2 of 18
Fishman Aura 16 acoustic imaging pedal (£249)

Fishman Aura 16 acoustic imaging pedal (£249)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If you want to enhance your live acoustic sound, try this. It could be handy in the studio too."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fishman Aura 16 acoustic imaging pedal

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 3 of 18
Page 3 of 18
Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum ($299)

Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum ($299)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Not quite the update it could have been, but Pod Farm 2 remains a strong contender in the amp sim arena."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum

(First reviewed in Computer Music issue 154)

Page 4 of 18
Page 4 of 18
BBE Sound Stomp Ware (£110)

BBE Sound Stomp Ware (£110)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"As with real guitar pedals, BBE's bundle o' boxes is simple yet effective, with plenty of rude 'tude (dude)."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Stomp Ware

(First reviewed in Computer Music issue 154)

Page 5 of 18
Page 5 of 18
Electro-Harmonix Ring Thing (£150)

Electro-Harmonix Ring Thing (£150)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"This is a very versatile sound creation tool you never knew you needed."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix Ring Thing

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 6 of 18
Page 6 of 18
Lazy J Model 80 Combo (£2244)

Lazy J Model 80 Combo (£2244)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Lazy J's Model 80 combo is more than just a Tweed replica, its extra features really work. And then there's the sound…"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lazy J Model 80 Combo

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 7 of 18
Page 7 of 18
Fender G-DEC 3 30 guitar amp (£329)

Fender G-DEC 3 30 guitar amp (£329)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"So much more than just a practice amp, this is a killer tool for beginners and pros alike."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender G-DEC 3 30

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 8 of 18
Page 8 of 18
Trace Elliot AH600-7 Head (£1099)

Trace Elliot AH600-7 Head (£1099)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If a real bass stack does it for you then this is a winner, but if you want something more compact then the fresh combo versions of both seven and 12-band EQ models will be available soon."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Trace Elliot AH600-7 Head

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 9 of 18
Page 9 of 18
Fret-King Blue Label Ventura Super 80 Bass (£669)

Fret-King Blue Label Ventura Super 80 Bass (£669)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A great concept, with good build, sounds and value for money."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Blue Label Ventura Super 80 Bass

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 10 of 18
Page 10 of 18
Schecter C-1 Custom (£679)

Schecter C-1 Custom (£679)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"The SH-11 in the bridge gives a refreshingly distinct tone that's usable for just about anything - in short this is an impressive guitar."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter C-1 Custom

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 11 of 18
Page 11 of 18
ESP Formula FR-II (£1929)

ESP Formula FR-II (£1929)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"This is an exceedingly versatile and high quality instrument that any serious player should try."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: ESP Formula FR-II

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 12 of 18
Page 12 of 18
Suhr Guthrie Govan SN (£2900)

Suhr Guthrie Govan SN (£2900)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"It's not cheap and not that pretty, but is one of the most fabulously versatile and musical machines we're yet to drive. And it just might help us play like Guthrie..."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Suhr Guthrie Govan SN

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 331)

Page 13 of 18
Page 13 of 18
Knaggs Chesapeake Choptank 3 (£2299)

Knaggs Chesapeake Choptank 3 (£2299)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If your buying choice is simply about sound and feel, and you love old Fender guitars, then you need to play the Chesapeake. Be warned: you might have to buy it though!"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Knaggs Chesapeake Choptank 3

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 331)

Page 14 of 18
Page 14 of 18
Yamaha SG1802 (£2525)

Yamaha SG1802 (£2525)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"An excellent vintage-inspired addition to the SG range with great build quality and a traditional range of pumped-up singlecoil tones"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha SG1802

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 15 of 18
Page 15 of 18
Yamaha SG1820 (£2525)

Yamaha SG1820 (£2525)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A viable alternative to a Les Paul with impressive appointments and a range of traditional Les Paul-style tones."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha SG1820

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 16 of 18
Page 16 of 18
Yamaha SG1820A (£2650)

Yamaha SG1820A (£2650)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If you're looking for a meaner looking and sounding modern Les Paul alternative, look no further than this."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha SG1820A

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 17 of 18
Page 17 of 18
Yamaha CG122MS nylon string acoustic (£219)

Yamaha CG122MS nylon string acoustic (£219)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Here's a perfect nylon-string for beginners and an ideal inexpensive guitar to have kicking about at home for more experienced players."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha CG122MS

(First reviewed in Guitarist issue 330)

Page 18 of 18
Page 18 of 18
Si Truss
Social Links Navigation

I'm the Managing Editor of Music Technology at MusicRadar and former Editor-in-Chief of Future Music, Computer Music and Electronic Musician. I've been messing around with music tech in various forms for over two decades. I've also spent the last 10 years forgetting how to play guitar. Find me in the chillout room at raves complaining that it's past my bedtime.

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: Celebrate the 4th of July in style with hundreds slashed off gear from Gibson, Fender, Alesis, Roland, Yamaha, Boss and 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
Deals of the week
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
Fender Player II Modified Series
Fender remixes its blockbuster Player II range with the Modified Series and got IDLES to demo them
Jackson Pro Plus Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut: the newly refreshed signature Superstrat is offered in Red Crystal and Blue Sparkle with a string-through-hardtail, and in Riviera Blue with an EverTune bridge. Stainless steel frets and an ebony fingerboard come as standard.
Jackson gives Misha Mansoor’s Juggernaut a new lick of paint and upgrades to stainless steel frets
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
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...