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