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
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
More
  • NAMM 2026: as it happened
  • Best NAMM tech gear
  • Joni's Woodstock
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

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

News
By The MusicRadar Team published 3 October 2012

September'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.

PRS DGT Standard (£2795)

PRS DGT Standard (£2795)

Every month, MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

We’ve collated the latest guitars, amps, pedals, recorders and interfaces to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music, Future Music, Rhythm Total Guitar and Guitarist’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 359.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: PRS DGT Standard

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Less wide sounding than the maple- topped DGT, this Standard version is another voice: a 21st-century Les Paul Special but with expanded sounds, vibrato and PRS's legendary build quality.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS DGT Standard

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: PRS DGT Standard currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz (£171)

MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz (£171)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Fuzz plus octaves up and down: this stomper can cover a vast array of sounds from old-school Hendrix to lo-fi Auerbach, and a pretty cool Slash to boot!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
Vox AC4C1-BL (£358)

Vox AC4C1-BL (£358)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“What's not to like (providing you're not changing valves in a hurry)?”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox AC4C1-BL

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Vox AC4C1-BL currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
A/DA APP-1 (£339)

A/DA APP-1 (£339)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A/DA returns with a genuinely new product, full of different tones and myriad features.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: A/DA APP-1

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: A/DA APP-1 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Tascam iU2 (£149)

Tascam iU2 (£149)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A comprehensive portable I/O device for both Apple's iOS and computers - someone needed to invent this, Tascam has, and it's done a brilliant job.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tascam iU2

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Tascam iU2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
DigiTech Whammy (5th Generation) (£199)

DigiTech Whammy (5th Generation) (£199)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The most useful Whammy so far and awesome fun to boot. You need one!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DigiTech Whammy (5th Generation)

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: DigiTech Whammy (5th Generation) currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
Roland G-5 VG Fender Stratocaster (£1450)

Roland G-5 VG Fender Stratocaster (£1450)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Less detailed than the Variax, the G-5 VG Stratocaster beats its rival on open/dropped tuning functions at least. Its digital trickery is also loaded on a familiar, much-loved Fender Stratocaster chassis: that goes a long, long way!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland G-5 VG Fender Stratocaster

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Roland G-5 VG Fender Stratocaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
Peavey Xport USB Guitar Interface (£39)

Peavey Xport USB Guitar Interface (£39)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Xport is a great guitarist's companion to a laptop that will work for recording or practice wherever you are.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Peavey Xport USB Guitar Interface

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Peavey Xport USB Guitar Interface currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
AKG DMS70 Dual digital wireless system (£349)

AKG DMS70 Dual digital wireless system (£349)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An excellent- sounding wireless system that shouldn't pose any performance problems.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: AKG DMS70 Dual digital wireless system

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: AKG DMS70 Dual digital wireless system currently available from:
UK: DV247

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
Vox AC4HW1 (£778)

Vox AC4HW1 (£778)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For recording, this could be all the amp you ever need.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox AC4HW1

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Vox AC4HW1 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
Guild GSR D-40 Noir (£2926)

Guild GSR D-40 Noir (£2926)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A visually striking dreadnought with a punchy and instantly likeable acoustic tone.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guild GSR D-40 Noir

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Guild GSR D-40 Noir currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
TC Electronic MojoMojo (£105)

TC Electronic MojoMojo (£105)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Lovely transparent overdrive that's like adding an extra channel to your amp.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic MojoMojo

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: TC Electronic MojoMojo currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | guitarguitar
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Thomann | Michenaud | Star's Music | Woodbrass

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
Vox Apache I (£262)

Vox Apache I (£262)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This distinctive-looking electric offers self-powered performance and play- anywhere portability. Most of all it's great fun.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox Apache I

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Vox Apache I currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
TC Electronic Dark Matter (£105)

TC Electronic Dark Matter (£105)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A responsive stompbox that will put a flavour of that cranked Marshall raunch on your board.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Dark Matter

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: TC Electronic Dark Matter currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
Mariner Capstan (£369)

