Gear Reviews

Latest Gear Reviews

A photo of the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’60s Stratocaster HSS in Fiesta Red
“I’ve dreamed of having a Strat like this since I was a kid.” We review the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’60s Stratocaster HSS

By Jimmy Leslie Published

With the added muscle and versatility of the Haymaker humbucker, this Strat walks the line between vintage authenticity and modern refinement

Gear
A photo of the Bartel Amplifiers Swingland 1x12 combo
“This amp’s dynamics are off the charts.” We review Bartel Amplifiers’ Swingland 1x12 combo and find a low-watter that delivers high-wattage tone, response and feel

By Dave Hunter Published

The Swingland is designed for studio/home use to deliver like a cranked vintage amp at low volume

Amps
A photo of the Fishman AirLock Wireless GT in use
We review the Fishman AirLock Wireless GT wireless guitar system and find cordless heaven

By Jimmy Leslie Published

The plug-and-play wireless system delivers cable-like tone with adjustable voicing and interference settings

Live Studio
A photo of the Fane Crescendo Anniversary Edition 12AE 12-inch guitar speaker
We review the Fane Crescendo Anniversary Edition 12AE 12-inch guitar speaker

By Dave Hunter Published

This powerful and characterful new model is not a re-creation but a tribute to the legacy of Fane’s iconic Crescendo series

Gear
A photo of the EarthQuaker Devices Easy Listening amp-emulating headphone amp
We review the EarthQuaker Devices Easy Listening Analog Amp Simulator Pedal

By Dave Hunter Published

This intentionally minimalist pedal emulates the sound of a 1965 Fender Deluxe combo at its most universally appealing tone settings

Pedals & Pedalboards
A photo showing a ToneWoodAmp2 in position on the back of an acoustic guitar.
“The coolest acoustic-electric guitar gadget of the past decade is now better than ever.” We review the new ToneWoodAmp2 Portable Effects Processor for Acoustic-Electric Guitars

By Jimmy Leslie Published

A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, multieffects and the free ToneWoodAmp Remote app are among the many upgrades

Amps
A photo of the SSL 2+ MKII digital audio interface
We review Solid State Logic’s 2+ MKII digital audio interface and find a feature-packed box guitarists will love

By Christopher Scapelliti Published

With two headphone jacks, four outputs for audio and control voltages, and SSL's Legacy 4K switch for analog warmth, this is an interface that deserves a look

Live Studio
A photo of the PRS Archon Classic amp head
“It’s one of the most capable two-channel amps around.” We review the PRS Archon 50 Classic head

By Art Thompson Published

An update of the original 2013 model, the Archon 50 Classic proves versatile across genres, making it a straightforward, reliable amp for stage and studio.

Amps
A Decker Hummingbird 15 in Valentine Red
We reviewed the Decker Hummingbird 15 tube combo and decided less is definitely more

By Art Thompson Published

Boasting top-notch build and minimal features, it's an ideal pedal platform and a solid performer that morphs from rhythm to lead via your picking or guitar volume

Amps
A photo showing the Benson Tall Bird Plus reverb-tremolo unit
We review the Benson Tallbird + tube-driven reverb and harmonic optical tremolo

By Dave Hunter Published

An update of Benson's Tall Bird external reverb unit, the Tall Bird + adds tube-driven optical tremolo in two modes: Classic and Harmonic

Gear
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