Richard Bienstock
Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. He is also a recording and performing musician, and a former editor of Guitar World magazine and executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name.
Latest articles by Richard Bienstock
Watch Pete Thorn demonstrate why the feature-rich Suhr Discovery is the “finest analog delay ever produced”
By Richard Bienstock published
Pete puts the new pedal through its myriad paces, and also goes deep with designer Kevin Suhr
Make this summer the hottest yet with Guitar World’s third Summer Ultimate Gear Guide
By Richard Bienstock published
GW’s Paul Riario and Alan Chaput dive into PRS’s SE Custom 24-08 electric, NUX’s MG-30 modeler and Fishman’s Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Signature Series P90 pickups
Looking to heat up your summer? Head to the Gibson Garage, Nashville's hottest new guitar destination
By Richard Bienstock published
400 guitars, a hands-on custom shop and an aging lab are just some of the incredible highlights to be found at Gibson's 8,000 square-foot extravaganza
Billy Duffy on Coloursøund's "unfinished business" and masterminding an all-new Gretsch guitar, the Falcon Junior
By Richard Bienstock published
The Cult guitarist has teamed up with The Alarm’s Mike Peters for their first album in more than two decades, Coloursøund II
Jackson unleashes metal mayhem as it launches new made-in-Japan MJ Series Rhoads, Dinky and Soloist models
By Richard Bienstock published
Fresh 2021 offerings boast DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan pickups, sculpted shredder’s neck heels and sleek finishes
Joe Bonamassa stops by Guitar World for an exclusive first look at his signature Limited Edition Fender '51 Nocaster, “The Bludgeon"
By Richard Bienstock published
The $8,500 model, handmade in Fender's Custom Guitar Shop by legendary luthier Greg Fessler, launches today as part of an ultra-limited run of just 100 units
Watch guitarist and songwriter Ruben Wan dig into the new Cort G280 Select’s versatile HSS tones
By Richard Bienstock published
Revamped take on the company’s flagship G Series model boasts flame maple top, hotter humbucker and affordable price
George Harrison’s estate announces massive All Things Must Pass 50th anniversary reissues
By Richard Bienstock published
The legendary Beatle’s landmark solo album is bolstered with previously-unreleased tracks, memorabilia and…garden gnomes
Breedlove Guitars celebrates three decades in business with the luxurious 30th Anniversary Phoenix acoustic
By Richard Bienstock published
Updated Concert model boasts sustainable sinker redwood top, ziricote back and sides
Watch Eddie Van Halen play the riffs from Amsterdam years before its release in newly unearthed 5150 studio footage
By Richard Bienstock published
The song eventually appeared on Van Halen’s 1995 album, Balance
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready looks back on 30 years of Ten: “It was the first time I was in a situation where everybody was firing on all cylinders“
By Richard Bienstock published
In this exclusive interview, McCready, discusses early gear, his Muddy Waters/Stevie Ray Vaughan roadmap, the Ten sessions and being a reformed shredder
Paul Riario has a special announcement
By Richard Bienstock published
Hear all about it – Gibson is opening the Gibson Garage, and throwing a major party to celebrate
Ernie Ball Music Man releases reimagined St. Vincent signature Goldie guitar
By Richard Bienstock published
Annie Clark's popular signature model has been updated with gold foil mini humbuckers, fresh finishes and more
10 things to know about Gibson, from the Gibson Garage to new Frampton and Orianthi guitars
By Richard Bienstock published
The best and brightest events, apps and, of course, electric and acoustic guitars, from Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer
Here they are: Robert Fripp and Toyah Wilcox tackle the Scorpions’ Rock You Like a Hurricane for their Sunday Lunch series
By Richard Bienstock published
The King Crimson legend gets German metal crazy
David Crosby teams up with Michael McDonald for new track, River Rise
By Richard Bienstock published
Croz will release his new solo album, For Free, in July
Paul Gilbert unleashes howling slide guitar on funky, fusion-y new song Werewolves of Portland
By Richard Bienstock published
The six-string virtuoso gets wild with “fast guitar riffs, percussive picking and modulating dominant sus4 arpeggios”
Ayron Jones: "While there were all these holes to be filled in my life, the void was ultimately filled by my love of guitar"
By Richard Bienstock published
The rising rock guitar phenom on channeling the Seattle sound, attending Jimi Hendrix’s middle school and how a chance encounter with Sir Mix-a-Lot changed the course of his career
Watch R.J. Ronquillo try out Bog Street’s innovative three-sided picks, the “Swiss Army knife in your toolbox”
By Richard Bienstock published
Unique plectrums offer multiple picks in one, with various gauges, colors and surfaces
Fender takes the American Ultra range to the next level with new Luxe Stratocaster and Telecaster models
By Richard Bienstock published
Stainless steel frets, painted headstocks and Floyd Rose options feature on new ultra-high-end lineup
Looking for the hottest new venue in town? Come on down to TheAvenue.Live
By Richard Bienstock published
The “No Cost to Perform, No Cost to Watch" platform bonds artist and fans with anytime live streaming, innovative tip jar payments
Molly Tuttle releases new cover EP, …but i’d rather be with you, too
By Richard Bienstock published
The new release finds the fingerpicking titan teaming up with Iron & Wine to cover Phantogram’s You Don’t Get Me High Anymore
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