New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (July 2014)
![Taylor T5z Custom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c764c2a25cb16145479c7bb014e9a2b4-320-80.jpg)
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
![Boss OD-1X Overdrive](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aa2fbf86788126d8842a666f3d42f79b-320-80.jpg)
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
![PRS SE Zach Myers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7f9c3ad2ca44bcb4ecaf9accac6c0881-320-80.jpg)
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
![Fender Starcaster Bass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bfb7d6124e55192072129622353ca4de-320-80.jpg)
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
![Davis Stang JR500](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/340dbce272d0af7768ef09abaeb5330b-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 10](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/62db48270747e9dfa095adc432f24a22-320-80.jpg)
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
![Yamaha LL16D ARE](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1b180df77d0f3921847cc4b59ddf3f7f-320-80.jpg)
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
![Rotosound The Aftermath Analog Delay](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/0970a70f5d81321b93e1c2408f93c932-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Tone King Royalist 45C](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f6bd7fc242392746d352dd12dacd297d-320-80.jpg)
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
![Ernie Ball MVP Most Valuable Pedal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2bc85f726c31403a5da951125fe5d5c8-320-80.jpg)
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
![MusicNomad Fretboard F-One Oil](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/090a44bc9872ee5738358bbfe1db880b-320-80.jpg)
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
![Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9e879490e4ae304b7c093ae4ada68895-320-80.jpg)
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
![IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R430 Stand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/19f096a3275d495d6681acab8d2097c3-320-80.jpg)
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
![Yamaha LS16M ARE](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6c65fceac20ca6be1ab91004861d2ca0-320-80.jpg)
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
![Rotosound The Wobbler Tremolo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bbdc821aeac9e22211f2d88e5d6570ce-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Squier 60th Anniversary Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c503fd03f0b34c4f99fc52e28f8ef165-320-80.jpg)
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
![Rotosound The Pusher Compressor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/1c65f8dd2f35a25cb20eb723c9074d32-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Yamaha LJ6 ARE](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7580c0c0897bbb4ca4d322f42eba8161-320-80.jpg)
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
![Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/68da1cfdfda6d5c92c88a93490926aff-320-80.jpg)
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
![Zoom G1XON](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/0d45e9119275f9c4520a82f4f87ba015-320-80.jpg)
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
![Rotosound The King Henry Phaser](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4979252607f435227e0717da432f8dc0-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f68e1fc63bb4be286d5a400c4b0a7d0b-320-80.jpg)
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
![Providence Red Rock OD](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3af73933e729a9a52e456d089cb69bef-320-80.jpg)
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)
![Fender Deluxe Dimension V Bass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a1373d8e78ec9531b3e19851876942d9-320-80.jpg)
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
![Palmer Pedalbay 60](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2ab3e1633ba9e16f5b8533feffc217a6-320-80.jpg)
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