Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist
  • Guitar Techniques
  • Total Guitar
  • Bass Player
More
  • How to make an AI cover song
  • 84000+ free music samples
  • Foo Fighters' new drummer
  • Ken Scott on recording The Beatles
  • First EVH Jump synth recording

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

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Total Guitar

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (March 2015)

By Guitarist, Total Guitar
published 3 March 2015

From amps to acoustics, electrics to effects

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '50s
Classic design, Classic Vibe

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '50s

As they do every month, MusicRadar's sister magazines Total Guitar and Guitarist have been hard at work reviewing the latest guitars, amps and acoustics.

Here we've collected every guitar, amp, effect, acoustic and other guitar-related gear review published in their pages and on the site throughout February.

All of the reviews published here were originally featured in Guitarist issue 390 and Total Guitar issue 262/263, starting with the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '50s.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A faultless build and one that captures that signature Strat sizzle."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '50s review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 262)

BUY: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '50s currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 1 of 28
Page 1 of 28
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s
A '60s-style Strat without the vintage price tag

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Few can top the Classic Vibe when it comes to nailing that authentic Strat mojo."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 262)

BUY: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 28
Page 2 of 28
Fender Sonoran SCE
Acoustic fun - with a capital 'F'

Fender Sonoran SCE

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A good sounding, great looking, top value for money acoustic: are you ready to be noticed?"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Sonoran SCE review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Fender Sonoran SCE currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 28
Page 3 of 28
Empress Heavy
Heavy duty distortion pedal

Empress Heavy

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Tailor-made for metal players and useful for anyone seeking aggressive distortion."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress Heavy review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Empress Heavy currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 4 of 28
Page 4 of 28
Matrix Elements VB800
A lightweight amp that packs heavyweight tone

Matrix Elements VB800

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Immensely portable with great tone and good looks, too."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Matrix Elements VB800 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 5 of 28
Page 5 of 28
DOD Phasor 201
A laid-back phaser pedal

DOD Phasor 201

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A welcome return for a mellow-voiced phaser."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Phasor 201 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: DOD Phasor 201 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 28
Page 6 of 28
St Blues Juke Joint Mississippi Bluesmaster
A stripped-down, US-made blues machine

St Blues Juke Joint Mississippi Bluesmaster

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A neat hybrid design that's very tidily made with some good sounds. A gigging workhorse."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: St Blues Juke Joint Mississippi Bluesmaster review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 7 of 28
Page 7 of 28
Fender Malibu CE Mustang Limited
Put some fun in your acoustic strum

Fender Malibu CE Mustang Limited

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Great fun, works well on stage and looks cool, though acoustic performance is compromised."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Malibu CE Mustang Limited review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Fender Malibu CE Mustang Limited currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 8 of 28
Page 8 of 28
DOD Bifet Boost 410
A clever little boost pedal

DOD Bifet Boost 410

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A practical boost - great for kicking in for solos."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Bifet Boost 410 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: DOD Bifet Boost 410 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 9 of 28
Page 9 of 28
Waterloo WL-14 X
High-end luthier tackles depression-era budget box

Waterloo WL-14 X

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Authentic to the last, the Waterloo may divide opinion, but its tone is vintage country-blues pickin' nirvana."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Waterloo WL-14 X review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 10 of 28
Page 10 of 28
Fender American Standard Stratocaster HH
A humbucker-heavy Strat

Fender American Standard Stratocaster HH

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A Strat as far removed from its tonal source as any we've heard."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Standard Stratocaster HH review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Fender American Standard Telecaster HH currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 11 of 28
Page 11 of 28
DOD Overdrive Preamp 250
A drive pedal with multiple personalities

DOD Overdrive Preamp 250

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Provides boost and dirt for your amp, with a fuzzy edge as you turn up."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 28
Page 12 of 28
Fender American Standard Telecaster HH
A riff-ready Tele

Fender American Standard Telecaster HH

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There are fat rhythm tones aplenty to be had from this slinky player."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Standard Telecaster HH review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Fender American Standard Telecaster HH currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 13 of 28
Page 13 of 28
St Blues Juke Joint Scoundrel
A US-made mod-mad electric

