Latest articles by Dave Burrluck
“We love it when Gibson gets it right”: Gibson ES-330 and Les Paul Studio review
Along with its high-profile limited-edition releases, Gibson continues to consider the working musician, as this pair illustrates: two new additions that couldn’t be more different!
“It was like creating the electric I wanted when I was 13”: Andy Powers on making the A-Type
An all-new electric from the man who makes Taylor one of the biggest names in acoustic design, the A-Type is typically high-end, thoroughly original, and might well be a modern classic in the making
It weighs under 6lbs and you can swap the pickup instantly: meet the guitar that wowed Billy Gibbons
Fresh out of the Cream T Custom Shop, this high-end electric with Guitar-X pickup swapping and a honeycomb body is pointing the way to a brighter (lighter) future for electric guitar
How Gibson’s Quick Connect pickups are the Les Paul mod anyone can do – no soldering required
As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop lineup, we revisit this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar
“Anyone with a troublesome Telecaster needs to hear these”: Bare Knuckle Nomads Set review
Tim Mills has done it again. The third collaboration between Bare Knuckle and Rabea Massaad might be the best yet
"A lot to applaud:" Gretsch Electromatic Pristine Ltd Jet Single-Cut with Bigsby review
Always the ‘Les Paul’ of the Gretsch line since it first appeared back in the 50s, the Jet gets a snazzy Electromatic makeover. Style over substance? Let’s plug in…
“Could this be one of the most unique and musically inspiring electric guitars we’ve ever encountered?” Powers Electric A-Type review
Originally launched in early 2023, the Powers Electric A-Type is that rarest of things in guitar design: a true original
PRS’ Jack Higginbotham on the history of the SE line
PRS might well be 40 years old in 2025, but the SE guitars seem to be catching up – with a 25th anniversary celebration planned for 2026. Where does the time go?
“A handsome, versatile instrument that deserves a second chance”: Gibson Victory Figured Top review
It hardly set the world alight on its first release, but tasteful upgrades may yet see the new Victory models receive the recognition they deserve
“A slightly different and very usable character”: Radioshop Telecaster Wiring Mod review
‘Modern’ Telecaster wiring, as it is so often called, is now 57 years old. But Radioshop Pickups has come up with a new spin, and we are very much here for it
How Chapman Guitars reinvented itself with a new factory, fresh ideas and the help of industry guru Trevor Wilkinson
Teaming up with Harmony Musical Instruments in India to make their guitars, Rob Chapman's brand is ushering in a new era – and it has Trevor Wilkinson on-call as consultant
“World-class... It just feels like a vintage classic that never was”: Daniels Gravitas review
A fascinating reimagining of Gibson’s Firebird, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound…
“The perfect all-rounder for any musician”: PRS SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo review
As PRS begins celebrations for its 40th anniversary in 2025, its SE division continues to release models that push the quality to price ratio. This new Custom might well be the best yet – and it’s piezo-loaded!
“Built to a standard that few can come close to”: Patrick James Eggle 96 Rob Harris Signature review
When the guitarist for acid jazz/funk band Jamiroquai gets together with top luthier Patrick James Eggle, is it Virtual Insanity or will the results Blow Your Mind?
“The playability and the fast response make it a pleasure”: Chapman Law Maker Legacy review
The last Chapman guitar we reviewed was made in the UK. This new 2024 model is crafted in India. It’s time to catch up with this globe-trotting troupe
“At this level and price it’s a serious starter, spare or – as it ever was – a wicked slide guitar”: Guild Polara Deluxe review
Guild has revamped its ’70s-era Polara range. We spent some time with this mid-range 2024 model: a modern pawn-shop prize or a copy too far?
“Sharply produced instruments with superb playability”: PJD Custom Carey Elite and Carey Custom review
Becoming well-known for its streamlined, cost-effective production models, UK maker PJD is now catering for the bespoke sector of the market. We try them on for size
Investigating the mystery mods of Andy Summers’ mongrel Telecaster
Plenty of modded or self-built guitars have powered the careers of big players. But the origins of one heavily used guitar remain a mystery…
“It reminds me of a saturated Clapton mid-boost or tubular Santana tone”: Black Ice Boost review
A passive boost you can retrofit to your guitar to thicken up single coils – no battery required
“Full-fat P90 roar”: Gibson Charlie Starr Les Paul Junior and Epiphone USA Collection Coronet review
Introduced in 1954 and always overshadowed by ‘proper’ Les Pauls, the 70-year-old Junior is now rather senior. With two just released, it’s time to celebrate the Junior style
Meet the Tamar, a futuristic headless multi-scale electric from UK builder Yarde Guitars to rival Strandberg
James Yarde's creation is one to watch, with awesome humbucker tones that are splittable down to “hot Tele” single coils
Up close with the Gibson Custom Shop reissue of Jeff Beck’s ‘YardBurst’ 1959 Les Paul Standard
We take a closer look at another stunner from the Murphy Lab that celebrates a pivotal moment in rock history, and one of its greatest ever players
“You’ll have some serious fun here”: Vintage REVO Series Custom Supreme & Trio review
Vintage already offers a huge number of affordable and tidily made electrics, but for 2024 we get a whole new retro-inspired range – and 15 new models. Where to start?
“An open-tuned five-string guitar is unique… you just can’t help bashing out those classic Keith Richards riffs”: Newman 5 String review
A story that starts on a Rolling Stones USA tour in the early ’70s, Ted Newman’s distinctly shaped design is now being made here in the UK. But the first model is missing a string!
The innovative tech that brought Yamaha’s groundbreaking 2024 Pacificas to life
Yamaha’s new Pacifica Professional and Standard Plus have a familiar shape, but deliver a revolutionary take on the much-loved S-style, drawing on a collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs and what the brand learned from the Revstar
