Latest articles by Phil Weller
How Spiro Dussias became shred’s next great hope – and ended up giving Dream Theater guitar lessons
One of 2024’s standout metal guitarists on what it’s like to be compared to Tosin Abasi, why nothing compares to his ESP Horizon, and how amp modeling is about to get crazy
Marshall teases the release of a modded JCM, as a new era for the legendary amp brand beckons
The British gear firm is preparing for its first NAMM in five years – and it looks like a new range of effects pedals is on the cards, too
ESP has dropped a new LTD signature guitar for Richard ZK – and it’s got the Rammstein riffer rather excited
The guitarist road-tested and experimented with various prototypes before landing on the final form
Cort and Hedras continue to elevate their progressive electric design with new Mutility II
Improved ergonomics and bolstered tonal versatility headline Cort’s latest Hedras-designed drop
Dennis Fano is now leading both Fano and Novo – as his two boutique companies merge
Both firms were founded by Fano, and now they’ve been brought under one leadership structure for the first time
Ibanez and JTC claim to have created the world’s most advanced guitar cable
The Glideline collaborative instrument cable delivers high-resolution signals that “eliminate any compromise” from guitar tones
Boss takes on Universal Audio and Two Notes with the Waza Tube Amp Expander Core
The streamlined take on a studio favorite aims to help players get the most out of their at-home recording and practice tube amp setups
Iconic Guitars forms a partnership to watch as it recruits former Fender Master Builder John Cruz
John Cruz Custom Guitars closed its doors in 2023, but the boutique firm has promptly snapped up his services and expertise as it eyes fresh growth
PRS looks to the future with new pickups, overhauled specs, and two models inspired by pre-factory builds
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Maryland brand has continued to push the boundaries of electric guitar refinement with a range of new developments and lineup refreshes
How Robert Fripp helped Steve Vai tailor his King Crimson playing on the BEAT tour with one piece of advice
After watching clips of one of the early BEAT shows, the King Crimson guitarist had some words of wisdom for his stand-in regarding an especially tricky track
Vintage squares up to Positive Grid and Boss with its Retro desktop modeling amp range – which starts at less than $150
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
Mike Bloomfield’s Telecaster – which was used during Bob Dylan’s 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance – is up for sale
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
One of the firm’s most obscure designs of the 1970s looks set for an unlikely return
Breedlove turns to an unsung tonewood for two new special edition acoustics that promise “unparalleled tonal qualities”
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
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
Ibanez takes a leaf out of its heavy electric playbook to produce its most ‘metal’ acoustics yet
Featuring “in-demand” tonewoods and high-end electronics, the new Blackout lineup offers a metal-inspired twist to the traditional acoustic guitar recipe
Mike Bloomfield’s missing custom-painted ’66 Fender Telecaster – which was lost in 1974 – is going up for sale
The quirky Tele, which mysteriously disappeared in the 1970s after it had been used by Bloomfield, was recently discovered
Dante Swan is blurring the lines between djent and trap music – and he wants you to steal his riffs
The Chicago guitarist’s unique fusion of styles is expanding the horizons of where metal guitar can go, with the backing of Tosin Abasi
Has HeadRush changed the future of amp modeler rigs with a tiny $149 FRFR cab?
The 30-watt FRFR-GO offers color-free amping of modelers for just shy of $150
Hughes & Kettner finally brings back its Puretone amp by popular demand... as a plugin
The no-nonsense amp head, which has been re-purposed by Nembrini Audio, has joined the digital realm
Keeley takes on the Walrus Fundamental and JHS 3 Series with new range of $99 Sweetwater exclusives
From a David Gilmour-inspired fuzz to a classic Marshall-style amp tone in a pedal, the budget collection packs plenty of appeal
Jimmy Carter planted trees and personally harvested the wood that was later used to create his custom acoustic
The former President planted an orchard in the 1990s, and at the age of 95, personally cut down a tree for it to be turned into a guitar
Randall Smith on the origins of his ‘hammer test’ that makes Mesa/Boogies bulletproof
We don’t recommend trying this at home, but it’s a test that has helped Mesa/Boogie amps stand the rigors of touring throughout the decades
