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.

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