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
  • "The most expensive bit of drumming in history”
  • JoBo x Fuchs
  • Radiohead Daydreaming
  • Vanilla Fudge
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (September 2013)

News
By The MusicRadar Team published 2 September 2013

Last month's guitar gear reviews

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

PRS SE Custom 24 7-string

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

Page 1 of 25
Page 1 of 25
Knaggs Steve Stevens Signature

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)

Page 2 of 25
Page 2 of 25
Fender Chorus Pedal

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

Page 3 of 25
Page 3 of 25
PRS S2 Custom 24

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

Page 4 of 25
Page 4 of 25
Fender American Vintage '63 P-Bass

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

Page 5 of 25
Page 5 of 25
Sonuus G2M

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

Page 6 of 25
Page 6 of 25
Music Man Armada

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

Page 7 of 25
Page 7 of 25
TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster

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

Page 8 of 25
Page 8 of 25
Fender Distort Pedal

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

Page 9 of 25
Page 9 of 25
Schecter USA Production Series PT

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)

Page 10 of 25
Page 10 of 25
Free The Tone HB-2 Heat Blaster

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)

Page 11 of 25
Page 11 of 25
Takamine P6NC

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

Page 12 of 25
Page 12 of 25
PRS S2 Mira

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

Page 13 of 25
Page 13 of 25
Roland GR-55

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

Page 14 of 25
Page 14 of 25
Peavey Vypyr VIP 3

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

Page 15 of 25
Page 15 of 25
Fender Drive Pedal

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

Page 16 of 25
Page 16 of 25
Dunlop DVP3 Volume (X)

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

Page 17 of 25
Page 17 of 25
Schecter USA Production Series CET-Contoured Exotic Top

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)

Page 18 of 25
Page 18 of 25
Hughes & Kettner Red Box 5

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

Page 19 of 25
Page 19 of 25
PRS S2 Starla

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

Page 20 of 25
Page 20 of 25
Fender Delay Pedal

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

Page 21 of 25
Page 21 of 25
Radial Firefly Tube Direct 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

Page 22 of 25
Page 22 of 25
Danelectro '67 Heaven Hawk

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)

Page 23 of 25
Page 23 of 25
Electro-Harmonix Epitome

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

Page 24 of 25
Page 24 of 25
MXR M69 Prime Distortion

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

Page 25 of 25
Page 25 of 25
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
Buddy Guy [left] smiles as he takes a solo on his Fender Stratocaster. He wears a red jacket and black hat. Billy Gibbons [right] wears shades, a wide-brimmed hat and a red blazer as he plays his custom SG-style electric with the V-style headstock.
Billy Gibbons on the tip Buddy Guy gave him after they jammed a T-Bone Walker classic
 
 
Ibanez Alpha Series: 7 and 8-string guitars with an all-new shape, metallic finishes, and photographed here in profile against a dark gradient background.
Stylistically radical, Ibanez’s multi-scale Alpha series might just be the 21st-century prog-metal player’s favourite new guitar – but do you get the 7-string or the 8?
 
 
EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Pre Amp
EarthQuaker Devices and Dr Z team up for a tube-driven preamp that might just be the cure for whatever ails your tone
 
 
Brian May [left] leans back and feels a chord as he performs live with his Red Special. Steve Vai [right] wears a ballcap and looks pleased as punch as he shows off his custom 'Green' Red Special that May had built for him.
Steve Vai once played Brian May’s guitar “like a baby giraffe on roller skates” – now the Queen icon has gifted him his own ‘Green’ Red Special
 
 
Funny Little Boxes Caught By The Fuzz: inspired by Supergrass, this two-knob fuzz has a white enclosure, blue dials, and a comic graphic of someone being apprehended in a police car.
"Its simplicity is a selling point": Funny Little Boxes Caught By The Fuzz review
 
 
Fender CEO Edward "Bud" Cole wears a dark blue suit jacket and white open-collar shirt as he poses with a Telecaster
“To lead Fender is the honour of a lifetime”: Fender announces Edward “Bud” Cole as its new CEO
 
 
Latest in News
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 4: American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, actor, and filmmaker Prince (1958-2016) and American guitarist, singer-songwriter and member of the Revolution Wendy Melvoin perform onstage during the 1984 Purple Rain Tour on November 4, 1984, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Ross Marino/Getty Images)
How Prince and The Revolution turned the bare bones of Purple Rain into a lighters-in-the-air epic
 
 
 Iconic female rap group Salt-N-Pepa members Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper)
"Did not establish they ever owned the copyrights to their sound recordings": Salt N Pepa lose legal battle with Universal
 
 
DAVID BYRNE AND OLIVIA RODRIGO
“I actually cried when I heard his version of this song”: Olivia Rodrigo on David Byrne's cover of Drivers License
 
 
Pat Smear performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at The Kia Forum on January 30, 2025 in Inglewood, California
“In the classic tradition…”: Pat Smear is out of upcoming Foo Fighters dates after “bizarre gardening accident”
 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Raye performs onstage during All Points East at Victoria Park on August 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Producer Mike Sabath reveals the surprisingly limited instrumentation in Raye's Where Is My Husband!
 
 
Brandon Flowers of The Killers attends the GBK Brand Bar & Meals On Me Backstage Lounge At The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
“In 2027 you will get the best Killers record”: Brandon Flowers is concentrating on solo activity this year
 
 

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...