St Blues Juke Joint Scoundrel

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Lacks a little 'mojo' but is an excellent gigging tool with a great pickup combination."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: St Blues Juke Joint Scoundrel review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 14 of 28
Page 14 of 28
Epiphone Ltd Ed Lee Malia Les Paul Custom
Bling me the horizon with this kitted-out LP

Epiphone Ltd Ed Lee Malia Les Paul Custom

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An extremely well-constructed guitar from a custom shop that's deserving of serious recognition, especially at this price point."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Epiphone Ltd Ed Lee Malia Les Paul Custom review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 262)

BUY: Epiphone Ltd Ed Lee Malia Les Paul Custom currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 15 of 28
Page 15 of 28
Empress Tremolo2
A trem to tremble for

Empress Tremolo2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An upgraded version of one totally tasty tremolo."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress Tremolo2 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Empress Tremolo2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 16 of 28
Page 16 of 28
PRS 30th Anniversary Custom 24
Has the classic PRS electric changed?

PRS 30th Anniversary Custom 24

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Subtly upgraded over the standard Custom 24, a super, classic-sounding take on PRS's solidbody electric classic."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS 30th Anniversary Custom 24 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: PRS 30th Anniversary Custom 24 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 17 of 28
Page 17 of 28
Andrew White Eos 1010
A new size - and name - in acoustic guitars

Andrew White Eos 1010

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This intriguing blend of folk and small jumbo offers something new, tonally and aesthetically."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Andrew White Eos 1010 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 18 of 28
Page 18 of 28
Empress MultiDrive
Fuzz, overdrive and distortion pedal

Empress MultiDrive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Three-in-one dirt blender that saves pedalboard space."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress MultiDrive review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Empress MultiDrive currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 19 of 28
Page 19 of 28
Empress Phaser
All phases of phasing in one pedal

Empress Phaser

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Possibly the most comprehensively adjustable pedal delivering a single modulation effect we've seen."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress Phaser review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Empress Phaser currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 20 of 28
Page 20 of 28
Andrew White Freja 1010
Boutique designed, Korean-made acoustic

Andrew White Freja 1010

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Sits between dreadnought and jumbo norms, yet has strong midrange projection, too: unique."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Andrew White Freja 1010 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 21 of 28
Page 21 of 28
Dickinson D1 Overdrive Pedal
British steel and old-school valve know-how equal stellar tone

Dickinson D1 Overdrive Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An amp expander/booster of the highest order. Looks cool too, huh?"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dickinson D1 Overdrive Pedal review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Dickinson D1 Overdrive Pedal currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Page 22 of 28
Page 22 of 28
Way Huge Swollen Pickle Jumbo Fuzz Dirty Donny Edition
A new face for the classic fuzz pedal

Way Huge Swollen Pickle Jumbo Fuzz Dirty Donny Edition

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Dirty Donny has a massive range of sounds, some in Big Muff territory, some more radical."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Way Huge Swollen Pickle Jumbo Fuzz Dirty Donny Edition review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Way Huge Swollen Pickle Jumbo Fuzz Dirty Donny Edition currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 23 of 28
Page 23 of 28
Empress Nebulus
A modulation toolbox stompbox

Empress Nebulus

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A great choice if you want a single pedal with a relatively small footprint."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress Nebulus review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Empress Nebulus currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 24 of 28
Page 24 of 28
Manson MBC-1 Matthew Bellamy Signature
The Muse man's latest signature guitar arrives

Manson MBC-1 Matthew Bellamy Signature

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Bellamy, Manson and Cort have created one of the finest rock axes at this price. Let's hope this is just the beginning of a significant partnership."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Manson MBC-1 Matthew Bellamy Signature review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 262)

Page 25 of 28
Page 25 of 28
Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay
Killer tape delay stompbox

Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A multi-faceted delay with great tape echo emulations."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

