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Welcome to Guitar World’s weekly gear round-up, your one-stop-shop for keeping up to date with what’s been happening in the big wide world of guitar gear over the past seven days.
From new electric guitars to amp modeler updates, the guitar industry is never short of fresh releases, and it can sometimes be hard to stay in the loop with every new launch.
To make things a little easier, we’ve put together an essential must-read guide that will cover the major releases, the boutique drops, and everything in between.
Below you'll find my personal highlights from the week, along with plenty of honorable mentions for the new gear you might have missed. Agree with my picks? Have a highlight of your own? Let us know in the comments.
Squier Paranormal Series
When team GW visited Fender HQ a few weeks ago to get the skinny on all its upcoming models, I found myself distracted 99.9% of the time because there was one model on display that I couldn’t take my eyes off: the Stratocaster Deluxe.
I am a lifelong Strat player, but I’m also a big Telecaster fan. The Squier Paranormal Stratocaster Deluxe looks to be the best of both worlds. The Tele neck single-coil gives you some T-style twang, while the bridge humbucker brings a bit more beef to the table. There’s even coil-splitting involved. If I could get the pickup configuration in my Strat, I would.
What’s more, I think it looks really cool. Heck, this is a Squier Paranormal series, after all, so of course it’s going to do things a bit differently. It’s a fresh spin on the Strat, with a neat pickguard design and an oversized headstock that is making me hot under the collar. That sunburst model? Phwoar.
Aside from that, the 2026 Squier Paranormal range also includes a Bigsby Troublemaker Tele, Electric VI, Baritone Jazzmaster, and Thinline Precision Bass.
EQD Sunn O))) HalfLife Octave Distortion and Booster
EarthQuaker Devices has unveiled the Sunn O))) HalfLife Octave Distortion and Booster pedal, the latest evolution of the Life Pedal which permanently joins the EQD lineup for the first time ever.
In case you were wondering, that’s very good news indeed. The V1 and V2 versions were released as limited runs. This new version expands on its predecessors, offering the same brutal tones in a more compact footprint.
Fans of doom, noise and experimental rock guitar, this one will probably have your name on it. Dubbed a ‘three-headed sonic beast’, it’s got octave-up fuzz flavors a la Shin-Ei FY2 and FY6 pedals, a classic Rat-style distortion, and a MOSFET clean boost for harmonic saturation and feedback.
It’s one of those pedals where writing about it doesn’t really do it justice. Check out the video above to hear it in action.
Fender Limited Edition Pro Classic Silent
As much as I love my Strat, the hum that comes with single-coils can often be quite tedious. It’s an occupational hazard, I know, and in my opinion it’s totally worth it, but there have been times when I wish they would just pipe down, without resulting to noiseless single-coils. They just aren’t quite the same.
Well, Fender has done something quite clever here, because it has developed what it’s calling the ‘Silent System’, a potentially game-changing approach to single-coil guitars.
The completely passive, patent-pending tech promises to leave tone untouched while eliminating single-coil hum. On paper, it looks like a very good idea, and the fact it’s passive is even better. Details on how exactly it works are quite sparing, so I’ll be investigating further (watch this space).
Whatever the case, it debuted on the new limited Pro Classic Silent range, which comprises a Strat and a Tele – both available in some neat finishes and either maple/rosewood fingerboard options.
Also launched this week…
Fender James Jamerson Precision Bass
Fender pays tribute to one of the most legendary bass guitar players of all time, and recreates his workhorse P Bass.
For more: Fender
Fender Player Fusion Series
A radical, hard-rock spin on Fender’s entry-level MIM electrics, with high-output pickups, ebony fingerboards, Floyd Roses and more.
For more: Fender
Fender Player II finish updates
The Player II range has been treated to a cosmetic update thanks to some new finishes that include the distinctly Silver Sky-esque Cactus Grey...
For more: Fender
Orangewood Dylan Retro, Nash Retro, Brooklyn Retro
New dreadnought, parlor and grand concert acoustics have been added to Orangewood’s ever-growing collection. Side note: I have the rubber bridge one. It rules.
For more: Orangewood
Jackson Pro Rob Cavestany Death Angel
Rob Cavestany of Death Angel has one of the most eye-catching signature Jacksons you’ll come across. Now it’s available in Snow White.
For more: Jackson
Electro-Harmonix Percolator Harmonic Saturator
EHX offers its take on the ultra-rare Interface Harmonic Percolator, an old-school fuzz beloved by Steve Albini.
For more: Electro-Harmonix
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom finishes
New vintage finishes for the Les Paul, Les Paul Special, SG and Firebird models from the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom range. Highlights include Poppy Burst and TV White.
For more: Epiphone
Epiphone JAY of ENHYPEN SG Tribute
An insanely affordable-but-slick signature for global K-pop phenom Jay, exclusively available in South Korea and Japan.
Coheed and Cambria Evil Instruments Jackhammer guitars
Two new Jackhammer models from Evil Instruments guitars, as founded by Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria. One of the models is inspired by Jimi Hendrix and the other, er, Phil Lynott…
For more: Reverb
Seymour Duncan 'Big Daddy' Philip Sayce Stratocaster pickup set
Philip Sayce returns for another signature Seymour Duncan set, this time recreating the unmistakable tone of his ‘Big Daddy’ Strat.
For more: Seymour Duncan
MixWave: Yvette Young
Yvette Young's first signature plugin, which might be the only assortment of ambient prog rock tones you'll ever need.
For more: MixWave
MXR Wylde Audio Zakk Sabbath
A limited-edition Wylde Audio Overdrive complete with a special purple-and-black finish inspired by Wylde's Zakk Sabbath band.
For more: MXR
- What's your favorite new gear release of the week? Let us know in the comments below.
