How the pandemic inspired Taylor’s Andy Powers to take a new minimalist path with the American Dream series By David Mead published 20 April 23 Taylor’s chief designer, president and CEO talks us through the choice of body woods for the brand’s stunning new model, the AD12e
NAMM 2023: Martin unveils cutaway, Fishman-equipped StreetMaster model and its first-ever downsized Jr acoustic basses By Jackson Maxwell, Matt Parker published 11 April 23 The acoustic giant unveils a raft of “slightly smaller” guitars and basses
Taylor American Dream AD12e-SB review By David Mead published 10 April 23 Taylor describes its American Dream guitars as “spartan and minimalist” by design, but does this add up to any shortcomings in tone? Let’s find out
Improve your fingerpicking with this lesson in Chris Stapleton’s intricate acoustic style By Stuart Ryan published 3 April 23 Following a spellbinding national anthem performance at the Super Bowl – and the release of his stunning signature Epiphone Frontier – we look at a Stapleton-inspired fingerpicking exercise with a few surprises thrown in
Martin vs Taylor: What's the difference between these two iconic acoustic brands? By Daryl Robertson published 27 March 23 We take a deep dive into two titans of the acoustic world to find out which is the most suitable for you
Gretsch Roots Collection G9500 Jim Dandy review By Stuart Williams published 16 March 23 A good ol’ fashioned, rootsy strummer from the Gretsch stable with a small body and small price
Best acoustic guitar pickups: Our recommended acoustic pickups for all budgets By Jonathan Horsley last updated 3 March 23 No matter what style of guitarist you are, the best acoustic guitar pickups from LR Baggs, Fishman and others will help you get more from your tone
The evolution of the Gibson SJ-200: from 1937 custom order to its coronation as the undisputed “king of flat-tops” By Rod Brakes published 3 March 23 The supersized acoustic is a holy grail guitar for many a singer-songwriter, with classy ornamentation gilding an instrument with a breathtaking voice
How Martin supersized the Dreadnought for a Custom Shop acoustic that’s louder, more dynamic and “hits you in the chest” By Jamie Dickson published 12 January 23 If you can’t make the world’s most influential acoustic better, you can always make it bigger. Scott Sasser and Tim Teel of Martin explain the design of the awesome Super Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 50s Faded, J-35 30s Faded and Hummingbird Faded review By David Mead published 10 January 23 A trio of Gibson dreadnoughts with faded satin nitro finishes, vintage appointments and modern-day electronics. Serious players or mere novelty acts? Let the auditions begin…
Takamine LTD2022 review By David Mead published 20 December 22 One of two limited-edition models that celebrate Takamine’s 60th Anniversary, both of which engage the charms of Hawaiian koa in their construction. Let’s take a closer look
Save up to $200 on a stylish, top-performing electric, bass or acoustic guitar with these Cyber Monday-beating Epiphone deals By Jackson Maxwell published 28 November 22 Save big on a wide range of the company's models – from basses to 'Bursts
Breedlove Eco Pursuit EX S Concert Sweetgrass review By David Mead published 22 November 22 An acoustic guitar where sustainability and ecological common sense are a design and build priority. But do all these good intentions add up to a great-sounding instrument?
Gretsch graces its ultra-affordable G9500 Jim Dandy acoustic guitar with a limited-edition Nocturne Blue finish By Jackson Maxwell published 27 October 22 Along with Nocturne Blue, the entry-level model has also been made available in a vintage-minded Frontier Stain look
Acoustic guitar shapes explained: how they've changed and how they affect the sound By Huw Price published 7 October 22 Confused about the differences between jumbo and a dreadnought? Do you know your 00 from your OM? Worry no more...
16 ways to improve your acoustic guitar shows By Stuart Williams published 12 September 22 Everything you need to avoid disasters onstage, from setup checks to anti-feedback measures and the use of in-ear monitoring
Taylor 724ce Koa review By Neville Marten last updated 8 September 22 The premium Californian acoustic brand's massive revamp of its 700 Series witnessed the launch of two new Koa models, and this exquisite Grand Auditorium 724ce is one of them
Lava Music Blue Lava review By Paul Riario published 25 August 22 A compact acoustic electric with onboard smart tech and smartphone user experience, the Blue Lava is a formidable practice and creative tool
Sheeran By Lowden Equals Edition review By Dave Burrluck last updated 29 July 22 To celebrate Ed Sheeran’s mega-selling Equals album, his guitar company has come up with this wee wonder. And like the star behind it, it is a bona-fide crowd-pleaser
Luna Guitars welcomes the Exotic Caidie to its beginner-friendly Gypsy series By Sam Roche published 27 July 22 The striking acoustic-electric sports trademark Luna visual touches – including its insignia on the headstock and pearloid moon phase inlays