START ME UP!

Five awesome new products to get your gear engine revving this month...

FENDER SQUIER AFFINITY SERIES STRATOCASTER HH

1

A refresh to the Affinity line hasbroughtnewfinishes andmodels.alongsideanew Tele Deluxe and single-coil Jazzmaster with tremolo, there’s this Stratocaster HH – but look at that finish! Charcoal Frost Metallic has been rarely seen outsidecustomshopmodels but here it is, on an ideal beginner, back-up or mod project guitar. Thebodyispoplar,neckmaple and fingerboard Indian laurel. £239,www.fender.com

UNIVERSAL AUDIO UAFX GOLDEN, STARLIGHT AND ASTRA

2

Universal Audio has enteredtheeffectspedal marketanditsopening gambit is the impressive trio of the Starlight Echo Chamber, Goldenreverberatorandastra Modulationmachinetheycome atpremiumpricesandthere’sno Midiconnectivitybutyouget UA expertise in delivering modelling of classic studio analoguetones.thelushcurated soundsof1960sreverbtanks, bucket-brigadegoodnessand iconic tape echoes await . £355each,www.uaudio.com

FENDER MUSTANG MICRO

3 Hasfendercreatedthe perfecttravelamphere? Bluetoothaudiostreaming from your mobile device, four hours playing from a rechargeable battery, USB-C output for recording... Oh, and the Mustangseries’proventrack record for quality modelling tones, of course, There’s 12 amp modelsand12effectmodels sonoexcusesforalackof inspiration wherever you find yourself with a guitar. £89.99,www.fender.com

ORIGIN RD COMPACT HOT ROD

4

Origin’s Revivaldrive series ofpedalsarenotcheap butaretestamentthat sometimes quality is really worth theinvestmentandapossible destination in that quest for the ultimate overdrive. They really can deliver the character of vintage Marshall tones. Here the Hotrodmodelisscaleddownin size and controls, still channelling classicmoddedheadspaceto bringplexibackwithsomeofthe mostimpressivetone-shaping controlswe’veheardon drive pedals. £320,www.origineffects.com

BOSS BAS-1

5

We’reguessinganamp stand isn’t on your wishlist of exciting gear purchases for2021butwaitjustamoment, itcouldbethebestinvestment youmakeifyouplanonplaying gigs when they return. Think aboutit–thesoundfromyour amp is usually hitting the backs of your legs. Not exactly efficient. The steel, foldable BAS-1 elevates andanglesyourcombo(providing it’s under 21kg) towards the place that matters; your lugholes. £62,www.boss.info