One of the most popular boost pedals on the market has been given a fresh new look By Phil Weller published 17 May 24 Xotic Pedals has introduced a limited-edition version of its EP Booster, with two new colorways to celebrate its 15th anniversary
Wampler’s Mofetta pays homage to a cult ’90s distortion pedal By Janelle Borg published 17 May 24 Wampler promises vintage tones with increased versatility via a 3-band EQ and overdrive/distortion switch
Bon Jovi rolls back the years for a new single that will give you Livin’ On a Prayer vibes By Matt Owen published 17 May 24 Living Proof previews the band's upcoming album Forever, and Phil X's riff has a distinctly familiar talkbox swagger about it
Boss has teased the third generation of its best-selling Katana amps By Phil Weller published 17 May 24 The Japanese amp and effects giant is hyping “enhanced features and sounds” for its flagship amp as it seeks to land fresh punches in an increasingly competitive market
Diamond revives its fan favorite Vibrato after nearly 20 years – and it’s been given some key upgrades By Phil Weller published 17 May 24 The resurgent Canadian firm’s returning stompbox boasts all-analog circuitry built around the revered MN3007 bucket brigade chip
Guitar World deals of the week: save $600 on a D'Angelico, get big money off guitar upgrades, plus all the week's best bargains By Matt McCracken published 17 May 24 Get the low down on the best guitar gear deals, with big savings on Fender, Yamaha, Electro-Harmonix, and more
Spector unveils Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses, including a replica of his iconic 1987 5-string By Janelle Borg published 17 May 24 With signature EMG pickups and an era-specific headstock design, Spector's new basses promise to deliver “the sound and feel that inspired Doug Wimbish's signature style”
Sam Ash files for bankruptcy after announcing the closure of all its stores By Phil Weller published 17 May 24 The family-run retailer has reportedly started the procedure of auctioning off its assets
Abasi Concepts has debuted its first-ever bass guitar – ushering in a new headless design By Phil Weller published 17 May 24 Tosin Abasi’s brand has created its first production bass, with the Larada five-string combining a headless design with Fishman Fluence Multi-Voice pickups
Khruangbin’s Laura Lee explains how her lack of technical bass training works in her favor By Janelle Borg published 17 May 24 Khruangbin’s Laura Lee says a “limitation” in her technique led to Khruangbin's “fun and bouncy” basslines
Justus West reveals how he sneaked Tosin Abasi and Plini onto the new Beyoncé album (sort of) By Janelle Borg published 16 May 24 The prolific session guitarist and producer pulls back the veil on Cowboy Carter’s high-profile recording sessions – and the surprisingly progressive gear he used on Beyoncé’s country album
Walrus Audio unveils Canvas Power range of linkable pedalboard power supplies By Matt Owen published 16 May 24 Available in four sizes, the Canvas Power units promise low-noise operation and can be linked to accomodate ever-growing rigs
How Hermanos Gutiérrez leveraged vintage tones and Dan Auerbach's guitar tech on Barrio Hustle By Janelle Borg published 16 May 24 Barrio Hustle is taken from the guitar duo's upcoming album Sonido Cósmico – and premiered exclusively on Guitar World
Jim Root has switched to the Neural DSP Quad Cortex for some Slipknot shows By Matt Owen published 16 May 24 Despite once saying he'd stay clear of digital tech, Root has started dabbling in the amp modeling world – and recently used the Quad Cortex at a high-profile festival performance
Wolfgang Van Halen’s long-awaited EVH SA-126 signature model is officially launched By Matt Owen published 16 May 24 Named after Eddie's birthday and taking cues from the Bumblebee, the SA-126 was developed from a desire to build a guitar that didn't yet exist – and arrives with a new Wolfgang Van Halen demo video
Mastodon's Bill Kelliher on how meeting his guitar heroes pushed him to improve his craft By Janelle Borg published 15 May 24 Mastodon's Bill Kelliher also credits Slayer's Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman for changing his previously nonchalant attitude to warming up before a show
Tsakalis Audioworks’ Mothership merges analog warmth with over 70 free configurable cab sims in one overdrive/preamp pedal By Phil Weller published 15 May 24 The best-of-both-worlds unit offers two identical overdrive channels with three gain stages each, and a choice of over 70 free digital cab simulations
Chase Bliss’ Onward sampler pedal is glitching and freezing heaven for guitarists of all styles By Phil Weller published 15 May 24 A deceptively small little stompbox, the Onward is the laden with synth sorcery
Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament on recording with one of their idols By Janelle Borg published 15 May 24 Pearl Jam were recruited by the godfather of grunge to help him record his 1995 album
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plays Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World with Ukraine covers band By Phil Weller published 15 May 24 Blinken joined the local covers band to play Neil Young’s political anthem while in the country for high-level talks with Ukraine officials