Mariner Capstan (£369)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Mariner is still a new name in the affordable market, but the Capstan is a fine fingerstyle-friendly performer.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mariner Capstan

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
Tascam DP-24 (£749)

Tascam DP-24 (£749)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A self-contained 24-track recording studio that will take you from the first chord to a finished CD.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tascam DP-24

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Tascam DP-24 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
TC Electronic Röttweiler (£105)

TC Electronic Röttweiler (£105)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Pedal to the metal? This one takes you straight there. It barks and it bites.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Röttweiler

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: TC Electronic Röttweiler currently available from:
UK: DV247

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
Music Man Reflex Game Changer HSH (£2539)

Music Man Reflex Game Changer HSH (£2539)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Time will tell whether this technology will be a real-world game changer or an interesting footnote. Regardless, this is a very good electric guitar with which to broaden your sonic horizons.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Music Man Reflex Game Changer HSH

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Music Man Reflex Game Changer HSH currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
Guild GSR F-30CE Cocobolo (£2926)

Guild GSR F-30CE Cocobolo (£2926)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For those sufficiently well heeled and able to track one down, the F-30CE Cocobolo is pretty much as good as fingerstyle guitars get.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guild GSR F-30CE Cocobolo

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Guild GSR F-30CE Cocobolo currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
Mad Professor Old School 21 (£1799)

Mad Professor Old School 21 (£1799)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Time will tell whether this technology will be a real-world game changer or an It doesn't quite live up to its rather hefty price tag but the Old School '21 is well worth auditioning for those on a quest for tonal nirvana.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mad Professor Old School 21

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
Vox Apache II (£262)

Vox Apache II (£262)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This distinctive-looking electric offers self-powered performance and play- anywhere portability. Most of all it's great fun.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox Apache II

(Reviewed in Guitarist magazine issue 359)

BUY: Vox Apache II currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Liked this? Now read: The best music tech gear of 2011: synths, DAWs, plug-ins, keyboards, apps and more

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Connect with Rhythm: via Twitter and Facebook

Get MusicRadar straight to your inbox: Sign up for the free weekly newsletter

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
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.

Latest in Guitars
EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Pre Amp
"The EF86 tube is often described as hi-fi, and honestly, that's the perfect way to describe what's coming out of this thing": EarthQuaker Devices EQD ZEQD-Pre review
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Score $220 off a stunning Gretsch, $150 off a unique Les Paul Custom Widow, as well as hundreds off pianos, interfaces, and headphones
 
 
Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman trade solos as Megadeth play live in 1990
Dave Mustaine admits he nearly passed on Marty Friedman for Megadeth because he didn’t like his hair
 
 
A glam shot of a cherry red Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Firebird Les Paul Special in action
Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series
 
 
Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN
“This has been a difficult decision for us”: Harley Benton is closing its US store on Reverb
 
 
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
 
 
Latest in News
South Korean-New Zealand singer Rose (L) and US singer-songwriter and record producer Bruno Mars perform on stage during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --
Bruno Mars and Rosé deliver a hard rock version of APT at the Grammy Awards
 
 
A pixellated 8-but style picture of an orchestra
“Another huge win for video game music”: 8-Bit Big Band pick up Grammy for their Super Mario medley
 
 
 Dave Mustaine of Megadeth visits SiriusXM Studios on January 16, 2026
“I wanted to be heavier and faster than they were”: Dave Mustaine on – guess what? – his split from Metallica
 
 
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 1: Justin Bieber at The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, broadcasting live Sunday, February 1, 2026 on the CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+*. (Photo by Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images)
Justin Bieber played an ‘80s Yamaha electric guitar and an Akai MPC Live III in his underwear at the Grammys
 
 
cirkut
"Once upon a time I was a kid making beats in his bedroom in Canada and now I'm here": Cirkut takes home Producer of the Year, Non-Classical at the 2026 Grammy Awards
 
 
Bad Bunny receives the award for Album of the Year at The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, broadcasting live Sunday, February 1, 2026
"If we fight, we have to do it with love”: Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish all win big at 2026 Grammys
 
 

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
  • 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...