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

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

A scorching selection of guitars, amps and pedals

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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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

"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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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:

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

“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
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