New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (September 2013)
The first PRS 7-string guitar
PRS SE Custom 24 7-string
Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - MusicRadar's sister print publications - publish the best independent gear reviews around on a monthly basis.
In this gallery we've brought together every guitar-related review featured on the site throughout August, including guitars, amps, pedals and recorder/interfaces.
All of the gear here was originally reviewed in Guitarist issue 370/371, Total Guitar issue 243, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The most impressive thing here is that, with the company's first seven-string guitar, PRS has absolutely nailed it."
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW:PRS SE Custom 24 7-string review
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 243)
BUY: PRS SE Custom 24 7-string currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater
A super signature guitar
Knaggs Steve Stevens Signature
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A superb modern take on the classic Les Paul inspiration. Collect it or play it, it's great for both!"
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Knaggs Steve Stevens Signature review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
Board-friendly stereo chorus
Fender Chorus Pedal
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"If you like chorus, you'll find plenty of variations on the theme here."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender Chorus Pedal review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Fender Chorus Pedal currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
'Affordable' US-made Custom
PRS S2 Custom 24
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The S2 Custom might lack some bling, but you won't be disappointed with its sounds or playability."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Custom 24 review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: PRS S2 Custom 24 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater
A true classic returns
Fender American Vintage '63 P-Bass
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A real time warp - it's no cheapie, but dangerously close to the original and just as valid today as it ever was."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender American Vintage '63 P-Bass review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Fender American Vintage '63 P-Bass currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
A plug 'n' play MIDI interface
Sonuus G2M
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The simplest way to get MIDI out of your guitar with good note detection and string-bend tracking."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sonuus G2M review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Sonuus G2M currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater
The through-neck guitar's maiden voyage
Music Man Armada
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A boutique-level riff-rock machine guaranteed to stand out from the crowd."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Music Man Armada review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Music Man Armada currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater
Tiny boost rules the roost
TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A compact booster that won't mess with your tone and features an ingenious switching system."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Competition series pedals get nasty
Fender Distort Pedal
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Decent distortion at a good price but be wary of the tone knob."
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender Distort Pedal review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Fender Distort Pedal currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Custom Shop electric at a grounded price
Schecter USA Production Series PT
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The gene-splicing of Fender Telecaster and Gibson Les Paul DNA finds superb expression here."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Schecter USA Production Series PT review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
High-end distortion pedal
Free The Tone HB-2 Heat Blaster
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A superb, fat rock distortion with edge to cut through in real-life playing."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Free The Tone HB-2 Heat Blaster review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
Stage-worthy electro-acoustic
Takamine P6NC
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The pro-spec P6NC has everything you need to plug in and play. Just add talent."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Takamine P6NC review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Takamine P6NC currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Slim body, slim price (for a PRS!)
PRS S2 Mira
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A no-brainer rock 'n' roll guitar. The Mira was always a favourite, and now it's nearly half the price of the original."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Mira review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: PRS S2 Mira currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann
US: Sweetwater
The complete guitar synth package
Roland GR-55
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"An easy to use package that enables you to blend sounds and even offers guitar and amp simulations."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Roland GR-55 review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Roland GR-55 currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Digital amp for guitar, bass and acoustic
Peavey Vypyr VIP 3
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Instrument modelling in a guitar amp is a first - and that's just for starters. Don't pass up a chance to try it."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Peavey Vypyr VIP 3 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
There are no clean getaways
Fender Drive Pedal
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Mild but natural overdrive that can kick your amp up a notch."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender Drive Pedal review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Fender Drive Pedal currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Expression and volume in one
Dunlop DVP3 Volume (X)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The switches can be awkward, but smooth action and solid build quality make this the volume pedal to beat."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Dunlop DVP3 Volume (X) review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Dunlop DVP3 Volume (X) currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Schecter shows off with an exotic double-cutaway
Schecter USA Production Series CET-Contoured Exotic Top
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"This instrument encapsulates everything that's great about the contemporary rock guitar."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Schecter USA Production Series CET-Contoured Exotic Top review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
Cab sounds without the mics
Hughes & Kettner Red Box 5
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it - just give it more tonal options. Take one to every gig: your soundman will love you."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Hughes & Kettner Red Box 5 review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Hughes & Kettner Red Box 5 currently available from:
UK: DV247
Has PRS built an indie guitar?
PRS S2 Starla
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Few players won't enjoy its evocative, classic voice - the guitar that might turn doubters on to PRS."
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: PRS S2 Starla review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: PRS S2 Starla currently available from:
UK: Andertons | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater
Competitive, compact delay
Fender Delay Pedal
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"No extras but its simplicity and practicality are this pedal's strength."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fender Delay Pedal review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Fender Delay Pedal currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Serious valve DI box
Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A thoroughly professional valve DI box, should you need one."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box review
(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 371)
BUY: Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Hardboard Hawk guitar lands
Danelectro '67 Heaven Hawk
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The '67 Heaven Hawk is inspiring to look at and play, and from Danelectro, we wouldn't expect anything less."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Danelectro '67 Heaven Hawk review
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 244)
3-in-1 stompbox fun
Electro-Harmonix Epitome
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"You won't get this range of sounds from any other single pedal."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix Epitome review
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 244)
BUY: Electro-Harmonix Epitome currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Stompbox in the pole position
MXR M69 Prime Distortion
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A lot of pedal for not much cash - it could make a worthy addition to your arsenal, even if it's not the only distortion pedal you own."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: MXR M69 Prime Distortion review
(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 244)
BUY: MXR M69 Prime Distortion currently available from:
UK: Andertons | DV247
MusicRadar is the number 1 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 musicians and stars about their creative processes, and 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.