FLOOR AMPS & MULTI-EFFECTS

Compact tone from world-class amps-in-boxes and feature-packed multi-effects processors

BLACKSTAR ST JAMES EL34 1x12 COMBO

In recent years we've seen many guitar amplification designs leveraging Class D technology to produce lots of watts from unfeasibly small packages.

AMPS

Portable power with vintage tone, modern features or both you're spoilt for choice

THE ACOUSTIC PARADOX

Are there times when a top-ofthe-range acoustic guitar is just foo good to use for the job in hand?

TAYLOR 724CE KOA

Taylor’s commitment to a more ecological approach regarding the use of timbers in its guitars is exemplified in its new koa-bodied 700 Series.

PRESTIGE ELECTRICS

The flawless electrics that reside at the peak of guitar design in 2022

MAINSTREAM ELECTRICS

Irresistible builds from both sides of the pond

THERE'S A STORM A'COMING

Rising prices are everywhere, including on our cherished guitars. VWWe discuss the background to the ongoing price hikes with the head of PRS Europe, Gavin Mortimer

GEAR YEAR OF THE

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN WE PRESENT OUR PICK OF 2022’S MOST OUTSTANDING GEAR

WALTER TROUT

Now in his 70s, having survived rock 'n' roll excess and a debilitating pandemic-induced depression, Walter Trout takes us on the emotional road he travelled to release his 30th solo album, Ride, a record that revisits the trials of his New Jersey childhood and affirms his place in the annals of blues-rock

Voice Leading

Richard Barrett shares some useful gradual transitions between chords around the fretboard

And Custom For All

Fender's Mod Shop offers buyers the chance to custom-build a new guitar andit’s cheaper than going the Custom Shop route. Our editors try it out

Under Pressure

This issue, Alex Bishop deals with the twin troubles of tension and playability that you may encounter when building a guitar

Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)

Neville Marten recalls how playing thousands of good and bad instruments has gained him a degree from the guitar university of life’

Albums

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

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

Gas Supply

Our pick of the month's most delectable and wallet-bothering new gear

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

PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty £4,995

Gimme Five

Walrus Audio adds to its Five-State range of overdrive and distortion effects with this quintet of fuzzes in one box

Dish The Dirt

The famous DS-1 has been on sale since 1978, but now here’s a revamped version of Boss’s best-selling compact pedal

Design For Life

This well-appointed single-cut from Vintage might just give the big boys a run for their money

Team Player

Chapman is the latest brand to take advantage of York-based UK Guitar Builders’ manufacturing facility to produce its new flagship model. We plug in the first batch

One For Your Money

Following last year’s release of the award-winning Dept. 10 valve pedals, Blackstar’s multi-function, paperback-sized new tone machine has arrived to cover any need

Light Headed

This month, editor Jamie Dickson ponders the ultimate lightweight gigging setup.....

Tones Behind The Tracks

Julian Lage's new album is full of his signature virtuoso-level guitar playing with splashes of colour provided by special guest Bill Frisell

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

Saucerful Of Syd

One man's quest for early Pink Floyd sound resulted in this stompbox emulation of a long-forgotten 1960s British amp

Inside Story

Walrus Audio takes you on an ambient adventure with five programs that mix reverbs and delays

THE WISHLIST

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

Slide Show

A newly refreshed lap steel from Gretsch, with bags of style