Latest articles by Matt Owen
ESP unveils Joe Duplantier’s eagerly awaited signature guitar in time for NAMM 2026
The Gojira juggernaut has been awarded his first ESP signature guitar, the LTD JD-1, 18 months after he made the switch from Charvel
John Mayer pays emotional tribute to Bob Weir at public memorial
Mayer paid homage to his Dead & Company bandmate during a public service over the weekend
Eastman enlists YouTuber to help create its most anticipated offset model to date
The third and final entry in the acclaimed FullerTone range has arrived – and Eastman had some high-profile help to get it over the line
NAMM 2026: rumors, predictions and breaking news from the world's biggest guitar gear show
All the latest and greatest gear drops coming out of the largest music trade show in the world – with new launches from Ibanez, Taylor, EVH, Marshall and more
All the guitar gear that has caught my eye this week – including some huge early NAMM releases
It is the week before NAMM, and the gear drops are coming in thick and fast. This week, we have "the ultimate modern headless guitar", a recreation of Keith Richards' go-to six-string, John Mayer's new-favorite Silver Sky finish and more
Why Randy Rhoads had reservations about Ozzy’s Diary of a Madman before it came out
Rhoads’ sister once looked back on the making of Ozzy’s sophomore solo record – and recalled the virtuoso being uneasy with its quick turnaround time
The story of the oddball Yamaha that Peter Capaldi played on Doctor Who – and its mysterious disappearance
Capaldi searched far and wide for a guitar that was suitable for the hit sci-fi show – and it featured in multiple episodes before it went missing
Boss moves to take control of the entry level amp modeler space with the $229 GX-1
The effects pedal giant looks to make the multi-effects modeler experience more intituitive than ever with an affordable price tag and fool-proof layout
John Mayer’s mystery Grateful Dead PRS Silver Sky became one of his most sought-after signatures – now it’s been officially released
Two new-look Silver Sky models headline PRS' new-for-2026 guitar drop – complete with a semi-hollow DGT and the all-new S2 Vela HHT
Electro-Harmonix’s Effects Interface turns your pedals into plugins – and puts your prized plugins on your pedalboard
The utility tool could be a game-changer for your rig, forgoing converters and complex cable methods for a frills-free approach
Gibson pays tribute to Keith Richards’ 1960 ES-355 with 2 Collector’s Edition models
The guitar was used on Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St., and has played a staring role across countless Stones tours across the years
All the guitar gear that has caught my eye this week – including an alternate reality Ibanez that’s set to shake up the prog rock guitar market
NAMM is only days away and the gear avalanche has started in fine form, with new drops from Ibanez, Faith, Victory, Fender Audio and more
Ibanez issues its answer to Ernie Ball and Abasi Concepts with the Alpha Series – its most progressive guitar design to date
The shred and metal expert leans into the contemporary design trends currently dominating the prog guitar scene for a landmark launch
EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z launch a tube-loaded preamp pedal – and it could be the missing piece of your digital rig puzzle
The ZEQD-Pre pedal has been described as the ultimate end-of-signal-chain tonal tool, giving authentic tube warmth to any setup
Pat Smear pulls out of Foo Fighters gigs due to “bizarre gardening accident”
If only the band had a guitar-themed throne that Smear could have used on stage...
Vinnie Vincent says his new record rivals Zeppelin, Hendrix and the Beatles – but he won’t release it if people don’t buy the single for $300 apiece
Guitarmageddon will be previewed with lead single Ride the Serpent – which can be bought directly from the former Kiss guitarist's website for up to $300
Fender becomes the latest guitar and amp firm to enter the home audio space – but can Fender Audio stand up to Marshall?
Fender joins Marshall, Vox and Orange as the latest big-name guitar/amp brand to launch its own headphones – and a speaker you can plug your guitar into
Mateus Asato is parting ways with Suhr after 12 years – and fans are already speculating where he's going next
The neo-soul virtuoso leaves the guitar brand after more than a decade of partnership
Dave Mustaine says he won’t reunite with former Megadeth members on the band’s farewell tour
Don't expect Marty Friedman, Kiko Loureiro, Chris Poland or any other ex-Megadeth guitarist to make a cameo
Why John Mayer might be better than a Beatle, according to producer Don Was
The famed producer has worked with Mayer on three studio albums, and has highlighted the overlooked aspects of his musicianship
Carlos Santana was one of Paul Reed Smith’s earliest champions – but he thought his first guitars were too good to be true
Smith looks back on his early partnership with Santana in Guitar Center CEO's new 'Inside the Noise with Gabe Dalporto' podcast
This vintage Martin once belonged to Johnny Cash – and its current owner has spent decades trying to prove it
The Linseman family heirloom was purchased back in the 1950s, and is believed to be the same D-18 that Cash used to track some early hits
John McLaughlin remembers gifting Jeff Beck the white Strat that featured on his seminal Wired record
The iconic Strat was reportedly stolen at a later date
