Guitarist Magazine - Summer 2023

In this issue

Ultimate Strats
Join us as we search for the apex of Stratocaster design, charting the course of Fender’s most famous electric with input from vintage guitar experts, plus 15 mods you can try at home, Bare Knuckle’s new addition to the cause, and a selection of the best S-styles out there.

Go For Gold

When is a Telecaster not a Telecaster? When it comes with a pair of mini-humbuckers, a mahogany body and ebony fingerboard like this one!

4 mins

Top Drawer Tone

Emprize combines two coveted vintage Fender voices, authentically capturing brown-panel lead tones and black-panel rhythm sounds in one amp

5 mins

Royal Flash

A highly anticipated signature version of Vox’s unique Nutube micro head, approved by Brian May himself

2 mins

Animal Instinct

The pedal that Electro-Harmonix could have made in the 1970s (but didn’t) is now here with some help from JHS Pedals

2 mins

Preamp Glory

This classy tone-shaping boost and drive from Origin Effects is based on a vintage valve-powered preamp

2 mins

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

Fender Mod Shop Telecaster £2,179

2 mins

Fretbuzz

A monthly look at must-hear artists from all corners of the guitar world, from the roots of their sound to the tracks that matter most

3 mins

Tones Behind The Tracks

The latest album from jazz guitarist and composer Ralph Towner enchants with beautiful playing on new pieces and jazz standards

7 mins

Blues For Greeny

Being invited to speak and play at the preview of Peter Green's guitar sale at Bonhams was a huge privilege - and a worry, says Neville Marten

3 mins

Under The Knife

As a last resort, Alex Bishop prepares to operate on a vintage Yamaha acoustic - but will it recover from the ordeal?

3 mins

IN THE NAME OF LOVE

When it came to remaking 40 classic U2 tracks for Songs Of Surrender, The Edge was guided by his heart and one grand idea - \"to make intimacy the new version of punk rock\"

10+ mins

Ultimate STRATS

The Strat is the most famous electric of all time - the original guitar for all seasons. But which version represents the pinnacle of its evolution? We take a deep dive into Leo's masterpiece, in the company of experts, to try to find an answer...

10+ mins

VINTAGE ICON

David Davidson of Well Strung Guitars talks us through an experimental 1967 Semi-Hollow Fender Stratocaster Prototype from Fender's R&D department made with zebrawood

3 mins

HEAVY TRIP

Bare Knuckle MD Tim Mills on the breakthroughs and bumps in the road behind Rabea Massaad’s seismic new Triptych Strat single coils

4 mins

JIMMY PAGE NON-REVERSE c.1968 GIBSON FIREBIRD III|

A 'Bird in the hand could be worth more than you think - especially if it has a colourful history involving a Led Zeppelin drinking game. We ask vintage specialist Mike Long of ATB Guitars about the provenance of this Page-owned beauty and the buoyant market for Gibson's underloved cult hero

6 mins

DUKE LEVINE

What makes a great professional guitarist? Excellent chops, world experience, all-round versatility, eclectic taste in music, superb tones and the ability to blend seamlessly into a new band - all talents of Duke Levine, who recently took over guitar duties in Bonnie Raitt's band of premier musicians

6 mins

RIGHT PLACE, RAITT TIME

Bonnie Raitt on her new guitar sideman

2 mins

Back In Black

While PRS has been making its mark on the bolt-on market, we finally get a new Core model, the shapeshifting modern Eagle V. But is it really new?

8 mins

Experience In Sound

The sonic adventures of Paul Reed Smith show no signs of slowing down. We drop in for a catch-up, but can we keep up?

4 mins

Top Notch

We talk to Dana Bourgeois about the new Touchstone range, the importance of tuning in a guitar top, and what lies in the future for the series

5 mins

Role Model

IK Multimedia's Tonex tone-capturing ecosystem expands with a hardware box to take those sounds on stage

5 mins

DISTORTING HISTORY

These days, players can choose from hundreds of replacement pickups. But back in the early 70s Larry DiMarzio single-handedly kickstarted the entire industry with his hot-output Super Distortion humbucker. We met NYC's king of tone to find out more

10+ mins

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Guitarist Magazine Description:

Strum, pick, and play your way through the enchanting world of guitars with Guitarist Magazine. Your ultimate guide to all things guitar, from techniques to gear and artists. Explore the latest in guitar news, lessons, and inspiration by reading Guitarist Magazine.

Guitarist Magazine, published by Future, is more than just a publication; it's your backstage pass to the world of guitars. With a rich history and a profound love for the instrument, this magazine is the definitive source for all guitar enthusiasts.

As you flip through the pages of Guitarist, you'll embark on a melodic journey through the world of guitars:

* Guitar News: Stay updated with the latest guitar industry news, from new releases to artist features.

* Lessons and Techniques: Elevate your guitar skills with lessons, tips, and techniques from experts and artists.

* Gear Reviews: Discover in-depth reviews of guitars, amplifiers, pedals, and accessories to make informed choices.

* Artist Profiles: Learn from the best with profiles of guitar legends and emerging talents.

* Music and Inspiration: Dive into the world of music, with features on albums, tracks, and the artists who make them.


Get ready to enhance your guitar skills and dive into the world of guitars with Guitarist Magazine. Subscribe now and join a community of passionate guitar enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Guitarist Magazine has something special for every guitarist. It's time to play and be inspired!