AC/DC just kicked off their first tour in 8 years with the help of a new bass player By Phil Weller published 20 May 24 The rock icons kicked off their European tour with a hit-filled 24-song set in Germany
These picks are encrusted with literal diamonds to provide ultimate grip By Phil Weller published 20 May 24 The diamonds’ abrasive texture is the perfect non-slip grip material for guitar picks, according to Patoma Music
The Les Paul behind the iconic solo on Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights is now up for auction By Janelle Borg published 20 May 24 The late Ian Bairnson’s guitar was used across the first four Kate Bush albums, as well as classic records from the Alan Parsons Project and countless sessions
Joe Bonamassa’s ultimate “museum-grade” find is reborn as his first Martin signature By Matt Parker published 20 May 24 Bonamassa’s astonishingly clean Martin 000-45 was handed down as a family heirloom before he bought it and took it to the firm’s Nazareth base for close inspection
Guitar tuning pegs: everything you need to know about the machineheads that keep your guitar in tune By Huw Price published 20 May 24 Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar's tuning pegs, repair them, or just want to understand the differences between models, read on and let this guide demystify the tuning key
Nuno Bettencourt swapped his Washburn N4 for a Les Paul copy to shred onstage with Stone Temple Pilots By Phil Weller published 20 May 24 The Extreme guitarist was spotted playing a Nelson LP copy as he shared the stage with “one of the greatest rock bands of all time”
Pearl Jam producer Andrew Watt joins Mike McCready to share one of the all-time great guitar solos By Janelle Borg published 20 May 24 Pearl Jam have treated their fans to surprise guests, deep cuts and covers on the US leg of their ‘Dark Matter’ tour
Friedman's PLEX is a “sonic twin” of the amp that kickstarted Dave Friedman's tone obsession By Phil Weller published 20 May 24 The 50-watt, two-channel amp head is a meticulous recreation of Friedman’s favorite amp, which kicks off the firm's new Vintage Collection
Slash reveals one of the biggest lessons he learned from his blues hero, B.B King By Matt Owen published 20 May 24 Slash was into B.B. King's music before he even thought about picking up the guitar – and the blues great would have a huge impact on the Guns N' Roses guitarist's mindset and style
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
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
How hemp cones affect guitar tone and why Derek Trucks and Carlos Santana are fans By Paul Gough published 17 May 24 Over the past few years, speakers with a hemp cone have increased in popularity – and they have a distinctive sound, explains Paul Gough of Zilla Cabs
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
Meet James Frankland, the classical-loving instrumentalist fusing Rachmaninoff and Guns N’ Roses By Glenn Kimpton published 17 May 24 Frankland is taking influences from all across the musical spectrum to forge a sound that is all his own. He unpacks his journey from 13-year-old rookie to debut album, Fate’s Right Hand
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