Review The Standard isn’t standard any more. It’s lighter, has an all-new neck shape, and subtle additions that make it world-tour practical right out of the box. Gibson Les Paul Standard 2008Odd, isn’t it, that the Standard – not the Custom, or Deluxe, or any of the other attractively-named variants – has become the holy […]
Lines Londoner Guitar Review
Lines Londoner Review D’Aquisto had the New Yorker, Guild had the Manhattan, and now British luthier Andrew Lines has the three-pickup Londoner archtop. Rick Batey decides it’s a capital idea. It’s a rare guitar maker who has not dreamed of specialising in archtops, the cream of the luthier’s art, and reaching the heady heights of […]
Michael Kelly Valor X
Making a bid for mid-priced success is a new range which includes this high-powered all-rounder and a full-on rocker with EMGs and a Floyd Rose. Review by Marcus Leadley. This maker’s name will be best known to those of you with an interest in either mandolins or acoustic basses, for this is where the Michael […]
Larrivee RS-4
Larrivee RS-4 review Best know for its fine acoustics, Canadian maker Larrive has a history of dipping in an and out of the electric game. Marcus Leadley checks out the latest offering the Larrivee RS-4. The Larrivee RS-4 It’s my understanding that very few of the Larrivée electric guitars manufactured in the 1980s made it […]
Lag Imperator i3000
Review Slim, sexy, resonant and beautifully designed, this handbuilt single-cut shows exactly the kind of quality that Lag Imperator i3000 handbuilt Master Series is capable of. Review by Huw Price Lag, Lag Imperator i3000 Most of us are content to play classic-styled guitars, but some makers are prepared to innovate and experiment with new shapes […]
Tanglewood TSB-57
Three single coils, a bolt-on neck, a whammy bar: Can Tanglewood TSB-57 bring something new to the most crowded area of the budget market? Marcus Leadley investigates. The war to capture the hearts and minds of the budget guitar buyer seems to have shifted. Makers aren’t now so concerned about hitting a mind-bogglingly low price […]
Tanglewood TSB-62 Signature ’62
Three single coils, a bolt-on neck, a whammy bar: can Tanglewood TSB-62 bring something new to the most crowded area of the budget market? Marcus Leadley investigates The war to capture the hearts and minds of the budget guitar buyer seems to have shifted. Makers aren’t now so concerned about hitting a mind-bogglingly low price […]
St Blues ’61 South
Back in the 80s, St Blues ’61 South guitars appeared and then vanished. Now this Memphis company is back, and has added a cheaper range built in Korea. Review by Dave Walsh The moment I opened the tweed case, I got the gooey feeling that I would like this guitar: authentic retro build-style, a soapbar […]
PRS SE Custom
Two great new guitars from PRS: an SE Custom with a special UK-only spec, and a maple-topped version of the light, bright-sounding Mira. Review by Martyn Casserly PRS SE Custom When most people think of PRS guitars they probably envisage exotic woods, delicate carving, elegant styling and a price to match. But you don’t muscle […]
PRS Mira Maple Top
MIRA MAPLE TOP From crashing distorted detuned mayhem to spanky country clean, this Mira Maple Top just takes everything in its stride. Martyn Casserly takes a look. When most people think of PRS guitars they probably envisage exotic woods, delicate carving, elegant styling and a price to match. But you don’t muscle your way to […]