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

By The MusicRadar team
published 1 May 2013

Guitar, amp and effects reviews from April 2013

Sigma S000M-15
Superb value finger-picking acoustic

Sigma S000M-15

Every month MusicRadar's sister publications - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music review the latest music-making gear.

In this gallery we've collected all of the guitar, amp, pedal, recorder and interface reviews relevant to six-stringers.

All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 366/367, Total Guitar issue 239/240, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Given its remit, as an instrument providing a certain style and sound within a competitive market at perhaps the most aggressive price point, the S000M-15 not only hits the bullseye, but splits the arrow down the centre with the next shot."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sigma S000M-15 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Sigma S000M-15 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | Andertons

Page 1 of 30
Page 1 of 30
Dr Green Booster Shot
An injection of gain from this boost pedal

Dr Green Booster Shot

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A brilliant booster with a unique take on the concept."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dr Green Booster Shot review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Dr Green Life Support currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247

Page 2 of 30
Page 2 of 30
Bogner Uberschall pedal
Bogner on a budget - too good to be true?

Bogner Uberschall pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We have to say that the Uberschall's promise of 'Armageddon in a box' didn't quite materialise for us. It's good, but other metal pedals will give it a hard time."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bogner Uberschall pedal review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Bogner Uberschall pedal currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 30
Page 3 of 30
Godin 5th Avenue Composer GT
Street-smart archtop semi-acoustic

Godin 5th Avenue Composer GT

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A 'student' version of the more costly and plusher 5th Avenue Jazz, the Composer GT looks and sounds extremely attractive if you're looking for some old-school tonality."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Godin 5th Avenue Composer GT review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Godin 5th Avenue Composer GT currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 4 of 30
Page 4 of 30
Fender Nate Mendel Precision Bass
Foo Fighter's signature model

Fender Nate Mendel Precision Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is not only great to look at, but it also feels and sounds brilliant - a really tempting package for any bass player."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Nate Mendel Precision Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Fender Nate Mendel Precision Bassreview currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 5 of 30
Page 5 of 30
Dr Green Life Support
Will this pedal sustain you?

Dr Green Life Support

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This pedal might be called Life Support, but the sustain that's on offer is to die for."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dr Green Life Support review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Dr Green Life Support currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 6 of 30
Page 6 of 30
Chris George Custom CE-N
Custom-built nylon string acoustic

Chris George Custom CE-N

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Here's a guitar that proves that not all innovation comes from the major brands. A beautiful instrument."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Chris George Custom CE-N review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

Page 7 of 30
Page 7 of 30
Rotosound RFB1 1960s Fuzz Pedal Reissue
Ultra-rare 60s fuzz reborn

Rotosound RFB1 1960s Fuzz Pedal Reissue

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Stunning fuzz tones, from Beck to Auerbach and beyond."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound RFB1 1960s Fuzz Pedal Reissue review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 366)

BUY: Rotosound RFB1 1960s Fuzz Pedal Reissue currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247

Page 8 of 30
Page 8 of 30
Joyo US Dream
Impressive imitation distortion

Joyo US Dream

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's hard for us to fault the US Dream, especially at this wallet-comforting price - it's high quality, high-gain and overflowing with tone."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Joyo US Dream review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 239)

Page 9 of 30
Page 9 of 30
T-Rex Møller 2
Clean boost and overdrive in one

T-Rex Møller 2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"As is often the case with T-Rex pedals, this is no budget buy, but it's one of the most practical drive pedals around and so is well worth it."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: T-Rex Møller 2 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: T-Rex Møller 2 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Page 10 of 30
Page 10 of 30
Orange OR100H
Premium tones in a premium head

Orange OR100H

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Orange's considerable heritage and contemporary ingenuity distilled into a world- beating pro valve head."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Orange OR100H review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Orange OR100H currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 11 of 30
Page 11 of 30
MXR Talk Box
Taking talking to the kids

MXR Talk Box

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It takes a bit of getting used to, but if you want that classic talking guitar sound, this new unit will show you the way."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MXR Talk Box review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: MXR Talk Box currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 12 of 30
Page 12 of 30
Audiffex Multi Drive Pedal
Set of eight stompbox plug-ins

Audiffex Multi Drive Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A competent collection of drive emulations at a bargain price."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Audiffex Multi Drive Pedal review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

Page 13 of 30
Page 13 of 30
Aspri Acero/Clásico Acoustic Reverb
Mechanical reverb for your acoustic

Aspri Acero/Clásico Acoustic Reverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you've ever thought it would be nice to have some reverb while you're strumming your guitar around the campfire, this is for you. Otherwise, it's hardly essential."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Aspri Acero/Clásico Acoustic Reverb review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

Page 14 of 30
Page 14 of 30
Fishman Asterope Pro Stage Series cable
Quality cable, premium price

