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
  • Black Friday
  • 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
TC Electronic Polytune clip-on tuner on a Martin acoustic guitar headstock
Guitar Tuners Best clip-on guitar tuners 2025: Top headstock and soundhole tuners to buy right now
Man playing Roland TD716 electronic drum set in a studio
Electronic Drums Best electronic drum sets 2025: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers – plus video and audio demos
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
Man presses acoustic bridge pin into an acoustic guitar
Guitar Strings Best acoustic guitar strings 2025: Find your favourite acoustic strings
IK Multimedia Tonex Plug: the new headphones amp is fully compatible with the brand's state-of-the-art modelling platform, giving players the opportunity to play anywhere, anytime, and access thousands of different tones while doing so.
Guitars IK Multimedia unveils the Tonex Plug – is this pocket-sized powerhouse a gamechanger for headphone amps?
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2025: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
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
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
Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN
Electric Guitars “Some might say a guitar at this kind of price point has no business resonating so well”: Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN review
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?
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
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
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
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
Craig 'Goonzi' Gowans and Steven Jones from Scottish metalcore heavyweights Bleed From Within pose with their weapons of choice: Goonzi [left] has an ESP LTD M1000, while Jones has a Caparison TAT Special
Artists Bleed From Within’s Craig ‘Goonzi’ Gowans and Steven Jones on the high-performance shred machines behind their heavyweight metalcore sound 
More
  • Pete Townshend on smashing - and fixing - his guitars
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • AI slop hits #1
  • The pain that birthed Don't Speak
  • Europe vs AI
  1. Guitars

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

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 8 June 2018

Red hot gear to welcome in the summer

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

Danelectro Big Spender Spinning Speaker

Danelectro Big Spender Spinning Speaker

The summer is almost here and we have once again welcomed the hottest guitar gear into MusicRadar’s review HQ over the last month.

Here, we take a digested look at everything reviewed on the site during the month of May. We start with a nifty little pedal from Danelectro - the Big Spender Spinning Speaker.

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A stylish, practical and affordable way to add a dedicated rotary speaker pedal to your ’board.”

FULL REVIEW: Danelectro Big Spender Spinning Speaker

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 1 of 18
Page 1 of 18
Pigtronix Mothership 2

Pigtronix Mothership 2

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It might not be a pedal that you’d want to use all the time but the Mothership 2’s small footprint makes it a great way to add that monophonic analogue synth flavour to your pedalboard.”

FULL REVIEW: Pigtronix Mothership 2

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 2 of 18
Page 2 of 18
Martin DCRSG

Martin DCRSG

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This guitar makes a very compelling case for branching out into new areas of timber and tone.”

FULL REVIEW: Martin DCRSG 

3.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 3 of 18
Page 3 of 18
Fidelity Guitars JB

Fidelity Guitars JB

MusicRadar's verdict:

“If you hanker for different retro-informed sounds, here’s a hugely valid choice.”

FULL REVIEW: Fidelity Guitars JB 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 4 of 18
Page 4 of 18
Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF7 MS

Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF7 MS

MusicRadar's verdict:

“At this price point, Jackson has pulled off an impressive feat. If you can deal with the heel access and the pickups, this is a worthy entry to fan-fret-dom.”

FULL REVIEW: Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF7 MS

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 5 of 18
Page 5 of 18
Ibanez RG550

Ibanez RG550

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With this reissue, Ibanez is casually reminding everyone who’s boss.”

FULL REVIEW: Ibanez RG550

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 6 of 18
Page 6 of 18
PRS SE Custom 24 2018

PRS SE Custom 24 2018

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An easy to recommend guitar that brings PRS class without a hefty pricetag.”

FULL REVIEW: PRS SE Custom 24 2018

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 7 of 18
Page 7 of 18
Mayson M3/0*

Mayson M3/0*

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The clean build and clear bright projection from the M/30* make this brand one we’re looking forward to hearing from again.”

FULL REVIEW: Mayson M3/0*

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 8 of 18
Page 8 of 18
EBow

EBow

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An absolute joy to use.”

FULL REVIEW: EBow

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 9 of 18
Page 9 of 18
Gamechanger Audio Plus Pedal

Gamechanger Audio Plus Pedal

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A pedal that provides solid performance, but at a price.”

FULL REVIEW: Gamechanger Audio Plus Pedal

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 10 of 18
Page 10 of 18
Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q

Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Full-grown tone from this bonny baby.”

