Reviews

“You may feel that the whole TransAcoustic thing is a novelty… we’d urge you to put aside your preconceptions”: Yamaha TAS3 C review

By David Mead published 13 January 26

Reading a manual to find out how to connect your acoustic guitar to Bluetooth might deter some traditionalists, but there is treasure to be found for the adventurous

"There really isn't anything else on the market quite like this": Strymon PCH Stereo Active DI Box With Headphone Amp review

By Rob Laing published 12 January 26

Tired of compromising your signal chain and listening experience as an amp pedal user? Strymon might have the solution with its unique DI / headphone amp PCH

"A well-chosen feature set that really elevates it above similarly priced short-scales”: Cort GB-Short Scale Bass review

By Connor Flys published 10 January 26

Cort short? A MarkBass preamp, roasted maple neck and more proves that short-scale basses don't have to mean 'less'

ToneX Plug review

By Phil Weller published 9 January 26

IK Multimedia crams its celebrated amp modelling tech into a portable powerhouse – but does it meet expectations?

“Those who were waiting for Origin to recreate an Ampeg Flip-Top will be delighted – it’s as good as you’d hope”: Origin Effects BASSRIG Fifteen review

By Connor Flys published 7 January 26

Origin Effects has concentrated the revered Ampeg B-15 into a pedal. Has it worked?

"Hits the sweet spot of Fender’s heritage, sound, practicality and price": Fender American Professional Classic Precision Bass review

By Stuart Williams published 6 January 26

Fender's new entry-point into US-made instruments finds the sweet spot between old and new

“Irons out some of Gretsch’s historic quirks”: Gretsch Electromatic Jet review

By Dave Burrluck published 6 January 26

With plenty already in the lineup, Gretsch has released a new range of both Electromatic and Streamliner Jets that appear modern-aimed and very affordable. What’s new?

“All the grin-inducing firepower of the full-flight 5150”: EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15W EL34 Head

By Martin Smith published 4 January 26

The bombastic benchmark of the ‘brown’ sound has been channelled through a single-ended EL34 power section and hybrid preamp, with significant volume and price savings

"The neck really doesn’t feel all that different from my Fender Telecaster": Fender California Standard Monterey E review

By Matt McCracken published 24 December 25

An acoustic-electric for beginners that won't break the bank – or your fingertips

“A great guitar for young children without patronising them”: Gibson x Loog Les Paul Special review

By Adam Gasson published 23 December 25

We asked a dad and his eight-year-old daughter to test out Loog's three-string guitar collaboration with Gibson that's aimed at absolute beginners