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
Mark Tremonti plays a big chord on his signature PRS electric guitar as he performs a 2025 live show with Creed
Artists “If I sit down with a Dumble, the last thing I’m going to do is do any kind of fast techniques”: Mark Tremonti on why he is addicted to Dumble amps
A Cort G200SE on a dirty white floor
Electric Guitars "Just as good as many affordable Squier, Epiphone, or Yamaha guitars I’ve played": Cort G200SE review
Fender has made an exacting replica of Tom Morello's 'Arm The Homeless' guitar, the mongrel S-style made from parts that became the cornerstone of the Rage Against The Machine guitarist's sound.
Artists Tom Morello’s favourite 'Arm the Homeless' electric guitar has just been recreated by Fender
Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Drive: the first in the Series A range, this is an all-analogue pedal inspired by the Herzog unit made famous by Randy Bachman
Guitars Strymon debuts Series A analogue pedals range with the Fairfax – a “chameleon” drive that can “breathe fire”
The DOD Badder Monkey is a redux take on the DigiTech Bad Monkey overdrive, but it adds two all-new circuits, plus a wooden barrel knob for blending them. It is painted green and has an illustration of a chimpanzee on the front of the pedal, which is an ape, not a monkey.
Guitars DOD reimagines a Gary Moore overdrive favourite as the Badder Monkey – think the DigiTech Green Monkey, only badder
Gibson Les Paul Special DC
Electric Guitars “Virtually every sound I conjure recalls a classic player or style”: Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut review
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
Sennheiser in ear monitors on a lit up dj controller
Studio Monitors Best budget in-ear monitors 2025: My pick of cheap in-ears for every type of musician
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2025: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
The Electro-Harmonix ABRAMS100 is a compact, guitar amp head with 100-watts, 3-band EQ, effects loop and bright switch, and it has a yellow control panel and black dials.
Guitars Electro-Harmonix presents 100-watts of solid-state power in a compact guitar amp head weighing just 2.5lbs
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
Crazy Tube Circuits Orama: the orange/peach coloured pedal combines classic preamp and fuzz circuits and promises a wide range of sounds
Guitars Crazy Tube Circuits squeezes out another sweet twofer with the Orama preamp/fuzz pedal
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score big savings on music gear ahead of Christmas from the likes of UAD, Casio, Waves, PRS and more
PRS SE Fiorre HH
Electric Guitars “These are classy sounds with no danger of single coil hum... a near-perfect function-gig guitar”: PRS Fiore HH Satin review
Close up of a Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar
Acoustic Guitars Best cheap acoustic guitars 2025: Top picks for strummers on a budget
More
  • "The most expensive bit of drumming in history”
  • JoBo x Fuchs
  • Radiohead Daydreaming
  • Vanilla Fudge
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars
  2. Guitar Pedals

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

News
By MusicRadar ( Guitarist, Total Guitar ) published 2 July 2018

A scorching selection of guitars, amps and pedals

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

Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo

Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo

We're not sure what's been hotter recently - the weather or the guitar gear we've been putting through its paces.

Here, we present a digested look at everything reviewed on the site during the month of June, starting with the Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A tremolo that does more than most - well worth investigating for serious wobble heads.”

FULL REVIEW: Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 1 of 17
Page 1 of 17
PRS SE TX20E

PRS SE TX20E

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This bird-decorated beauty has a well-deserved lofty perch in the affordable electro-acoustic pecking order.”

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE TX20E

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 2 of 17
Page 2 of 17
Source Audio Ventris

Source Audio Ventris

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A pedal that offers a pedalboard-friendly footprint and easy hands-on functionality.”

FULL REVIEW: Source Audio Ventris

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 3 of 17
Page 3 of 17
James Collins GTB

James Collins GTB

“A guitar and a maker to take notice of.”

FULL REVIEW: James Collins GTB

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 4 of 17
Page 4 of 17
Fender Pugilist Distortion

Fender Pugilist Distortion

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Providing plenty of variation on the distortion/drive theme, a pedal with two engines at this price is a steal.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender Pugilist Distortion

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 5 of 17
Page 5 of 17
Duesenberg Gran Majesto

Duesenberg Gran Majesto

MusicRadar's verdict:

“We found the Gran Majesto in fine voice during our time in its company.”

FULL REVIEW: Duesenberg Gran Majesto

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 6 of 17
Page 6 of 17
DOD Mini Volume and Mini Expression

DOD Mini Volume and Mini Expression

MusicRadar's verdict:

“All things considered, these Mini marvels represent yet another well-considered act of DOD.”

FULL REVIEW: DOD Mini Volume and Mini Expression

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 7 of 17
Page 7 of 17
Duesenberg Paloma 

Duesenberg Paloma 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Duesenberg has done everything possible to make this guitar as irresistible as possible.”

FULL REVIEW: Duesenberg Paloma 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 8 of 17
Page 8 of 17
Seagull S6 Original

Seagull S6 Original

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The S6 still impresses with its tonal voice, tough build quality and price tag.”

