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
Gretsch G6136TG-58 Limited Edition 1958 Custom Falcon and G6134TG-58 Limited Edition 1958 Custom Penguin with Bigsby, photographed on a green leather couch,
Guitars Gretsch's exquisite, limited run Penguin and Falcon are a pair of fine-feathered guitars to crow about
Yamaha has unveiled more concert and dreanought sizes of its cutting-edge TransAcoustic acoustic guitar range, with the TAG Cutaway models offering Bluetooth support
Guitars Yamaha expands TransAcoustic lineup with more guitars that look like regular acoustics but are anything but
Harley Benton BassTheWorld MV-JB Plus: the Burgundy Mist J-style challenges our preconceptions of the Thomann-owned brand with a high-end build
Guitars Budget gear giant Harley Benton goes high-end for BassTheWorld signature bass
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: We've found $200 off an accessible Yamaha turntable, $100 off an iconic Korg synth and healthy discounts on guitars and much more
Danelectro Dan O Cool 12 String
Electric Guitars "Danelectro’s finishing falls noticeably short of what the market now expects at this level": Danelectro Dan O. Cool 12 String review
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
Man presses acoustic bridge pin into an acoustic guitar
Guitar Strings Best acoustic guitar strings 2026: Find your favourite acoustic strings
A Spark Link receiver in a Spark Mini practice amp
Guitars Best guitar wireless systems 2026: Cut the cord and liberate your playing today
Headphones next to electric guitar
Headphones Best guitar amp headphones 2026: My top picks for practicing your guitar quietly
Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone pedal on a wooden floor
Guitar Pedals Best chorus pedals 2026: Our pick of the top chorus pedals
Two guitars lying on the floor with guitar cables
Guitars Best guitar cables 2026: Leads and patch cables for all budgets
Gretsch Synchromatic Flacon close up of pickguard
Electric Guitars Best Gretsch guitars 2026: Nail that Gretsch sound at any price point
Woman in orange hat plays classical guitar in front of a laptop
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials What are the best online guitar lessons in 2026? I’m a professional guitar gear reviewer and these are my highest-rated lessons platforms
Blackstar Airwire i58
Guitar Accessories & Components “It’s easy to use, packs a tiny footprint and looks to counter two of the biggest drawbacks of going sans cable”: Blackstar AirWire i58 review
More
  • Jimmy Douglass speaks
  • Ultravox's Vienna
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Elektron Tonverk Review
  1. Guitars

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

News
By Guitarist magazine, Total Guitar, Acoustic Magazine published 2 May 2017

All of the latest guitar reviews

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

Sigma GJA-SG200

Sigma GJA-SG200

It’s been another stellar month of guitar gear here at MusicRadar.

We’ve seen gorgeous acoustics, stunning electros and plenty more pass through our office.

Here, we take a digested look at all of the guitar gear that was reviewed on the site during April. We start with the Sigma GJA-SG200.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A touch of class that will not disappoint at a price that will not leave you high and dry.”

FULL REVIEW: Sigma GJA-SG200

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 1 of 16
Page 1 of 16
Manuel Rodriguez Model FF

Manuel Rodriguez Model FF

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This guitar would do well in the hands of a more advanced player. A superb instrument.”

FULL REVIEW: Manuel Rodriguez Model FF 

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 2 of 16
Page 2 of 16
Taylor 612CE 12-Fret

Taylor 612CE 12-Fret

MusicRadar's verdict:

“One of the best guitars we’ve laid our hands on.”

FULL REVIEW: Taylor 612CE 12-Fret 

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 3 of 16
Page 3 of 16
Sigma JM-SG45

Sigma JM-SG45

MusicRadar's verdict:

“At this price, what’s not to like?.”

FULL REVIEW: Sigma JM-SG45

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Acoustic)

Page 4 of 16
Page 4 of 16
Avian Ibis Deluxe Fan Fret

Avian Ibis Deluxe Fan Fret

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An acquired taste perhaps, but this fan fret in full flight is a joy to behold.”

FULL REVIEW: Avian Ibis Deluxe Fan Fret 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 5 of 16
Page 5 of 16
Knaggs Severn X T3

Knaggs Severn X T3

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A fantastic instrument - a definite ‘keeper’.”

FULL REVIEW: Knaggs Severn X T3

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 6 of 16
Page 6 of 16
PRS McCarty SC 594

PRS McCarty SC 594

MusicRadar's verdict:

“We guarantee that the monetary investment in this PRS will be rewarded with tone, playability and jealous gazes aplenty!”

FULL REVIEW: PRS McCarty SC 594

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 7 of 16
Page 7 of 16
Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Great sounds at a tiny price.”

FULL REVIEW: Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 8 of 16
Page 8 of 16
Taylor Academy Series 10E

Taylor Academy Series 10E

MusicRadar's verdict:

“This may just be the dream beginner guitar...and a potential trade-up for some.”

