Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitar Amps
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • EVH trance state
  • Antonoff on Please Please Please
  • “Mick looked peeved. The Beatles had upstaged him”
  • 95k+ free music samples

Recommended reading

EVH Gear Wolfgang Van Halen Signature SA-126
Electric Guitars "Whatever magic is in the Van Halen ear canals has been imparted here too": EVH SA-126 Special review
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
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
Harley Benton ST JAM-ster: The new high-performance S-style from the budget gear giant comes in metallic red and gray finishes with black pickguards and vibrato.
Guitars Harley Benton’s new entry-level electric is a stylish S-style with a $140 price tag and onboard FX
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
MXR Rockman X100
Guitars “Perfect for that '80s arena-rock vibe”: MXR Rockman X100 pedal review
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
  1. Guitars
  2. Acoustic Guitars

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

News
By Chris Vinnicombe published 2 March 2012

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

Hughes and Kettner TubeMeister 5 Head (£329)

Hughes and Kettner TubeMeister 5 Head (£329)

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

This is a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, amps and effects - all of which have been tested meticulously by either Guitarist or Total Guitar in recent months and published on MusicRadar throughout February 2012.

Flick through this month's picks and follow the links to read each product's full review. First up, something cute from Germany...

Verdict:

"A brilliant all-round, all-valve mini head with oodles of character… but no reverb."

4 out of 5

Read the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 5 Head review
Read the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 5 Combo review

BUY: TubeMeister 5 Head currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 1 of 24
Page 1 of 24
Dunlop DVP1 Volume Pedal (£134)

Dunlop DVP1 Volume Pedal (£134)

Verdict:

"A pedal that combines fuss-free performance with confidence-inducing durability."

4 out of 5

Read the Dunlop DVP1 Volume Pedal review

BUY: DVP1 Volume Pedal. currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 24
Page 2 of 24
TC Electronic PolyTune Mini (£65)

TC Electronic PolyTune Mini (£65)

Verdict:

"The cutest, best-value tuner for the price."

5 out of 5

Read the TC Electronic PolyTune Mini review

BUY: TC ElectronicPolyTune Mini currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 3 of 24
Page 3 of 24
Tanglewood T6 (£399)

Tanglewood T6 (£399)

Verdict:

"If you're looking for an acoustic amp, this should definitely be on your list."

4 out of 5

Read the Tanglewood T6 review

BUY: Tanglewood T6 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 4 of 24
Page 4 of 24
Blackstar HT-METAL (£179)

Blackstar HT-METAL (£179)

Verdict:

"Truly one of the finest distortion pedals we've ever stepped on."

5 out of 5

Read the Blackstar HT-METAL review

BUY: Blackstar HT-METAL currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 5 of 24
Page 5 of 24
4Pockets StompBox (£13.99)

4Pockets StompBox (£13.99)

Verdict:

"A useful practice app for guitarists, though it's far from being the only one."

3.5 out of 5

Read the 4Pockets StompBox review

Page 6 of 24
Page 6 of 24
Charvel Skatecaster SK-3 ST (£298)

Charvel Skatecaster SK-3 ST (£298)

Verdict:

"A decent enough first guitar but hardly the sort of release that sets off stampedes."

3 out of 5

Read the Charvel Skatecaster SK-3 ST review

Page 7 of 24
Page 7 of 24
Washburn RX 30 (£210)

Washburn RX 30 (£210)

Verdict:

"A lean machine that noses to the front of the budget pack."

4 out of 5

Read the Washburn RX 30 review

Page 8 of 24
Page 8 of 24
D*A*M Meathead M-25 (£195)

D*A*M Meathead M-25 (£195)

Verdict:

"In a time where anyone with a soldering iron and a dream can spell 'boutique', we applaud D*A*M for making things more interesting."

4 out of 5

Read the D*A*M Meathead M-25 review

Page 9 of 24
Page 9 of 24
ESP LTD MH-330FR (£649)

ESP LTD MH-330FR (£649)

Verdict:

"If you're looking for a metal axe that looks just a little more mature, the LTD MH-330FR could well be your partner in crime."

