New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (November 2014)

Empress Compressor

Every month you'll find the finest independent gear reviews on MusicRadar and in the pages of our sister publications Total Guitar and Guitarist.

In this gallery we've gathered all of October's new guitar reviews, froms amps and effects to acoustics, electrics and other assorted guitar related accessories.

All of the following reviews were originally published in Guitarist issues 386/387 and Total Guitar issues 259. First up, it's the Empress Compressor...

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Studio-style compression, with uncoloured tonality, in a pedal.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Empress Compressor review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Empress Compressor currently available from:
UK: Thomann

T-Rex Quint Machine

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Add octaves and/or harmony with no fuss - a seriously good pitch pedal. We Billy No Mates types can pretend we're playing with a band...”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: T-Rex Quint Machine review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: T-Rex Quint Machine currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US:Full Compass

Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's not the most charming Short Scale we've played - that honour goes to the Tele - but it still brings new tones and brilliant value for money to the party.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Supro 1624T Dual-Tone

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With its different configuration, this is the one if you need some dirt - perfect for 50s- and 60s-style blues.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Supro 1624T Dual-Tone review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Supro 1624T Dual-Tone currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Joyo JF-10 Dyna Compressor

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“You don't need to spend a fortune to get a compressor that works.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Joyo JF-10 Dyna Compressor review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 380)

Avian Skylark

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It might be radical, but the soundhole placement is a revelation. Great for modern fingerstyle players.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Avian Skylark review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

Boss CS-3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A decent purchase, poised between budget and boutique.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss CS-3 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Boss CS-3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Avian Songbird

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A thoroughly contemporary guitar with a highly musical sound. Yup, there is life beyond the dreadnought!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Avian Songbird review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

MXR '76 Vintage Dyna Comp

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Vintage features, vintage looks and, yes, vintage sound, too.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MXR '76 Vintage Dyna Comp review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

T-Rex Replay Box

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A practical delay that makes the most of the compact format.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: T-Rex Replay Box review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: T-Rex Replay Box currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Full Compass

Keeley 4-Knob Compressor

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Modern boutique version of a respected design with added refinements. Superb!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Keeley 4-Knob Compressor review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Keeley 4-Knob Compressor currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Sweetwater

Eventide MixingLink

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Compact, feature-packed and versatile, this clever device has a range of uses.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Eventide MixingLink review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Eventide MixingLink currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

PRS S2 Mira Semi-Hollow

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“About as far away as you can get from the posh PRS vibe: a cool, slightly semi take on the Mira.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Mira Semi-Hollow review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: PRS S2 Mira Semi-Hollow currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
USA: Sweetwater

Gibson Memory Cable

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A killer tool for capturing those ideas before they're lost."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibson Memory Cable review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

BUY: Gibson Memory Cable currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

PRS S2 Custom 22 Semi-Hollow

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A lightweight, semi take on PRS's classic - the vibrato alone might be enough to sway you.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Custom 22 Semi-Hollow review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: PRS S2 Custom 22 Semi-Hollow currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

PRS S2 Singlecut Semi-Hollow

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's the most versatile sounding and has the largest cavity, but needs heavier strings to maximise its semi-ness.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Singlecut Semi-Hollow review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: PRS S2 Singlecut Semi-Hollow currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18 Twelve

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A lightweight, versatile combo that offers straightforward functionality and packs tonnes of great tones.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18 Twelve review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18 Twelve currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Freshman SONGTRAVTSB

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A cut above the usual solid top/laminate travel guitars out there, it looks great and its sound will get you heard.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Freshman SONGTRAVTSB review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Freshman SONGTRAVTSB currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Laney Ironheart IRT30-112

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“One of the most versatile valve combos we've heard in this price range: one seriously impressive amp.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Laney Ironheart IRT30-112 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Laney Ironheart IRT30-112 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Bigfoot Engineering Trouble Boost

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you are looking for extra richness, harmonics and sustain, this delivers in two distinct flavours - a front-end boost with a bit of Texan raunch.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bigfoot Engineering Trouble Boost review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

Epiphone Slash Rosso Corsa Les Paul

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We love the Rosso Corsa Les Paul's look, vibe and tonal versatility."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Epiphone Slash Rosso Corsa Les Paul review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

BUY: Epiphone Slash Rosso Corsa Les Paul currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Morley M2WV

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A rugged, functional and cost-effective pedal for foot control of volume.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Morley M2WV review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 386)

BUY: Morley M2WV currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

LTD BW-1FM/ET

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A great example of a signature model that actually delivers the diversity and personality of the player who inspired and helped to design it - and, fortunately for us, it seems Ben Weinman is something of a mastermind in that department."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LTD BW-1FM/ET review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

Epiphone Slash 'AFD' Les Paul Special-II

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"What it lacks in tone, it more than makes up for in value for money. Beginners could do a lot worse than this affordable Slash-er."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Epiphone Slash 'AFD' Les Paul Special-II review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

BUY: Epiphone Slash 'AFD' Les Paul Special-II currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Digitech Drop

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We wish DigiTech would drop the price - you can bag a Whammy DT for not much more - but this is the most convincing, not to mention compact, drop-tuner we've used."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Digitech Drop review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

BUY: Digitech Drop currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

MESA/Boogie Throttle Box EQ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"£250 is a lot for an overdrive pedal, but when it captures the magic of the world's finest amps, it's worth the money."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MESA/Boogie Throttle Box EQ review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

BUY: MESA/Boogie Throttle Box EQ currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Gibson Slash Vermillion Les Paul

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The price may cause a few raised eyebrows, but for what you get we can't complain. This is a great Les Paul that looks incredible."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gibson Slash Vermillion Les Paul review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

Morley M2VO

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A quality passive volume pedal at a decent price - it'll save you money on batteries, too!"

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Morley M2VO review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

Fender Micro ABY

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We experienced no noise problems, and with street prices at half the SRP, this is an amp switch-enabling bargain."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Micro ABY review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 259)

BUY: Fender Micro ABY currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Peerless Jezebel

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A capable small jazzer or vintage rock 'n' roll belter for anyone who doesn't want a huge box.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peerless Jezebel review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 387)

Vox AC4C1-12

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Classic Vox clean and overdrive sounds in a very portable package.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox AC4C1-12 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 387)

BUY: Vox AC4C1-12 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Tech21 Fly Rig5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Slip one into your guitar case and you'll always be covered for sound.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tech21 Fly Rig5 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 387)

BUY: Tech21 Fly Rig5 currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Vigier Excalibur Thirteen

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“State-of-the-art solidbody with impeccable build, playability and versatile sounds.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vigier Excalibur Thirteen review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 387)