Latest reviews

Latest

Electro-Harmonix Nano Pulsar

Electro-Harmonix Nano Pulsar review – a flexible, if not entirely up-to-the-minute, tremolo pedal

By Trevor Curwen published

The Nano range offers classic EHX tones in a more compact format, but this downsized version of the Pulsar tremolo manages to add more controls to the format

D'Angelico Deluxe Eric Krasno Brighton

D’Angelico Deluxe Eric Krasno Brighton review: it hits a magical “goldilocks” spot between a vintage Les Paul Special and Stratocaster – with even more sparkle and brilliance

By Chris Gill published

Krasno's new signature model might be strictly limited edition but its unique voice and top-class build would have mass appeal among any player looking for something different

Sterling by Music Man Valentine Chambered Bigsby

Sterling by Music Man Valentine Chambered Bigsby review: it may borrow from the Tele and the ES-339, but this affordable offset is very much its own guitar – and it’s an absolute must-play

By Paul Riario published

It’s lightweight, super-versatile, nicely priced, with a Bigsby sweetening the deal, and there's nothing quite like it. Why aren't more players talking about this Valentine?

Fender Vintera II '50s Nocaster

Fender Vintera II ‘60s Stratocaster and ‘50s Nocaster review: keenly priced Strat and Tele models that evoke the golden age of guitar building

By Neville Marten published

The original 2019 Fender Vintera models offered a fine and affordable snapshot of Fenders from a particular ‘vintage era’. So, what do the Mk II class of 2023 Vinteras bring to the table?

Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron

Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron review – John Mayer’s fave filter, now pedalboard-friendly

By Trevor Curwen published

EHX has been doing some Nano-sizing of its most popular pedal designs and has duly shrunk the Q-Tron envelope filter – but is it still a big deal for your sound?

J. Rockett HRM V2

J. Rockett HRM V2 review: a beautifully voiced Dumble-style drive pedal of the sort that encourages you to keep playing

By Trevor Curwen published

With its latest HRM V2 pedal, J. Rockett refines the Hot Rubber Monkey-modded Dumble sound

EMG JMaster pickups

EMG JMaster Pickup Set review: vintage-voiced Jazzmaster tones with zero noise

By Dave Burrluck published

The modernist pickup maker turns its attention to the wild and wacky Fender Jazzmaster to give it an active pickup makeover

Beetronics Octahive V2

Beetronics Octahive V2 review: a sonically striking octave fuzz with some notable upgrades

By Trevor Curwen published

Beetronics presents a vintage octave fuzz with all the modern benefits of convenient switching technology

First look: Positive Grid Spark CAB review

First look: Positive Grid Spark CAB review

By Daryl Robertson published

The practice amp gurus are ready to make the jump from the home to the stage with this powerful and must-have extra for Spark users

Laney Ironheart IRF-Dualtop

Laney Ironheart Foundry IRF-Dualtop review: An ideal portable partner for modern players at all levels

By Nick Guppy published

Meet the augmented, dual channel Ironheart amp head – a versatile piece of kit with superb reverb and plenty of gain

Squier Paranormal Custom Nashville Stratocaster

Squier Paranormal Custom Nashville Stratocaster review: Fender combines the Strat and Tele for an intriguing hybrid

By Daryl Robertson published

Two sonic worlds collide to create a solid-gold winner – even if it is a Strat as you’ve never seen it before

Electro-Harmonix Andy Summers Walking On The Moon Flanger

Electro-Harmonix Andy Summers Walking on the Moon Flanger review

By Paul Riario published

Somebody call the Police! This flanger is a steal at this price, and nails those classic Andy Summers tones. If only those Add9 power chords were as easy

Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS review

Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS review: a budget Strat that has plenty of tones to match its sizzling aesthetic

By Ross Holder published

Squier is at it again offering an attractive and affordable flame maple option on a perennial classic

Laney IRF-LeadTop

Laney Ironheart Foundry IRF-Leadtop review: It’s tiny and costs just $299, but this solid-state fire-breather can handle anything you can throw at it

By Nick Guppy published

Compact, crammed with gain and kitted out for home practice or the stage – meet the latest addition to Laney’s Foundry series

Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones on a wooden surface

Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 review: the only headphones you need for guitar, studio and everyday use?

By Chris Corfield published

Do-it-all headphones that are ideal for guitar players

Fret-King Eclat Custom Paul Rose Signature

Fret-King Eclat Custom Paul Rose Signature review: A single-cut with a difference – and we’re not just talking about that dramatic forearm scoop

By Dave Burrluck published

Originally designed by Trev Wilkinson, the Eclat single-cut gets a makeover for 2023, and a signature tie-up with Brit guitarist Paul Rose

Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb review

Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb review

By Richard Blenkinsop published

Some of the best cleans and pushed overdriven tones in a friendly 22W combo

PJD Guitars York Standard

PJD York Standard review: a new take on the Telecaster that feels alive in your hands and feather-light on your shoulder

By Dave Burrluck published

PJD is back doing what it always did: making great guitars. Let’s welcome the York, a celebration of where this story started

Bare Knuckle Pickups Triptych Set

Bare Knuckle Triptych review: the most versatile Stratocaster pickup set on the market?

By Dave Burrluck published

One of the most talked-about pickups of 2023, Rabea Massaad’s new signature set could be just what you need to cover all bases without losing those quintessential Strat sounds

Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Telecaster Thinline review

Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Telecaster Thinline review

By Ross Holder published

Squier is reviving a ‘70s classic with this affordable, versatile, eye-catching version of Fender’s increasingly popular semi-hollow Telecaster