Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Guitar Amps
  • Drums
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Lemmy vs Dylan
  • Are 'Friends' Electric?
  • Flava D - DnB is hard
  • Prince's drummers
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
A Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster on a white piece of wood with lots of holes in it
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $1,000/£1,000 in 2025: My top picks for players of all styles
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
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a mind-blowing $1,000 off the stunning D'Angelico Excel SS, $500 off the gorgeous Heritage Standard H-535, and so much more
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?
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
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Guitars Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
Fender American Ultra Luxe 60s Stratocaster
Electric Guitars Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Stratocaster review
Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac: the new semi-hollow signature model is a stunning singlecut with a quilted maple build in a natural finish.
Electric Guitars “Unbeatable... A play-anything guitar”: Duesenberg Alliance Series Tom Bukovac Session Man review
4th of July Sweetwater
Gear & Gadgets $1,200 off one of the best guitar synths on the market is a deal too good to ignore in Sweetwater's epic 4th of July sale
Jackson American Series Rhoads: the Rhoads is now officially being made in the USA again, and is offered with a choice of a hardtail or Floyd Rose, with the hardtail finished in Satin Black and Snow White, and the Floyd in Satin Black, Matte Army Drab and Snow White. Note the reverse headstock.
Guitars All Rhoads lead to California as Jackson brings one of its most-iconic metal guitars home for a high-end upgrade
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Guitars Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
Gretsch Electromatic CVT: The bolt-on double-cut assumes a familiar form to the Jack Antonoff signature model, and features dual humbuckers, a wraparound tailpiece, and some neat vintage finishes.
Guitars Like the Jack Antonoff signature Gretsch? Then you are going to love the CVT Electromatic
Orbit Culture's guitarists
Electric Guitars Orbit Culture show us their ESP guitars – and tell us why the EverTune bridge is a game-changer
Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series
Guitars Fender mixes old-school mojo with 21st-century playability for the American Ultra Luxe Vintage range
  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 Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster on a white piece of wood with lots of holes in it
Best electric guitars under $1,000/£1,000 in 2025: My top picks for players of all styles
 
 
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
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a mind-blowing $1,000 off the stunning D'Angelico Excel SS, $500 off the gorgeous Heritage Standard H-535, and so much more
 
 
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?
“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?
 
 
PRS SE Semi-Hollow Special
"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
 
 
Harley Benton ST-80FR
Harley Benton erupts with '80s shred fever as it launches the Floyd-equipped ST-80FR Series S-styles
 
 
Latest in Guitar Pedals
Source Audio dials up the ambience with the Encounter – six reverbs, six delays, one tricked-out pedal for “deeply immersive soundscapes” featuring MIDI I/O, full stereo operation, and a black enclosure with blue swirly graphic.
“Players have asked us to push further – into more adventurous, exploratory delay and reverb”: Source Audio dials up the ambience with the Encounter – six reverbs, six delays, one tricked-out pedal for “deeply immersive soundscapes”
 
 
Walrus Audio Canvas Power USB: The compact pedalboard power supply can be charged via USB.
Walrus Audio’s Canvas Power USB is the super-compact device for powering your rig with a laptop charger
 
 
MXR Randy Rhoads Special Edition Distortion+: A black and white shot of Randy Rhoads with his Jackson Concorde; on the right, the new signature distortion from MXR in a finish inspired by the guitar.
Good news for Randy Rhoads fans – his MXR Distortion+ is back, and you have got to see its supersonic finish
 
 
Strymon PCH Active Direct Interface: the little black box from the digital effects powerhouse offers routing for sending your signal direct from a pedalboard to a PA or FRFR speakers, and it has a headphones output for silent monitoring.
Strymon unveils the PCH Active Direct Interface – the missing link for your amp-less pedalboard setup?
 
 
Boss PX-1 Plugout FX: the white compact series pedal has blue knobs, digital display, and is a platform for 16 digitally modelled Boss effects, one of which is available at a time.
A compact series stompbox you can turn into any one of 16 classic Boss effects? Meet the Plugout FX
 
 
Third Man Hardware x Black Mountain Roto-Echo: the roller wheel equipped delay pedal is a compact and performance-friendly stompbox that's available in black or limited edition white. Jack White has used it onstage and in the studio during the sessions for No Name.
Jack White’s Third Man teams up with Black Mountain for the Roto-Echo, a delay controllable by foot
 
 
Latest in News
Misha Mansoor plays his signature Jackson Juggernaut in front of a flaming van in a still from the promo video for his signature Neural DSP plugin.
Misha Mansoor teams up with Neural DSP for Archetype plugin that nails his Periphery tone – but does so much more
 
 
Lizzo at the Christian Siriano fashion show as part of Spring/Summer 2026 New York Fashion Week held at Macy's Herald Square on September 12, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images)
“It’s policing black music”: Lizzo speaks out on the ‘racist’ origins of sampling law
 
 
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs live on stage during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 03, 2025
Matt Cameron explains why he left Pearl Jam and insists that the final Soundgarden album is coming
 
 
Modular synth
SampleRadar: 497 free modular percussion samples
 
 
Jackson American Series Rhoads: the Rhoads is now officially being made in the USA again, and is offered with a choice of a hardtail or Floyd Rose, with the hardtail finished in Satin Black and Snow White, and the Floyd in Satin Black, Matte Army Drab and Snow White. Note the reverse headstock.
All Rhoads lead to California as Jackson brings one of its most-iconic metal guitars home for a high-end upgrade
 
 
NASHVILLE - MARCH 10: CBS presents RINGO & FRIENDS AT THE RYMAN, a two-hour special celebrating the music and legacy of Ringo Starr through the lens of country music, airing Monday, March 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs). Pictured (L-R): Jack White and Ringo Starr. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/CBS via Getty Images)
With A Little Help From His Friends: Jack White joins Ringo Starr on stage for a Beatles classic
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • 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...