Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • "She knew what she'd created": Back to Black
  • Trower's '80s supergroup
  • Music theory tricks
  • Stage Tour game
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (June 2013)

News
By The MusicRadar Team
Published 31 May 2013

Guitar gear reviews from May 2013

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

Cort Z-Custom 1

Cort Z-Custom 1

MusicRadar's sister publications - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music review the latest music-making gear on a monthly basis.

In this gallery we've brought together every guitar, amp, pedal, recorder and interface review relevant to guitar players.

All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 368, Total Guitar issue 240/241, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team. First up is the Cort Z-Custom 1...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Z-Custom has a great, gnarly classic-rock voice, but suffers a little in high-gain situations."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cort Z-Custom 1 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 240)

Page 1 of 20
Page 1 of 20
Fargen Olde 800 MK II

Fargen Olde 800 MK II

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Fargen is very close to being our ideal 'Plexi'-style amp. Don't pass up a chance to try one."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fargen Olde 800 MK II review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

Page 2 of 20
Page 2 of 20
Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"At this price it's as essential for the upcoming festival season as your wellies and tent."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 240)

BUY: Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele currently available from:
UK: Andertons | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 20
Page 3 of 20
Pigtronix Infinity Looper

Pigtronix Infinity Looper

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A 'board-friendly looper pedal with a set of practical features that make it ideal for guitar players who want to get into more involved looping."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pigtronix Infinity Looper review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Pigtronix Infinity Looper currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 4 of 20
Page 4 of 20
Gibson Firebird V 2010

Gibson Firebird V 2010

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Even in these austere times, this feels like a bargain!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibson Firebird V 2010 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

Page 5 of 20
Page 5 of 20
Schecter Damien Elite Solo-6

Schecter Damien Elite Solo-6

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It has the thickness of tone that you'd want from a mahogany heavyweight, but retains the articulation you'd expect from a hot-rodded double-cut. Bad to the bone - in a good way."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter Damien Elite Solo-6 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 240)

BUY: Schecter Damien Elite Solo-6 currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 6 of 20
Page 6 of 20
Faith Naked Series Mercury Parlour

Faith Naked Series Mercury Parlour

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you pick more than you strum, you need a parlour. The choice is wide, but add this Faith to your list - it's impressive on all levels."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Faith Naked Series Mercury Parlour review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Faith Naked Series Mercury Parlour currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music

Page 7 of 20
Page 7 of 20
Gretsch Roots Collection G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top

Gretsch Roots Collection G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Adds some character to the entry-level acoustic market."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch Roots Collection G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Gretsch Roots Collection G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top currently available from:
UK: Andertons
US: Full Compass | Sweetwater

Page 8 of 20
Page 8 of 20
Peavey TNT 115 Tour Series

Peavey TNT 115 Tour Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Peavey amp designs just seem to be able to deliver more power, and this packs a lot of punch."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peavey TNT 115 Tour Series review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Peavey TNT 115 Tour Series currently available from:
US: Full Compass

Page 9 of 20
Page 9 of 20
Roland GR-D V-Guitar Distortion

Roland GR-D V-Guitar Distortion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A cost-effective way to buy into the V-Guitar world, with a useful range of distortion textures and a synth sound thrown in."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland GR-D V-Guitar Distortion review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Roland GR-D V-Guitar Distortion currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 10 of 20
Page 10 of 20
Gretsch Roots Collection G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck AE

Gretsch Roots Collection G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck AE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Great tone in an affordable package."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch Roots Collection G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck AE review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Gretsch Roots Collection G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck AE currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 20
Page 11 of 20
Roland GR-S V-Guitar Space

Roland GR-S V-Guitar Space

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you want some high-tech variations on the ambient chorus theme, this pedal offers those, and is a cost-effective way to buy into the V-Guitar world."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland GR-S V-Guitar Space review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Roland GR-S V-Guitar Space currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

Page 12 of 20
Page 12 of 20
Laney Ironheart IRT-Studio

Laney Ironheart IRT-Studio

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A cleverly designed product that looks set to find many friends in the home-recording/demo- studio market."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Laney Ironheart IRT-Studio review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Laney Ironheart IRT-Studio currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 13 of 20
Page 13 of 20
PRS Paul's Guitar

PRS Paul's Guitar

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Aesthetically, it might not be to everyone's taste, but the sounds are spectacular - and it will hold its value, too."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS Paul's Guitar review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: PRS Paul's Guitar currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 14 of 20
Page 14 of 20
Zoom A3

Zoom A3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A missed opportunity to create a preamp/multi-effects for the acoustic player. The sounds and features are there, but good luck trying to get them to your audience."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Zoom A3 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: Zoom A3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 20
Page 15 of 20
Coopersonic Fader

