Latest Updates

Adrian Younge reveals the inspiration behind his half-fretless Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass
By Nick Wells published
Having collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan and Kendrick Lamar, Younge joined forces with Master Builder Vincent Van Trigt to recreate his favourite bass sound

The Boss PX-1 Plugout FX backlash has gone viral – but is it justified? We put the biggest criticisms to Boss
By Matt Owen published
We leveled 5 of the internet’s most common issues with the divisive PX-1 to its maker. Now Boss has set the record straight

Sting's legal representatives claim Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland may have been “substantially overpaid” following lost royalties lawsuit
By Janelle Borg published
Summers and Copeland claim that Sting owes them “in excess of $2 million” for income made from the “digital exploitation” of the Police’s back catalog

Vulfpeck’s Joe Dart on the priceless bass advice he got from Flea as a teenager
By Janelle Borg published
Dart’s ultimate fan dream came true when he received a letter from Flea in the mail

The remarkable story of Paul McCartney’s Höfner 500/1 bass – which went missing for 50 years – to feature in new documentary
By Jonathan Horsley published
McCartney's 'Violin' bass was stolen in London in 1972 and was the subject of a global hunt before being returned to him in 2024

Nikki Sixx recalls his decadent early days with Mötley Crüe
By Joel McIver published
The legendary glam-metal bassist looks back on the crazy times he enjoyed with one of the most notorious bands ever

Brian Wampler of Wampler Pedals on why digital modeling could be Napster for traditional pedal makers
By Janelle Borg published
The man behind Wampler Pedals discusses the impact of digital modelers and amp profiling technology on the traditional pedal market – and addresses how tariffs are affecting his business

Blackstar’s Beam Solo takes on Fender and Boss – is this the new headphone amp to beat?
By Matt Owen published
Blackstar is calling the Beam Solo the ultimate headphone amp for guitarists. But what sets it apart?

Elton John bassist Matt Bissonnette looks back on one of his best gigs – playing on the Friends soundtrack
By Janelle Borg published
Despite playing with bona fide stars, Bissonnette reveals that playing on the hit show was his most lucrative gig

All the new guitar gear that caught my eye this week – and is that a new Epiphone double-neck?
By Matt Owen published
New launches from Boss, PRS, Fender and Third Man Hardware headline the biggest guitar gear drops this week

Fender gives four Player II classics a Shell Pink refresh – and this web-exclusive drop might be sweetest we’ve seen
By Phil Weller published
The Player II Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster and Precision Bass get an aesthetic overhaul with a bona-fide "add to cart" finish – but they're only available in the US

How C. J. Ramone landed the role of Ramones bassist while he was in jail
By Janelle Borg published
Christopher Joseph Ward, a.k.a C. J. Ramone, on how he deserted the Marine Corps to live out his rock ‘n’ roll dreams

How Khruangbin made Fender history with signature models of the first guitars they ever bought
By Adam Kovac published
Khruangbin’s Mark Speer and Laura Lee Ochoa are the first bandmates to get a signature Fender guitar and bass at the same time

Spinal Tap director Rob Reiner on the real-life encounter that inspired a scene in the highly anticipated sequel
By Janelle Borg published
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues will see Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls reunite after 41 years – alongside on-screen appearances by McCartney and Elton John

Boss crams 16 beloved effects into the convertible PX-1 Plugout FX
By Matt Owen published
Boss unveils its answer to the Line 6 HX One and TC Electronic Plethora X1 as it seeks to revolutionize the compact pedal experience

Sting sued by Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland over lost royalties from Police mega-hit
By Janelle Borg published
The Police bassist and frontman is listed as the sole composer and author of the 1983 career-defining single Every Breath You Take

Adrian Younge’s new semi-fretless signature Fender is perhaps the craziest Jazz Bass the company's ever released
By Jackson Maxwell published
Based on Younge's personal Custom Shop build, the limited-edition Masterbuilt model nods to the past while departing radically from convention

Why Nova Twins love the challenge of playing everything live with pedals
By Phil Weller published
The alt-rock stars have been on the receiving end of sexism and miming accusations – but what they produce live is the real deal