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
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • "She knew what she'd created": Back to Black
  • Trower's '80s supergroup
  • Music theory tricks
  • Stage Tour game
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars

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

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar
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

Read more
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up June 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s epic guitar gear round-up: June ’26 edit, ft. EHX, PRS, Fender’s mega-launch and more
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
MusicRadar monthly guitar gear roundup, ft. Lzzy Hale's signature Epiphone Explorer Custom, plus new gear from Hotone, Gibson, JHS Pedals, Death By Audio and more
Guitars “His effects are bonkers in the best way possible”: The MusicRadar guitar gear roundup Aug 2026 edit
 
 
Harley Benton ST-62LA MN BK
Electric Guitars “Makes you realise just how good budget guitars have become”: Harley Benton ST-62LA review
 
 
Harley Benton Fusion-T II HH RW HT in Purple Metallic finish with gold hardware. Shot on white surface.
Electric Guitars “This is a difficult guitar to put a review score on”: Harley Benton Fusion-T II HH RW HT PM review
 
 
Donner Hush X Pro on wood floor
Electric Guitars “When you're away from your main rig, it more than fills a void.”: Donner Hush X Pro review
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Brian May plays the Red Special live onstage; on the right, William Shatner holds what looks like an AI-generated Les Paul
Artists fOXX Phaser set to stun! Queen’s Brian May signs up for William Shatner’s all-star metal enterprise
 
 
Angus Young lights it up during AC/DC's 2026 Power Up Tour
Artists Does this viral video really show Angus Young 'forgetting' a guitar solo or did he actually nail it?
 
 
Troy Van Leeuwen with his new Squier Paranormal Telecaster XII in a still from the demo video.
Artists Troy Van Leeuwen on his Squier Tele XII’s origins, and when he learned it was (literally) roadworthy
 
 
Walrus Audio Lüm Texture Engine
Guitar Pedals “Forget Interstellar, if you want to know what being sucked into a black hole might sound like, this is the pedal for you”: Walrus Audio Lüm Texture Engine review
 
 
Harley Benton JB-62HA
Bass Guitars “Its build quality is miles ahead of any other new instrument at this price”: Harley Benton JB-62HA review
 
 
Ibanez Axe Design Lab Iceman ICMS721
Guitars Ibanez just weaponised the Iceman for metal and refreshed a bunch of its flagship signature models
 
 
Latest in News
Brian May plays the Red Special live onstage; on the right, William Shatner holds what looks like an AI-generated Les Paul
Artists fOXX Phaser set to stun! Queen’s Brian May signs up for William Shatner’s all-star metal enterprise
 
 
Angus Young lights it up during AC/DC's 2026 Power Up Tour
Artists Does this viral video really show Angus Young 'forgetting' a guitar solo or did he actually nail it?
 
 
Denon DJ Prime 4 G2
Dj Gear Denon’s Prime 4 G2 is a uniquely expressive DJ setup that borrows a few tricks from Akai’s MPC range
 
 
Singer Billy Joel and drummer Jon Small pose for a portrait in 1970
Singers & Songwriters “He helped define the format with landmark videos and live concert recordings”: Billy Joel announces death of bandmate and collaborator
 
 
1987 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS - Show Coverage - Airdate: January 26, 1987. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)JANET JACKSON
Artists Janet Jackson is celebrating 40 years of Control, but Jam and Lewis made a rookie mistake when they produced it
 
 
Gene Simmons
Artists “I always wanted to write with Bob Dylan. A crazy idea. Why would he pay attention to a peanut like me?”
 
 

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 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...