Reviews: New Gear
|
Bedell TB-28-G Performance Series Review (May 2010) Acoustic Guitar checks out Bedell's new spruce-and-rosewood dreadnought. With video. |
|
Gretsch G100CE Archtop Review (May 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews an affordable acoustic-electric archtop with deco style and a sweet sound. With video. |
|
Three New Capos Reviewed (May 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews the Paige Clik, Kyser K-Levers, and SpiderCapo capos. With video. |
|
Taylor Baritone Eight-String Guitar Review (April 2010) Acoustic Guitar checks out Taylor’s unique new low-tuned guitar. With video. |
|
Alvarez RD4102C Guitar Review (April 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews a feature-laden acoustic-electric cutaway dreadnought designed for beginners. With video. |
|
Fishman Spectrum Aura DI Review (April 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews a multifunction preamp/DI pedal that offers acoustic imaging and convenient performance tools. With video. |
|
Santa Cruz 00 1929 Guitar Review (March 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews an all-mahogany 12-fret 00 with classic style and lush, balanced tones. With video. |
|
Sierra Sunrise SAS40CE Guitar Review (March 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews a beautifully designed cedar-top auditorium-size acoustic-electric that is built for comfort. With video. |
|
MiniFlex 2Mic, Model 1 Review (March 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews a clever internally mounted two-microphone system that provides natural onstage sound with less risk of feedback. With video. |
|
Veillette Parlor 14-Inch Guitar Review (January 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews a custom-built acoustic-electric six-string. With video. |
|
L.R. Baggs Venue Acoustic Guitar Preamp/DI Review (January 2010) Acoustic Guitar reviews a multifunction preamp/DI that includes a powerful five-band EQ, notch filter, chromatic tuner, and volume-boost switch. With video. |
|
Yamaha LLX16 Guitar Review (December 2009) Acoustic Guitar checks out Yamaha’s mid-price acoustic-electric. With video. |
|
Martin D-1 Guitar Review (December 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews an affordable spruce-topped, solid-wood dreadnought acoustic guitar that has volume and punch to spare. With video. |
|
DigiTech TimeBender Review (December 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a powerful, compact delay pedal that lets you create unique delay patterns and intelligent harmonies. With video. |
|
R. Taylor Style 3 Review (November 2009) Acoustic Guitar checks out R. Taylor’s new dreadnought. With video. |
|
Walden Concorda CG670TB Review (November 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews an affordable grand auditorium with elegantly understated style, a slim neck, and versatile, full-bodied tones. With video. |
|
Trace Acoustic TA200 Amp Review (November 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a powerful amp with punchy midrange, lots of tone-shaping options, and lush effects. With video. |
|
Guild D-40 Review (October 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a timeless classic made in a new factory. With Video. |
|
Seagull Maritime SWS Mini-Jumbo Review (October 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews an affordable all-solid-wood guitar with high-quality tonewoods that is perfect for fingerstyle players. With video. |
|
Tascam DP-004 Pocketstudio Review (October 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a pint-sized digital four-track with built-in stereo condenser mics that has great sound and impressive editing functions. With video. |
|
National Reso-Phonic W-Series Triolian Review (September 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a classic resonator guitar re-creation. With video. |
|
Ovation iDea Review (September 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews an affordable guitar with a built-in MP3 recorder/player that makes a great audio scratchpad and learning tool. With video. |
|
Genz-Benz SHEN-CPK-10T Amp (September 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a powerful, compact, and clean-sounding amp from an acoustic-amp pioneer. With video. |
|
Six 12-Strings Reviewed (August 2009) Acoustic Guitar checks out six great 12-strings ranging in price from $330 to $3,900. With video. |
|
RainSong CO-WS1000N2 Review (August 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a rich, resonant carbon-fiber grand concert. With video. |
|