5 out of 5

Read the ESP LTD MH-330FR review

BUY: ESP LTD MH-330FR currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 10 of 24
Page 10 of 24
Fender CF-140S (£178)

Fender CF-140S (£178)

Verdict:

"The CF-140S does Leo proud with its tight handling and punchy voice."

4 out of 5

Read the Fender CF-140S review

BUY: Fender CF-140S currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 11 of 24
Page 11 of 24
Tanglewood TW28 CSN (£229)

Tanglewood TW28 CSN (£229)

Verdict:

"Like keeping an elephant for a pet, the TW28 is kind of cumbersome and inconvenient, but once you hear it sing you'll make space for it in your life."

4 out of 5

Read the Tanglewood TW28 CSN review

BUY: Tanglewood TW28 CSN currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 12 of 24
Page 12 of 24
Griffin Stompbox (£69)

Griffin Stompbox (£69)

Verdict:

"A great idea, waiting to be fully realised."

4 out of 5

Read the Griffin Stompbox review

BUY: Griffin Stompbox currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 13 of 24
Page 13 of 24
Fender FT-004 Clip-on Chromatic Tuner (£9)

Fender FT-004 Clip-on Chromatic Tuner (£9)

Verdict:

"A great little device."

4 out of 5

Read the Fender FT-004 Clip-on Chromatic Tuner review

BUY: Fender FT-004 Clip-on Chromatic Tuner currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 14 of 24
Page 14 of 24
Egnater Tweaker 40 1 x 12 combo (£699)

Egnater Tweaker 40 1 x 12 combo (£699)

Verdict:

"In a crowded market, the Tweaker 40 is one of the best mid-price amps out there. Don't pass up the chance to try one."

4.5 out of 5

Read the Egnater Tweaker 40 review

BUY: Egnater Tweaker 40 1 x 12 combo currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 24
Page 15 of 24
Avid Pro Tools + Eleven Rack (£759)

Avid Pro Tools + Eleven Rack (£759)

Verdict:

"All you'll need to record guitar and more on your computer."

4.5 out of 5

Read the Avid Pro Tools + Eleven Rack review

BUY: Avid Pro Tools + Eleven Rack currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 16 of 24
Page 16 of 24
EVH 5150-III 50W (£911)

EVH 5150-III 50W (£911)

Verdict:

"The most attractive EVH amp rig so far? It's certainly not far off and, the odd concern aside, it's well worth trying out."

4 out of 5

Read the EVH 5150-III 50W review

BUY: EVH 5150-III 50W currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 17 of 24
Page 17 of 24
Stone Deaf PDF-1 (£135)

Stone Deaf PDF-1 (£135)

Verdict:

"Flexible, innovative take on distortion and boost."

4.5 out of 5

Read the Stone Deaf PDF-1 review

Page 18 of 24
Page 18 of 24
Koll Duo Glide (£2899)

Koll Duo Glide (£2899)

Verdict:

"Bundle up a Tele Thinline with a sprinkle of Gretsch, Rickenbacker and a little ES-335 and add a fifth gear. No wonder the Duo Glide is so popular."

4.5 out of 5

Read the Koll Duo Glide review

Page 19 of 24
Page 19 of 24
b3 Fire (£2899)

b3 Fire (£2899)

Verdict:

"This should be a modern classic design. If you're into single-cut tones but want something a little more comfortable, start your search here."

4.5 out of 5

Read the b3 Fire review

Page 20 of 24
Page 20 of 24
Johan Gustavsson Bluesmaster Special (£2499)

Johan Gustavsson Bluesmaster Special (£2499)

Verdict:

"If classic soapbar single-coil sounds are your thing, this is the sort of guitar you'd sell your entire collection to buy. It's seriously good."

4.5 out of 5

Read the Johan Gustavsson Bluesmaster Special review

Page 21 of 24
Page 21 of 24
Hofner Contemporary Series Club Solid (£420)

Hofner Contemporary Series Club Solid (£420)

Verdict:

"An affordable update that adds modern performance appeal to a distinctive, vintage-orientated image."

