Matt Parker
Matt is Features Editor for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.
Latest articles by Matt Parker

Yamaha’s top-tier FS9 acoustics combine detailed Japanese Kumiki woodworking and high-end appointments
By Matt Parker published
The luxurious new concert model looks to be taking on the US acoustic stalwarts’ modern ranges, but still sets out its Japanese heritage

Meet LA Priest, the inventor-guitarist questioning everything you know about tone
By Matt Parker published
UK musician and tonal pioneer Sam Eastgate is using a pile of self-built pedals, an obscure guitar and an amp he literally found in a dumpster to create a sound unlike anything else

Squier’s new Limited Edition Classic Vibe models are so desirable, I broke my decade-long guitar buying ban. So how did they get me hooked?
By Matt Parker published
I usually stand strong in the face of guitar-makers’ marketing tricks, but firms are finding new ways of making affordable lines tempting

Gibson’s Charlie Starr Les Paul Junior signature upgrades the stock LPJ in just about every way
By Matt Parker published
A Starr is reborn as the Blackberry Smoke frontman and champion of the Les Paul Junior gets his own Gibson signature model

Fender is taking on Amazon’s cheap guitar sellers at their own game with a $119 Stratocaster
By Matt Parker published
The Squier Debut sees the Big F taking the fight to the retailer’s cheap importers

Legendary guitar store Manny’s Music poised to return after Sam Ash sells trademark
By Matt Parker published
Manny’s was so iconic it featured in a Guns N’ Roses video – and now the company behind Heritage Guitars has acquired the trademark

From digital amps, to modelers and mods – Marshall’s new CEO has big plans to win back guitarists
By Matt Parker published
Jeremy de Maillard has gone from Marshall headphones to the head of the iconic amp firm – now he’s tasked with raising a sleeping giant

Joe Bonamassa’s ultimate “museum-grade” find is reborn as his first Martin signature
By Matt Parker published
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

JHS, Keeley and Benson have all built effects inspired by the Beach Boys’ studio tones
By Matt Parker published
The Sweetwater-exclusive line sees some of the biggest names in pedals attempt to recreate the Beach Boys' most iconic studio sounds

Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' Martin 000-28 is headed to auction again
By Matt Parker published
The acoustic guitar was used to pen one of Clapton’s most popular tracks – and has a few distinguishing characteristics…

Jason Momoa is auctioning off a host of Gibson and Fender Custom Shop guitars and handmade basses
By Matt Parker published
The instruments are all being sold to raise money for a host of charities, having featured in the actor’s On The Roam series

Rivolta’s Forma series brings Dennis Fano’s square, circle and triangular-inspired designs to life
By Matt Parker published
Inspired by circular, square and triangular shapes, the Forma models are far removed from your typical electric guitar

Gibson has announced a signature Slash ES-335 – and it includes tickets to an exclusive gig
By Matt Parker published
The Custom Shop Collector’s Edition Slash 1963 comes with some significant case candy

Fender Play 1:1 will offer “personalized one-on-one lessons with top instructors”
By Matt Parker published
Fender has teamed up with coaching specialists Blayze to help augment its popular learning app

Magnatone’s mega-loud signature Slash head the SL-100 is available in new Blackout Edition finishes
By Matt Parker published
The GN’R guitar hero has debuted a new darker finish for his thunderous signature amp

Duane Eddy reflects on his signature sound, hanging with Elvis and the story behind his go-to Gretsch
By Matt Parker published
In this 2018 interview, available online for the first time, Eddy discusses the lessons learned as one of the founders of rock ‘n’ roll guitar

April 2024 Guitar World editors' picks
By Michael Astley-Brown published
From fast-rising indie rock acts and heavy playing pioneers to Beyoncé and beyond – here are our standout guitar tracks from the past 30 days

Strymon’s BigSky MX promises to usher in the next generation of reverb pedal
By Matt Parker published
The new reverb comes equipped with IR capability and a monster new chip that looks set to significantly expand the BigSky’s horizons

Jake Kiszka has started a new band – and they’re on tour with Greta Van Fleet right now
By Matt Parker published
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

Dweezil Zappa on the high-tech custom build that Eddie Van Halen dubbed “The Super Pluto Guitar”
By Matt Parker published
The tale of a truly distinctive instrument that was custom-made for a trio of rock’s most innovative players in the 1980s

Keith Richards’ Some Girls-era Telecaster is up for auction (without its original neck) – for $400K
By Matt Parker published
Built by the Rolling Stone’s go-to guitar tech Ted Newman Jones, the custom T-style has killer provenance but has been heavily modified since its Stones days

“A lot of people don’t know cheap guitars require the same energy, and resources to make as an expensive guitar”: How this Danish guitar company is turning factory rejects into some of its finest builds
By Matt Parker published
Baum Guitars’ Revival Collection has hit upon a rare form of guitar alchemy, turning some of its worst productions into its most desirable – and sustainable – builds

New study reveals how female guitarists have been denied credibility in the music press for over 60 years
By Janelle Borg published
A new research study examines the marginalization of female players in the music press
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