Daisy Rock Bubinga Butterfly Review (August 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews an affordable easy-to-play acoustic-electric jumbo that delivers strong bass and wide dynamic range. With video. |
|
DPA 4099 Guitar Microphone Review (August 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a new clip-on microphone from Danish audio experts that provides natural studio-quality guitar sound onstage. With video. |
|
Takamine LTD 2009 Review (July 2009) Acoustic Guitar checks out Takamine’s latest limited edition model. With video. |
|
UltraSound Pro-250 Amp Review (July 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a powerful combo amp with punch and tone-shaping potential. With video. |
|
New Gear 2009 (June 2009) The latest guitars, gear, and accessories. |
|
Paul Reed Smith Tonare Grand Review (June 2009) A look at the famed electric guitar maker’s first acoustic offering. With video. |
|
Composite Acoustics Cargo Review (June 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a compact carbon-fiber guitar that can stand up to the rigors of the road. With video. |
|
Acoustic Image Corus Combo Amp Review (June 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews an inventive, American-made acoustic guitar amp with smart controls, rich detail, and efficient bass response. With video. |
|
Cole Clark Fat Lady FL2AC Dreadnought Review (May 2009) A dreadnought from Down Under that’s at home unplugged, in the studio, or onstage. With video. |
|
Regal RD-40V Resophonic Guitar Review (May 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a highly affordable, wood-body resonator guitar that delivers bucketfuls of bluesy vibe. With video. |
|
Three Rhythm Stompboxes Reviewed (May 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews three units from Shadow, Ellis, and EnRoute that provide foot-stompin’ rhythmic self-accompaniment for solo guitarists. With video. |
|
Taylor Guitars Factory Tour (April 2009) A photo essay of the California facility. |
|
Martin OMCGTE Cherry Reviewr (April 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a Martin OM made of sustainable woods. With video. |
|
Voyage-Air Travel Guitar Reviewr (April 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a radically designed travel guitar that enables globe-trotting pickers to pack a full-size ax. With video. |
|
Five Clip-On Tuners Reviewedr (April 2009) Acoustic Guitar tests headstock tuners by Crafter, Planet Waves, Sabine, Seiko, and TuneTech. With video. |
|
Santa Cruz Model F Maple Review (March 2009) A maple-bodied mini-jumbo version of an influential Santa Cruz design. With video. |
|
Recording King ROS-626 Review (March 2009) A vintage-style 12-fret guitar that’s great for fingerstyle and accompaniment. With video. |
|
Lowden Baritone Review (March 2009) A scrumptious low-tuned steel-string guitar. With audio. |
|
Mid-Size Guitar Review (February 2009) We test six medium-size guitars ranging from $250 to $5,000. With video. |
|
Eastman AC320 Review (February 2009) Acoustic Guitar reviews a mid-price dreadnought that shines with a versatile voice and precision craftsmanship. With video. |
|
Fishman SoloAmp Review (February 2009) An all-in-one system that bridges the gap between amp and PA. With video. |
|
Taylor GS6-12 Review (January 2009) An elegant and easy to play 12-string that oozes style and quality. With video. |
|
Cordoba Fusion 14 RS Review (January 2009) Acoustic-electric nylon-string hybrid combines steel-string guitar feel with classical sound. With video. |
|
Belkin GoStudio Review (January 2009) This portable recording interface converts your iPod into a tabletop studio. With video. |
|
Alvarez-Yairi WY1TWR Review (December 2008) Acoustic Guitar reviews a Fishman Aura-equipped and performance-ready flattop. With video. |
|
Crafter TMCO35 Reviewr (December 2008) Acoustic Guitar reviews an OM built around prewar styling cues. With video. |
|
AAD Cub AG 100 Amplifier (December 2008) We review a compact, lightweight amplifier with impressive punch and clarity. With video. |
|
Breedlove C25/CR Herringbone Review (November 2008) We review a concert-size fingerstyle guitar with distinctive style. With video. |
|
Godin 5th Avenue Archtop Review (November 2008) Review of an archtop classic at an incredible price. With video. |
|
Five Unusual Capos Reviewed (November 2008) We review the five partial and specialty capos. With video. |
|
Schertler SB Review (October 2008) A flattop that unites Schertler pickups and designer Claudio Pagelli. With video. |
|
