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
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Jared James Nichols plays his Gibson Futura on a stage lit up in red-pink.
Artists “I felt like I was levitating off the ground. I felt like I was in Cream in 1968”: Jared James Nichols on why he switched to Marshall amps
Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal Kelly
Electric Guitars “Everything a headbanger could want from a metal guitar – just as long as you don’t need a neck pickup”: Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal KE1A Kelly review
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special Baked Maple: the high-performance electrics are refreshed with baked maple necks, TOM bridges and Floyd Rose vibratos
Guitars Eddie Van Halen-approved baked maple necks? Check. Flagship pickups? Check. EVH Gear unveils stunning refresh of the Wolfgang Special
A Strandberg Boden Original N2.6T headless electric guitar with a Fender Tone Master amp modeler
Electric Guitars “If this is the future of guitar, then sign me up”: Strandberg Boden Original N2.6T review
The Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini is a compact five-string acoustic that encourages players to explore Collier's D-A-E-A-D tuning.
Acoustic Guitars “This is quite a hard guitar to categorise – and perhaps Jacob Collier likes it that way... For the right player, though, it could be the key to experiencing guitar anew”: Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String review
Three new additions to the $99 JHS Pedals range: Glitch Delay, Bit Crusher and Ring Modulator – all compact stompboxes with white enclosures and three knobs
Guitars Meet the $99 stompbox that’ll crush your bits – JHS expands its affordable 3 Series with three exotic effects for your pedalboard
Harley Benton refreshes its Pro Series with 41 new Fusion-IV S-styles, mid-priced but offering specs such as quilted maple veneers, sculpted heels, EMGs and locking tuners
Guitars A sub-$600 shred machine with active EMGs and roasted flame maple neck? Harley Benton expands its Pro Series with 41 hot-rodded but affordable S-styles
Fender Godzilla Distortion
Guitars You’ve seen Fender’s Godzilla Strat, now here the comes the pedal – and it’s a monster op-amp distortion with city-levelling tone (and a seriously cool graphic finish)
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
A Harley Benton Fusion IV HH electric guitar lies on a white floor with a rug and guitar cable nearby
Electric Guitars “It certainly appears a lot more expensive than it actually is”: Harley Benton Fusion IV HH FR review
Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster Road Worn and Cabronita
Electric Guitars Fender 75th Anniversary Vintera Road Worn 1951 Telecaster & American Professional Classic Cabronita Telecaster review
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
PRS with a guitar cable
Guitars Best guitar cables 2026: Leads and patch cables for all budgets
Crazy Tube Circuits Triptychon
Guitars Crazy Tube Circuits’ Triptychon might just be the only pedal you need for classic rock
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Just in time for Mother's Day, we've found $700 off an unusual Gibson, $500 off a stunning Ibanez Prestige AZ2204, plus heavy savings on recording and live gear
More
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Kate Bush Army Dreamers
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Theory of Feels
  1. Guitars

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (August 2018)

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar published 2 August 2018

Serious pedal power and great guitars

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

The summer is in full swing and the sun has been beating down on MusicRadar HQ for the last few weeks.

But, like the troopers that we are, we have braved the blistering heat and barely peeled ourselves away from our desks, putting in the hours with some of the hottest guitar gear on the market. We know: it’s a tough life…

We've rounded-up all of the guitar gear reviewed on the site during the sweltering month of July. We start with the LR Baggs Align Series Reverb Pedal. 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It’s about as simple a reverb as we’ve seen but it’s a fine fit for electro-acoustic guitar.”

FULL REVIEW: LR Baggs Align Series Reverb Pedal

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 1 of 20
Page 1 of 20
Fender Santa Ana Overdrive 

Fender Santa Ana Overdrive 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Natural-sounding overdrive and switchable boost in one box makes this a practical pedalboard proposition.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender Santa Ana Overdrive 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 2 of 20
Page 2 of 20
Origin Effects RevivalDrive Custom 

Origin Effects RevivalDrive Custom 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A staggeringly versatile overdrive that delivers awe-inspiring amp-style tones.”

