Everything you need to know about fretwraps: what are they and do you need one? By Matt McCracken published 3 May 24 Get the low down on this simple yet essential tool for guitarists
Sam Ash announces it will be officially closing all its stores By Phil Weller published 3 May 24 The family-run music equipment chain has been forced to close its stores, with a closing-down sale currently ongoing
Slash explains why he used a Strat to cover a Peter Green track on his new blues album By Matt Owen published 3 May 24 The Les Paul loyalist dipped into his Fender collection for the new album, which was also recorded using a '50s Telecaster
Human Technologies’ first-ever stompbox promises to cram “dozens of expensive high-end vintage pedals in one little box” By Phil Weller published 2 May 24 Hand-built in Northern Ireland, this new pedal offers greater control of pre- and post-gain staging to make a highly tweakable and transparent overdrive
Primus' Les Claypool and Ler LaLonde were just forced to play a gig with brand new gear from Guitar Center By Janelle Borg published 2 May 24 The instruments the band purchased and played onstage are now set to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to St. Judes Children’s Hospital
Gibson’s Non-Reverse Firebird V 12-string revives a model from 1965 – with a key upgrade By Matt Owen published 2 May 24 The firm has brought back the style of the original 12-string Non-Reverse Firebird with a flash new color and a key functional tweak
Duane Eddy, 1938-2024 – the guitar world pays tribute By Matt Owen published 2 May 24 Joe Bonamassa, Ritchie Blackmore, Nancy Sinatra, Mick Fleetwood and more have all come out to honor the music and memory the King of Twang, who has died aged 86
Warren Haynes explains why having a great guitar tone is non-negotiable By Janelle Borg published 2 May 24 The Gov't Mule maestro also reveals his preference for guitars “that put up a fight” over ones that are easier to play
Best MIDI controllers for guitar 2024: goodbye to frantic pedal tapping and hello to seamless transitions By Joe Dean published 2 May 24 Our favorite MIDI controllers for all levels and budgets, with models from Gig Rig, Fender, Boss, Electro-Harmonix and more
Larkin Poe's Rebecca Lovell on why the secret to great Strat tone is in the right hand By Janelle Borg published 2 May 24 From blues riffs to heavier rock tones, Lovell reveals how she leverages the Strat to create a distinctive sound for Larkin Poe
Steve Morse on the key traits that give tube amps the edge over their digital counterparts By Phil Weller published 2 May 24 Morse is a notable champion of the Kemper, but he's sticking to his ENGL tube amp for live shows for one key reason
Yngwie Malmsteen reveals the one spec of certain Stratocasters he's not a fan of By Janelle Borg published 2 May 24 While this feature might not work for him, Malmsteen admits other players make it “sound great”
Sterling by Music Man’s first Joe Dart model is made-to-order and costs less than $400 By Matt Owen published 2 May 24 The Vulfpeck maestro's latest signature bass is another no-nonsense, minimalist workhorse – but it will only be available to order for a month
Duane Eddy, rock guitar pioneer, dies at 86 By Jackson Maxwell published 1 May 24 Hugely influential to the likes of George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty, the Gretsch-wielding legend was known for his unmistakable, twanging tone and smash instrumental hits like Rebel Rouser
“A shoo-in for any gigging musician”: Gibson Les Paul Modern Studio review By Dave Burrluck published 1 May 24 Gibson’s long-running Les Paul Studio is the latest to get a Modern makeover. A valid new model or a minor refresh? Let’s find out
Jon Bon Jovi has been reunited with the first guitar he ever owned, 45 years after he sold it By Phil Weller published 1 May 24 The singer wrote a song with the Univox Stratocaster copy for the band's forthcoming album, Forever
Trev Lukather on the guitar lessons he learned from his dad, Steve Lukather By Matt Owen published 1 May 24 The Toto great advised his son to sharpen up a certain aspect of his playing – but then EVH, Neal Schon and David Gilmour entered the picture
Strymon’s BigSky MX promises to usher in the next generation of reverb pedal By Matt Parker published 30 April 24 The new reverb comes equipped with IR capability and a monster new chip that looks set to significantly expand the BigSky’s horizons
Veteran guitarist and producer Robin George dies at 68 By Janelle Borg published 30 April 24 George is best known for his 1985 single Heartline, and his work with Robert Plant, Pete Goalby, and Glenn Hughes
Jake Kiszka has started a new band – and they’re on tour with Greta Van Fleet right now By Matt Parker published 30 April 24 The collaboration between the GVF guitarist and Ida Mae’s Chris Turpin sees Kiszka flexing his lead vocals at points, while the two formidable players share guitar duties