New guitar gear of the month: review round-up (October 2011)
3rd Oct 2011 | 13:53
Fender American Vintage '69 Telecaster Thinline (£1991)
Every month MusicRadar's industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the world's best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.
This is a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, amps and effects - all of which have been meticulously tested by either Guitarist or Total Guitar in recent months and published on MusicRadar throughout September 2011.
Flick through this month's picks and follow the links to read each product's full review. First up, Fender's American Vintage '69 Telecaster Thinline...
Verdict:
"The best-yet production version of a now-classic Tele, with excellent vintage detail and sounds."
BUY: Fender American Vintage '69 Telecaster Thinline currently available from Thomann | Andertons Music Co. | Soundslive
Gibson Firebird X (£3299)
Verdict:
"While we applaud anyone trying to push the electric guitar forwards, we seriously wonder if the Firebird X is the future of electric guitar, especially at this price."
BUY: Gibson Firebird X currently available from Andertons Music Co. | WoodBrass
Fender Graham Coxon Telecaster (£718)
Verdict:
"A long overdue homage to one of the UK's more interesting guitar players – a Tele to forge some sonic mayhem."
BUY: Fender Graham Coxon Telecaster currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music | WoodBrass
DigiTech Whammy DT (£289)
Verdict:
"The best Whammy pedal so far? We think so. If you've ever fancied giving one a go, the time is now."
4.5
BUY: DigiTech Whammy DT currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive | GuitarGuitar
Rasmus Standard S100 (£899)
Verdict:
"This is a stripped-down, serious tool for amateurs and pros alike."
Fender '70s Precision Bass (£1102)
Verdict:
"Undeniably attractive, the appeal of this over any of the other Precision models lies in its looks and excellent feel."
4.5
BUY: Fender '70s Precision Bass currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music | WoodBrass
ESP LTD SnakeByte (£1199)
Verdict:
"A pure metal beast, this brings Hetfield's axe closer to the masses."
BUY: ESP LTD SnakeByte currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | GuitarGuitar | WoodBrass
Grosh Guitars ElectraJet (£2199)
Verdict:
"Far from a copy but infused with Fender flavour, the ElectraJet is superbly executed with great sounds, highly detailed build and loads of options. Join the queue…"
BUY: Grosh Guitars ElectraJet currently available from GuitarGuitar
Fender American Vintage '72 Telecaster Thinline (£1919)
Verdict:
"With street prices already around £1.5k this updated blast from the past remains a powerful draw."
BUY: Fender American Vintage '72 Telecaster Thinline currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive
Aria Retro-1532 (£249)
Verdict:
"Individual styling combines with a performance that belies the economy-conscious status of this retro revival."
Rasmus Modern M200 (£899)
Verdict:
"An '80s rock monster, but with some fantastic vintage single-coil tones on offer, too."
Crafter CB-Rose Plus (£749.99)
Verdict:
"A well-made and visually different guitar that proves to be a versatile electro option."
Strymon Lex (£279)
Verdict:
"If you're looking for an extremely natural-sounding rotary speaker emulation in a decent-sized stompbox, you'll find it in the Lex."
BUY: Strymon Lex currently available from Thomann | GuitarGuitar
Godin Shifter 4 (£1050)
Verdict:
"If you want something that feels, looks and sounds a little different yet has an air of 'rightness' about it, then this Godin as an excellent choice."
BUY: Godin Shifter 4 currently available from Thomann
Zoom G3 (£190)
Verdict:
"The most practical multi-FX pedal around for under (£200 -quality sounds and loads of ways to use them."
BUY: Zoom G3 currently available from Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive
Tech 21 RotoChoir (£249)
Verdict:
"The best-yet production version of a now-classic Tele, with excellent vintage detail and sounds."
BUY: Tech 21 RotoChoir currently available from Thomann | GuitarGuitar
Schecter TSH-1 (£539)
Verdict:
"The latest incarnation of the TSH-1 is a gene-splicing experiment that has paid off big time."
MXR ZW90 Wdyle Phase (£134)
Verdict:
"The latest incarnation of the TSH-1 is a gene-splicing experiment that has paid off big time."
BUY: MXR ZW90 Wdyle Phase currently available from Thomann | GuitarGuitar
Tech 21 Boost Chorus (£199)
Verdict:
"This is one seriously versatile chorus pedal, it's certainly rich and smooth - but we can't decide whether it's manly…"
BUY: Tech 21 Boost Chorus currently available from Thomann | GuitarGuitar
Schecter Solo 6 Standard (£549)
Verdict:
"The Solo 6 Standard combines classic looks with a touch of individuality and a tonal range that will cover everything from blues through to thrash."
BUY: Schecter Solo 6 Standard currently available from Thomann | GuitarGuitar
Schecter S-1 Custom (£679)
Verdict:
"Unless you're a true brand loyalist you should check out what Schecter is doing in the mid-range sector before you fork out for a budget US-brand guitar."
Schecter TSH-1 (£539)
Verdict:
"One of the best affordable retro-style guitars available. Looks, tones, playability – it's the whole package."
T-Rex Tonebug Sensewah (£155)
Verdict:
"A pedal that will let you get funky."
BUY: T-Rex Tonebug Sensewah currently available from Thomann
Larivée L-02 (£799)
Verdict:
"How can you look a gift horse in the mouth? Time to flash the cash, we say."
4.5
Egnater Tweaker 88 (£799)
Verdict:
"Like the Tweaker 15, this is another great amp from Egnater that's destined for future classic status."
4.5
BUY: Egnater Tweaker 88 currently available from Thomann | GuitarGuitar
Washburn WCD18CE (£210)
Verdict:
"An interesting alternative to a 'regular' shaped dreadnought that proves to be a capable electro."
