The GEAR in REVIEW

MARTIN

SC-13E

This was probably the most surprising acoustic-electric guitar introduced by a major manufacturer in 2020, as no one suspected America’s oldest and most traditional acoustic maker to roll the dice on something as radical as a sexy new body shape with a cavernous cutaway and a newfangled parallel dovetail neck joint. The uniquely attractive SC-13E is an awesome stage weapon and an ultimate acoustic shred instrument that somehow manages to maintain the core signature sound of a Martin. Kudos for throwing caution to the wind and keeping the spirit of innovation alive in the house of history. $1,899. martinguitar.com — JL

EVENTIDE

BLACKHOLE

From real to surreal, Blackhole is unlike any other reverb in its ability to create both standard reverbs and unusual ambiances, ranging from a cramped closet to infinite space. While many players will undoubtedly be drawn to Blackhole’s lush hyperrealistic reverbs, which are perfect for ambient and shoegaze rock, there’s a plethora of subtle and “smaller” reverbs within to make your guitar sit nicely in the mix or stand out loud and proud. With controls for delay, EQ, resonance, modulation, freeze and more, Blackhole gives you unlimited sonic sculpting to take your reverb from the garage to the galaxy. $279 street. eventide.com — CS

FENDER

AMERICAN ACOUSTASONIC STRATOCASTER

The AcoustaSonic takes the signature Stratocaster feel into exciting uncharted sonic territory. The heart of the AcoustaSonic model is a ported resonance chamber, providing far more acoustic sound than any standard Strat ever could. The major magic comes courtesy of a digital Acoustic Engine processing a complicated pickup combination (Fishman Matrix undersaddle, Z-Axis body sensor, Noiseless magnetic). A five-way blade switch for voice pairs, plus mod and — JL