Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Recording Week 25
  • 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
More
  • As It Was preset
  • Don't Give Up
  • Ron Wood's drum secret
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Man plays Alesis Nitro Max drum kit with black sticks
Electronic Drums Best beginner electronic drum sets 2025: top-rated entry-level e-drums, reviewed by experts
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
Laney Lionheart Foundry Super60
Guitar Amps "There’s something incredibly satisfying about playing through this amp": Laney Lionheart Foundry Super 60 112 review
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2025: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
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
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 $600 off Gibson, $500 off Guild, $200 off PRS, and so much more in this week's must-shop guitar sales
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
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
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.
Guitars 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 American Ultra Luxe 60s Stratocaster
Electric Guitars Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Stratocaster review
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
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
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
  1. Guitars
  2. Guitar Pedals

New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (June 2017)

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar, Acoustic ( Total Guitar, Guitarist, Acoustic Magazine ) published 5 June 2017

Acoustics, electrics, pedals and an amp

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

Fret-King Country Squire Fluence

Fret-King Country Squire Fluence

We reviewed a bumper crop of new guitar products in May, with acoustics and pedals being particularly well represented.

Let's take a look back at everything that was published on MusicRadar last month, starting with the Fret-King Country Squire Fluence.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A superb guitar that is masterfully built.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Country Squire 'Fluence'

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 1 of 35
Page 1 of 35
Ernie Ball Expression Overdrive

Ernie Ball Expression Overdrive

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A great pedal, but it comes at a price.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ernie Ball Expression Overdrive

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 2 of 35
Page 2 of 35
Aria 111 MTN

Aria 111 MTN

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A cracking guitar that will last a long time for beginners.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Aria 111 MTN

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 3 of 35
Page 3 of 35
Blueridge BR-40

Blueridge BR-40

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A good all-rounder that might just win you over. Worth a try.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blueridge BR-40

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 4 of 35
Page 4 of 35
Blueridge BR-180CE

Blueridge BR-180CE

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If the looks appeal and you get the frets polished, this could be a very special guitar.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Blueridge BR-180CE

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 5 of 35
Page 5 of 35
Andrew White Guitars Freja 112

Andrew White Guitars Freja 112

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A dependable workhorse that perhaps lacks an identity.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Andrew White Guitars Freja 112

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 6 of 35
Page 6 of 35
Aria MSG-02

Aria MSG-02

MusicRadar's verdict:

“You get a lot of guitar for your money, and it sounds good.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Aria MSG-02

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 7 of 35
Page 7 of 35
Andrew White Guitars Cybele 1010

Andrew White Guitars Cybele 1010

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A stunning instrument regardless of price or provenance.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Andrew White Guitars Cybele 1010

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 8 of 35
Page 8 of 35
Bohemian Oil Can Guitar

Bohemian Oil Can Guitar

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If you’re after a different aesthetic, these Bohemians are the right price to take a punt.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bohemian Oil Can Guitar

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 9 of 35
Page 9 of 35
Cort Sunset Nylectric

Cort Sunset Nylectric

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Trying to entice steel-string players over to nylon is a growing market and Cort has made a very playable stab at it.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cort Sunset Nylectric 

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 10 of 35
Page 10 of 35
Strymon Riverside

Strymon Riverside

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An excellent pedal that may even convert analogue purists..”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Strymon Riverside 

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 11 of 35
Page 11 of 35
Walrus Audio Mayflower

Walrus Audio Mayflower

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Quality overdrive with a neutral tonality that should work well with any sort of amp.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Walrus Audio Mayflower

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 12 of 35
Page 12 of 35
DOD Carcosa

DOD Carcosa

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This is a versatile fuzz with sounds ranging from smooth to very nasty at a very competitive price.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DOD Carcosa

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 13 of 35
Page 13 of 35
Rob O'Reilly Expressiv MIDI Pro

Rob O'Reilly Expressiv MIDI Pro

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An exciting tool that has huge sonic potential.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rob O'Reilly Expressiv MIDI Pro

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 14 of 35
Page 14 of 35
Effectrode SR-71 Blackbird Drive/Preamp

Effectrode SR-71 Blackbird Drive/Preamp

MusicRadar's verdict:

“One of the best all-valve preamp pedals money can buy.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Effectrode SR-71 Blackbird Drive/Preamp

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 15 of 35
Page 15 of 35
Vox AV30

Vox AV30

MusicRadar's verdict:

“At the price, we reckon Vox’s AV30 is a real steal.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox AV30 

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 16 of 35
Page 16 of 35
Hotone A Station

Hotone A Station

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A solid pedal let down by that annoying background noise.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hotone A Station

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 17 of 35
Page 17 of 35
Yellow Rock CA35H Head

Yellow Rock CA35H Head

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Yellow Rock may have cracked the holy grail by making analogue solid-state sound as good as, if not better, than valves.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yellow Rock CA35H Head 

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 18 of 35
Page 18 of 35
Elektron Analog Drive

Elektron Analog Drive

MusicRadar's verdict:

“One of the best all-valve preamp pedals money can buy.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Effectrode SR-71 Blackbird Drive/Preamp

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 19 of 35
Page 19 of 35
Fret-King Esprit V 'Fluence'

Fret-King Esprit V 'Fluence'

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Of course, with the active pickups, vintage buffs and fashionistas may turn up their noses, but for the rest of us - you won’t be disappointed.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Esprit V 'Fluence' 

