Latest Updates

Fender launches initiative to replace instruments and gear destroyed by L.A. wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
Fender has committed $100,000 to this effort – with more announcements expected in the coming weeks

In the 1970s, Hayley Williams’ grandfather made an album that nobody heard. Now it’s finally being released through her Paramore bandmate’s label
By Janelle Borg published
Rusty Williams’ debut album, Grand Man, is seeing the light of day after it was recently unearthed by his old production partner

“The ultimate authentic tone and feel of a real amp”: IK Multimedia continues its takeover of the amp modeler market with the TONEX Cab – a flagship FRFR unlike any other
By Matt Owen published
The TONEX ecosystem has just got bigger thanks to a new release that could kick the competition into a new phase of play

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton gives update on frontman Steven Tyler’s health
By Janelle Borg published
Hamilton doesn't rule out Aerosmith returning back to the live circuit despite Tyler's recent voice problems

Fender CEO Andy Mooney explains why the firm’s return to NAMM 2025 won’t be business as usual
By Matt Owen published
Fender is one of the key brands returning to NAMM for 2025, but it’s taking a different approach this time

Walrus Audio just created an entirely new type of pedal that’s aimed at improving your playing, not your tone
By Michael Astley-Brown published
The Canvas Rehearsal stalks new ground as a metronome, headphone amp and Bluetooth streamer in one

Kiki Wong recalls the early days of her career – and the “crazy” bootleg tours with three people sleeping in the back of a truck
By Janelle Borg published
Wong says she has failed more times than she succeeded throughout her career, so much so that there was a point in her life where she didn't touch her guitars for three years

Mesa/Boogie resurrects a ’90s icon with its reissued Dual Rectifier – and the holy grail amp head has been given some upgrades
By Matt Owen published
Beloved by a crop of elite artists over the years, the legendary Dual Rectifier is finally back... with a few choice tweaks

Vintage squares up to Positive Grid and Boss with its Retro desktop modeling amp range – which starts at less than $150
By Phil Weller published
Vintage is throwing its weight into the mini modeler market for the first time with a range of new amps that look set to face some tough competition

Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith and Primus guitarist Larry ‘Ler’ LaLonde among thousands who have lost homes in L.A. wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and Anthrax’s Scott Ian share their first-hand experience of the devastating impact of one of the biggest natural disasters in Los Angeles’ history

Mike Bloomfield’s Telecaster – which was used during Bob Dylan’s 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance – is up for sale
By Phil Weller published
The Tele was present during a change-making moment in rock ‘n’ roll history, but was later curiously modified by a left-handed player

Cesar Gueikian all-but-confirms the return of the cult Gibson RD – an unsung build beloved by Dave Grohl and Ghost
By Phil Weller published
One of the firm’s most obscure designs of the 1970s looks set for an unlikely return

Martin overhauls its Standard Series for the first time in 7 years in response to player demands
By Matt Owen published
Martin’s workhorse acoustics just got their first refresh since 2018 – and there are three new models to usher in the new era

Guitar Center launches initiative to replace music gear destroyed by Los Angeles wildfires
By Janelle Borg published
MusiCares, the NAMM Foundation and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund are among other organizations providing financial assistance to impacted L.A.-based musicians and music industry professionals

Ritchie Blackmore recalls the first time he saw two-hand tapping – at a wild show in 1968
By Jackson Maxwell published
Years before Eddie Van Halen put it in the early pages of the guitar textbook, Harvey Mandel was highlighting his performances with flourishes of two-hand tapping – grabbing the attention of onlookers in the process…

Breedlove turns to an unsung tonewood for two new special edition acoustics that promise “unparalleled tonal qualities”
By Phil Weller published
Breedlove has made bold claims about its new Myrtlewood Legend builds, but believes the tonewood they utilize will soon reach legendary status

That time Tom Hamilton ended up playing bass for Thin Lizzy
By Phil Weller published
The bassist handled Phil Lynott’s parts during a 2016/17 anniversary tour – a gig he got after meeting members of the new-look lineup at a Motörhead concert

Reverb reveals the most popular effects pedals in each US state – and a quarter of the country favors one brand in particular
By Matt Owen published
Further reflecting the findings from the gear marketplace’s general best-selling pedals list, one company stood out above all others

Chapman Guitars brings major industry player onboard as part of company restructure – and teases first-ever amp
By Janelle Borg published
The guitar company, founded by YouTuber Rob Chapman, has undergone a string of changes in recent months

Ibanez takes a leaf out of its heavy electric playbook to produce its most ‘metal’ acoustics yet
By Phil Weller published
Featuring “in-demand” tonewoods and high-end electronics, the new Blackout lineup offers a metal-inspired twist to the traditional acoustic guitar recipe