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
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
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
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
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
Cort KX507MS Pale Moon
Electric Guitars "Ordering one before clapping eyes on it will be a lottery": Cort KX507MS Pale Moon 7-string review
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (June 2012)

News
By Total Guitar, Alex Turner; Guitarist ( Total Guitar ) published 1 June 2012

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

28 products at a glance

28 products at a glance

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

This is a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, amps and effects, all of which were tested meticulously by either Guitarist or Total Guitar in recent months and reviewed on MusicRadar throughout May 2012.

Flick through this month's picks and follow the links to read each product's full review. We kick off with a tasty all-mahogany acoustic…

NEXT: Atkin Guitars AA AM Special

Page 1 of 29
Page 1 of 29
Atkin Guitars AA AM Special

Atkin Guitars AA AM Special

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Puts a fine gloss on the all-mahogany genre, with great style.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Atkin Guitars AA AM Special

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 2 of 29
Page 2 of 29
Fender 50th Anniversary Jaguar (£1943)

Fender 50th Anniversary Jaguar (£1943)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A perfectly good Jaguar. But does it really broaden the appeal of what was a truly oddball Leo Fender design?”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender 50th Anniversary Jaguar

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Fender 50th Anniversary Jaguar currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 3 of 29
Page 3 of 29
Collings I35LC (£3799)

Collings I35LC (£3799)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Once again, Collings redefines the term boutique guitar. One of the finest thinline semis we've ever played.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Collings I35LC

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Collings I35LC currently available from:
UK: guitarguitar

Page 4 of 29
Page 4 of 29
Egnater Vengeance (£1149)

Egnater Vengeance (£1149)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Vengeance is a truly great two-channel head.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Egnater Vengeance

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Egnater Vengeance currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 5 of 29
Page 5 of 29
GJ2 Arete Four-Star (£2299)

GJ2 Arete Four-Star (£2299)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Very natural feeling thanks to the oil finish, this guitar plays wonderfully.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: GJ2 Arete Four-Star

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 6 of 29
Page 6 of 29
Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass (£443)

Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass (£443)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This Modern Player is an affordable, desirable Jaguar Bass with Fender on the headstock. As an entry-level instrument it stands out from the crowd. The third classic Fender bass design? Maybe…”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | guitarguitar | Reidys
USA: Sweetwater
FR: Thomann | Woodbrass

Page 7 of 29
Page 7 of 29
Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack £139

Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack £139

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not cheap, but if you want a rugged audio input device for iOS that will slip into any pocket and take more than just guitar signals, GuitarJack is the way to go.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
USA: Full Compass
FR: Thomann | Star's Music | Woodbrass

Page 8 of 29
Page 8 of 29
Super-Vee BladeRunner Tremolo System (£120)

Super-Vee BladeRunner Tremolo System (£120)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An idiot proof, easily reversible retro-fit vibrato that won't damage your guitar. It sounds good and although feels slightly stiffer has exceptional return to pitch with zero tweaking.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Super-Vee BladeRunner Tremolo System

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 9 of 29
Page 9 of 29
Eternashine Guitar Scratch Remover (£19)

Eternashine Guitar Scratch Remover (£19)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This is a nice package that works on those small but still annoying scratches and marks, as well and giving your favourite axe a thought clean and polish. Plus, if you purchase the product from Posh Guitars, 10 per cent of the asking price goes to charity work in Africa building orphanages to care for AIDS victims.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Eternashine Guitar Scratch Remover

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 10 of 29
Page 10 of 29
Egnater Armageddon (£1499)

Egnater Armageddon (£1499)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Armageddon will win lots of three-channel fans - don't pass up a chance to try an awesome amp.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Egnater Armageddon

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Egnater Armageddon currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 29
Page 11 of 29
Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar (£1943)

Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar (£1943)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Finally, 50 years on, the evocative style and sound of the Jaguar is now available on an instrument that works. Nice one, Mr Marr.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | guitarguitar | Reidys
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Thomann | Michenaud | Star's Music | Woodbrass

Page 12 of 29
Page 12 of 29
GJ2 Arete Five-Star (£2999)

GJ2 Arete Five-Star (£2999)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Options galore make this a serious boutique contender for rock.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: GJ2 Arete Five-Star

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 13 of 29
Page 13 of 29
Godin Core HB (£899)

Godin Core HB (£899)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A strong alternative to more predictable Gibson-influenced electrics.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Godin Core HB

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 14 of 29
Page 14 of 29
Hayden HGT-A20 (£539)

Hayden HGT-A20 (£539)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Portable and loud-for-20-watts valve combo with a wide range of sounds for classic rock and rock-leaning blues styles.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hayden HGT-A20

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Hayden HGT-A20 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 15 of 29
Page 15 of 29
Mariner Eunoia DEC (£525)

Mariner Eunoia DEC (£525)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An eco-friendly guitar with excellent electro sounds.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mariner Eunoia DEC

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 16 of 29
Page 16 of 29
Godin Core P-90 (£849)

Godin Core P-90 (£849)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An appealing, well-made and good sounding instrument.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Godin Core P-90

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Godin Core P-90 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
FR: Thomann

Page 17 of 29
Page 17 of 29
Timber Tones Bone Tones plectrums (£4)

Timber Tones Bone Tones plectrums (£4)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The plectrums are certainly attractive and well made, but whether the animal origins of these products bothers you will be down to personal preference.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Timber Tones Bone Tones plectrums

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

Page 18 of 29
Page 18 of 29
Perri's Leathers Licensed Straps (£15-22)

Perri's Leathers Licensed Straps (£15-22)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Strong range of designs, if that's your thing.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Perri's Leathers Licensed Straps

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

Page 19 of 29
Page 19 of 29
Dunlop Sturdy Stand (£55)

Dunlop Sturdy Stand (£55)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“We'd sooner pay out for the SturdyStand than a broken iPad…”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dunlop Sturdy Stand

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

Page 20 of 29
Page 20 of 29
Hayden HGT-A40 (£529)

Hayden HGT-A40 (£529)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Reasonable value option for a giggable, valve-powered rock rig that steers away from classic Marshall and Fender.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hayden HGT-A40

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

BUY: Hayden HGT-A40 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 21 of 29
Page 21 of 29
Dunlop Ben Harper Signature Tone Bar (£49)

Dunlop Ben Harper Signature Tone Bar (£49)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It may be a niche product and rather expensive, but for lap slide styles the Ben Harper Tone Bar scores highly for sustain, tone and comfort.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dunlop Ben Harper Signature Tone Bar

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: Dunlop Ben Harper Signature Tone Bar currently available from:
USA: Full Compass
FR: Michenaud

Page 22 of 29
Page 22 of 29
PRS SE 30 head (£999)

PRS SE 30 head (£999)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you don't need oodles of gain, then get stuck in and simply enjoy an expressive amp that will respond dynamically to your guitar and playing style.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE 30 head

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: PRS SE 30 head currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater

Page 23 of 29
Page 23 of 29
Fret-King Black Label Elise (£749)

Fret-King Black Label Elise (£749)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Clever Trevor has designed a fantastic working musician's tool that's tonally versatile, gig-tough and realistically priced.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Elise

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Elise currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | Reidys

Page 24 of 29
Page 24 of 29
Pigtronix FAT Drive (£115)

Pigtronix FAT Drive (£115)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A smart, modern and intuitive pedal, with a great set of classic and contemporary tones. Best of all, this boutique quality comes in at a sensible price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pigtronix FAT Drive

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: Pigtronix FAT Drive currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Thomann

Page 25 of 29
Page 25 of 29
Carl Martin Classic Optical Envelope (£99)

Carl Martin Classic Optical Envelope (£99)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A unit that deserves some serious consideration.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Carl Martin Classic Optical Envelope

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: Carl Martin Classic Optical Envelope currently available from:
UK: Thomann
FR: Thomann

Page 26 of 29
Page 26 of 29
Mariner Eunoia OME (£525)

Mariner Eunoia OME (£525)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Though ticking green boxes, the OME may struggle to compete tonally with popular £500 electros.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mariner Eunoia OME

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 355)

Page 27 of 29
Page 27 of 29
Gretsch G5013CE Rancher Jr (£298)

Gretsch G5013CE Rancher Jr (£298)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you're looking for something outside of the norm that can still do the business when required, this could be just the ticket.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch G5013CE Rancher Jr

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: Gretsch G5013CE Rancher Jr currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | guitarguitar
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Woodbrass

Page 28 of 29
Page 28 of 29
Squier Vintage Modified Surf Strat (£334)

Squier Vintage Modified Surf Strat (£334)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A custom colour, vibrato-loaded Stratocaster is the ultimate surf guitar. Pimping one with a set of lipstick pickups makes this guitar even more ridiculously desirable.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Squier Vintage Modified Surf Strat

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 228)

BUY: Squier Vintage Modified Surf Strat currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | guitarguitar | Reidys
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Thomann | Michenaud | Woodbrass

Page 29 of 29
Page 29 of 29
Alex Turner; Guitarist
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
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
Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac: the new semi-hollow signature model is a stunning singlecut with a quilted maple build in a natural finish.
“Unbeatable... A play-anything guitar”: Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac Session Man 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
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
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
Latest in Guitars
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: It's your last chance to grab a Prime Day deal on gear from Fender, Roland, Casio, Yamaha, Toontrack & more - but you'll have to be quick
Darkglass Electronics Kaamos: this high-end twofer is a hard-working addition to any bass player's pedalboard, and features a comprehensive suite of controls.
“A versatile overdrive and a high-quality octaver – two pedalboard mainstays in one box”: Darkglass Electronics Kaamos review
Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay: the bass legend's new signature model is offered fretted or fretless, and in a deep and luxurious 79 Burst finish.
Pino Palladino teams up with EBMM for a signature StingRay inspired by the bass that started it all
Mooer Audio F15i Li Intelligent Amp: this battery-powered take-anywhere guitar amp is packed with amp and effects models, and is an all-in-one practice solution.
Mooer’s F15i Intelligent Amp is a desktop doozie equipped with 55 amps, 69 effects and a touchscreen
Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue
“A really vintage‑flavoured friend”: Epiphone 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue 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.
EVH Gear drops the Hypersonic FR-12 FRFR speaker – 1000-watts to get the most from your amp modeller
Latest in News
Exodus Gary Holt
"It might have been like 12 people there”: Exodus’ Gary Holt pulls zero punches in his new autobiography
blur and oasis
“I am happy to accept and concede defeat”: Damon Albarn just admitted that Oasis won
Jeff Lynne ELO
"Jeff is devastated": ELO's last ever mega-gig plunged into jeopardy after last-minute cancellation of last night's Manchester show
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: It's your last chance to grab a Prime Day deal on gear from Fender, Roland, Casio, Yamaha, Toontrack & more - but you'll have to be quick
Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay: the bass legend's new signature model is offered fretted or fretless, and in a deep and luxurious 79 Burst finish.
Pino Palladino teams up with EBMM for a signature StingRay inspired by the bass that started it all
Amerie
How Amerie created a ‘00s R&B/funk classic with producer Rich Harrison

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...