BUY: Empress Vintage Modified Superdelay currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 26 of 28
Page 26 of 28
Way Huge Havalina Germanium Fuzz
Tone Bending fuzz box

Way Huge Havalina Germanium Fuzz

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A new flavour of Tone Bender-style fuzz - but a tasty one nonetheless!"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Way Huge Havalina Germanium Fuzz review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 27 of 28
Page 27 of 28
MXR CSP204 Custom Comp Deluxe
A CSP with an extra tonal control USP

MXR CSP204 Custom Comp Deluxe

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A warm, vintage-voiced compressor that does subtle to squash, all with utmost tonal clarity."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MXR CSP204 Custom Comp Deluxe review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 390)

Page 28 of 28
Page 28 of 28
Guitarist
Guitarist
Social Links Navigation

Guitarist is the longest established UK guitar magazine, offering gear reviews, artist interviews, techniques lessons and loads more, in print, on tablet and on smartphones
Digital: http://bit.ly/GuitaristiOS
If you love guitars, you'll love Guitarist. Find us in print, on Newsstand for iPad, iPhone and other digital readers

More about guitars
Prince rock & roll hall of fame 2004

Prince's While My Guitar Gently Weeps solo wasn't his only great performance at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony

TC Electronic Mini Infinite Sample Sustainer

TC Electronic unveils the Infinite Mini Sample Sustainer – a mini-sized version of the John Mayer pedalboard fave

Latest
Picture of Bruce Springsteen and the TEAC 144

“Nebraska was cut on crap equipment…” How Bruce Springsteen made his most important album in his bedroom with just a Gibson J-200 and a TEAC 144

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Dua Lipa’s Barbie single Dance The Night lands with production from Mark Ronson: “This Ken helped make a whole soundtrack,” he says

By Ben Rogerson26 May 2023

Noel Gallagher reveals lost Oasis alternate Definitely Maybe recordings have been found and will be released

By Rob Laing26 May 2023

DOD/DigiTech assembles a formidable lineup of guitar effects designing talent for new R&D team

By Jonathan Horsley26 May 2023

Kirk Hammett: "My favourite version of Greeny is probably the Epiphone"

By Rob Laing26 May 2023

The 1977 Rainbow gig when Ritchie Blackmore played one of his greatest performances – after two long nights in a police cell

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Show Us Your Studio: Share your home studio and get featured on MusicRadar

By MusicRadar25 May 2023

Sophie Lloyd becomes the first Kiesel Guitars female signature artist with the SL6

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Dr. Sample becomes Mr. Sample as Blezz Beats recreates the 'holy grail of lo-fi beatmaking' in a sampler plugin

By Matt Mullen25 May 2023

Steinberg’s Dorico 5 improves the music notation software’s playback and note input features, and the free desktop and iPad versions have been updated, too

By Ben Rogerson25 May 2023

Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Guitarist creates a string-picking robot

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

  1. Oasis Definitely Maybe album cover
    1
    Noel Gallagher reveals lost Oasis alternate Definitely Maybe recordings have been found and will be released
  2. 2
    Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"
  3. 3
    Bob Rock likens Metallica’s St Anger to The Stooges’ Raw Power, says Jimmy Page told him it was a “great album” – and Jack White loved it too
  4. 4
    Mixing engineer Bob Clearmountain: “I shouldn’t say this, probably, but I think in a couple of years Dolby Atmos is going to go away”
  5. 5
    The 1977 Rainbow gig when Ritchie Blackmore played one of his greatest performances – after two long nights in a police cell
  1. Nirvana In Utero cover
    1
    Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"
  2. 2
    The Guitar Center Memorial Day Sale is now live! Get yourself a hefty 35% off guitars, basses, drums, keys, and studio gear
  3. 3
    Watch: the time Josh Freese sat in on drums for Blink-182 at Warped Tour ’99
  4. 4
    Kirk Hammett: "My favourite version of Greeny is probably the Epiphone"
  5. 5
    Mixing engineer Bob Clearmountain: “I shouldn’t say this, probably, but I think in a couple of years Dolby Atmos is going to go away”

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
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.