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
  • Christine McVie's masterpiece
  • Macca vs Phil Collins
  • Music theory tricks
  • Kiss From a Rose
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Yes
  1. Guitars

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

News
By The MusicRadar Team
Published 1 November 2012

October's new products at a glance

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

Brainworx bx_rockrack

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

Page 1 of 34
Page 1 of 34
Cornell PedalAmp

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)

Page 2 of 34
Page 2 of 34
Peerless Leela 40

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)

Page 3 of 34
Page 3 of 34
Carvin Allan Holdsworth HH2

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)

Page 4 of 34
Page 4 of 34
Marshall JVM410HJS Joe Satriani Signature

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

Page 5 of 34
Page 5 of 34
Carvin Frank Gambale FG1

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)

Page 6 of 34
Page 6 of 34
Carlsbro Sherwood II 30R

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)

Page 7 of 34
Page 7 of 34
Vox AGA30

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

Page 8 of 34
Page 8 of 34
Rickenbacker 650C Colorado

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)

Page 9 of 34
Page 9 of 34
Peavey AT-200

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

Page 10 of 34
Page 10 of 34
Taylor 712ce

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

Page 11 of 34
Page 11 of 34
Providence Stampede DT SDT-2

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

Page 12 of 34
Page 12 of 34
Strymon Flint tremolo and reverb

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

Page 13 of 34
Page 13 of 34
TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play GTX

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

Page 14 of 34
Page 14 of 34
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

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

Page 15 of 34
Page 15 of 34
LTD M-53

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

Page 16 of 34
Page 16 of 34
Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe TC

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)

Page 17 of 34
Page 17 of 34
Fender FSR Telecaster Custom

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)

Page 18 of 34
Page 18 of 34
Ibanez FRM100TR

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)

Page 19 of 34
Page 19 of 34
Jackson JS23 Dinky

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

Page 20 of 34
Page 20 of 34
Sterling By Music Man Sub Silo3

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

Page 21 of 34
Page 21 of 34
Ibanez SA160FM

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

Page 22 of 34
Page 22 of 34
LTD KH-25

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

Page 23 of 34
Page 23 of 34
Thermionic Culture Solo Vulture

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

Page 24 of 34
Page 24 of 34
Taylor 712ce-N

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

Page 25 of 34
Page 25 of 34
TwinStomp Active A/B-Y MkII

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)

Page 26 of 34
Page 26 of 34
Malekko Omicron Spring

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)

Page 27 of 34
Page 27 of 34
Providence Silky Drive

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

Page 28 of 34
Page 28 of 34
IK Multimedia iRig Stomp

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

Page 29 of 34
Page 29 of 34
Nineboys Wedge

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)

Page 30 of 34
Page 30 of 34
PRS SE Dave Navarro

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

Page 31 of 34
Page 31 of 34
Majik Box Doug Aldrich Rocket Fuel

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)

Page 32 of 34
Page 32 of 34
Jackson Adrian Smith SDX

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

Page 33 of 34
Page 33 of 34
Freshman FA1TRAVLTD

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

Page 34 of 34
Page 34 of 34
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
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
Stranberg x Jam Stik MIDI
Electric Guitars “Sounds you'll never have heard from a guitar before”: Strandberg x Jamstik Chameleon review
 
 
Fractal FM4 amp modeller
Guitar Pedals “Make no mistake, it could grace any professional stage”: Fractal AM4 review
 
 
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
 
 
Latest in Guitars
HeadRush unveils Prime, “the most powerful, versatile, and realistic-sounding floorboard FX processor ever”
Guitars HeadRush rolls out Tone3000 integration and native support for NAM captures to its amp modellers
 
 
Chris Payton shows Planet Guitar his Collings I-35, a gift from Bruno Mars
Artists Chris Payton reveals his rig for Bruno Mars stadium shows
 
 
Tony Iommi and Brian May pictured together in 2006.
Guitarists Tony Iommi on Brian May’s cameo on his new solo album and why the Queen guitarist is its only guest
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
Mastodon pictured after performing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2021 [L-R]: Brent Hinds, Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher.
Artists Mastodon's Brann Dailor and Troy Sanders on their complicated relationship with the late Brent Hinds
 
 
Tony Iommi sits at an old table and contemplates his guitar.
Artists Hear Tony Iommi's new single World Alone as the Black Sabbath icon announces his solo album
 
 
Latest in News
HeadRush unveils Prime, “the most powerful, versatile, and realistic-sounding floorboard FX processor ever”
Guitars HeadRush rolls out Tone3000 integration and native support for NAM captures to its amp modellers
 
 
Directly above view of vinyl record isolated on yellow background
Recording A Pressing Matter: Suno to launch its own bespoke vinyl pressing and shipping service
 
 
Chris Payton shows Planet Guitar his Collings I-35, a gift from Bruno Mars
Artists Chris Payton reveals his rig for Bruno Mars stadium shows
 
 
David Rivkin Prince
Artists Prince collaborator David Z, who helped create one of his biggest hits, has died, aged 78
 
 
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Raphael Saadiq performs onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Artists “I don’t want any undos. There’s no ‘undo’ in good music": Raphael Saadiq on why he records to tape
 
 
Tony Iommi and Brian May pictured together in 2006.
Guitarists Tony Iommi on Brian May’s cameo on his new solo album and why the Queen guitarist is its only guest
 
 

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...