Latest Updates

How Marcus Miller found his voice – and became one of the most-imitated bassists in the biz
By Chris Jisi published
The bass icon breaks down his formative influences, and how he gave everyone from Prince to Beethoven a low-end makeover via his '77 Fender Jazz

Recorded for Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Cliff Burton’s bass masterpiece has earned its place in the pantheon of great rock solos
By Bill Leigh published
Recorded for Metallica’s genre-sparking Kill ’Em All, Burton’s complex snarl of notes has captivated bassists for years. Dial in your favorite fuzz-wah tone and let it rip

Ibanez and JTC claim to have created the world’s most advanced guitar cable
By Phil Weller published
The Glideline collaborative instrument cable delivers high-resolution signals that “eliminate any compromise” from guitar tones

John Mayer and Dave Matthews to perform as a duo for the first time at L.A. FireAid benefit concert, alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell and Green Day
By Janelle Borg published
The mega-event will take place on January 30 at L.A.'s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, and will be broadcast on multiple platforms

B.B. King had his breakthrough blues guitar moment with The Thrill Is Gone – but it was Jerry Jemmott’s bass that made it groove
By Chris Jisi published
For The Thrill Is Gone, Jemmott played his 1964 Jazz Bass – which would be stolen soon afterward

Boss has launched a range of guitar cables inspired by its classic pedals
By Janelle Borg published
New multi-FX carrying cases are also amongst the pedal giant's new accessory lineup

DiMarzio pulls out of NAMM 2025 in response to L.A. wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
The pickup firm has joined Maybach Guitars in publicly announcing they won't be attending the annual trade show

Boutique guitar brand pulls out of NAMM 2025 in the face of L.A. wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
In an updated statement, the CEO of NAMM confirmed that plans are solidly in place for the event to still go ahead

Fender launches initiative to replace instruments and gear destroyed by L.A. wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
Fender has committed $100,000 to this effort – with more announcements expected in the coming weeks

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton gives update on frontman Steven Tyler’s health
By Janelle Borg published
Hamilton doesn't rule out Aerosmith returning back to the live circuit despite Tyler's recent voice problems

Fender CEO Andy Mooney explains why the firm’s return to NAMM 2025 won’t be business as usual
By Matt Owen published
Fender is one of the key brands returning to NAMM for 2025, but it’s taking a different approach this time

Walrus Audio just created an entirely new type of pedal that’s aimed at improving your playing, not your tone
By Michael Astley-Brown published
The Canvas Rehearsal stalks new ground as a metronome, headphone amp and Bluetooth streamer in one

Cesar Gueikian all-but-confirms the return of the cult Gibson RD – an unsung build beloved by Dave Grohl and Ghost
By Phil Weller published
One of the firm’s most obscure designs of the 1970s looks set for an unlikely return

Guitar Center launches initiative to replace music gear destroyed by Los Angeles wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
MusiCares, the NAMM Foundation and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund are among other organizations providing financial assistance to impacted L.A.-based musicians and music industry professionals

Bob Rock made bass history on Metallica’s St. Anger – quite a feat, since he “never really played bass” before
By Bill Leigh published
Producer Bob Rock on making St. Anger, the legacy of Cliff Burton and why he used Loverboy’s bass guitar on every track

If you think Mike Dirnt is another clueless punk, think again
By Jonathan Herrera published
Every success story needs a behind-the-scenes hero, and for Green Day, it was bassist Mike Dirnt. He details the making of American Idiot and his forensic approach to bass tone

That time Tom Hamilton ended up playing bass for Thin Lizzy
By Phil Weller published
The bassist handled Phil Lynott’s parts during a 2016/17 anniversary tour – a gig he got after meeting members of the new-look lineup at a Motörhead concert

NAMM CEO issues statement on 2025 event following L.A. wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
The CEO has confirmed that the annual trade show will go ahead as planned, with a few adjustments