Watch pro-shot footage of the Pixies’ triumphant headline set in Cologne, Germany By Matt Parker published 3 August 22 The two-hour set featured a mix of hits and deep cuts from across the alternative rock icons’ storied back catalog
Tommy Thayer is teaching you how to play his favorite KISS solos over on the Gibson App By Matt Parker published 3 August 22 The guitarist will walk you through the leads from Black Diamond, Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud and Psycho Circus
Get IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube Nu-Tron III auto wah plugin for free throughout August By Sam Roche published 3 August 22 The pedal emulation is based on a classic 1972 Mu-Tron Automatic Wah, and if you have AmpliTube 5, you can download it for free right now
Gretsch expands its range of Electromatic Double Jets with new Bigsby and V-Stoptail-equipped models By Sam Roche published 3 August 22 The drop comprises two left-handed and two right-handed models, both with a choice of Filter'Tron or Broad'Tron pickups
EarthQuaker Devices partners with L.A. creative studio Brain Dead for new-look Ghost Echo reverb pedal By Matt Owen published 3 August 22 The limited edition collaboration swaps out the black-and-white colorway for some psychedelic aesthetic intrigue
Neural DSP launches Archetype plugin suite for Rabea Massaad – and it has an actual synth onboard By Jonathan Horsley published 3 August 22 The Archetype: Rabea is packed with amps and effects, and has a fully functioning dual-oscillator monosynth that is triggered by your guitar
Pedal Pawn unveils the Octone, an octave fuzz inspired by the “spooky magic” of a vintage Octavia By Jonathan Horsley published 2 August 22 The British effects company suggests that the vintage octave fuzziness and “clean and clear” octaves will give Strat owners heavy Jimi and Stevie vibes
Walrus Audio promises “mountains of sustain and a smooth attack from” the Mira Optical Compressor pedal By Jonathan Horsley published 2 August 22 Take full control of your dynamics with a highly tweakable studio-grade compressor that features a handy side-chain hi-pass filter
The magic of Fender Japan: how MIJ custom finishes and unorthodox builds dug a rabbit hole for collectors By Jamie Dickson published 2 August 22 Keith Anderson makes his livelihood bringing rare Fender Japan electrics into the UK and he’s seen thousands over the years. Here he explains the appeal
Joe Walsh recruits Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys and Dave Grohl for VetsAid 2022’s all-Ohio lineup By Sam Roche published 2 August 22 The Breeders also join a bill that will see Walsh get the James Gang back together for “One Last Ride”
Rick Beato gives viewers a guided tour of his studio – including the ‘secret stuff’ he keeps behind the camera By Matt Parker published 1 August 22 The YouTube superstar shows off his gigantic gear collection, plus some before and after shots of the studio’s construction
Best guitar picks 2022: 12 recommended plectrums to upgrade your playing By Jonathan Horsley published 1 August 22 Our guide to the best picks for bass, acoustic and electric guitar
Dean must stop producing V, Z and Gran Sport electric guitars after latest ruling in Gibson trademark infringement lawsuit By Sam Roche published 1 August 22 Gibson describes the court's verdict as a victory for fans, artists and dealers, and “for all of the iconic American brands that have invested in meaningful innovation”
How your guitar’s control pots affect its tone By Huw Price published 1 August 22 We twist them, we turn them, but how often do we think about our guitar’s controls? Switching them out can be a cheap upgrade and an easy win for improving our tone
Best desktop guitar amps 2022: 9 amplifiers for portable practice By Nick Guppy published 1 August 22 The desktop guitar amp market is getting crowded, but our top picks from Yamaha, Blackstar, Fender, and more might just be the finest money can buy
Andy Wood recruits Tosin Abasi, Mark Lettieri, Greg Koch and more for 2022 Woodshed Guitar Experience By Jackson Maxwell published 29 July 22 Also set to feature the likes of Nick Johnston, Brent Mason, Tom Quayle and Guthrie Trapp, the guitar clinic will take place in Crossville, Tennessee from August 25 - August 28
Hear Led Zeppelin deliver a rare performance of Gallows Pole amid their chaotic 1971 Vancouver show By Matt Parker published 29 July 22 High-quality bootleg audio of a number of songs has emerged from the overcrowded and wild gig, and it captures Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and co on top form
Sammy Hagar and the Circle announce new album, Crazy Times, and share the hard-rocking title track By Jonathan Horsley published 29 July 22 Produced by Dave Cobb in Nashville’s legendary RCA Studio A, and also featuring the Red Rocker’s fellow Van Halen alum Michael Anthony on bass, Crazy Times is out September 30
Lowden S-23J review By Dave Burrluck published 29 July 22 Lowden isn’t known for its nylon-string models, but the long-running Jazz Collection houses some fine ‘crossover’ instruments in its typical high-class style
Old Blood Noise Endeavors debuts the Float Dual Moving Filter – its first digitally controlled analog pedal By Matt Owen published 28 July 22 The versatile unit places two independent filters under one roof, and offers a range of controls that let you dial in a huge array of wild, experimental tones