New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (September 2012)
August's guitar reviews in one place
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.
This is a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, amps and effects - all of which have been tested meticulously by either Guitarist or Total Guitar in recent months and published on MusicRadar throughout August 2012.
Flick through this month's picks and follow the links to read each product's full review. First up, a high-end French fancy...
At this price, could this French fancy have that certain 'Je ne sais quoi' or is it just a case of déj vu?
Vigier Excalibur Indus (£1389)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A European-made beauty with enhanced electronics
Hagstrom Northen Super Swede Flame (£1225)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Former Marshall man enters the amp-sim market
Scuffham S-Gear ($90)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A rock beast that now has a gentler side
Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HSH (£598)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Here's to growing old gracefully
Takamine EG50TH Anniversary (£550)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A pocket-friendly way to (over-) drive a Jag
Fender Blacktop Jaguar 90 (£598)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A piezo-loaded 22-fret solidbody
PRS P22 (£3695)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A huge range of tones at an affordable price point
Fender Modern Player Stratocaster HSS (£442)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
The Japanese firm celebrates its fifth decade in style
Takamine LTD 2012 'Michi' (£2518)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
It's a fabulous looking amp, but how does it sound?
Fender Pawn Shop Special Excelsior (£298)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A workhorse that pines for something different
Fender Modern Player Telecaster Plus (£442)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Floor-based unit proves it can stand a trampling
Taurus Stomp-Head 4.SL (£841)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Boasts 12 effects and 90 seconds of loop time
Vox Lil' Looper (£143)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
The flagship of the TubeMeister range makes its debut
Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 36 (£799)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A rack option for digital defectors
Vintage Revolution PedalPro (1999€)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
A brutal beast that thrives in the wild
DBZ Cavallo AB (£699)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Includes six effects and two amp models
IK Multimedia Amplitube Slash for iPad (£6.99)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Boost, overdrive and distortion in one mad box
Dr Scientist The Elements (£199)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
The raw material from which rock 'n' roll is made