3.5 out of 5

Read the Hofner Contemporary Series Club Solid review

BUY: Hofner Contemporary Series Club Solid currently available from:
UK: DV247

Page 22 of 24
Page 22 of 24
Peavey PXD Void II (£699)

Peavey PXD Void II (£699)

Verdict:

"This is a very cool guitar that not only suits heavier styles perfectly, but many more besides. The metal is still going strong…"

4 out of 5

Read the Peavey PXD Void II review

Page 23 of 24
Page 23 of 24
Rasmus Guthrie Govan (£1299)

Rasmus Guthrie Govan (£1299)

Verdict:

"John Suhr may have cut some corners to bring the Rasmus in on budget but the crucial strands of DNA remain. This guitar delivers on every level."

4.5 out of 5

Read the Rasmus Guthrie Govan review

Page 24 of 24
Page 24 of 24
Chris Vinnicombe

Chris Vinnicombe worked with us here on the MusicRadar team from the site's initial launch way back in 2007, and also contributed to Guitarist magazine as Features Editor until 2014, as well as Total Guitar magazine, amongst others. These days he can be found at Gibson Guitars, where he is editor-in-chief.

Read more
EVH Gear Wolfgang Van Halen Signature SA-126
"Whatever magic is in the Van Halen ear canals has been imparted here too": EVH SA-126 Special review
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
EVH Gear Wolfgang WG Standard T.O.M.
Hold the Floyd: EVH reimagines Wolfgang Standard as a high-performance shredder with a TOM bridge
Harley Benton ST JAM-ster: The new high-performance S-style from the budget gear giant comes in metallic red and gray finishes with black pickguards and vibrato.
Harley Benton’s new entry-level electric is a stylish S-style with a $140 price tag and onboard FX
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
MXR Rockman X100
“Perfect for that '80s arena-rock vibe”: MXR Rockman X100 pedal review
Latest in Acoustic Guitars
On the left, a Gibson Les Paul Standard Double Cut, solid-bodied, in Vintage Cherry Sunburst, it looks like the archetypical singlecut. On the right, the new Les Paul Parlor, a guitar that applies the LP aesthetic to a small-bodied acoustic.
Gibson has just unveiled a new Les Paul like no other
From Parlour to Jumbo: The beginner's guide to acoustic guitar body shapes (and which one is right for you)
Gretsch Limited Edition Jim Dandy Parlor Solid Top
Gretsch drops two limited edition Jim Dandy acoustics with solid spruce tops and off-the-charts mojo
Harley Benton HBJ-45E SBK
Harley Benton unveils dreadnought inspired by a classic workhorse – and it is crazy affordable
The Pickaso Guitar Bow is a mini-bow for acoustic guitar. It is double-sided with synthetic hairs and measures just over 6" and has an integrated guitar pick.
“It’s a real bow with synthetic hair on two sides and it’s capable of doing some amazing things”: Turn your acoustic guitar into a violin or cello? The Pickaso Guitar Bow might be this year’s must-have accessory for Jimmy Page superfans
Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster
Fender Standard Acoustasonic Jazzmaster Review
Latest in News
Home studio
You don't need to be a music theory expert to make electronic music, but it helps - here's our guide to the basics
Ed Sheeran, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix
How Ed Sheeran generated royalties for Bob Dylan by borrowing from Jimi Hendrix
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: My pick of Father's Day deals for musicians include $400 off the Polyend Play+, $200 off a Martin acoustic and so much more
pmt
"It’s been a tough few years": UK gear retailer PMT closes its doors, makes 96 staff redundant and sells £2.4m of stock to Gear4Music
Gretsch Broadkaster Jr LX Center Block with Bigsby
Gretsch’s unveils new MIJ high-end semi-hollows with redesigned bodies and Pro Twin Six humbuckers
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter on her musical heroes, why she decided to release a new album so soon... and Rush

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...