Fishman Asterope Pro Stage Series cable

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Certainly, for audio use and for electro-acoustic players (it's now this reviewer's cable of choice), it's recommended. For heavily gained metallers, the advantages might be less obvious."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fishman Asterope Pro Stage Series cable review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fishman Asterope Pro Stage Series cable currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 15 of 30
Page 15 of 30
Fender Pawn Shop Super-Sonic
Idiosyncratic six-string sparkle

Fender Pawn Shop Super-Sonic

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This revives a decidedly original Squier design and adds a few updates to add appeal for the modern market."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Pawn Shop Super-Sonic review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fender Pawn Shop Super-Sonic currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 16 of 30
Page 16 of 30
Fender Pawn Shop '70s Stratocaster Deluxe
The Stratocaster reinvented - again

Fender Pawn Shop '70s Stratocaster Deluxe

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This mix of a Strat and two Thinline Teles proves effective, performing better than many 70s Fenders."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Pawn Shop '70s Stratocaster Deluxe review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fender Pawn Shop '70s Stratocaster Deluxe currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 17 of 30
Page 17 of 30
Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI
A 'bass guitar' in the truest sense

Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It doesn't look as distinctive as the original, but this bass has a cleaner line and more contemporary sounds."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 18 of 30
Page 18 of 30
Boss TE-2 Tera Echo
Boss' 100th compact stompbox

Boss TE-2 Tera Echo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A pedal for adding dynamically controlled ambience."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss TE-2 Tera Echo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Boss TE-2 Tera Echo currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 19 of 30
Page 19 of 30
Fender Pawn Shop Mustang Bass
A short-scale bass workhorse

Fender Pawn Shop Mustang Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A worthwhile Pawn Shop variation on the original design, with a far more powerful sound."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Pawn Shop Mustang Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fender Pawn Shop Mustang Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 20 of 30
Page 20 of 30
Fret-King Black Label Series Esprit III
P-90-loaded, classic-looking electric

Fret-King Black Label Series Esprit III

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Okay, Wilkinson snaffled some cute design cues from the old non-reverse Firebird, but the Esprit III has a sound and feel of its own."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Series Esprit III review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Series Esprit III currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 21 of 30
Page 21 of 30
Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e
Big, bass-y and balanced acoustic guitar

Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Powerful and with a real bass guitar-like low-end, the Grand Orchestra offers a new voice. Where will it take you?"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 22 of 30
Page 22 of 30
Boss MO-2 Multi Overtone
Harmonic modulation stompbox

Boss MO-2 Multi Overtone

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A tone transformer, but maybe not for the traditionalists."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss MO-2 Multi Overtone review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Boss MO-2 Multi Overtone currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 23 of 30
Page 23 of 30
Fret-King Black Label Series Corona GWR Gregg Wright Model
An 80s hot rod reborn

Fret-King Black Label Series Corona GWR Gregg Wright Model

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The bridge WP90 makes this guitar a cool twist on an 80s design, and that neck profile is just sublime."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Series Corona GWR Gregg Wright Model review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Series Corona GWR Gregg Wright Model currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 24 of 30
Page 24 of 30
Taylor Grand Orchestra K28e
A classy, Koa-bodied acoustic

Taylor Grand Orchestra K28e

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Slightly 'older' sounding to our ears than the 518e, this is one of those dream guitars that ticks all the boxes."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Taylor Grand Orchestra K28e review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Taylor Grand Orchestra K28e currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Page 25 of 30
Page 25 of 30
Boss DA-2 Adaptive Distortion
A focussed, flexible distortion stompbox

Boss DA-2 Adaptive Distortion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A pedal for tightly focused distortion."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss DA-2 Adaptive Distortion review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Boss DA-2 Adaptive Distortion currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 26 of 30
Page 26 of 30
Fret-King Black Label Esprit I Bass
Trevor Wilkinson's latest bass

Fret-King Black Label Esprit I Bass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Visually appealing, comfortable to play and capable of great sounds, the Esprit I has much to offer the most discerning of bass players, and even comes with a deluxe gigbag."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Esprit I Bass review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Esprit I Bass currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 27 of 30
Page 27 of 30
Fret-King Black Label Series Ventura
UK designed surf-inspired electric

Fret-King Black Label Series Ventura

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"To our eyes, it's no looker, but the Ventura is a real tone machine that will cover just about any player's needs."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Series Ventura review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 367)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Series Ventura currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 28 of 30
Page 28 of 30
Fret-King Black Label Country Squire Semitone De Luxe
A Swiss Army axe

Fret-King Black Label Country Squire Semitone De Luxe

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Fret- King has the first-class playability, tonal versatility and sensible price tag to make it a serious contender for your loot."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Country Squire Semitone De Luxe review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 240)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Country Squire Semitone De Luxe currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 29 of 30
Page 29 of 30
Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar
Bonkers MIDI guitar/synth

Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An extremely fun, interesting guitar-like MIDI instrument. Perfect for guitarists struggling with MIDI keyboards."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 240)

BUY: Inspired Instruments You Rock Guitar currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 30 of 30
Page 30 of 30
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The MusicRadar team
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