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 20 of 35
Page 20 of 35
Greer Tarpit

Greer Tarpit

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A Big Muff at heart, but a great-sounding, well-made and handsome-looking boutique version.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Greer Tarpit

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 21 of 35
Page 21 of 35
Supro 1305 Drive

Supro 1305 Drive

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This pedal is definitely worth a listen.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Supro 1305 Drive 

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 22 of 35
Page 22 of 35
Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp

Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A solid, but not spectacular, pedal. Still worth investigating.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 23 of 35
Page 23 of 35
Greer Black Tiger

Greer Black Tiger

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A cool-sounding delay with classic voicing and enhanced performance capability.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Greer Black Tiger

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 24 of 35
Page 24 of 35
Radial Engineering Tonebone Regency

Radial Engineering Tonebone Regency

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A very practical pedal that can fulfil a number of functions, not least giving you three instantly accessible levels of drive.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Radial Engineering Tonebone Regency

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 25 of 35
Page 25 of 35
Greer Ghetto Stomp

Greer Ghetto Stomp

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Full-fat and great for the natural grit of 8 just-overdriven tones, American-style.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Greer Ghetto Stomp

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 26 of 35
Page 26 of 35
Greer Super Hornet

Greer Super Hornet

MusicRadar's verdict:

“As cool as a fuzz can be.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Greer Super Hornet

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 27 of 35
Page 27 of 35
Walrus Audio Deep Six

Walrus Audio Deep Six

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Quality and versatile compression that’s delivered in a functional format.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Walrus Audio Deep Six

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 28 of 35
Page 28 of 35
Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany

Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A guitar that would offer plenty of bang for your buck whether you’re a beginner or not.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany 

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 29 of 35
Page 29 of 35
Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Micro

Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Micro

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Easy to slip onto your ’board, this is a great utility pedal for more than just compression.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Micro

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 30 of 35
Page 30 of 35
Gordon Smith GS-1 60

Gordon Smith GS-1 60

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If you’ve never plugged in, now is most definitely the time. Here’s to many, many more GSGs!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gordon Smith GS-1 60 

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 31 of 35
Page 31 of 35
Lucem Paradox Custom

Lucem Paradox Custom

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Dare to be different? Clearly, custom is the way.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lucem Paradox Custom

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 32 of 35
Page 32 of 35
Fret-King Corona 'Fluence'

Fret-King Corona 'Fluence'

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Credit where it’s due, this is simply a very good guitar.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Corona 'Fluence'

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 33 of 35
Page 33 of 35
Radial Engineering Tonebone Classic V9

Radial Engineering Tonebone Classic V9

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Valve-like overdrive and distortion delivered across a marvellously versatile range with bulletproof build quality.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Radial Engineering Tonebone Classic V9

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 34 of 35
Page 34 of 35
Supro 1304 Fuzz

Supro 1304 Fuzz

MusicRadar's verdict:

“While fuzz can be a very personal thing, this one offers extra versatility through its tone knobs.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Supro 1304 Fuzz 

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 35 of 35
Page 35 of 35
Acoustic
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 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
 
 
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 $600 off Gibson, $500 off Guild, $200 off PRS, and so much more in this week's must-shop guitar sales
 
 
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
 
 
Latest in Guitar Pedals
The Strymon Olivera is a five-knob stompbox in bronze-brown that offers an emulation of an oil-can delay
Strymon’s Olivera is a oil can delay without the oil, without the mechanics, and with a lot more control over your tone
 
 
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
 
 
An original silver Klon Centaur overdrive pedal, with its trio of oxblood coloured knobs and a single footswitch
Klon Centaur inventor Bill Finnegan’s lawsuit against Behringer over $69 clone has been dismissed
 
 
A still from KHDK's Instagram reel with the logo emblazoned over one of the stompbox company's new and as-yet-unannounced and unreleased electric guitar designs.
KHDK Electronics makes pedals for metal's biggest stars; now it's going to make electric guitars too
 
 
Fender Hammertone Boost and Breakup Drive pictured in close-up, with the background out of focus.
Fender adds analogue heat to the Hammertone lineup with the budget-friendly $99 Breakup Drive and Boost pedals
 
 
Kernom Ridge Overdrive shot on metal grate in photo studio
"The Ridge does something different, which makes it genuinely worthy of praise": Kernom Ridge Overdrive review
 
 
Latest in News
A selection of IK Multimedia plugins for music production on a purple background
Buy one $49.99 IK Multimedia plugin and get a whopping 38 free with the best plugin deal of the year so far
 
 
Rick Rubin, D'Angelo and Eric Clapton
When Rick Rubin and Eric Clapton got to hear D’Angelo’s Voodoo album before it was released, they were blown away
 
 
Shirley Manson of Garbage performs during the Ohana Music Festival held at Doheny State Beach on September 26, 2025 in Dana Point, California
“You’re gonna get f***ing white bread”: Shirley Manson takes aim at the music industry, Spotify and Ticketmaster
 
 
Zultan Alaris cymbals
“Deliver a light, open sound with exceptional stick definition and a gentle, airy wash: Zultan unveil new ALARIS cymbal range
 
 
BLOW RECORDS Spotify header
Meet the AI 'artist' that's earning four times the average wage in the UK
 
 
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Prince performs live at the Fabulous Forum on February 19, 1985 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
How Prince embraced The Beatles and recorded one of the most vulnerable ballads of his career
 
 

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...