Articles by Stuart Williams

Guitar World

Stuart is a freelancer for Guitar World and heads up Total Guitar magazine's gear section. He formerly edited Total Guitar and Rhythm magazines in the UK and has been playing guitar and drums for over two decades (his arms are very tired). When he's not working on the site, he can be found gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.

Articles by: Stuart Williams

Martin LX1E Little martin on a blue background

Best travel guitars: top acoustic and electric travel guitars for portability and performance

By Rob Laing last updated 5 December 23

Top travel guitar choices and buying advice for musicians on the move

Manson Meta MBM-2 P-90 and MBM-2SF review

By Stuart Williams last updated 28 September 22

We take a look at two new Matt Bellamy guitars built on an identical platform, but with very different offerings – one even comes equipped with a Sustainiac and onboard Fuzz Factory circuit

16 ways to improve your acoustic guitar shows

By Stuart Williams published 12 September 22

Everything you need to avoid disasters onstage, from setup checks to anti-feedback measures and the use of in-ear monitoring

Framus Diablo Supreme review

By Stuart Williams published 21 March 22

Tip-top German engineering and quality control meets affordability with this no-fuss six-string

ESP E-II Eclipse Full Thickness review

By Stuart Williams published 3 March 22

The Eclipse takes a turn for the traditional with a thick-sliced body, Fishman Fluence Classics and, gulp, a sunburst finish. Is the single-cut brat reaching for its pipe and slippers?

Positive Grid's Spark amp is an ideal last-minute Christmas gift idea for guitar players - save up to $160 on bundles

By Stuart Williams published 7 December 21

Spark, Spark Pearl and Spark bundle prices are still at an all-time low in the lead up to Christmas

Pro Co Lil' Rat review

By Stuart Williams published 23 November 21

Get your teeth into some classic distortion – now in a smaller package

Pigtronix Space Rip review

By Stuart Williams published 27 October 21

Find your electronic pulse with this inventive little synth pedal

Epiphone Slash Collection Les Paul Standard and J-45 review

By Stuart Williams published 22 October 21

The Gibson brand ambassador and top-hatted Guns N' Roses rock icon's signature electric and acoustic guitars made affordable

Boss HM-2W Heavy Metal review

By Stuart Williams published 6 October 21

Boss’s best-loved metal pedal gets the Waza Craft treatment

How to prepare your guitar gear for 5 different kinds of live show

By Stuart Williams published 30 August 21

Get your rig ready for action and prep for live performances with TG’s how to guide

Yamaha Pacifica PAC612VIIFMX review

By Stuart Williams published 23 July 21

With more letters after its name than the dean of an Ivy League College, this Pacifica is more than qualified to rock our world

Jason Isbell with his Fender Custom Telecaster

Jason Isbell: ”I think the Telecaster is probably the best guitar design, ever”

By Stuart Williams published 11 May 21

Americana's preeminent 21st-century tonesmith talks Fender Teles past, present and his incredible new signature model

Boss Pocket GT review

By Stuart Williams published 25 March 21

The pocket-sized amp modeler that unlocks YouTube

Adam Black Route 61 CE review

By Stuart Williams published 6 October 20

If you’re at a crossroad, this affordable cutaway-electro could help make your deal

Manson META Series MBM-1 review

By Stuart Williams published 2 September 20

When a signature guitar belongs to the company’s owner, it’s gonna be good: Matt Bellamy's latest affordable electric rated

Mark Morton: "I think it’s healthy to write on acoustic, because it doesn’t lend itself to the technical focus of electric"

By Stuart Williams published 4 May 20

The Lamb Of God guitarist on easing off on the gain and finding the perfect chords for his acoustic solo EP, Ether

Mooer Tone Capture review

By Stuart Williams published 24 April 20

Want to make your Strat sound like a Les Paul? Or your Tele like a Jackson Soloist? Mooer might well have the solution

Hagstrom Ultra Max review

By Stuart Williams published 26 March 20

Meet the sleek, versatile Scandanavian weapon that might just be your new favourite single-cut

Supro Blues King 8 review

By Stuart Williams last updated 10 November 22

Retro amp maker Supro joins the low-wattage, all-tube combo party

Fender Mustang LT25 review

By Stuart Williams published 17 March 20

Fender makes modeling, effects and recording a cinch with this compact digital combo

Devin Townsend: "My approach is just do it until it works!”

Devin Townsend: "A big part of my childhood was just hanging out on the roofs of my friends' houses swapping Van Halen licks"

By Stuart Williams published 13 February 20

One of the most versatile performers in modern progressive music takes a look back over his lengthy, storied career

Cutting-edge digital guitar amps - review round-up

By Stuart Williams published 9 January 20

This quartet of new amps from Boss, Blackstar, Yamaha and Fender looks to close the tone gap between all-digital and valve guitar amplification – are they getting closer?