FULL REVIEW: Origin Effects RevivalDrive Custom 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 3 of 20
Page 3 of 20
Eastman T64/V-GB

Eastman T64/V-GB

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It’s hard to recall a guitar that’s made so many positive waves in our office.”

FULL REVIEW: Eastman T64/V-GB

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 4 of 20
Page 4 of 20
Music Man Cutlass HSS 

Music Man Cutlass HSS 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A top-spec contemporary workhorse.”

FULL REVIEW: Music Man Cutlass HSS 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 5 of 20
Page 5 of 20
Trace Acoustic Transit A

Trace Acoustic Transit A

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This represents an investment for a gigging acoustic player who wants more control - and its performance reflects that.”

FULL REVIEW: Trace Acoustic Transit A

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 6 of 20
Page 6 of 20
Sigma GMC-STE+

Sigma GMC-STE+

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The performance of this guitar further strengthens this company’s commitment to its founding values.”

FULL REVIEW: Sigma GMC-STE+

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 7 of 20
Page 7 of 20
Brantone Electronics Woodstock

Brantone Electronics Woodstock

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Sporting a helpful array of Jimi-inspired tones, the Woodstock outclasses most silicon fuzz pedals around this price.”

FULL REVIEW: Brantone Electronics Woodstock

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 8 of 20
Page 8 of 20
DryBell Vibe Machine V2

DryBell Vibe Machine V2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Your chance to put some casual modulation in your signal chain while using very little ’board space.”

FULL REVIEW: DryBell Vibe Machine V2

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 9 of 20
Page 9 of 20
Sigma DM-SG5+ 

Sigma DM-SG5+ 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The DM-SG5 offers some of the Hummingbird character and charm at a more accessible price.”

FULL REVIEW: Sigma DM-SG5+ 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 10 of 20
Page 10 of 20
EarthQuaker Devices Westwood 

EarthQuaker Devices Westwood 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“From clean to saturated overdrive with a range of characterful tones, the Westwood keeps the sound of your guitar wonderfully intact.”

FULL REVIEW: EarthQuaker Devices Westwood 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 11 of 20
Page 11 of 20
Boss MD-500

Boss MD-500

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A powerful machine with a flexibility that’s hard to beat.”

FULL REVIEW: Boss MD-500

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 12 of 20
Page 12 of 20
D'Angelico Premier Bob Weir SS

D'Angelico Premier Bob Weir SS

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Sniff out the right deal and you might just snap up a Bob Weir SS in a New York minute.”

FULL REVIEW: D'Angelico Premier Bob Weir SS

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 13 of 20
Page 13 of 20
D'Angelico Premier DC 

D'Angelico Premier DC 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Sniff out the right deal and you might just snap up a DC in a New York minute.”

FULL REVIEW: D'Angelico Premier DC 

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 14 of 20
Page 14 of 20
Dowina Rustica GACE-DS

Dowina Rustica GACE-DS

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An intriguing new take on the grand auditorium electro format, with mixed results.”

FULL REVIEW: Dowina Rustica GACE-DS

3 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 15 of 20
Page 15 of 20
Fender Player Stratocaster

Fender Player Stratocaster

MusicRadar's verdict:

“One of the best mid-priced Strats Fender has ever produced.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender Player Stratocaster

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 16 of 20
Page 16 of 20
Boss GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor

Boss GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor

MusicRadar's verdict:

“While it's not the easiest multi-effects to get to grips with, Boss's latest is the company's best yet, and a worthy competitor to Fractal and Line 6.”

FULL REVIEW: Boss GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 17 of 20
Page 17 of 20
Solar A2.6 Trans Blood Red Matte 

Solar A2.6 Trans Blood Red Matte 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Given it's one of the most affordable offerings in the Solar Guitars range, we'd say Ola Englund may have just changed the metal guitar game: the A2.6 is near-impossible to fault.”

FULL REVIEW: Solar A2.6 Trans Blood Red Matte 

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 18 of 20
Page 18 of 20
Fender Player Jaguar 

Fender Player Jaguar 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Jaguar remains an acquired taste, but this is one of the most well-spec'd takes on the format yet.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender Player Jaguar 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 19 of 20
Page 19 of 20
TC Electronic Aeon 

TC Electronic Aeon 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With the Aeon, TC Electronic has created a worthy challenger to the EBow that delivers on sound, build and price.”