FULL REVIEW: Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 11 of 18
Page 11 of 18
Fender American Original '50s Telecaster

Fender American Original '50s Telecaster

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A well-made, beautifully playable guitar.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Original '50s Telecaster

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 12 of 18
Page 12 of 18
Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A well-made, beautifully playable guitar.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 13 of 18
Page 13 of 18
Fender American Original '60s Jaguar

Fender American Original '60s Jaguar

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A modern take on an old favourite.”

FULL REVIEW: Fender American Original '60s Jaguar

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 14 of 18
Page 14 of 18
Yamaha FS-TA

Yamaha FS-TA

MusicRadar's verdict:

“So good it’ll put a smile on your face!”

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha FS-TA 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 15 of 18
Page 15 of 18
Yamaha FG-TA

Yamaha FG-TA

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Having spent a good amount of time with this guitar, we can again affirm that this technology is not a gimmick that quickly loses its shine.”

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha FG-TA 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 16 of 18
Page 16 of 18
Taylor Builder’s Edition V-Class K14CE

Taylor Builder’s Edition V-Class K14CE

MusicRadar's verdict:

“V-Class, Builder’s Edition? Get used to those terms. Taylor has just upped the ante. Considerably.”

FULL REVIEW: Taylor Builder’s Edition V-Class K14CE

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 17 of 18
Page 17 of 18
Schecter Demon-6 2018

Schecter Demon-6 2018

MusicRadar's verdict:

“The Demon-6 is a metal guitar, designed to summon something much more sinister, and it delivers in spades.”

FULL REVIEW: Schecter Demon-6 2018

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 18 of 18
Page 18 of 18
Total Guitar
Total Guitar
Social Links Navigation

Total Guitar is Europe's best-selling guitar magazine.

Every month we feature interviews with the biggest names and hottest new acts in guitar land, plus Guest Lessons from the stars.

Finally, our Rocked & Rated section is the place to go for reviews, round-ups and help setting up your guitars and gear.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/totalguitar

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
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
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?
 
 
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
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Black Friday has officially kicked off, with the likes of Sweetwater and Guitar Center dropping massive sales
 
 
Alex Skolnick of Testament shows off his signature ESP singlecut as he performs at Belgium's Alcatraz Festival in 2024. On the right, Kiko Loureiro and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth photographed in the corridors backstage at Wembley Arena in 2015.
Alex Skolnick on the time he was on standby for Megadeth – and what to do when you can’t match a player lick for lick
 
 
An Alesis Strata Core electronic drum set on a yellow background
I’ve seen a lot of Black Friday sales, but this one’s next level - Sweetwater just dropped thousands of discounts of up to 80% off guitars, drums, keys, and more
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster: the new glitch/synth mini-pedal from the storied NYC pedal brand
EHX expands its Pico series with the Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer – a mini-pedal that sounds so wrong its right
 
 
Harley Benton DNAFX AmP20: the compact 1/8" modelling combo is finished in black and photographed in close-up and against a slate floor
“For a budget amp, it offers an impressive feature set without costing the earth”: Harley Benton DNAFX AmP20 review
 
 
 (L-R): Fher Olvera (Mana), Cesar Gueikian (Gibson CEO) playing the Gibson Flying V Custom CEO#8, and Sergio Vallin (Mana), performing onstage with Mana at Bridgestone Arena.
Cesar Gueikian on building the SG Kirk Hammett played to honour Black Sabbath and how his designs might shape future Gibson releases
 
 
Latest in News
Rick Rubin and Anthony Kiedis during Lost in Translation DVD Launch Party - Inside at Koi Restaurant in Los Angeles, California, United States. ***Exclusive*** (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
"Anthony sounds old": Rick Rubin's unusual mix feedback on 2006's Stadium Arcadium
 
 
Disclosure
“One of the greatest electronic music songs of all time”: Disclosure officially release their edit of a ‘90s club classic
 
 
Artificial intelligence music and sound concept. Represented with digital circuits and advanced algorithms in a high-tech setting, showcasing modern technological advancements and innovation
It’s now nearly impossible to detect whether a track is human or AI-made, new survey reveals
 
 
Pete Townshend tosses his electric guitar in mid-air as he performs onstage at Atwood Stadium on August 23, 1967 in Flint Michigan. This is the same night that Keith had his 21st (actually his 20th) birthday party and was arrested and banned for life from the Holiday Inn chain of hotels
“I was just making sure I left my mark”: Pete Townshend smashed a guitar at every show of The Who’s first US tour
 
 
David Bowie and Damon Albarn sing together
“I nearly made a record with Ray Davies and David Bowie”: Damon Albarn on the dream collab that never happened
 
 
Coldplay Music of the Spheres tour
Coldplay’s live engineers reveal the lengths they go to to record every show on the band’s Music of the Spheres tour
 
 

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...