FULL REVIEW: Seagull S6 Original

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 9 of 17
Page 9 of 17
Fender Marine Layer Reverb 

Fender Marine Layer Reverb 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A competent reverb that may have missed a trick by not offering more varied options.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender Marine Layer Reverb 

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 10 of 17
Page 10 of 17
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK2 Ash

Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK2 Ash

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If you need a guitar with a tiny neck to get you up to speed go straight for the Pro Series Dinky DK2. Bicycle pump strictly optional.”

FULL REVIEW: Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK2 Ash

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 11 of 17
Page 11 of 17
Fender California Series Newporter Player

Fender California Series Newporter Player

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A contemporary electro in looks, sound and playability.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender California Series Newporter Player

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 12 of 17
Page 12 of 17
Jackson X Series Monarkh SCX Zebrawood 

Jackson X Series Monarkh SCX Zebrawood 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Shredders will love the thin neck and easy access to the upper frets.”

FULL REVIEW: Jackson X Series Monarkh SCX Zebrawood 

3 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 13 of 17
Page 13 of 17
Novo Serus J

Novo Serus J

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A beautiful time-travel piece on every level.”

FULL REVIEW: Novo Serus J

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 14 of 17
Page 14 of 17
Fender Mirror Image Delay

Fender Mirror Image Delay

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A solid, workmanlike pedal that could take care of all your delay needs at a decent price.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender Mirror Image Delay

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 15 of 17
Page 15 of 17
Line 6 HX Effects

Line 6 HX Effects

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The rest of your pedals, analogue or digital, had better watch out: the HX Effects might just replace the lot.”

FULL REVIEW: Line 6 HX Effects

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 16 of 17
Page 16 of 17
Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT 

Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT 

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Sweetly priced and surprisingly versatile, this is the sub-$500 twin-humbucker single-cut to beat.”

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT 

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 17 of 17
Page 17 of 17
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number one 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 craft of music-making that no other music website can.
The magazine for serious players image
The magazine for serious players
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
 
 
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
 
 
Warm Audio's Tube Squealer is a greatest-hits of Tube Screamer circuits, three-in one, while the Throne Of Tone, the new dual-overdrive twofer from the Texan pedal company channels not one but two classic pedals, which in a way were both inspired by the classic Marshall "Bluesbreaker" amps used by Clapton back in his John Mayall days.
Warm Audio channels the greatest hits of classic overdrive with the regal Throne Of Tone dual-drive and the 3-in-1 Tone Squealer
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
Latest in Guitar Pedals
JHS Pedals x Electro-Harmonix Big Muff 2: This limited edition fuzz pedal was created from a long-lost blueprint that was unearthed while researching the upcoming book about the NYC pedal brand.
Electro-Harmonix and JHS Pedals team up for a Big Muff based on schematic that had been lying forgotten for 50 years
 
 
Crazy Tube Circuits Orama: the orange/peach coloured pedal combines classic preamp and fuzz circuits and promises a wide range of sounds
Crazy Tube Circuits squeezes out another sweet twofer with the Orama preamp/fuzz pedal
 
 
Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Drive: the first in the Series A range, this is an all-analogue pedal inspired by the Herzog unit made famous by Randy Bachman
Strymon debuts Series A analogue pedals range with the Fairfax – a “chameleon” drive that can “breathe fire”
 
 
The DOD Badder Monkey is a redux take on the DigiTech Bad Monkey overdrive, but it adds two all-new circuits, plus a wooden barrel knob for blending them. It is painted green and has an illustration of a chimpanzee on the front of the pedal, which is an ape, not a monkey.
DOD reimagines a Gary Moore overdrive favourite as the Badder Monkey – think the DigiTech Green Monkey, only badder
 
 
Dirty Boy SilverBOY: This high-end all-analogue preamp pedal was inspired by a digital plugin
Dirty Boy turns the tables on guitar’s digital revolution with an all-analogue preamp pedal inspired by a plugin
 
 
The Compulsion Drive is Brian Wampler's take on on of his favourite drive pedals, the Fulltone OCD, but it's quite a different proposition with an expanded control setup.
Brian Wampler just reimagined a bona fide modern classic with The Compulsion Drive – but is this OCD-inspired dirt pedal an overdrive, distortion or both?
 
 
Latest in News
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 19: Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle of Roxette perform on stage on the 'Join The Joyride' tour at Wembley Arena on October 19th, 1991 in London, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns)
Roxette’s It Must Have Been Love isn’t what you thought it was, says the man who wrote it
 
 
Singers Kirsty MacColl (1959 - 2000) and Shane MacGowan with with toy guns and an inflatable Santa in a festive scenario, circa 1987
“It’s faster, more spunky”: Steve Lillywhite on what he did to brush up a new live version of Fairytale Of New York
 
 
Piano under a Christmas tree with gifts
5 reasons a gift card is the most stress-free present you can get a musician this Christmas
 
 
TORONTO, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 14: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO STANDALONE PUBLICATION USE (NO SPECIAL INTEREST OR SINGLE ARTIST PUBLICATION USE; NO BOOK USE). Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Rogers Centre on November 14, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
Taylor Swift's bass player Amos Heller says he couldn't believe the "insane" length of the Eras Tour setlist
 
 
kv331
KV331 Audio is giving away SynthMaster One for free until January 4
 
 
Cheering audience at music concert
Only When I’m Dancing Do I Feel This Free: Half of clubbers think phones are “ruining” the dancefloor
 
 

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...