A lovingly crafted salute to one of the most storied guitars in rock history Some instruments become iconic because of the records they appear on. Others become iconic because of the person who played them. Keith Richards’ black 1960 Gibson ES‑355 effortlessly ticks both boxes. From the swaggering sessions of Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. to countless stadium tours from the late ’90s onward, the guitar has become a permanent extension of Richards himself. To celebrate that legacy, Gibson Custom has unveiled the Keith Richards 1960 ES‑355 Collector’s Edition, an extraordinarily detailed recreation limited to just 100 guitars worldwide — each one…
Author: Mark Wayte
Across the guitar world, Epiphone has always carried an interesting dual identity: historically intertwined with Gibson, yet carving out its own space by making classic designs accessible to a wider range of players. The latest Inspired by Gibson collection is the strongest expression of that idea to date. Instead of simply mimicking iconic models, this range focuses on consistency, historical accuracy, and genuinely thoughtful updates to playability. Epiphone has tightened up neck carves, improved hardware stability, refined fretwork, and chosen pickups that actually reflect the sonic intent of the originals. What emerges is a line of instruments that feel cohesive…
NAMM 2026 has seen Ibanez unveil two highly anticipated signature guitars that reflect the unique playing styles of two influential metal guitarists: JB Brubaker of August Burns Red and Kiko Loureiro, formerly of Megadeth and Angra. Both models are rooted in classic Ibanez designs but feature custom specifications tailored to each artist’s needs, making them standout additions to the Ibanez lineup. https://youtu.be/bTGRCNuMq5E?si=hRm_m3Fso4qloD1Z JB Brubaker JBBM40 – A Metalcore Machine Based on the RGA JB Brubaker’s guitar work with August Burns Red is synonymous with precision, speed, and clarity. His riffs and solos demand an instrument that can handle aggressive rhythms and articulate leads…
NAMM 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event for Seymour Duncan. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s taking the opportunity to honor its roots while unveiling technology aimed squarely at the future of guitar tone. Two major releases highlight this dual vision: a vintage-correct recreation of the JB / Jazz humbucker set and a new active system called MortalCoil. A Nod to the Past: The 50th Anniversary JB / Jazz Humbucker Set Few pickup combinations have had the impact of Seymour Duncan’s JB and Jazz humbuckers. Introduced in the mid-1970s, they quickly became a go-to pairing…
Neural DSP has just dropped a major announcement: the Quad Cortex mini is here, launching alongside CorOS 4.0.0. This is big news for guitarists, bassists, and producers who want the full Quad Cortex experience in a smaller, more portable format—without sacrificing power or tone. This has just been announced at the NAMM show. Here’s what we know so far. https://youtu.be/9HzXdhslnRw?si=zkg0trPi5N-N2fVT Highlighted Features Same processing power, audio quality, and Neural Capture technology as Quad Cortex, with an unprecedented level of processing power for its size and price Dimensions: 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm weighing 1.5 kg More than 50% smaller footprint, while retaining…
When Mesa Boogie first unleashed the Dual and Triple Rectifier® Solo Heads in the early ’90s, they didn’t just release amplifiers—they changed the course of modern guitar tone. These amps became the backbone of heavy music, powering everything from detuned riffs to soaring leads across countless records. Now, more than three decades later, Mesa has revived the most powerful member of the family: the Triple Rectifier® Solo Head, a 150-watt beast that remains as uncompromising as ever. A Legacy of Excess The Triple Rectifier was always about going further—more headroom, more punch, more authority. While the Dual Rectifier became a staple…
In live sound and studio environments, troubleshooting audio issues quickly and accurately is essential. XVIVE has introduced two powerful tools designed to make diagnosing problems easier than ever: the AT-2 and the AT-3. Both are aimed squarely at audio professionals but are intuitive enough for gigging musicians and venue operators who need reliable solutions on the go. AT-2: Compact and Essential https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hs9pndDdGk The AT-2 is a portable, high-precision audio tester that packs five essential functions into a single unit. Building on the success of the AT-1, it offers improved accuracy and stability while remaining easy to carry. Here’s what it can do: Signal Generator Outputs…
Behringer’s BM-18M CLUSTER BOX is a modulation pedal designed for musicians who want precise control over chorus, flanger, and vibrato effects, with routing options that extend well beyond traditional stompbox boundaries. Part of Behringer’s new stomp box range Inspired by a popular modulation series from the 1990s, the CLUSTER BOX blends familiar textures with advanced shaping tools, making it suitable for guitarists, synth players, and modular artists alike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjxjQgm1Zu0 Key Features Multi-mode modulation: Switch between chorus, flanger, and vibrato effects using a dedicated range rocker for varied tonal textures. Six-shape LFO selector: Modulate rate, amount, delay, and feedback with multiple…
Few bands have left as deep a mark on modern music as Oasis. From the swagger of Definitely Maybe to the anthemic heights of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, their sound defined a generation and reshaped British rock in the 1990s. Now, with the band back together and embarking on the highly anticipated Live ’25 tour, fans have more than just concerts to look forward to. Gibson and Epiphone have unveiled three signature guitars that pay tribute to the instruments behind those legendary songs: the Gibson Noel Gallagher Les Paul™ Standard, the Epiphone Bonehead Riviera, and the Epiphone MasterBuilt Gem…
Digital multi-effects units and amp modellers dominate much of today’s gear landscape. They offer convenience, presets, and endless routing options—but for many players and producers, they lack the immediacy and tactile control that analogue pedals provide. Turning a physical knob, hearing the circuit respond in real time, and shaping sound with your hands remains a creative experience that digital menus can’t replicate. Behringer’s BM-11M Low Pass Filter and BM-14M Vintage Analogue Delay are designed for those who value that hands-on approach. Both pedals are faithful recreations of iconic Moog designs from the 1990s, capturing the original tone with a high…
