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6 Aug

Reviewed: Fender Vintera Series Telecasters

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | RRP: Vintera ‘60s Telecaster Bigsby - $2,099, Vintera ‘70s Telecaster Custom - $1,799, Vintera ‘70s Telecaster Thinline - $2,099

Here at Mixdown, we’ve used just about every single description under the sun to characterise the tried and true Telecaster. Workhorse, versatile, all-purpose, the list goes on. It’s not a big secret that the Telecaster sells itself on its adaptability and lack of gimmicks; it’s incredibly honest – two pickups and three-way switching. Simply plug in and you’re ready to rock.

6 Aug

5 Aug

Reviewed: Fender Vintera Series Stratocasters

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | RRP: Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster - $1,799, Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster Modified - $1,999, Vintera ‘60s Stratocaster - $1,799

The Fender Vintera series of period-correct Stratocasters are a gentle reminder for 2019. They’re a reminder that Stratocasters are not only one of the original and most iconic electric guitar models of all time, but they’re also still the best. There’s a reason they have and will continue to be played by some of the greatest to ever do it.

5 Aug

5 Aug

Reviewed: Paul Reed Smith SE Santana Singlecut Trem

Electric Factory | elfa.com.au | Expect To Pay: $1599

Who could hate Santana? Whether you’re a diehard for his acid-churning, Latin-tinged blues rock scorchers of the ‘70s or your association with the celebrated guitarist is limited to his smash-hit radio collaborations with assorted ‘90s alt-rock frontmen, the canon of Carlos Santana is near-inescapable – even the vaguest of listeners could hear his tone bubbling through a supermarket aisle and remark to themselves, ‘Hey – it’s that Rob Thomas guy!’ It’s perhaps, for this reason, that he’s considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

5 Aug

15 Jul

Reviewed: Jackson 2019 Soloist Models

Jackson Guitars Australia | fender.com.au | Enquire for pricing

Jackson are a company we’ve reviewed and praised here at Mixdown before. They’re built to be played, to last and to work on the road. The Soloist Series of guitars are synonymous with Jackson. A slight variation from the Dinky design, the Soloist range is generally neck-through, range from 6 to 8 strings and are no frills, workhorse guitars. New in 2019 are the Desert Sand Soloist SL2P, a new Soloist SL7 and a rock-ready Soloist SLX finished in a green crackle.

15 Jul

11 Jul

Reviewed: Michael Kelly Guitars CC50 Deluxe & 55 Hybrid

DI Music | michaelkellyguitars.com.au | Expect to pay: CC50 - $1755, 55 Hybrid - $1900

Michael Kelly Guitars have been producing guitars out of Florida since the late 90s. While producing fairly standard body shapes and styles, Michael Kelly Guitars are now known for technical upgrades to their standard models, particularly in the pickups and electronics routing. Two great examples of this are the CC50 Deluxe, a T-style solid body electric with Seymour Duncan Hotrails as standard, and the Hybrid 55, a chambered electric guitar with Fishman electronics routed into Rockfield pickups in the bridge and neck. Both guitars are reasonably priced, really well made, and comfortable to play.

11 Jul

11 Jul

Reviewed: Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Majesty 2019

CMC Music | cmcmusic.com.au | Expect to pay: $6950

If there was ever a guitar company equivalent to a sports cars, it’s Ernie Ball. And if there was a guitar equivalent to a Ferrari, it’s the Ernie Ball Majesty. While not only a masterfully crafted guitar, the design is incredible. While at first glance it’s a solid body electric with dual humbuckers and tremolo bridge, the design and composition of the Ernie Ball Majesty is sleek and streamlined, with a few small additions that really push the envelope for the playing experience. Ernie Ball are continuously looking to the future, because that’s all they can do; they’ve conquered the past and present.

11 Jul

9 Jul

Reviewed: Framus Pro Series Panthera II

Amber Technology | ambertechnology.com.au | Enquire For Pricing

Originating in Germany in the late 1940s, Framus were a serious instrument maker until the mid 1970s. They offered guitars and basses (amongst other instruments) across the globe with players such as John Lennon, Bill Wyman and Charles Mingus cited as Framus users. After a long hiatus the brand was revived under the banner of the successful Warwick name in 1995. Now predominantly in the guitar realm the Framus brand offers a range of acoustic and electric guitars from entry level right through to Masterbuilt Custom Shop instruments. Taking that lead, we’ve got the Pro Series Teambuilt Panthera II on the block and if first glances are anything to go by, this guitar should be a ripper.

9 Jul

17 May

Reviewed: Xotic XTC-1 Series Guitar

Guitar Brothers | www.guitarbrothers.com.au | Enquire For Pricing

Xotic’s impressive take on a tried and true classic is one to behold. Combining familiar vintage T-style appointments with high quality modern components and materials, Xotic have truly made an absolute beast of a guitar that possesses the best of both worlds. However, with a price tag placing it in the range of exceptionally worthy competition, this axe might pander to only the most discerning of customers.

17 May

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