2020 IN GEAR
POSITIVE GRID SPARK 40
Rare is it for something to come in for review at TG and pass with flying colours across the full spectrum of criteria, leaving not even the slightest whiff of anything remotely dissatisfactory. That’s how we felt about the Spark 40 – the ultimate smart amp that allows you to flick through 40 effects and 30 amps for guitar, bass and acoustic, while jamming against online backing tracks or even generating one as you play, based on what you play. Truth be told, we were amazed by it all – including the price.
EARTHQUAKER DEVICES PLUMES
Earthquaker have come long a waysince starting out 16 years ago – gaining traction and turning heads thanks to their individuality rather than simply paying tribute to the famous circuits of old. Which is perhaps why we found their budget-priced Plumes overdrive such an interesting proposition – by their own admission it was “based
around that classically overdone tube-like circuit you all know” with a few improvements. And it’s plenty versatile too, with a toggle to flick through three clipping modes.
MARTIN X SERIES DX1E-04
There are always notables differences in the build quality across the various tiers in any manufacturer’s range, but what we learned this year is that even an entry-level dreadnought from Martin is not to be sniffed at. When put to test, we were pleased to find the highpressure laminate top and sides were highly musical, as well as being more temperature-resistant and sustainable. As mentioned in our review, it raised the question if materials really matter – because, at least when Martin are involved, the results can be quite spectacular indeed.
THE RETURN OF KRAMER
The new line of Seymour Duncanloaded Kramers under Gibson ownership felt worthy of the brand’s legacy – which took off inthe 80s thanks to an endorsement from Eddie Van Halen which resulted in his first official signature model. The Pacer Vintage, available in a classy Pure White or a more outlandish Orange Tiger Burst, proved itself to be one of the best shred machines available to those on a budget. All in all, a hugely exciting return for the iconic brand.
SQUIER STARCASTERS
Originally conceived by Fender as their take on the humbucking semi-hollows Gibson were renowned, the maplebodied Starcaster is generally regarded as one of the underdogs in the great company’s history. It was taken out of production after six years, but rose in popularity during the 90s and 00s thanks to bands like Radiohead and The Killers. The three new models added to the Squier line-up at the beginning of the year were most impressive – which is precisely why we labelled the Classic Vibe as the best semi-hollow out there for under £500.
The Universal Audio Ox has become one of the most popular units in recent years for silent recording, offering a complete recording system for any tube amp with no need for any speakers whatsoever. Similarly, the Torpedo Captor X is a high-performing compact reactive load box, attenuator and mic’d cabinet simulator in one – but it retails at less than half the price of the Ox.
MXRTIMMY
If there’s one thing that’s proved popular in the pedal world, it’s collaborations between boutique builders and the larger mass-production heavyweights. This new version of the Paul Cochrane Tim overdrive, used by Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, saw him partner up with MXR for a truly jaw-dropping yet affordable drive boost.