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  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (July 2014)

News
By Total Guitar, Guitarist ( Guitarist, Total Guitar ) published 7 July 2014

All of the June reviews, in one place

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

Taylor T5z Custom

Taylor T5z Custom

MusicRadar's sister mags Guitarist and Total Guitar pen the best independent reviews of guitar gear on a regular basis.

In this gallery, we've collected all their guitar, amp, pedal and other six-string-focussed reviews featured on the site in June. All of the reviews here were originally published in Guitarist issue 381/382, Total Guitar issue 253/254, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team. Kicking things off, it's the Taylor T5z Custom...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“More electric- feeling than the T5, the T5z is still a highly visionary design for the creative player wanting to merge electric and acoustic sounds.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Taylor T5z Custom review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Taylor T5z Custom currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 1 of 25
Page 1 of 25
Boss OD-1X Overdrive

Boss OD-1X Overdrive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Not, er, dirt cheap, but it will give you a different dirtbox experience from just about everything else around.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss OD-1X Overdrive review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Boss OD-1X Overdrive currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 25
Page 2 of 25
PRS SE Zach Myers

PRS SE Zach Myers

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If he wasn't touring the world and helping to sell millions of records, Zach Myers might have a career as a guitar designer.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE Zach Myers review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: PRS SE Zach Myers currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 25
Page 3 of 25
Fender Starcaster Bass

Fender Starcaster Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent and viable alternative to Fender's solidbodies, this comfortable and stylish bass will turn heads.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Starcaster Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Fender Starcaster Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 4 of 25
Page 4 of 25
Davis Stang JR500

Davis Stang JR500

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For players with a dedicated road crew, it's definitely work checking out. The rest of us might need to see what Davis comes up with next. One to watch out for.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Davis Stang JR500 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

Page 5 of 25
Page 5 of 25
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 10

Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 10

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A superbly featured first amp - a no-brainer. A lot of fun for the cash!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 10 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 10 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 25
Page 6 of 25
Yamaha LL16D ARE

Yamaha LL16D ARE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Poshed-up version of the more plain LL16 ARE, offering stunning spec for very sensible money.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha LL16D ARE review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Yamaha LL16D ARE currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 7 of 25
Page 7 of 25
Rotosound The Aftermath Analog Delay

Rotosound The Aftermath Analog Delay

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Give it a go if you like your delay dirty.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound The Aftermath Analog Delay review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

Page 8 of 25
Page 8 of 25
Tone King Royalist 45C

Tone King Royalist 45C

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you want the ultimate British tone experience, the Royalist is pretty much in a league of its own.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tone King Royalist 45C review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Tone King Royalist 45C currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 9 of 25
Page 9 of 25
Ernie Ball MVP Most Valuable Pedal

Ernie Ball MVP Most Valuable Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Plenty of players could find a use for this Ball in their signal chain.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ernie Ball MVP Most Valuable Pedal review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 253)

BUY: Ernie Ball MVP Most Valuable Pedal currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 10 of 25
Page 10 of 25
MusicNomad Fretboard F-One Oil

MusicNomad Fretboard F-One Oil

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It does the job, lasts ages and represents excellent value for money. What's not to like?”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MusicNomad Fretboard F-One Oil review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 253)

BUY: MusicNomad Fretboard F-One Oil currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
FR: Woodbrass

Page 11 of 25
Page 11 of 25
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20

Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“To find such features on a starter amp 10 years ago would have been pretty incredible; today, it's seemingly the norm. Despite stiff competition, the Stereo 20 can carve its niche a little deeper.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 25
Page 12 of 25
IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R430 Stand

IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R430 Stand

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“There are cheaper stands, but the IsoAcoustics' effects are worth experiencing.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R430 Stand review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 253)

BUY: IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R430 Stand currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 25
Page 13 of 25
Yamaha LS16M ARE

Yamaha LS16M ARE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Highly capable, traditional-style small-body all-rounder, offering exceptional value for money.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha LS16M ARE review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Yamaha LS16M ARE currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 25
Page 14 of 25
Rotosound The Wobbler Tremolo

Rotosound The Wobbler Tremolo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“All in all, it's a great, natural way to add tremolo if you don't have an amp with the effect built in.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound The Wobbler Tremolo review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 253)

Page 15 of 25
Page 15 of 25
Squier 60th Anniversary Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster

Squier 60th Anniversary Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The guitar's aural presence doesn't sparkle as much as its finish, but it's rammed with usable tones to suit a huge range of genres - yet more proof that 60 years on, the Strat is still worth its weight in gold.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Squier 60th Anniversary Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: Squier 60th Anniversary Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 16 of 25
Page 16 of 25
Rotosound The Pusher Compressor

Rotosound The Pusher Compressor

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Plenty of sustain and top-end bite, but no hiss - cool!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound The Pusher Compressor review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

Page 17 of 25
Page 17 of 25
Yamaha LJ6 ARE

Yamaha LJ6 ARE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Almost unbelievable value for money for such a capable, quality electro-acoustic, especially in Sunburst!”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha LJ6 ARE review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Yamaha LJ6 ARE currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 18 of 25
Page 18 of 25
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40

Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you like the ID:Core concept but need more power - this is the one!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

BUY: Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 25
Page 19 of 25
Zoom G1XON

Zoom G1XON

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It might not stay in your rig forever, but the G1Xon is a stellar introduction to effects.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zoom G1XON review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: Zoom G1XON currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 20 of 25
Page 20 of 25
Rotosound The King Henry Phaser

Rotosound The King Henry Phaser

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's royally good phasing with a funky edge.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound The King Henry Phaser review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

Page 21 of 25
Page 21 of 25
Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A hardly essential visual prop, or a viable electric-meets-acoustic hybrid? We'll go for the latter.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 22 of 25
Page 22 of 25
Providence Red Rock OD

Providence Red Rock OD

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An ideal hotter companion to the boost pedal on your board, that can be tone-tweaked to complement your rig.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Providence Red Rock OD review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 381)

Page 23 of 25
Page 23 of 25
Fender Deluxe Dimension V Bass

Fender Deluxe Dimension V Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A Fender bass in touch with the needs of today's players. Sleek, comfortable and full of sonic delight.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Deluxe Dimension V Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Fender Deluxe Dimension V Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 24 of 25
Page 24 of 25
Palmer Pedalbay 60

Palmer Pedalbay 60

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Pedalbay 60 is an affordable route to tidy 'boards.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Palmer Pedalbay 60 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: Palmer Pedalbay 60 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 25 of 25
Page 25 of 25
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