Roland RE-201 Space Echo

Old & New

This month’s cover feature on 2022’s GAS-inducing crop

Horns Of Plenty

Another new Epiphone model enters the fray, promising the looks, sound and playability of its USA Gibson cousin at a fraction of the price

Born Again

While the majority of guitar makers plunder the past, Relish continues to look forwards. We take the wraps off its most affordable guitar to date

Black & Blue

No sooner had we finished testing Vox’s Bobcats in 2021, and there’s now a pair with Bigsby vibratos and a moodier vibe

At Your Service

“Your tone is served,” says Orange as the renowned British amp builder presents a juicy new preamp

the Wishlist Dream gear to beg, borrow and steal for...

Cream T Aurora BFGT1PS £3,999

Rock Solid

BOSS NEXTONE SPECIAL 1X12 COMBO £814

Valve-Free World

Solid-state and digital technology takes centre stage in these impressive live options

State Of The Art

Non-valve amplification is far from new. Let’s turn back the clock…

Heat Wave

TAYLOR AD27E FLAMETOP £2,495

Living The Dream

The maple-topped AD27e is the latest addition to Taylor’s American Dream series. Master guitar designer, Andy Powers, tells the story of the guitar that “doesn’t sound like a Taylor”

Infinite Sample Sustainer

Freeze your sound for eternity – or just long enough to make music!

Carl Martin pedals

Take a trip with far-out sounds inspired by familiar tones

Fender Dual pedals

The guitar giant doubles up on the distortion and reverb

The Players

The latest news, views and happenings from the world of your favourite guitarists

Albums

The month’s best guitar music – a hand-picked selection of the finest fretwork on wax

Tones Behind The Tracks

The new album from flatpicker extraordinaire Molly Tuttle sees her exploring her influences with a stunning set of original tunes

In The Comfort Zone

This issue Adam Goldsmith enjoys knowing what’s what with his guitar parts, fellow musicians and a tried-and-tested secret weapon

Mondegreen Fingers

Neville Marten recounts a few amusing instances of lyrical mishearings, musical mix-ups and plain ignorance…

All That Jazz

The rediscovery of an old CD draws Alex Bishop back into the sound of 1930s Paris and the Selmer-Maccaferri guitar

Squashing The Squeaks

Jamie Dickson wants to know how to banish the rattle and squeak – and acoustic master Martin Simpson is only too happy to advise

Powerchord Alternatives

Richard Barrett explores voicings that go beyond the usual ‘5’ chord for some impactful and harmonically interesting sounds

Feedback

Your letters to the Guitarist editor. Drop us a line at guitarist@futurenet.com

Longtermers

A few months’ gigging, recording and everything that goes with it – welcome to Guitarist’s longterm test report

WARREN HAYNES

The Gov’t Mule guitar-slinger tells the story of a freebie Danelectro and how humbuckers rule his sound

Understanding P-90s

This issue, we welcome guitarist and restoration expert Huw Price as he puts classic gear under the microscope each month. To kick off, the venerable P-90…

TWEAKING TIPS

Everything you need to know – and more – about modifying your P-90s

A WEIGHTY MATTER

As he considers a partscaster build, Dave Burrluck discusses how the weight of its biggest part – the body – can affect the final guitar. Time to get on the scales…

METAL MACHINES

A reader questions whether the use of metal scratchplates and the like can have a detrimental effect on an instrument

Back Talk

Zilla Cabs’ Paul Gough presents the pros and cons of open-and closed-back cabinet designs – and the important influence they have on your tone

1956 & 1957 Gibson Les Paul Models

This pair of rare Goldtops has been adorned with some extra-special bling

DUMBLE Under The Hood

Following the death of Alexander Dumble in January, we take a deeper dive into the legendary designs that bear his name, and the gear and sounds that followed from his influence

ERIC KRASNO

Many guitarists would love to have the chops of BB King or Grant Green. Others would settle for being a great songwriter. But LA’s Eric Krasno has both fretboard fire and a prolific pen, making him one of the most exciting R&B-vibed guitarists working today

THE BEST NEW GEAR FOR 2022

From a renaissance in British guitar making to next-gen digital modelling amps and tech-enhanced acoustics, the future of tone has arrived – and it’s looking bright

ELECTRICS

1 2 1 ATKIN ELECTRIC SERIES In a

GREEN FINGERS

The hand-crafted Bethnal Green pickups used measurements and

RISING STARS

The UK’s guitar building sector gets a new

ACOUSTICS

1 2 1 FENDER PARAMOUNT SERIES Fender is

MODERN ROMANCE

Martin’s Modern Deluxe range, launched in 2019, aimed to combine traditional looks with progressive lutherie and luxury appointments. It was such a hit that 2022 sees no less than seven models added to this ultra-desirable series

AMPS & EFFECTS

1 FENDER HAMMERTONE SERIES PEDALS Following 2021’s release

STATE OF THE TUBE

Valve expert Stewart Gebbie gives us a pro’s perspective on the future of amp valves

JOE SATRIANI

Returning with new album, The Elephants Of Mars, the virtuoso king tells us about turning his back on amps, winging it on sitar and what he really thinks of Steve Vai’s new triple-neck signature model

BILLY BRAGG

Billy Bragg started his career as a punk-powered agitator who laid bare the tattered soul of 80s England in his songs. Over time he’s become a devoted historian of early rock ’n’ roll, while his songcraft has embraced Americana influences, sparking a love affair with 1930s resonator guitars. We joined him to talk about his new album and discuss why Lonnie Donegan ain’t no joke…

Blues Headlines

Richard Barrett is on a mission to make you a better blues player – with full audio examples and backing tracks