Epiphone Performer Review (October 2008) Review of the Epiphone Performer with Shadow electronics. With video. |
|
Roland CD-2e Review (October 2008) This digital recorder and CD burner makes it easy to catch ideas and performances. With video. |
|
7 Dreadnoughts Reviewed (September 2008) Seven guitars, from $350 to $4,000, tested. With video. |
|
Huss and Dalton FS Review (September 2008) We review a beautifully crafted fingerstyle guitar with uncommon dynamic range and responsiveness. With video. |
|
Genz Benz Shenendoah Pro LT Review (September 2008) We review a gig-ready, versatile acoustic amplifier. With video. |
|
R. Taylor Style Two Review (August 2008) A review of the luxurious new, smaller-bodied guitar from Bob Taylor's boutique workshop. With video. |
|
Walden T550 Review (August 2008) Review of a compact travel guitar that's a blast to play—even when you're not out on the road. With video. |
|
Tascam DP-02 Review (August 2008) We review an easy-to-use digital recording system that delivers a wealth of creative possibilities. With video. |
|
Gibson Southern Jumbo True Vintage Review (July 2008) A modern re-interpretation of the legendary J-45's fancier cousin combines vintage looks, fat tones, and modern playability. With video. |
|
Ibanez EWN28 Bubinga Review (July 2008) We review a striking hybrid for guitarists seeking an easy transition to nylon-strings. With video. |
|
Fishman Matrix Infinity Review (July 2008) A look at the latest version of Fishman's popular after-market pickup system. With video. |
|
Zemaitis GZA-300 Heart (June 2008) Brit-rock’s original boutique brand delivers a toneful, silky, and flashy flattop. With video. |
|
Yamaha CPX-500 (June 2008) The latest Compass series flattop puts a great playing acoustic-electric guitar in reach of working musicians. With video. |
|
Bose L1 Personal Amplification System, Model II (June 2008) Innovative PA packs a punch and great range for acoustic performance situations. With video. |
|
Goodall Short Scale GC Review (May 2008) Top-shelf craftsmanship and playability in a Grand Concert brimming with rich, lustrous tones. With video. |
|
Radial ToneBone PZ Pre Review (May 2008) Dedicated acoustic instrument preamp lends superior control over amplified signal in a top-quality stompbox. |
Timberline T30Ac Review (May 2008)Clean construction and mellow tones in an affordable, auditorium-sized fingerstyle guitar. |
|
Washburn WB400SWK Acoustic Guitar Review (April 2008) Contemporary interpretation of an antique acoustic guitar body style stakes out unusual sonic territory. With video. |
|
Lace LF-150SCE Flattop Steel-String Guitar Review (April 2008) A buttery-smooth and versatile steel-string flattop guitar from the pickup specialists at Lace Music Products. With video. |
|
Roland AC-90 Acoustic Chorus Amp Review (April 2008) Easy-to-use acoustic-guitar amp captures organic tones in a feature-rich package with power to spare. With video. |
|
First Act CG914 Review (March 2008) Stage-ready auditorium-size flattop delivers contemporary tone at an affordable price. With video. |
|
Martin OMCRE Review (March 2008) Babicz adjustable neck transforms a proven Martin design into an uncommonly versatile guitar. With video. |
|
Collings O-1 SB Review (February 2008) Small-bodied beauty delivers big-time tone and top shelf attention to detail. With audio examples. |
|
José Ramírez 125th Anniversary Model Review (January 2008) The Spanish guitar builder celebrates its 125th anniversary with a limited-production student model. With audio examples. |
Recording King RD-227 Review (January 2008)An affordable vintage-style dreadnought that is well suited to performance and recording. With audio examples. |
Shadow Sonic Doubleplay Pickup System Review (January 2008)Tone-shaping versatility without major modifications to your instrument. With audio examples. |
|
Baden D-Style Mahogany Review (December 2007) Modern style, effective electronics, and a versatile voice come together in a contemporary dreadnought. With audio examples. |
Takamine Flatpicker TF360SBG Review (November 2007)Crisp tones and solid electronics make this guitar a versatile flatpicking and songwriting tool. With audio examples. |
Guild CV-1C Review (October 2007)Combining a classic body style with innovative new features, Guild delivers a great-sounding grand auditorium. |
Composite Acoustics GX Performer Review (September 2007)Intelligent application of carbon-fiber construction yields an exceptionally playable and sweet-sounding grand auditorium. |
Larrivée PV-09 Review (August 2007)Contemporary design features and outstanding electronics come together in a beautiful parlor guitar that doesn't sacrifice tone or playability. |
