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
  • Black Friday
  • 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
Kids hands on a beginner keyboard
Keyboards & Pianos Best keyboards for beginners 2025: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
Man playing Roland TD716 electronic drum set in a studio
Electronic Drums Best electronic drum sets 2025: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers – plus video and audio demos
A Boss RC-10R looper pedal on a wooden floor
Guitar Pedals Best looper pedals 2025: My favourite loop stations for every budget
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2025: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
A Fractal Audio VP4 Virtual Pedalboard multi-effects pedal on a concrete floor
Guitar Pedals Best multi-effects pedals 2025: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN
Electric Guitars “Some might say a guitar at this kind of price point has no business resonating so well”: Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN review
A Yamaha Revstar electric guitar on a blue background
Electric Guitars Thomann's Guitar Days sale just hit up to 70% off with £474 off an Epiphone semi-hollow, £132 off a Death By Audio pedal, plus loads more massive savings
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive $1,000 off Roland V-Drums, up to $320 off a range of Fender guitars, and so much more
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Guitars Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2025: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
PRS SE Semi-Hollow Special
Electric Guitars "A stellar build complements a gorgeous aesthetic, and thankfully, it has the tones and playability to back it up": PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow review
Jackson Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas: these retro S-styles take the high-performance electric guitar brand back to the '80s, offering single and dual-humbucker platforms for shred with the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards – and what about that "Two-Face" black-and-white finish?
Guitars “These guitars empower metal artists with the authentic, crushing tone that built Jackson’s legendary reputation”: Jackson takes us back to the heyday of shred with the Pro Origins 1985 San Dimas series – and what about that Two Face finish?
Strandberg Boden N2 Original
Electric Guitars "A versatile, brilliantly engineered machine that will have your back, no matter what the gig": Strandberg Boden N2 Original review
Gretsch Electromatic CVT Double-Cut in Wychwood greenburst finish
Electric Guitars "For garage, punk, and rock styles, it’s got the tonal firepower on offer": Gretsch Electromatic CVT Double-Cut review
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
More
  • Pete Townshend on smashing - and fixing - his guitars
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • AI slop hits #1
  • The pain that birthed Don't Speak
  • Europe vs AI
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (September 2015)

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 3 September 2015

Last month's guitars, amps and FX

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

PRS SE Ace Signature Model

PRS SE Ace Signature Model

From testing new signature PRS guitars to a stunning Laney mini head and a trio of Chapmans, August was a typically busy month for the reviews teams of our sister magazines Total Guitar and Guitarist.

All of these reviews were originally published in their pages and appeared on the site throughout August. Here we've rounded them all up for your browsing ease. First up, it's the Skunk Anansie man's signature six-stringer...

MusicRadar's verdict:

"On this evidence, you can trust in Ace. We always said he was a class act: so is his guitar."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE Ace Signature Model review

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 1 of 21
Page 1 of 21
Mr Black Eterna Gold Modified

Mr Black Eterna Gold Modified

MusicRadar's verdict:

"This is one of the best ambient pedals we've heard."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mr Black Eterna Gold Modified review

BUY: Mr Black Eterna Gold Modified currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 2 of 21
Page 2 of 21
Mr Black ThunderClaw

Mr Black ThunderClaw

MusicRadar's verdict:

"For alt, stoner and doom, we urge you to plug in."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mr Black ThunderClaw review

BUY: Mr Black ThunderClaw currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 3 of 21
Page 3 of 21
Digitech Obscura Delay

Digitech Obscura Delay

MusicRadar's verdict:

"There's no denying that this is one of the best-sounding and most exciting digital delays we've used in some time, and we can't help but recommend it."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Digitech Obscura Delay review

BUY: Digitech Obscura Delay currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 4 of 21
Page 4 of 21
Valeton Tube Refiner

Valeton Tube Refiner

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A versatile drive for blues and rock players on a budget."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Valeton Tube Refiner review

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 5 of 21
Page 5 of 21
Chapman Guitars ML-3 Modern

Chapman Guitars ML-3 Modern

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A serious option in the increasingly dog-eat-dog market for mid-priced electrics."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Chapman Guitars ML-3 Modern review

BUY: Chapman Guitars ML-3 Modern currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 6 of 21
Page 6 of 21
Laney L5-Studio review

Laney L5-Studio review

MusicRadar's verdict:

"It's another brilliant amp from Laney, which is on a roll with some innovative and highly desirable products at very affordable prices."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Laney L5-Studio review review

BUY: Laney L5-Studio currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 7 of 21
Page 7 of 21
Valeton Wave Shaker

Valeton Wave Shaker

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A brilliant pedal full of vintage warmth - and at a great price."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Valeton Wave Shaker review

BUY: Valeton Wave Shaker currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 8 of 21
Page 8 of 21
Antoria Telstar Deluxe

Antoria Telstar Deluxe

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Affordable and versatile, with zero sacrifices made in looks or sound. The budget market may just have found its new champion."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Antoria Telstar Deluxe review

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 9 of 21
Page 9 of 21
Line 6 Firehawk FX

Line 6 Firehawk FX

MusicRadar's verdict:

"The Firehawk FX offers plenty of bang for your buck for home practice, recording and - given its rock-solid build quality - gigging, too."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Line 6 Firehawk FX review

BUY: Line 6 Firehawk FX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 10 of 21
Page 10 of 21
Simon & Patrick Concert Hall Songsmith A3T

Simon & Patrick Concert Hall Songsmith A3T

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Well made, well priced... this is a good-looking all-rounder that excels when amplified. Add it to your must-try list."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Simon & Patrick Concert Hall Songsmith A3T review

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 11 of 21
Page 11 of 21
Chapman Guitars ML-7 T

Chapman Guitars ML-7 T

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Low-end thunder and sweet-sustaining lead tones from a guitar that's a lot of fun to play - once you get past its weight."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Chapman Guitars ML-7 T review

BUY: Chapman Guitars ML-3 Modern currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 12 of 21
Page 12 of 21
Schecter Banshee Elite-6

Schecter Banshee Elite-6

MusicRadar's verdict:

"One of the best-sounding rock guitars we've played."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schecter Banshee Elite-6 review

BUY: Schecter Banshee Elite-6 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 13 of 21
Page 13 of 21
Chapman Guitars ML-1 Pro

Chapman Guitars ML-1 Pro

MusicRadar's verdict:

"The ML-1 Pro's imaginative pickup selection and meticulous ride is proof that the Monkey Lord is not just content to ape the opposition."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Chapman Guitars ML-1 Pro review

BUY: Chapman Guitars ML-1 Pro currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 14 of 21
Page 14 of 21
One Control Granith Grey Booster

One Control Granith Grey Booster

MusicRadar's verdict:

"An immensely practical add-on for your signal chain. A very clean boost with a hi-fi sheen."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: One Control Granith Grey Booster review

BUY: One Control Granith Grey Booster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 15 of 21
Page 15 of 21
Rock 'N' Roll Relics Thunders II

Rock 'N' Roll Relics Thunders II

MusicRadar's verdict:

"We can't fault Billy Rowe's execution of the 'plain mahogany with twin-P-90s' theme."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rock 'N' Roll Relics Thunders II review

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 16 of 21
Page 16 of 21
One Control Purple Humper

One Control Purple Humper

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A fat boost in a slim box: a 'secret weapon' to fill out single coils for a more humbucker-like tonality."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: One Control Purple Humper review

BUY: One Control Purple Humper currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 17 of 21
Page 17 of 21
Fender Custom Shop Ancho Poblano Strat

Fender Custom Shop Ancho Poblano Strat

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If you're a old-guitar addict, this is a new fix."

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Custom Shop Ancho Poblano Strat review

BUY: Fender Custom Shop Ancho Poblano Strat currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
One Control Hooker's Green Bass Machine

One Control Hooker's Green Bass Machine

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A brilliant add-on for bassists needing more bottom end, or for guitarists looking for a darker drive."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: One Control Hooker's Green Bass Machine review

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
Fender Custom Shop Tele Caballo Tono

Fender Custom Shop Tele Caballo Tono

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Yes, just another Telecaster. But, heck, what a Tele!"

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Custom Shop Tele Caballo Tono review

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 20 of 21
Page 20 of 21
One Control Anodised Brown Distortion

One Control Anodised Brown Distortion

MusicRadar's verdict:

"An extremely good distortion that does rock and metal brilliantly, but suits other styles just as well."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: One Control Anodised Brown Distortion review

BUY: One Control Anodised Brown Distortion currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 21 of 21
Page 21 of 21
Total Guitar
Total Guitar
Social Links Navigation

Total Guitar is Europe's best-selling guitar magazine.

Every month we feature interviews with the biggest names and hottest new acts in guitar land, plus Guest Lessons from the stars.

Finally, our Rocked & Rated section is the place to go for reviews, round-ups and help setting up your guitars and gear.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/totalguitar

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Best electric guitars 2025: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
 
 
A Fractal Audio VP4 Virtual Pedalboard multi-effects pedal on a concrete floor
Best multi-effects pedals 2025: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
 
 
Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN
“Some might say a guitar at this kind of price point has no business resonating so well”: Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN review
 
 
A Yamaha Revstar electric guitar on a blue background
Thomann's Guitar Days sale just hit up to 70% off with £474 off an Epiphone semi-hollow, £132 off a Death By Audio pedal, plus loads more massive savings
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a massive $1,000 off Roland V-Drums, up to $320 off a range of Fender guitars, and so much more
 
 
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Gibson 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3: these Murphy Lab aged PAF replicas are limited to just 1000 units worldwide and ship in a brown pink fur-lined Lifton case just like the guitars.
Gibson cooks up “holy grail” PAF mojo with the 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 3 – the ultimate Les Paul tone hack?
 
 
A Squier Tele and Squier Paranormal Offset Telecaster on a yellow background
Fender just launched its Black Friday sale and I can't believe the Player II Stratocaster is this cheap - save up to 30% off a range of Squier and Fender guitars
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Black Friday has officially kicked off, with the likes of Sweetwater and Guitar Center dropping massive sales
 
 
Alex Skolnick of Testament shows off his signature ESP singlecut as he performs at Belgium's Alcatraz Festival in 2024. On the right, Kiko Loureiro and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth photographed in the corridors backstage at Wembley Arena in 2015.
Alex Skolnick on the time he was on standby for Megadeth – and what to do when you can’t match a player lick for lick
 
 
An Alesis Strata Core electronic drum set on a yellow background
I’ve seen a lot of Black Friday sales, but this one’s next level - Sweetwater just dropped thousands of discounts of up to 80% off guitars, drums, keys, and more
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster: the new glitch/synth mini-pedal from the storied NYC pedal brand
EHX expands its Pico series with the Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer – a mini-pedal that sounds so wrong its right
 
 
Latest in News
TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 01: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE, EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO SPECIAL INTEREST OR SINGLE ARTIST PUBLICATION USE) Dua Lipa performs during the Radical Optimism Tour at Scotiabank Arena on September 01, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ABA)
“Dua sings everything”: Dua Lipa’s live engineer reveals how he adds the “pop shine” to her vocals
 
 
Gary Numan performs onstage during a concert at O2 Academy Birmingham on November 15
“I’m drifting, broken, shell shocked”: Gary Numan opens up about his brother’s sudden death
 
 
Close up of a person playing guitar
With a massive 89% discount, $99 for a year's worth of Guitar Tricks online lessons is the best way to upgrade your guitar playing this Black Friday
 
 
Gary Numan
“Very worrying to see him so emotional”: Gary Numan breaks down during gig after hearing "worst news ever"
 
 
ValhallaDSP ValhallaFutureVerb
“As close to perfect as we have ever heard”: ValhallaDSP’s new plugin is the product of eight years R&D
 
 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 03: (L-R) Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons attend Operation Smile Los Angeles Smile Fiesta at Candela La Brea on June 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Simon/Getty Images for Operation Smile)
"Why don't we take a moment, think about him looking down on us”: Kiss pay tribute to Ace Frehley in Las Vegas
 
 

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...