Blackstar promises classic valve tones in compact models in its latest MK III Series By Janelle Borg published 23 April 24 Fully equipped with Blackstar’s patented CabRig technology, the MK III Series prioritizes tonal customization
John Lennon’s lost Help! Framus acoustic has been found in an attic after 50 years By Matt Owen published 23 April 24 The 12-string acoustic guitar was used on a number of classic Beatles tracks, and is tipped to rival Kurt Cobain’s $6m Martin D-18e when it hits the auction block next month
Mdou Moctar finds a new fan in Metallica’s Kirk Hammett By Janelle Borg published 23 April 24 The Tuareg guitarist’s latest album continues to expand the horizons of contemporary rock
Artist who smashed guitar at Coachella pulls out after backlash By Janelle Borg published 23 April 24 AP Dhillon smashed his guitar in a show of protest
Patti Smith on her controversial first gig – and why rock belongs to the people By Janelle Borg published 22 April 24 The punk poet laureate continues to inspire generations of artists
Peter Frampton has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame By Phil Weller published 22 April 24 The iconic guitarist will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the MC5, Dave Matthews Band, Cher, Foreigner, Mary J. Blige and more in October
New research reveals the world’s most Googled guitar riffs and chord progressions By Phil Weller published 22 April 24 A total of 271 songs and 2,314,336 Google searches were analyzed, with a riff many believe to be played on bass claiming the top spot
Martin’s DSS Biosphere II is an FSC-certified build that raises awareness for sustainability By Matt Owen published 22 April 24 The third instalment to Martin's Planet Earth series features custom Robert Goetzl artwork, and a super-green spec sheet
Steve Vai explains the hardest part of replicating Robert Fripp’s playing style By Phil Weller published 22 April 24 Vai will be touring King Crimson’s ‘80s material with Beat in the fall, and he’s spoken about his preparations – which includes working with Roland on three purpose-built guitars
Neil Finn on how he ended up joining Fleetwood Mac By Janelle Borg published 22 April 24 Neil Finn on how he ended up joining Fleetwood Mac
“I’m not thinking about trying to impress anybody”: Fusion legend Scott Henderson talks virtuosity and style By Jamie Dickson published 22 April 24 Returning with a new instrumental album seamlessly fusing rock, blues and jazz, Scott Henderson checks in to talk gear, style and what we can learn from vocals and horn
Pete Doherty remembers Amy Winehouse’s unique guitar playing style By Janelle Borg published 22 April 24 Pete Doherty remembers Amy Winehouse’s unique guitar playing style
Crazy Tube Circuits has given its all-analog White Whale reverb/tremolo pedal a serious upgrade By Phil Weller published 22 April 24 With more effect types and independent effects circuits, the two-in-one pedal is back and better than before
How to add warmth to digital amp modelers By Joe Dean published 21 April 24 From the unsung hero of your pedalboard to the importance of signal routing, here's what you can do to improve the tone of your digital amp rig
David Gilmour tones from a boost-drive twofer? Crazy Tube Circuits Hi Power review By Trevor Curwen published 20 April 24 CTC's latest twofer seeks to harness David Gilmour's Wish You Were Here tones in a pedal that pairs a boost with a Hiwatt-inspired drive
How to upgrade your Jazzmaster and Jaguar: mod tips and setup tricks By Huw Price published 20 April 24 From bridges to tremolos to pickups, these DIY upgrades for the offset electric in your life will make them better than ever
Why the 1946 Stromberg Master 400 is a jazz guitar to rival anything from Gibson and D'Angelico By David Davidson published 20 April 24 As vintage icons go, the Stromberg Master 400 takes some beating. Big-bodied, super loud, it is one of the greatest jazzboxes of all time. David Davidson of Well Strung Guitars tells us why
Matteo Mancuso raves about being invited to play onstage with Joe Bonamassa By Janelle Borg published 19 April 24 Joe Bonamassa had previously named Matteo Mancuso as his new favorite guitar player
Pearl Jam used Dumble amps on new album Dark Matter, reveals producer Andrew Watt By Janelle Borg published 19 April 24 The late Alexander Dumble made four custom amps for the A-list producer
“John Lennon said, ‘Girls don't play guitars’”: The Liverbirds on meeting The Beatles By Janelle Borg published 19 April 24 The trailblazing Liverpool group later wondered if Lennon’s jibes were intended to push them to make a success of the band