FULL REVIEW: Taylor Academy Series 10E

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 9 of 16
Page 9 of 16
Avian Songbird Deluxe Fan Fret

Avian Songbird Deluxe Fan Fret

MusicRadar's verdict:

“It may tip the scales in terms of price point, but the Songbird offers superb sound and an enjoyable playing experience.”

FULL REVIEW: Avian Songbird Deluxe Fan Fret

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 10 of 16
Page 10 of 16
Taylor Academy Series 12E

Taylor Academy Series 12E

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A keenly-priced guitar that will impress more than just newbies.”

FULL REVIEW: Taylor Academy Series 12E 

4.5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 11 of 16
Page 11 of 16
Mooer Blues Crab

Mooer Blues Crab

MusicRadar's verdict:

“A real classy performer that won’t break the bank.”

FULL REVIEW: Mooer Blues Crab 

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 12 of 16
Page 12 of 16
TC Electronic Cinders

TC Electronic Cinders

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An inexpensive pedal to add some fire to your tone.”

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Cinders

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 13 of 16
Page 13 of 16
MXR Badass Modified OD

MXR Badass Modified OD

MusicRadar's verdict:

“An excellent low to mid-gain overdrive with wide tonal options and rock-solid MXR build.”

FULL REVIEW: MXR Badass Modified OD 

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 14 of 16
Page 14 of 16
Xvive Sweet Leo

Xvive Sweet Leo

MusicRadar's verdict:

“With oodles of nuance this is a versatile asset for any pedalboard.”

FULL REVIEW: Xvive Sweet Leo

5 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Total Guitar)

Page 15 of 16
Page 15 of 16
Juketone True Blood 1X8” Combo

Juketone True Blood 1X8” Combo

MusicRadar's verdict:

“Available direct at just under the magic £250, this amp’s tweed magic at a bargain basement price - check it out!”

FULL REVIEW: Juketone True Blood 1X8” Combo

4 out of 5

(Originally reviewed in Guitarist)

Page 16 of 16
Page 16 of 16
Acoustic Magazine
Read 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
 
 
MusicRadar author Matt McCracken plays a Manson 007 electric guitar at The Guitar Show in Birmingham, UK
Guitars Here's 7 of the hottest guitar gear releases I tried at The Guitar Show this weekend that are available to buy right now
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: Score hundreds off PRS, Bose, and Moog - and grab a new guitar pedal for less than £10!
 
 
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Save a colossal $500 off one of my favourite Sterling by Music Man guitars, grab $200 off a super cool D'Angelico, plus all the week's biggest sales on music gear
 
 
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
 
 
Close up of LR Baggs acoustic guitar pickup
Guitar Pickups Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic for stage, studio and sound fx – our top picks for all budgets
 
 
Latest in Guitars
The Strymon Canoga is a simple two-knob silicon fuzz and is part of the digital effects brand's Series A analogue range.
Guitars FAO Jimi Hendrix fans, Strymon expands analogue range with the vintage Fuzz Face-inspired Canoga
 
 
Walrus Audio Highpoint Analog Optical Compressor features console-style VU metering on the front.
Guitars The tone-sweetener your rig has been waiting for? Walrus Audio's Highpoint is one serious compressor pedal
 
 
Harley Benton BassTheWorld MV-JB Plus: the Burgundy Mist J-style challenges our preconceptions of the Thomann-owned brand with a high-end build
Guitars Budget gear giant Harley Benton goes high-end for BassTheWorld signature bass
 
 
A screenshot of the Fukkaudio home page, where guitarists can type in a text prompt, and dial in a tone via the web app.
Guitars No rig, no problem! This website lets guitarists design amps and effects tones by text prompt
 
 
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: We've found $200 off an accessible Yamaha turntable, $100 off an iconic Korg synth and healthy discounts on guitars and much more
 
 
Gibson Les Paul Studio Double Trouble presents the "double-white" humbuckers for a more affordable take on the limited run Les Paul Standard of 2025.
Guitars One of our favourite Les Pauls just got more affordable as Gibson gives the Double Trouble the Studio treatment
 
 
Latest in News
The Strymon Canoga is a simple two-knob silicon fuzz and is part of the digital effects brand's Series A analogue range.
Guitars FAO Jimi Hendrix fans, Strymon expands analogue range with the vintage Fuzz Face-inspired Canoga
 
 
PinkPantheress and Imogen Heap
Artists "As if she's asking me!”: PinkPantheress responds to Imogen Heap’s request for production tips
 
 
A message on Deezer about AI-generated content
Tech “AI-generated music is now far from a marginal phenomenon”: Deezer says 44% of its daily uploads is AI slop
 
 
dj shadow
Artists “There have been times in my career where I’ve wondered: at the end of the day, am I going to own only 15% of my catalogue?”: DJ Shadow on why he stopped sampling and left the MPC behind
 
 
Dave Mason
Artists “Jimi and I sat down facing each other, with Jimi on six-string acoustic and me on 12-string”: The life and times of Dave Mason
 
 
Ringo Starr on Jimmy Kimmel
Drummers “It’s amusing and it’s very real”: Ringo Starr talks about his duet with Paul and the Beatles biopics
 
 

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...