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
  • Bridge Over Troubled Water
  • World in Motion
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The genius of Clive Davis
  1. Guitars

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

News
By The MusicRadar Team
Published 5 March 2014

All of February's guitar, pedal and amp reviews

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

Fender Vintage Hot Rod '50s Telecaster

Fender Vintage Hot Rod '50s Telecaster

MusicRadar's sister magazines Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music feature the best independent gear reviews around.

Here we've collected all the guitar reviews published on the site in February, including guitars, amps, stompboxes and recording interfaces.

All of the gear here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 377/378, Total Guitar issue 249/250, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An excellent modern Tele with pro additions and plenty of 50s identity that could become your go-to electric."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Vintage Hot Rod '50s Telecaster review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Fender Vintage Hot Rod '50s Telecaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 1 of 20
Page 1 of 20
Wampler Velvet Fuzz

Wampler Velvet Fuzz

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Versatile fuzz with two voices for 60s and modern sounds."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Velvet Fuzz review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Wampler Velvet Fuzz currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 2 of 20
Page 2 of 20
Tom Anderson Hollow Drop Top Classic

Tom Anderson Hollow Drop Top Classic

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A truly beautiful modern take on a classic, with a light weight and exceptional build, playability and sounds."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tom Anderson Hollow Drop Top Classic review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

Page 3 of 20
Page 3 of 20
Wampler Ego Compressor

Wampler Ego Compressor

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Possibly the best-sounding compact compressor around."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Ego Compressor review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Wampler Ego Compressor currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 4 of 20
Page 4 of 20
Music Man Luke III

Music Man Luke III

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A more 'vintage' version of the original, it's a beautifully made, gig-ready pro, ideal for modern rock and more."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Music Man Luke III review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Music Man Luke III currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 5 of 20
Page 5 of 20
Fender Vintage Hot Rod '60s Telecaster

Fender Vintage Hot Rod '60s Telecaster

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A well-sorted Tele with a mid-to-late 60s personality and plenty of sonic variations on that theme."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Vintage Hot Rod '60s Telecaster review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Fender Vintage Hot Rod '60s Telecaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Page 6 of 20
Page 6 of 20
Wampler Sovereign Distortion

Wampler Sovereign Distortion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you like to tailor the top end of your distortion, this is for you."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Sovereign Distortion review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Wampler Sovereign Distortion currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 7 of 20
Page 7 of 20
Tom Anderson Raven

Tom Anderson Raven

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"One of the least 'posh' Andersons, this subtly downsized 'J' is Tom's favourite. Play one you'll find out why."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tom Anderson Raven review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

Page 8 of 20
Page 8 of 20
Wampler Plexi-Drive

Wampler Plexi-Drive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Vintage Marshall flavour in a stompbox."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Plexi-Drive review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Wampler Plexi-Drive currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 9 of 20
Page 9 of 20
Wampler Faux Tape Echo

Wampler Faux Tape Echo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The flavour of tape echo without the hassle."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Faux Tape Echo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Wampler Faux Tape Echo currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 10 of 20
Page 10 of 20
Wampler Dual Fusion

Wampler Dual Fusion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Useful dual overdrive that's not just for fusion players."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wampler Dual Fusion review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Wampler Dual Fusion currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 20
Page 11 of 20
Music Man JP13

Music Man JP13

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This latest-gen JP with new DiMarzio pickups is a great-sounding hybrid magnetic/ piezo axe. Are you man enough?"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Music Man JP13 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 377)

BUY: Music Man JP13 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 20
Page 12 of 20
Danelectro '56 Baritone

Danelectro '56 Baritone

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"However you use a baritone, '56 is a damn good place (and time) to start."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Danelectro '56 Baritone review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 250)

Page 13 of 20
Page 13 of 20
DiVill By Italia B100

DiVill By Italia B100

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There are some quirks here, but they're small sacrifices to make for the B100's colossal range of vintage-voiced tones."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DiVill By Italia B100 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 250)

Page 14 of 20
Page 14 of 20
Korg Pandora Stomp

Korg Pandora Stomp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is genre-spanning at its most practical - you get a practice and recording tool, but also a stompbox that can offer any sonic flavour you desire, and doubles as a pedal tuner. Kracking idea, Korg!"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Pandora Stomp review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 250)

