Music Industry

Harley Benton closes its official U.S. Reverb store following tariff uncertainties

By Janelle Borg published 19 January 26

The European budget-friendly brand, owned by giant German retailer Thomann, opened its own Reverb store in October 2024

“It's the most iconic guitar shop in the world”: Norman’s Rare Guitars acquired

By Jackson Maxwell published 14 January 26

The acquisition includes the 1,000+ guitars currently housed at the store, along with proprietor Norman Harris’ personal and private collection

Höfner, maker of Paul McCartney’s legendary Violin Bass, shares statement following bankruptcy filing

By Janelle Borg published 22 December 25

The company filed for insolvency following a particularly “difficult period, especially since the introduction of the US tariffs”

Electro-Harmonix wants to harness the magnetosphere’s energy to solve the AI power crisis

By Phil Weller published 8 December 25

Brand founder Mike Matthews has teamed up with a former Bell Labs scientist to shape his plans

The lost Ace Frehley interview, the year's best new gear and 2025's guitarists of the year – only in the new Guitar World

By Damian Fanelli published 4 December 25

Includes a tribute to Space Ace and our guide to the biggest guitar news of the year, plus Nuno Bettencourt, 40 years of PRS Guitars and our first official transcription of Young Man Blues from Live at Leeds

Sweetwater’s customer service has been ranked as one of the highest-rated in the country

By Phil Weller published 19 November 25

The gear retailer has ranked in the top 10 of over 700 American brands

Marshall launches initiative to support grassroots music venues in the UK – which are facing a fight for survival

By Janelle Borg published 5 November 25

Marshall is teaming up with Music Venue Trust on ‘Marshall Nights,’ a UK-wide series to support independent venues and breakthrough artists

Former G&L employee speaks out following quiet closure of company – as Fender purchases the 'Leo Fender' trademark

By Matt Owen published 4 November 25

Steve Araujo, who worked with G&L for nearly a decade, has shed light on the fate of the company following weeks of speculation

Scotland’s Kenny’s Music is the latest guitar shop chain to close its doors – despite strong sales figures

By Jonathan Horsley published 31 October 25

Kenny’s had a physical presence in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dunfermline and its closure continues a worrying trend that has seen UK gear heavyweights GAK and PMT go to the wall

Fender sets its sights on Shanghai with first Artist Showroom in China

By Janelle Borg published 21 October 25

The global guitar brand is continuing the expansion of its Artist Showroom concept with a new location in Shanghai