“An ideal first mic for anyone configuring a home studio”: Rode NT1 Signature Series review By Chris Gill published 28 June 24 Super-affordable, low noise, and it can handle whatever firepower your amp is going to throw at it – the NT1 Signature Series is one magic mic
“An articulate and dynamic response that has an edge over traditional plectrums”: Techpicks review By Paul Riario published 27 June 24 These thermoplastic picks from Italy are built to last
“Puts your amp or cab on casters without drilling or modification”: On-Stage AG5000 Amp Glider review By Paul Riario published 26 June 24 Putting the roll into rock 'n' roll, the Amp Glider is an ingenious device for transporting your amp, preserving that Tolex – and that lower back
“A drum machine for dummies?”: DigiTech SDRUM Strummable Drums review By Chris Gill published 26 June 24 DigiTech brings back the pedal that allows you to create drum sounds via your guitar
“The koa version’s beauty is much more than skin deep”: Taylor 222ce-K DLX review By Chris Gill published 25 June 24 Koa is a Goldilocks tonewood positioned between spruce and mahogany – and this all-koa grand concert is a truly exquisite acoustic that presents real value for fingerpickers
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Les Paul SG Custom with Maestro Vibrola & 1959 ES-355 review By Neville Marten published 24 June 24 Epiphone’s collaborations with the Gibson Custom Shop continue unabated, this time with two of the latter’s most prized top-end models but built in Qingdao, China
“Comes across as very much a PRS guitar, not a retooling of someone else’s design”: PRS SE NF3 review By Dave Burrluck published 21 June 24 This new SE-exclusive NF3 uses a similar bolt-on platform to John Mayer’s Silver Sky model – but is a very different guitar. How so? Let’s find out
“Amazing in practically every respect”: Epiphone 1942 Banner J-45, 1957 SJ-200 and J-180 LS review By David Mead published 20 June 24 Following on from the excellent ‘Inspired By Gibson Custom Shop’ electrics come three high-spec acoustic electrics from the Epiphone brand. How do they measure up?
“One of the best-sounding USA amplifiers currently available”: Bad Cat Jet Black head review By Nick Guppy published 18 June 24 Bad Cat’s new addition combines its classic signature sound with a unique new high-gain voicing – and the results are remarkable
“An affordable option for adding atmospheric soundscapes”: Walrus Audio Fundamental Ambient review By Trevor Curwen published 17 June 24 Walrus Audio delivers a competitively priced stompbox with three reverb modes that offer a heady alternative to your standard issue room, plate and spring
“As user-friendly as a guitar can get”: Strandberg Boden Essential review By Amit Sharma published 14 June 24 The groundbreaking sound and feel of Strandberg's future-forward guitar designs arrives at a price more of us can manage, but does this craft translate to a more affordable instrument? You bet
“The immaculate craft and lutherie is unmatched”: PRS S2 Standard 24 Satin and S2 Vela Satin review By Dave Burrluck published 13 June 24 As PRS’s more affordable USA-made S2 line moves into its second decade, the series gets a revamp with – at last – USA-made pickups and electronics. What took so long?
“A great grab ’n’ go pedal”: Third Man Hardware X Donner Triple Threat review By Stuart Williams published 12 June 24 A three-in-one, all-analog pedal for around 100 bucks? Jack White, you are spoiling us
“A bare-bones rock guitar designed for energetic playing”: Fender Tom DeLonge Starcaster review By Stuart Williams published 11 June 24 The Blink-182 guitarist’s second signature model in a year takes the form of Fender’s offset semi-acoustic – and it’s an instant classic
“A semi-acoustic with aggressive character and punch that outshines many solidbody designs”: EVH SA-126 Special review By Chris Gill published 10 June 24 Wolfgang Van Halen’s new signature model ushers in a new era of the hot-rodded super-semi – and it might just be one of the most versatile rock machines on the market today
“A monster for blazing lead and solo tones that bite through the mix”: Keeley Electronics Angry Orange, Blues Disorder and Super Rodent review By Chris Gill published 24 May 24 Keeley’s 4-in-1 overdrive and distortion pedals offer a compelling combination of distinct effects and voices in one box
"It sounds more alive with sweetened highs, richer harmonics in the mid-range, and a tighter, more defined low-end": Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 review By Daryl Robertson published 23 May 24 Boss cuts through the noise with its revamped practice amp
“The ultimate affordable semi-hollow”: Gretsch G2604T Streamliner Rally II Center Block review By Daryl Robertson published 22 May 24 Take the Rally II for a spin and you’ll find it’s a surprisingly speedy ride
“The perfect weapon to seek and destroy”: ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett review By Amit Sharma published 21 May 24 The latest signature model for the Metallica guitarist is a lot pointier than his previous offering – and the tones match the looks
“An impressive collection of effects that cost a little more than $1 each”: Line 6 HX One review By Chris Gill published 16 May 24 More than 250 top-class HX effects models in a compact pedal? You can only use one at a time, but this could still be the pedalboard power-up you’ve been waiting for