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Aeon 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 20 of 20
Page 20 of 20
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

Read more
MusicRadar author Matt McCracken plays a Manson 007 electric guitar at The Guitar Show in Birmingham, UK
Guitars Here's 7 of the hottest guitar gear releases I tried at The Guitar Show this weekend that are available to buy right now
 
 
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Score hundreds off PRS, Bose, and Moog - and grab a new guitar pedal for less than £10!
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Score $390 off a divisive Fender Stratocaster, $180 off a stunning Gretsch and hundreds off PA and live gear
 
 
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Guitars Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
 
 
Harley Benton ST-Modern Carlos Asensio
Electric Guitars “An absolute steal when it comes to quality and value for money”: Harley Benton ST-Modern Carlos Asensio CGM review
 
 
Latest in Guitars
The Gibson 1950s and '60s ES-335 pictured on the factory floor in Nashville.
Guitars Gibson’s unveils ‘50s and ‘60s ES-335s, promising “decade-correct feel, look and tone”
 
 
Sadler Vaden takes a slide solo on a Rickenbacker
Artists “It’s a funny thing to imagine but it changes how you play”: Sadler Vaden's approach to slide guitar
 
 
Warm Audio Reamper: the all-in-one routing solution for reamping and adding effects to recorded tracks.
Guitars “Track a performance through your favorite tube amp while simultaneously capturing a dry signal as a safety”: Warm Audio’s Reamper is an analogue “creative routing hub” that could be the recording tool you’ve been waiting for
 
 
The Marshall 60th Anniversary Jimi Hendrix Collection features a Marshall 1959 Super Lead half-stack, and a special edition Dunlop Fuzz Face.
Guitars “We built the amps, Hendrix made them scream”: Marshall celebrates 60 years of Jimi Hendrix with “cosmic” anniversary collection including hand-wired amp, Fuzz Face and more
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Just in time for Mother's Day, we've found $700 off an unusual Gibson, $500 off a stunning Ibanez Prestige AZ2204, plus heavy savings on recording and live gear
 
 
Jared James Nichols plays his Gibson Futura on a stage lit up in red-pink.
Artists “I felt like I was levitating off the ground. I felt like I was in Cream in 1968”: Jared James Nichols on why he switched to Marshall amps
 
 
Latest in News
Jay Messina, Jack Douglas and Steven Tyler listen to playback of tracks for Aerosmith's Draw The Line Lp, while recording at The Cenacle in Armonk NY, May 15, 1977
Producers & Engineers "He touched many of your lives. He will be missed": John Lennon and Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas has died
 
 
The Gibson 1950s and '60s ES-335 pictured on the factory floor in Nashville.
Guitars Gibson’s unveils ‘50s and ‘60s ES-335s, promising “decade-correct feel, look and tone”
 
 
Sadler Vaden takes a slide solo on a Rickenbacker
Artists “It’s a funny thing to imagine but it changes how you play”: Sadler Vaden's approach to slide guitar
 
 
US musician and record producer Teddy Riley performs on stage during the 2025 BET Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)
Artists Teddy Riley on how he sampled a single bar of a Bill Withers song and turned it into an R&B smash
 
 
Warm Audio Reamper: the all-in-one routing solution for reamping and adding effects to recorded tracks.
Guitars “Track a performance through your favorite tube amp while simultaneously capturing a dry signal as a safety”: Warm Audio’s Reamper is an analogue “creative routing hub” that could be the recording tool you’ve been waiting for
 
 
The Marshall 60th Anniversary Jimi Hendrix Collection features a Marshall 1959 Super Lead half-stack, and a special edition Dunlop Fuzz Face.
Guitars “We built the amps, Hendrix made them scream”: Marshall celebrates 60 years of Jimi Hendrix with “cosmic” anniversary collection including hand-wired amp, Fuzz Face and more
 
 

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 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...