New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (August 2014)

Palmer Pedalbay 60

MusicRadar’s sister publications, Total Guitar and Guitarist magazines, publish reviews of the latest guitars, amps, effects and other guitar-related music gear on a monthly basis.

Here, we’ve gathered every review featured on the site during the last month, from mini pedals and multi-fx, to hand-crafted electrics and new Fender combos. All of the reviews in this gallery were originally published in Guitarist issue 382/383/384 and Total Guitar issue 254/255/256.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Pedalbay 60 is an affordable route to tidy 'boards.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Palmer Pedalbay 60 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: Palmer Pedalbay 60 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Planet Waves NS Art Capo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Easier to move, with buzz-free playing on acoustics and electrics - a solid choice for pro capo players.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Planet Waves NS Art Capo review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

BUY: Planet Waves NS Art Capo currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Hogjim Pik-Tik

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A stress-free way to alternate between different techniques on pickguard-ed guitars.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hogjim Pik-Tik review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 254)

Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A good-looking, intelligent take on one of the world's most individual guitars - sonic experimentalists will love it.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

MI Audio Effects Super Crunch Box

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A British-style dirt pedal that delivers so much more than just distortion, with a punchy, addictive tonality.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: MI Audio Effects Super Crunch Box review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: MI Audio Effects Super Crunch Box currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Danelectro DC 59M NOS

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For our money, the DC59M NOS is one of the best-sounding incarnations of the definitive Danelectro model.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Danelectro DC 59M NOS review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 255)

BUY: Danelectro DC 59M NOS currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

TC-Helicon VoiceLive 3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you're a solo singer-guitarist who wants to travel light, go straight into the PA and have real-time control over your sound, the VoiceLive 3 could be exactly what you're looking for.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC-Helicon VoiceLive 3 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 255)

BUY: TC-Helicon VoiceLive 3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Sabre Syren 6

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“We salute Sabre for giving us the opportunity to get hold of a genuine hand-built instrument without the astronomical price tag.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sabre Syren 6 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 255)

Moog Minifooger Drive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An overdrive distortion pedal with huge variability and a unique dirty wah if you 'play' the filter with an expression pedal.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog Minifooger Drive review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Moog Minifooger Drive currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Fender '68 Custom Princeton Reverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A studio essential that might just cater for your live needs, too.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender '68 Custom Princeton Reverb review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Fender '68 Custom Princeton Reverb currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Homebrew Electronics UFO

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A very versatile fuzz box for modern and vintage sounds, that lives up to its name.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Homebrew Electronics UFO review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Fret-King Black Label Elise 'JE'

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Superbly crafted, with a broad sonic palette to draw from. Beyond the 335 indeed.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fret-King Black Label Elise 'JE' review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Fret-King Black Label Elise 'JE' currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

G7th Performance 2 capo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Hard to say anything other than in its second generation, the Performance is probably the best capo there is.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: G7th Performance 2 capo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: G7th Performance 2 capo currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The definitive 'amp for all occasions' just got even more versatile.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

LTD Xtone PC-1V

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A fine build and design, which leans on the rockier side of the tone tracks.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LTD Xtone PC-1V review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Comins GCS-1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A perfect choice for the serious jazz/blues/fusion player. Beautifully crafted, too.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Comins GCS-1 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Moog Minifooger Trem

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you are looking for a diverse range of tremolo sounds, this may be for you.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog Minifooger Trem review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Moog Minifooger Trem currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Homebrew Electronics Detox EQ

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Detox EQ is a clever design that offers practical tone tweaking with extra benefits.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Homebrew Electronics Detox EQ review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Massive sounds, but the power may just be too much for today's player.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Guild Starfire V with Bigsby

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Characterful, classy build, evocative old-school sound and excellent street pricing. This one's spoken for!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guild Starfire V with Bigsby review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Guild Starfire V with Bigsby currently available from:
US: Sweetwater

Moog Minifooger Boost

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Thoughtful rather than bombastic, with a nice tone knob. It can sweeten your signal chain and kick things up a gear.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog Minifooger Boost review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Moog Minifooger Boost currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Marshall 1962HW

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Marshall's homage to the past is still a potent tool for today's players.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Marshall 1962HW review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Marshall 1962HW currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Homebrew ParaDrive

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Put one of these in front of your amp for excellent flexibility.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Homebrew ParaDrive review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Moog Minifooger Delay

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“True analogue delay with expressive control possibilities.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog Minifooger Delay review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Moog Minifooger Delay currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Homebrew Germania

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An aggressive shot in the arm for your amp.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Homebrew Germania review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Guild CE-100D Capri with Bigsby

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Guild's version of the ES-175 takes you from jazz to way beyond. With aggressive street pricing, it's hard not to like.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Guild CE-100D Capri with Bigsby review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Guild CE-100D Capri with Bigsby currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Moog EP-3

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Massively broaden the scope of any Minifooger for less than £40.”