Coopersonic Fader

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Fader is a great idea that's nicely implemented. Why has nobody thought of a fully featured fader until now?"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Coopersonic Fader review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

Page 16 of 20
Page 16 of 20
IK Multimedia AmpliTube Orange

IK Multimedia AmpliTube Orange

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Orange has captured player's imaginations lately with a range of amps that meet a variety of guitar and bass needs, and this software reflects that."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia AmpliTube Orange review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

BUY: IK Multimedia AmpliTube Orange currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 17 of 20
Page 17 of 20
Sidewynder Pickups The DarK

Sidewynder Pickups The DarK

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The DarK is an excellent modern rock/metal 'bucker with power, clarity and - in parallel mode - a cleaner and brighter voice. Add Sidewynder to your retrofit pickup list."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sidewynder Pickups The DarK review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 368)

Page 18 of 20
Page 18 of 20
Gibson LPJ

Gibson LPJ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's not the prettiest Les Paul we've ever seen, but it's a great-sounding guitar for the money."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Gibson LPJ review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 241)

BUY: Gibson LPJ currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 19 of 20
Page 19 of 20
LTD SCT-607B

LTD SCT-607B

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Like all seven-strings, the SCT-607B will divide opinion, so do make sure you try before you buy. If you're a riffmeister, though, this could be a sound investment."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LTD SCT-607B review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 241)

BUY: LTD SCT-607B currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann

Page 20 of 20
Page 20 of 20
The MusicRadar Team
The MusicRadar Team
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the internet's most popular website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers.

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.

TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.

STARS: We talk to artists and musicians about their creative processes, digging deep into the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music-making that no other music website can.

Read more
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up June 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s epic guitar gear round-up: June ’26 edit, ft. EHX, PRS, Fender’s mega-launch and more
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
MusicRadar monthly guitar gear roundup, ft. Lzzy Hale's signature Epiphone Explorer Custom, plus new gear from Hotone, Gibson, JHS Pedals, Death By Audio and more
Guitars “His effects are bonkers in the best way possible”: The MusicRadar guitar gear roundup Aug 2026 edit
 
 
Telstar Standard ST14 12-String review
Electric Guitars "Superb playability, a versatile sound set, and pretty unbeatable value": Shergold Telstar Standard ST14 12-String review
 
 
Harley Benton ST-62LA MN BK
Electric Guitars “Makes you realise just how good budget guitars have become”: Harley Benton ST-62LA review
 
 
Donner Hush X Pro on wood floor
Electric Guitars “When you're away from your main rig, it more than fills a void.”: Donner Hush X Pro review
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Eric Clapton plays his signature Strat in Torino Red during a mid '80s show in Italy
Artists How Eric Clapton’s ‘80s reinvention peaked with Behind The Mask
 
 
An Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar on a blue background
Guitars I’ve covered Guitar Center sales for years, and the freshly launched Guitar-A-Thon sale is a must-shop with reductions hitting up to 30% off
 
 
Death Cab For Cutie
Artists When Death Cab for Cutie shared their guitar rig with us
 
 
Epiphone Joan Jett Olympic Special
Electric Guitars Epiphone brings back the Joan Jett Olympic Special and gives the single-pickup powerhouse an all-new look
 
 
Joe Bonamassa demos his new signature Pawnshop Special P-90 pickups from Seymour Duncan.
Artists How a miracle pawn shop purchase in the depths of winter made Joe Bonamassa fall in love with P-90s
 
 
Gibson x Baggs HiFi DNA Pickup
Guitars Have Gibson and Baggs cracked the code for amplified acoustic guitar tone? Meet the HiFi DNA system
 
 
Latest in News
Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, David Byrne and Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads
Bands Radio Head: Talking Heads are to get their own pop up shop radio channel in October
 
 
GTA VI the album
Singles And Albums Great Theft Auto VI soundtrack album announced for same day as game: 19 November
 
 
Neil Young
Artists “The whole idea is to not know what you’re doing”: Neil Young on his unconventional creative process
 
 
Brent Hinds of the American heavy metal band Mastodon performs in concert during Resurrection Fest on July 02, 2022
Bands “I kept seeing him out of the corner of my eye”: Mastodon’s new album is inspired by departed guitarist Brent Hinds
 
 
Johnny Marr in his studio with some of the guitars that are heading to auction on September 17, 2026.
Guitarists “A great experience and has exceeded all my expectations”: Johnny Marr’s guitar auction raises over £3.6 million
 
 
lunacy
Tech Lunacy launches Nova platform with five free virtual instruments – but bigger things are on the way
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • 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...