Taylor GC7 Review (July 2007)Following the success of its GS series, Taylor applied similar concepts to the mid-size GC7. The result: a stunning instrument with complex overtones and a broad, open voice. |
Bourgeois DBJ-C (June 2007)A thoroughly contemporary fingerstyle guitar made in a small-shop environment. |
Walden G570 (May 2007)Handsome sunburst cedar top delivers three-dimensional tone and responsiveness at an attractive price. |
Stonebridge Fingerstyle G-23-CR (April 2007)Built in Eastern Europe, this beautifully made flattop offers excellent value in a fingerstyle-friendly mini-jumbo format. |
Yamaha CPX900 (March 2007)An attractive mini-jumbo that combines affordability, innovative electronics, and quality construction. |
The Loar LH-500 Acoustic Archtop (February 2007)An affordable interpretation of the legendary L-5 archtop combines craftsmanship and crisp, cutting tones at the right price. |
Martin M-42 David Bromberg (January 2007)The renowned flattop makers honor a folk-blues legend with a signature model and deliver an exquisite and exceptionally well-balanced M body. |
Parker P8E (December 2006)After stirring up the electric guitar world with its radical design ideas a decade ago, Parker has now introduced a postmodern flattop with custom electronics to entice acoustic pickers. |
|
Gibson CJ-165 (November 2006) A gorgeous, small-bodied jumbo guitar with balanced tones and lots of power. |
Alvarez-Yairi Masterworks DYM95C Aura (October 2006)A contemporary take on the dreadnought design. |
National Reso-Phonic 14-fret Style O (September 2006)Sustaining treble, midrange spunk, and exemplary craftsmanship converge in a metal-bodied resonator with extra finger room. |
Larrivee LSV-11E (August 2006)Graceful looks and balanced tones meet in a well-appointed fingerstyle guitar with irresistible playability. |
Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner (July 2006)This immaculately built, incredibly responsive small-scale dreadnought boasts clear, balanced tones and is excellent for roots music and powerhouse strumming. |
|
Taylor GS Flattop (June 2006) The company's first new body shape in more than ten years boasts hallmark playability but breaks the mold with thumping bass and a smooth, complex character. |
Johnson JD-26 Dreadnought (May 2006)An all-solid-wood dreadnought that delivers vintage tone and feel—without breaking the bank. |
Ibanez EW20ASENT Acoustic-Electric (April 2006)This flattop has exotic woods and versatile electronics. |
Epiphone AJ-500RC 12-Fret (March 2006)Vintage vibe and complex tones come together in a dreadnought suited for fingerstyle. |
|
Ramirez S1 Classical (February 2006) The celebrated Spanish masters' newest model boasts superior clarity, lightning-fast response, and robust volume. |
|
Durango B-46 Slope-Shoulder Dreadnought (January 2006) An unbelievably great-sounding flattop with authentic vintage vibe and a price tag that'll make you flip. |
Tanglewood TW15-N-NS Dreadnought (December 2005)A tastefully appointed solid-wood flattop with sparkling treble, stout mids, and deep bass. |
Taylor 710 CE-L9 Short-Scale Dreadnough. (November 2005)A versatile hybrid charmer with vintage-dreadnought whomp, short-scale playability, and state-of-the-art onboard electronics. |
Takamine TC135SC Nylon-String (October 2005)Warm amplified tones and a versatile setup make this a brilliant crossover guitar for steel-string players. |
Alvarez RF20SM Regent Folk Steel-String (September 2005)A brilliant-toned bargain ax suitable for newbies or discriminating experts. |
Fender ESD-10 Dreadnought (August 2005)An elegant and versatile debut from Fender's new Ensenada series. |
Mighty Tones (February 2003)Eight Acoustic Amplifiers Reviewed. |
|
Rainsong OM-1000 (February 2002) The latest developments in Rainsong's research produce an impressive small-body guitar. |
Boom Chuck (November 2001)Ten top-flight $2,500 dreadnoughts put to the test. |
|
Six Pickups (September 2001) Pickups from L.R. Baggs, B-Band, GHS, Pick-up the World, Schertler, and Seymour Duncan. |
|
Ovation Adamas SMT (August 1998) Ovation's affordable acoustic-electric features a carbon fiber top. |
|
Jam-Along Software (June 1998) Make your computer into a band. |
Got a question for Acoustic Guitar's editors? Please send us an email at editors.ag@StringLetter.com or snail-mail Acoustic Guitar Editorial, PO Box 767, San Anselmo, CA 94979. We regularly print reader letters in our Mail column and reader questions and tips in Q&A.



