Latest Updates

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

Carol Kaye on how she made Pet Sounds with the Beach Boys – and why good basslines don't come from scales
By Chris Jisi published
Kaye, the first lady of the electric bass, played her P-Bass through a Fender Super Reverb 4x10 combo on the iconic record

Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee are recording their regular jam sessions – but remain tight-lipped about what they’re using them for
By Janelle Borg published
The Rush legends discuss revisiting the band's repertoire – and even coming up with brand-new jams – during these sessions

Andy Fairweather Low was personally recruited by the Pink Floyd legend – but didn’t know who he was when he came calling
By Matt Owen published
In the 1980s, the rhythm guitar hero was sounded out by Waters for a new band, but there was a clumsy first introduction…

Has HeadRush changed the future of amp modeler rigs with a tiny $149 FRFR cab?
By Phil Weller published
The 30-watt FRFR-GO offers color-free amping of modelers for just shy of $150

Tony Levin on playing for Pink Floyd in the post-Roger Waters era
By Janelle Borg published
The session icon discusses working with David Gilmour – and reveals he was asked to tour with Pink Floyd after his session work on 1987's A Momentary Lapse of Reason

YouTuber sets the record straight on Harley Benton guitars – and debunks the main misconceptions about the budget-friendly brand
By Janelle Borg published
The Thomann-owned brand is renowned for its affordable guitar gear and cheaper alternatives to established models

John Myung plays for one of rock’s most ambitious bands, and the Berklee-schooled bassist is tackling the challenge with extraordinary discipline
By Nick Wells published
The Dream Theater maestro explains what every bassist can learn from Bach, how he developed the Bongo 6-string bass with Ernie Ball, and why he runs a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier on bass…

James Hetfield explains the controversial mixing of Metallica’s …And Justice for All
By Jackson Maxwell published
The band's first album with Newsted, ...And Justice for All was marked by the band's increasingly progressive and technically intricate bent – and barely audible bass parts

When it comes to Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn’s huge catalog of bass grooves, this ear-catching line from The Blues Brothers is a great place to start
By Brian Fox published
As the linchpin of Booker T. & The M.G.’s, ‘Duck’ Dunn helped put the music of his Memphis hometown on the map