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

Brainworx bx_rockrack

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"In terms of raw numbers, there's less here than most competitors, but what's there sounds absolutely fantastic."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Brainworx bx_rockrack

(Reviewed in Computer Music issue 183)

BUY: Brainworx bx_rockrack currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Cornell PedalAmp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Versatile, rugged and beautifully made, the Cornell PedalAmp provides quality guitar tones in a very portable package."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cornell PedalAmp

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Peerless Leela 40

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"As a celebration of 40 years of guitar craft, this anniversary, and very limited, Leela is highly apt: a very classy solid-topped archtop."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peerless Leela 40

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Carvin Allan Holdsworth HH2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Intelligent and good-sounding version of Ned Steinberger's original vision mixed with Holdsworth's immense experience and chops. Niche but nice."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Carvin Allan Holdsworth HH2

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Marshall JVM410HJS Joe Satriani Signature

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A monster head: without doubt one of the best Marshalls ever."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Marshall JVM410HJS Joe Satriani Signature head

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Marshall JVM410HJS Joe Satriani Signature head currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Carvin Frank Gambale FG1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A classy, well-made, good-sounding and playing semi. Do yourself a favour and track one down."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Carvin Frank Gambale FG1

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Carlsbro Sherwood II 30R

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you're in search of a darker sound for rootsier acoustic tones, add the Sherwood II to your list."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Carlsbro Sherwood II 30R

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Vox AGA30

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A really neat, portable and stylish amp with choice of channel voicing and good potential for a little sonic abuse."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox AGA30

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Vox AGA30 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Rickenbacker 650C Colorado

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is the Rickenbacker for people who think they can't play or don't like Rickenbackers."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rickenbacker 650C Colorado

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Peavey AT-200

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The AT-200 may prove revolutionary for certain players."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peavey AT-200

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 361)

BUY: Peavey AT-200 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Taylor 712ce

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A superb all-rounder - a guitar that will accompany you from the sofa to the biggest stages effortlessly."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Taylor 712ce

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Taylor 712ce currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

Providence Stampede DT SDT-2

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Superb 1980s-inspired rock distortion that never sounds small nor thin."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Providence Stampede DT SDT-2

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Providence Stampede DT SDT-2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Strymon Flint tremolo and reverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There's no better time to revisit the effects that started it all."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Strymon Flint tremolo and reverb

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Strymon Flint tremolo and reverb currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247

TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play GTX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"An excellent effects unit for vocalists that adds a guitar facility."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play GTX

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play GTX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"For a travel-friendly songwriting companion that doesn't sacrifice tone or playability for the size reduction, the GS Mini has got to be your first port of call."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

BUY: Taylor GS Mini Mahogany currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

LTD M-53

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The M-53 is a solid all-rounder that can handle many styles. For this price, you can't knock it."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LTD M-53

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

BUY: LTD M-53 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music

Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe TC

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Quality costs, but that client list speaks for itself, and the TC is an easy-to-use way of getting those sounds on your pedalboard."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe TC

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

Fender FSR Telecaster Custom

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Good looks, top-notch build quality and tones that could strip paint - well played, Fender. You've made us feel special."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender FSR Telecaster Custom

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

Ibanez FRM100TR

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Make sure you audition one of the most intriguing shred guitars we've tried in a long time."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ibanez FRM100TR

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

Jackson JS23 Dinky

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A very respectable entry-level rocker that - unsurprisingly, given its heritage - is best suited to fans of all things heavy and widdly."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Jackson JS23 Dinky

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

BUY: Jackson JS23 Dinky currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Sterling By Music Man Sub Silo3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The mission statement of an HSS electric is to cram multiple personalities into one guitar and the Silo3 does this ably."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sterling By Music Man Sub Silo3

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

BUY: Sterling By Music Man Sub Silo3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Ibanez SA160FM

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's a little pricey for an entry-level axe. But if you're serious about braving the road or studio with just one electric, this is well worth the wedge."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ibanez SA160FM

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

BUY: Ibanez SA160FM currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

LTD KH-25

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The KH-25 emulates 'Tallica well, but those looking for a more flexible metal axe should probably look elsewhere."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LTD KH-25

(Reviewed in Total Guitar Magazine 232)

BUY: LTD KH-25 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Thermionic Culture Solo Vulture

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A highly desirable item for those who appreciate what valves can do in the right hands."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Thermionic Culture Solo Vulture

(Reviewed in Future Music Magazine 258)

BUY: Thermionic Culture Solo Vulture currently available from:
UK: DV247

Taylor 712ce-N

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Taylor's take on the hybrid steel/nylon guitar is extremely playable with a mellow acoustic voice and crisper, more attacking amplified sound."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Taylor 712ce-N

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Taylor 712ce-N currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

TwinStomp Active A/B-Y MkII

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The TwinStomp Active A/B-Y MkII is hard to fault for dependable, very high-quality two-amp switching."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TwinStomp Active A/B-Y MkII

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Malekko Omicron Spring

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It's impossible not to like the Spring's time machine tones, but it is niche."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Malekko Omicron Spring

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

Providence Silky Drive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Wonderful overdrive with incredible dynamics, but with an equally 'incredible' price."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Providence Silky Drive

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: Providence Silky Drive currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

IK Multimedia iRig Stomp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The iRig Stomp provides a solid connection without having to be right next to the iOS device, it's also the practical choice should you wish to use one as part of your signal chain."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia iRig Stomp

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

BUY: IK Multimedia iRig Stomp currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Nineboys Wedge

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Strangely addictive. Sure, you could make your own, but if you can't be bothered, Nineboys has done it for you."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Nineboys Wedge

(Reviewed in Guitarist Magazine 360)

PRS SE Dave Navarro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"If you're after PRS quality on a budget - and dig the colour scheme - then the SE Dave Navarro is the guitar for you."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE Dave Navarro

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 233)

BUY: PRS SE Dave Navarro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Majik Box Doug Aldrich Rocket Fuel

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A tonal elixir that won't quite do all the work for you, but will make sure your scorching hot distortion tones sound the best they possibly can."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Majik Box Doug Aldrich Rocket Fuel

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 233)

Jackson Adrian Smith SDX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A bit of a game changer in the sub-£500 guitar market. The SDX could convince you it's worth double the street price: no small feat."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Jackson Adrian Smith SDX

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 233)

BUY: Jackson Adrian Smith SDX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Freshman FA1TRAVLTD

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A good quality, practical and fun travel guitar, but you'll want to head back to a dreadnought for recording/performing purposes."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Freshman FA1TRAVLTD

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 233)

BUY: Freshman FA1TRAVLTD currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

MusicRadar is the number 1 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 musicians and stars about their creative processes, and 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.