BUY: Korg Pandora Stomp currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 15 of 20
Page 15 of 20
DiVill By Italia M100

DiVill By Italia M100

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The neat tonal touches and body tweaks could just make the M100 the single-cut for players who don't like single-cuts."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DiVill By Italia M100 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 250)

Page 16 of 20
Page 16 of 20
Ibanez RG550XH

Ibanez RG550XH

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The RG550XH is a neat twist on the shred axe, but unforgiving for big, fat sausage fingers. Tommy Tedesco might not approve, but we do."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ibanez RG550XH review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 250)

BUY: Ibanez RG550XH currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 17 of 20
Page 17 of 20
DiVill By Italia F100

DiVill By Italia F100

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Like the rest of the DiVill series, it spans a huge tonal territory and excels at just about everything it sets out to do - and at this price, that's no mean feat."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DiVill By Italia F100 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 250)

Page 18 of 20
Page 18 of 20
Mesa Engineering Recto-Verb Twenty-Five

Mesa Engineering Recto-Verb Twenty-Five

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Mesa scores big time with the Recto-Verb Twenty- Five - it's the best small combo the company has made in ages."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mesa Engineering Recto-Verb Twenty-Five review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 378)

BUY: Mesa Engineering Recto-Verb Twenty-Five currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 20
Page 19 of 20
Peavey ValveKing 100 head

Peavey ValveKing 100 head

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Big and beefy it may be, but the extended feature set makes it highly versatile. We like those 6L6s, too."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peavey ValveKing 100 head review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 379)

BUY: Peavey ValveKing 100 head currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

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
 
 
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Guitar Pedals Best multi-effects pedals 2026: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
 
 
Eastman Guitars Fullertone Offset
Electric Guitars “We’re back in Laurel Canyon in the late '60s”: Eastman Fullertone Offset review
 
 
Fractal FM4 amp modeller
Guitar Pedals “Make no mistake, it could grace any professional stage”: Fractal AM4 review
 
 
Positive Grid Reactor 50 review
Guitar Amps "The app is where things get both wild and a little weird:" Positive Grid Reactor 50 Intelligent Guitar Combo Amp review
 
 
Nux MG-50Li multi-effects and amp modelling pedal
Guitar Pedals "The addition of NAM profile compatibility pushes it well beyond your average multi-effects pedal": Nux MG-50Li review
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Walrus Audio Lüm Texture Engine
Guitars Walrus Audio’s Lüm is a feature-packed “Texture Machine” for when your guitar tone feels predictable
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Dual Op-Amp Big Muff Pi 2
Guitar Pedals Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi 2 Dual Op-Amp Fuzz review
 
 
Eric Clapton performing on stage with Cream during their first live appearance in 1966
Artists How Eric Clapton’s mission to spread the blues gospel was the making of the first guitar ‘god’
 
 
George Harrison of The Beatles pop group pictured at the Apple Headquarters in London, 2nd January 1969
Guitarists Did George Harrison contribute to more Beatles songs than he is given credit for?
 
 
A Baum Guitars Verve electric guitar lying on a rug
Electric Guitars Baum Guitars Verve review
 
 
Kirk Hammett plays his Mummy ESP signature guitar [left]; Neal Schon plays a Les Paul on a stage lit up in purple.
Artists Kirk Hammett felt so guilty after buying Neal Schon's Les Paul on the cheap he offered to return it
 
 
Latest in News
Morrissey performs at The SSE Arena, Wembley on March 14, 2020 in London, England
Singles And Albums "Diversity is a lie": Morrissey launches bizarre tirade against BBC
 
 
Taylor Swift attends the SongWriters' Hall of Fame induction ceremony 2026
Singles And Albums "Absurd, frivolous and harassing": Taylor Swift wins landmark copyright lawsuit over her lyrics
 
 
Walrus Audio Lüm Texture Engine
Guitars Walrus Audio’s Lüm is a feature-packed “Texture Machine” for when your guitar tone feels predictable
 
 
The Ramones
Singles And Albums "They are the blueprint": Star-studded show to mark 50th anniversary of Ramones' debut album announced
 
 
james blake
Artists "His son actually cleared the sample": James Blake on sampling Leonard Cohen for Death of Love
 
 
Explicit Music
Streaming New data reveals that explicit lyrics are in decline - but why?
 
 

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...