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28 Nov

Reviewed: Gretsch G6228 Players Edition Jet

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | RRP: $3399

Gretsch may be fabled for their hollow body guitars, but their solid body offerings are certainly not to be overlooked. The ‘Jet’ has long embodied the Gretsch aesthetic, offering different tones to its bigger bodied family members. From the Players Edition line of guitars, the G6228 combines Gretsch handiwork in a solid body guitar that can handle more than a few styles of playing.

28 Nov

22 Nov

Reviewed: Gretsch G5622T Electromatic

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | Expect to Pay: $1749

With players such as Chet Atkins, Brian Setzer, Malcolm Young, Chris Cheney, George Harrison, Bo Diddley and Eddie Cochran sporting Gretsch axes, there’s no doubt you’re already familiar with the name. Favourites in the rockabilly, country and rock world, Gretsch guitars definitely have a ‘sound’ that has seen them used in just about every genre imaginable. Now residing under the Fender banner, Gretsch continue to produce classic instruments such as the Falcon, Jet, 6120, Penguin and Country Gentleman, as well as offering a suite of variations and new models to suit a range of players.

22 Nov

26 Oct

Reviewed: Jackson Guitars SL2Q and SLX Soloist

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | Expect to Pay: SL2Q - $2299, SLX - $1299

Jackson have been a staple of metal and rock guitars and basses since Grover Jackson acquired Charvel guitars in the ‘70s. Synonymous with a seemingly endless list of big rock and metal acts, Jackson have continued to produce high quality instruments with a contemporary edge, and the SL2Q Pro Series Soloist and SLX Soloist both pay tribute to the timeless ‘Super Strat’ shape made famous by Jackson and Ibanez. The SLX Soloist is a budget-priced solid body electric with Duncan designed humbuckers, a Floyd Rose Special locking tremolo system and a red sparkle finish. The SL2Q, meanwhile, is a 24 jumbo-fretted solid body electric with dual Seymour Duncan Distortion humbuckers, a Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo system and eye-catching ‘Purple Phaze’ finish.

26 Oct

10 Oct

Reviewed: Jackson Guitars Pro Series Chris Broderick Soloist HT7

Fender Music Australia | fender.com.au | Expect to Pay: $2199

The seven-string electric has become quite commonplace in heavier styles of music, with the extended range typically adding extra low-end girth. While it can be used in many contexts, the humble seven-string is often synonymous with more shred-style players. Jackson have long catered for many rock/metal shredders, so it makes sense that they have a player such as Chris Broderick in their enclave and offer a number of seven-string guitars right across their range.

10 Oct

27 Sep

Reviewed: Framus D-Series Panthera

Amber Technology | ambertech.com.au | Expect to Pay: $1399

Framus Guitars is the guitar branch of famed German-based company Warwick Basses. In addition to guitars, Framus is known for its high-gain guitar heads and cabinets. After spending years producing high-end and custom built guitars for the likes of Devin Townsend, Cephalic Carnage and Candlemass, Framus has branched out into the more affordable D-Series that includes the Panthera.

27 Sep

21 Sep

Reviewed: Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP60

CMC Music Australia | cmcmusic.com.au | Expect to Pay: $1795

There is no doubt that John Petrucci is a hugely influential guitarist, musician and composer. Dream Theater have released 13 studio albums garnering numerous accolades and recognition from fans and the music industry alike, and Petrucci’s playing and writing continue to play a huge part in this success. Enjoying a long-standing relationship with Music Man, the band has collaborated on many iterations and variations of Petrucci signature models in a range of specifications. Making the Petrucci models even more accessible, Music Man has enjoyed success with the extension of these guitars in its Sterling line of instruments.

21 Sep

14 Sep

Reviewed: Fender Parallel Universe Jazz Tele

Fender Australia | fender.com.au | RRP: $3599

You know that particular look of elation marathon runners get once they finally schlep through that bastard ribbon? The well-deserved yet borderline smug grin that painters get when they finish whitewashing an entire interior? The way the electricity in the air changes when someone cleans up a table in a pool hall? If Fender guitars were suddenly anthropomorphised into human form then the Parallel Universe series would be its wry smile. With their oldest arch nemesis out of the running for all intents and purposes, they are freer than ever to stretch their inimitable wings and feel the heady creative breeze that encircles the top of the food-chain flow languidly over every pore and feather.

14 Sep

21 Aug

Reviewed: Hagstrom Guitars Paramore Artist Project Series

Pro Music Australia | promusicaustralia.com.au | Expect to Pay: Viking - $1699, Super Viking - $1899, Impala - $1499

Karl Hagstrom began producing accordions in Sweden in 1925. After a trip to the United States in the 1950s and an introduction to rock n’ roll, Hagstrom decided to expand his business to producing and manufacturing electric guitars. According to Hagstrom’s website, the guitars were produced with materials traditionally used for accordions, but the influence goes further. Hagstrom has found a modern market for its distinctive guitars in Swedish black metal rockers Ghost, as well as the Foo Fighters and Dweezil Zappa. More recently, Justin and Taylor York of Paramore have designed three guitars in conjunction with Hagstrom’s Artist Project series: a solid body electric and two hollow body electrics. Hagstrom’s accordions inspire the new Artist Series Impala, designed in conjunction with Taylor York.

21 Aug

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