first look

Great tones in all settings. Practical design, High quality.

Recombined tones may not be better than the originals to some ears.

$199

Keeley Noble Screamer
robertkeeley.com

4.5
5
5
4.5

Robert Keeley marries the best of two beloved green machines in one smart box.

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Phase and envelope filter swirl as their own flavors and in many shades of a fascinating, functional whole.

Many cohesive mashups of modulation and filter. Forgiving envelope filter. Cool, compact size. Easy to operate.

Phase voice may be too flat for some.

$199

Way Huge Attack Vector
jimdunlop.com

4.5
4
4
4
A lot of players perceive phasers and envelope filters as one-trick ponies—good for a hook once in a blue moon or suited to very specific styles: prog, psychedelia, Bootsy Collins funk, or playing in your local Grateful Dead cover band. Way Huge’s Attack Vector, which combines an envelope filter and a phaser, and lets you operate them independently, sounds cool in both modes. What’s especially cool is how often the two effects can multiply each other’s strengths used in tandem. This extra functionality and palette of sounds means a range that can span utility, tradition, and the bizarre.
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Subdued style takes nothing away from the feel and function of this future-leaning, performance-oriented flattop.

Excellent build quality. Player port provides an intimate playing experience. Super-smooth and inviting playability.

Some traditionalists may find the midrange-forward voice brash. Player port will be one style compromise too many for some.

$1,799

Gibson G-Bird
gibson.com

4
4.5
4.5
4

Gibson’s reputation as a builder of iconic electric guitars sometimes obscures its reputation as a builder of iconic flattops. But even among an acoustic lineup stacked with legends, including the J-45, L-00, and J-200, Gibson’s Hummingbird is an instrument with pop-culture star power. And even music fans that don’t know a Gibson from a Goya recognize and are attracted to its extroverted beauty.

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