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
NAMM 2026
Tech NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show
Billy Corgan wears black robes as he performs live with his signature Reveren guitar. On the right, a player's eye view of his new signature pedal, designed in collaboration with Laney and Carstens Amps
Artists Billy Corgan and Laney Amplification unveil the ultimate Smashing Pumpkins amp-in-a-box pedal
Hottest music tech gear of NAMM
Tech The best music tech gear of NAMM 2026: Epic polys, acoustic synths, budget samplers, a Behringer Juno and more
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
Guitars The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
Man wearing black hat playing the Roland TD716 electronic drum set
Electronic Drums Best electronic drum sets in 2026: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers – plus video and audio demos
Warm Audio Fluff Drive: the new signature overdrive for Ryan 'Fluff' Bruce is a five-knob pedal finished in white and Teal.
Guitars “I wanted to fix every issue I’ve ever had dialling in metal tones on similar pedals or even the original”: Warm Audio has just made Ryan ‘Fluff’ Bruce its first ever signature pedal and he explains why, yes, the world needs another overdrive
An UDO Super Gemini synthesizer on a white table
Synths Best synthesizers 2026: Top analogue, digital, mono and polysynths
A boy with brown hair playing the keyboard
Keyboards & Pianos Best keyboards for beginners: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
The Vox VTB-1 Treble Booster is a Rangemaster-inspired pedal that features a single chicken-head dial and a Fat switch, and has gold text on a black paint job.
Guitars Vox unveils “re-engineered” treble booster with all the tone and none of the inconsistency of vintage units
A three amp setup from the Neural DSP Archetype John Mayer X guitar plugin
Guitar Plugins "I love that you don’t have to be a Mayer mega-fan to enjoy what’s on offer here": Neural DSP Archetype: John Mayer X review
MXR EVH Modern High Gain: this classy, red high-end stompbox was co-designed with the late Eddie Van Halen in 2015.
Guitars MXR's high-gain Eddie Van Halen collab headlines Jim Dunlop's fresh pedal drop – and there's an Iron Maiden Killers Cry Baby too
Chris Buck RS02CB Revstar Signature Electric Guitar in Honey Gold
Guitars “The truest conduit between the acoustic resonance of the guitar and its electric voice” says Chris Buck of the custom P90-style pickups in his new signature Yamaha Revstar
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Guitar Pedals Best multi-effects pedals: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
A pair of Audio-Technica in-ear monitors on top of a carry case
Studio Monitors Best budget in-ear monitors 2026: My pick of cheap in-ears for every type of musician
A woman plays an MPC XL and synthesizer in a home studio
Tech After years of covering the NAMM cycle I've never seen flagship gear hit the shelves so quickly - here are 6 of the hottest NAMM 26 releases you can pick up right now
More
  • NAMM 2026: as it happened
  • Best NAMM tech gear
  • Joni's Woodstock
  • 95k+ free music samples
  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
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
 
 
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Best acoustic guitars: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
 
 
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Best multi-effects pedals: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
 
 
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Best electric guitars under $500/£500 2026: Affordable electrics
 
 
Close up of a Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar
Best cheap acoustic guitars: Top picks for strummers on a budget
 
 
Music technology gear of the year 2025
Music technology gear of the year 2025: Our favourite new synths, drum machines, plugins and more
 
 
Latest in Guitar Pedals
All the best guitar gear from this year's NAMM Show
The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever
 
 
Polyend Endless customisable effect pedals
Polyend Endless is a customisable stompbox with a text-to-effect generator that will create any effect you describe
 
 
Synergy Machine Learning Power Amp Dave Friedman IR-LOAD Amplifier press image on white
“Our amplifier learns your cabinet’s impedance through controlled sweeps and continues to monitor it in real-time”: Synergy’s Power Amp Machine-Learning tech could be 'revolutionary'
 
 
MXR EVH Modern High Gain: this classy, red high-end stompbox was co-designed with the late Eddie Van Halen in 2015.
MXR's high-gain Eddie Van Halen collab headlines Jim Dunlop's fresh pedal drop – and there's an Iron Maiden Killers Cry Baby too
 
 
Neural DSP Quad Cortex mini: it still has the same four rotary footswitches, the 7" touchscreen, but it's more than 50 per cent smaller than Neural's game-changing original amp modeller.
“Our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be”: Neural DSP’s game-changing Quad Cortex amp modeller just got a lot smaller – but it’s got the same sounds, the same power, and a 7” touchscreen too
 
 
Casio DN-SE10 Dimension Shifter: this ground-breaking device allows guitar players to control their effects via their guitar strap.
“It transforms how a guitarist commands the stage”: Casio’s Dimension Shift lets you control effects with your strap
 
 
Latest in News
Philip Glass accepts an award at Tibet House US Art of Freedom Award Presentation & Gala Dinner at Tibet House on December 04, 2025
“Its values are in direct conflict with the message of the symphony”: Philip Glass pulls appearance at Kennedy Center
 
 
Harry Styles performs on stage during The BRIT Awards 2023 at The O2 Arena on February 11
"It's unaffordable for 99 percent of people”: Fans call out Harry Styles for ‘insane’ ticket prices
 
 
Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman trade solos as Megadeth play live in 1990
Dave Mustaine admits he nearly passed on Marty Friedman for Megadeth because he didn’t like his hair
 
 
Neil Young
“This is an offer of Peace and Love”: Neil Young gives the people of Greenland the gift of musicians
 
 
Spotify backline logo
“The first step toward accessing mental health support”: Backline launches first support line dedicated to musicians
 
 
Native Instruments logo
Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency
 
 

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...