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog EP-3 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Moog EP-3 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Homebrew CPR

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Smooth, fat compression to revive your tone.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Homebrew CPR review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Randall RD45H

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Diavlo not only sounds great, it's also highly affordable, and reinforces Randall's position as a metal-amp titan.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Randall RD45H review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 256)

Moog Minifooger Ring

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you want to add some (very) leftfield sounds to your rig, this is the way to go.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Moog Minifooger Ring review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Moog Minifooger Ring currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Homebrew Cremolo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Good, old-fashioned creamy vintage-sounding tremolo!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Homebrew Cremolo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A solid choice, unless you have lots of high-current pedals. If so, try the Pedal Power 4x4.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann

Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Ultimately, the Kurt Cobain Jaguar remains one of the greatest signature models of modern times, and will work for a range of styles - with or without the dents.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 256)

BUY: Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Rotosound The Leveller

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Musical EQ to enhance your tonal options.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound The Leveller review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 256)

Cioks DC10

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An extremely versatile power supply that will suit most pedalboards. If you have a massive 'board, check out the Ciokolate.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Cioks DC10 review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: Cioks DC10 currently available from:
UK: Thomann

T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you have high-current pedals, maybe look elsewhere, but if you use standard pedals this is an elegant choice.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 382)

BUY: T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Full Compass

Electro-Harmonix EHX Tortion

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A flexible vintage-style drive that apes cranked-amp tones - if you haven't tried a FET-based overdrive before, start here.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Electro-Harmonix EHX Tortion review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Electro-Harmonix EHX Tortion currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Rotosound The Crusader

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Great for full-on or minimal vintage chorus sounds this is a chorus pedal that's big on versatility - as well as just big!”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Rotosound The Crusader review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

Visual Sound 1 Spot Combo pack

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A simple, useful and cost-effective piece of gear.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Visual Sound 1 Spot Combo pack review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Visual Sound 1 Spot Combo pack currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Hamstead Soundworks Artist 20+RT combo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“It's a great British amp in every sense, but some may want a lil' more dirt.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hamstead Soundworks Artist 20+RT combo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

EBS FuzzMo

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you want to apply some dirty edge to the sound of your bass, or down- tuned six-string, make the FuzzMo your first port of call.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: EBS FuzzMo review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: EBS FuzzMo currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

IK Multimedia AmpliTube Orange for iPad

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Make music on the go with a range of Orange amp sounds.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: IK Multimedia AmpliTube Orange for iPad review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

Digitech Supernatural Ambient Reverb

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A to-the-point reverb that will take players of an atmospheric disposition to whole new levels of ambience.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Digitech Supernatural Ambient Reverb review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Digitech Supernatural Ambient Reverb currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Yamaha NTX700C

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For anyone after a different sound but with steel-string-like playability, this is the place to start: an absolutely superb modern nylon-string electro.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha NTX700C review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Yamaha NTX700C currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater

Vox Soundbox Mini

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The broad range of tones and effects, as well as the impressive 3D effects of Acoustage, make the Soundbox Mini a serious contender for your desktop amp.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Vox Soundbox Mini review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 256)

BUY: Vox Soundbox Mini currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Full Compass

Gretsch G5622T-CB Electromatic

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“An outrageously cool guitar with an inspiring set of tones available. This guitar has songs in it!”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch G5622T-CB Electromatic review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Gretsch G5622T-CB Electromatic currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Orange Dual Dark 100 head

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A great British metal amp that will find many friends and admirers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Orange Dual Dark 100 head review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Orange Dual Dark 100 head currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Jackson Chris Broderick Pro Series Soloist 6

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Whether you like Megadeth or not, this is one seriously impressive metal guitar.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Jackson Chris Broderick Pro Series Soloist 6 review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 256)

BUY: Jackson Chris Broderick Pro Series Soloist 6 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

TC Electronic Flashback Mini Delay

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With stunning tones the Flashback Mini is a great secondary delay for a crammed 'board.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: TC Electronic Flashback Mini Delay review

(Reviewed in Total Guitar issue 256)

BUY: TC Electronic Flashback Mini Delay currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Fractal Axe-Fx II XL

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you are thinking about becoming an Axe-Fx owner for the first time, the XL version is now top of the line, and we reckon the extra spend is justified.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Fractal Axe-Fx II XL review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 384)

Gretsch G5655T-CB Electromatic

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A new take on the Jet format that's a compact, retro tone machine with grunt and twang in equal measure.”

4.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch G5655T-CB Electromatic review

(Reviewed in Guitarist issue 383)

BUY: Gretsch G5655T-CB Electromatic currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass