Reviews: New Gear
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Taylor GS6-12 Review (January 2009) An elegant and easy to play 12-string that oozes style and quality. With video. Return to Top |
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Cordoba Fusion 14 RS Review (January 2009) Acoustic-electric nylon-string hybrid combines steel-string guitar feel with classical sound. With video. Return to Top |
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Belkin GoStudio Review (January 2009) This portable recording interface converts your iPod into a tabletop studio. With video. Return to Top |
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Alvarez-Yairi WY1TWR Review (December 2008) Acoustic Guitar reviews a Fishman Aura-equipped and performance-ready flattop. With video. Return to Top |
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Crafter TMCO35 Reviewr (December 2008) Acoustic Guitar reviews an OM built around prewar styling cues. With video. Return to Top |
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AAD Cub AG 100 Amplifier (December 2008) We review a compact, lightweight amplifier with impressive punch and clarity. With video. Return to Top |
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Breedlove C25/CR Herringbone Review (November 2008) We review a concert-size fingerstyle guitar with distinctive style. With video. Return to Top |
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Godin 5th Avenue Archtop Review (November 2008) Review of an archtop classic at an incredible price. With video. Return to Top |
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Five Unusual Capos Reviewed (November 2008) We review the five partial and specialty capos. With video. Return to Top |
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Schertler SB Review (October 2008) A flattop that unites Schertler pickups and designer Claudio Pagelli. With video. Return to Top |
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Epiphone Performer Review (October 2008) Review of the Epiphone Performer with Shadow electronics. With video. Return to Top |
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Roland CD-2e Review (October 2008) This digital recorder and CD burner makes it easy to catch ideas and performances. With video. Return to Top |
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7 Dreadnoughts Reviewed (September 2008) Seven guitars, from $350 to $4,000, tested. With video. Return to Top |
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Huss and Dalton FS Review (September 2008) We review a beautifully crafted fingerstyle guitar with uncommon dynamic range and responsiveness. With video. Return to Top |
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Genz Benz Shenendoah Pro LT Review (September 2008) We review a gig-ready, versatile acoustic amplifier. With video. Return to Top |
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R. Taylor Style Two Review (August 2008) A review of the luxurious new, smaller-bodied guitar from Bob Taylor's boutique workshop. With video. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
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Tascam DP-02 Review (August 2008) We review an easy-to-use digital recording system that delivers a wealth of creative possibilities. With video. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
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Ibanez EWN28 Bubinga Review (July 2008) We review a striking hybrid for guitarists seeking an easy transition to nylon-strings. With video. Return to Top |
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Fishman Matrix Infinity Review (July 2008) A look at the latest version of Fishman's popular after-market pickup system. With video. Return to Top |
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Zemaitis GZA-300 Heart (June 2008) Brit-rock’s original boutique brand delivers a toneful, silky, and flashy flattop. With video. Return to Top |
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Yamaha CPX-500 (June 2008) The latest Compass series flattop puts a great playing acoustic-electric guitar in reach of working musicians. With video. Return to Top |
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Bose L1 Personal Amplification System, Model II (June 2008) Innovative PA packs a punch and great range for acoustic performance situations. With video. Return to Top |
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Goodall Short Scale GC Review (May 2008) Top-shelf craftsmanship and playability in a Grand Concert brimming with rich, lustrous tones. With video. Return to Top |
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Radial ToneBone PZ Pre Review (May 2008) Dedicated acoustic instrument preamp lends superior control over amplified signal in a top-quality stompbox. Return to Top |
Timberline T30Ac Review (May 2008)Clean construction and mellow tones in an affordable, auditorium-sized fingerstyle guitar. Return to Top |
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Washburn WB400SWK Acoustic Guitar Review (April 2008) Contemporary interpretation of an antique acoustic guitar body style stakes out unusual sonic territory. With video. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
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First Act CG914 Review (March 2008) Stage-ready auditorium-size flattop delivers contemporary tone at an affordable price. With video. Return to Top |
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Martin OMCRE Review (March 2008) Babicz adjustable neck transforms a proven Martin design into an uncommonly versatile guitar. With video. Return to Top |
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Collings O-1 SB Review (February 2008) Small-bodied beauty delivers big-time tone and top shelf attention to detail. With audio examples. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
Recording King RD-227 Review (January 2008)An affordable vintage-style dreadnought that is well suited to performance and recording. With audio examples. Return to Top |
Shadow Sonic Doubleplay Pickup System Review (January 2008)Tone-shaping versatility without major modifications to your instrument. With audio examples. Return to Top |
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Baden D-Style Mahogany Review (December 2007) Modern style, effective electronics, and a versatile voice come together in a contemporary dreadnought. With audio examples. Return to Top |
Takamine Flatpicker TF360SBG Review (November 2007)Crisp tones and solid electronics make this guitar a versatile flatpicking and songwriting tool. With audio examples. Return to Top |
Guild CV-1C Review (October 2007)Combining a classic body style with innovative new features, Guild delivers a great-sounding grand auditorium. Return to Top |
Composite Acoustics GX Performer Review (September 2007)Intelligent application of carbon-fiber construction yields an exceptionally playable and sweet-sounding grand auditorium. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
Bourgeois DBJ-C (June 2007)A thoroughly contemporary fingerstyle guitar made in a small-shop environment. Return to Top |
Walden G570 (May 2007)Handsome sunburst cedar top delivers three-dimensional tone and responsiveness at an attractive price. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
Yamaha CPX900 (March 2007)An attractive mini-jumbo that combines affordability, innovative electronics, and quality construction. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
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Gibson CJ-165 (November 2006) A gorgeous, small-bodied jumbo guitar with balanced tones and lots of power. Return to Top |
Alvarez-Yairi Masterworks DYM95C Aura (October 2006)A contemporary take on the dreadnought design. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
Larrivee LSV-11E (August 2006)Graceful looks and balanced tones meet in a well-appointed fingerstyle guitar with irresistible playability. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
Johnson JD-26 Dreadnought (May 2006)An all-solid-wood dreadnought that delivers vintage tone and feel—without breaking the bank. Return to Top |
Ibanez EW20ASENT Acoustic-Electric (April 2006)This flattop has exotic woods and versatile electronics. Return to Top |
Epiphone AJ-500RC 12-Fret (March 2006)Vintage vibe and complex tones come together in a dreadnought suited for fingerstyle. Return to Top |
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Ramirez S1 Classical (February 2006) The celebrated Spanish masters' newest model boasts superior clarity, lightning-fast response, and robust volume. Return to Top |
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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. Return to Top |
Tanglewood TW15-N-NS Dreadnought (December 2005)A tastefully appointed solid-wood flattop with sparkling treble, stout mids, and deep bass. Return to Top |
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. Return to Top |
Takamine TC135SC Nylon-String (October 2005)Warm amplified tones and a versatile setup make this a brilliant crossover guitar for steel-string players. Return to Top |
Alvarez RF20SM Regent Folk Steel-String (September 2005)A brilliant-toned bargain ax suitable for newbies or discriminating experts. Return to Top |
Fender ESD-10 Dreadnought (August 2005)An elegant and versatile debut from Fender's new Ensenada series. Return to Top |
Mighty Tones (February 2003)Eight Acoustic Amplifiers Reviewed. Return to Top |
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Rainsong OM-1000 (February 2002) The latest developments in Rainsong's research produce an impressive small-body guitar. Return to Top |
Boom Chuck (November 2001)Ten top-flight $2,500 dreadnoughts put to the test. Return to Top |
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Six Pickups (September 2001) Pickups from L.R. Baggs, B-Band, GHS, Pick-up the World, Schertler, and Seymour Duncan. Return to Top |
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Ovation Adamas SMT (August 1998) Ovation's affordable acoustic-electric features a carbon fiber top. Return to Top |
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Jam-Along Software (June 1998) Make your computer into a band. Return to Top |
Sponsor: D'Addario Strings
EXP Coated Phosphor Bronze & 80/20 Bronze Round Wound Lasts 3X-4X Longer!
Sponsor: Ultrasound Amps
'Amplify your Life' ULTRASOUND premium acoustic amps. Best tone in the business.
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