Jonathan HorsleySocial Links Navigation Latest articles by Jonathan Horsley Manson Takes the T-Style Back to the Future With Limited Edition DL-2 and MB-2 Matt Bellamy Signature Guitars By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 The DL-2 offers a more affordable version of the Muse guitarist’s DeLorean model, while the tricked-out MB-2 is equipped with X/Y MIDI screen controller, a Sustainiac Pro, and dual DB-90 pickups. Catalinbread Launches the Soft Focus Reverb Pedal, an “Instant Shoegaze Button” for Dreamy Guitar Ambience By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 Inspired by the rack-mounted Yamaha FX500 unit, the Soft Focus takes reverb off-road for recreating the shoegaze sounds of Souvlaki-era Slowdive and more. Fender Unveils MIJ Aerodyne Special Series, Offering All-New Finishes and Modern Updates to Its Strat, Tele, P and J Basses By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 The Aerodyne Special Series comes in hot with fresh color finishes, basswood bodies, custom-voiced pickups, Babicz Z-Series bridges and vibratos and 12" radius fingerboards. Gibson Recruits Slash, Paul McCartney and More for Ukraine Relief Fundraiser With Custom Les Pauls to Be Auctioned By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 Finished in azure blue and gold, the Guitars For Peace custom Les Pauls have been stage-played by Macca, Slash, and more, and go under the hammer with commemorative autograph books. Joanne Shaw Taylor Reunites With Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith for New Studio Album, Nobody’s Fool By Jonathan Horsley published 7 September 22 Nobody’s Fool is out October 28 and features guest spots from Carmen Vandenberg, JoBo himself, and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Ruokangas Launches the Valvebucker Mk2, a $2,000 Active Pickup Powered by Vacuum Tube By Jonathan Horsley published 7 September 22 The Valvebucker Mk2 now brings its audiophile mojo to the Finnish custom guitar company’s seven-string and four and five-string bass guitar formats, and arrives with a redesigned floor unit. Jackson Debuts New Made-in-Corona American Series With the Launch of the Soloist SL3 By Jonathan Horsley published 7 September 22 SoCal production line Jacksons are go! And the Soloist SL3 is up first, promising a speedy ride, whammy bar thrills, and versatility from its HSS configuration of Seymour Duncan pickups. Watch Wolfgang Van Halen Play “On Fire” and “Hot for Teacher” With Dave Grohl Playing Bass at Taylor Hawkins Tribute By Jonathan Horsley published 5 September 22 Wembley gathered to salute Hawkins but also paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, as Wolfgang joined Grohl, Justin Hawkins and Josh Freese for a blistering rendition of two Van Halen classics. Watch Dave Grohl, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee Tear Through Classic Rush Tracks at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show By Jonathan Horsley last updated 5 September 22 London's Wembley Stadium witnessed the return of Dave Grohl to the drum stool as he joined the Rush legends for “2112 Part I: Overture” and “Working Man.” Schecter Courts the Modern Prog Guitarist With AM-6 and AM-7 Aaron Marshall Signature Models By Jonathan Horsley published 5 September 22 The six and seven-string electrics are high-performance workhorses for the jobbing progressive shredder, but as the Intervals guitarist reveals, more high-end models are coming. Nail Vintage Silvertone Amp Tones With Jackson Audio’s Twin Twelve 1484 Preamp Pedal By Jonathan Horsley published 5 September 22 Jackson Audio teams up with Silvertone to house the Twin Twelve’s preamp stage in a stompbox that can be used as a studio-grade preamp, boost, EQ or overdrive. Watch Julian Lage Dial Up the Virtuosity in the Video for Playful New Single, “Chavez” By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 Taken from Lage’s forthcoming Blue Note album, View With a Room, “Chavez” finds drummer Dave King’s effervescent beat setting the tone for an audacious, life-affirming composition. Gretsch Releases a Pair of Stunning Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguins Into the Wild By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 …And they really do look magnificent, with flame maple tops, jeweled Gretsch arrow knobs, and finish options comprising Dark Cherry Metallic Flame and Amber Flame. EVH Updates Its Fashionably ‘80s 5150 Series with the Limited Edition Deluxe Ash Model By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 The EVH 5150 Series gets an all-natural, ash-bodied makeover that pairs Eddie Van Halen-style mods with a clean, playful look that calls to mind Jason Becker's “Numbers” guitar. Charvel Launches Jim Root Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 The Slipknot guitarist's Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E is a souped-up S-style with a clean aesthetic, and it might be built for metal but it should work a treat on all rock and shred styles. Watch Tommy Emmanuel Take a Rare Solo on Electric Guitar as Steve Vai Plays Rhythm By Jonathan Horsley published 30 August 22 The Australian acoustic guitar virtuoso was one of the guest tutors at Vai Academy 6.0 when he picked up an Ibanez JEM for a bluesy lead. LPD Pedals Releases Expanded Seventy4 Deluxe – a Preamp Pedal Offering Two Channels of Vintage British Amp Drive By Jonathan Horsley published 30 August 22 The amp-in-a-box specialist just doubled down on classic Plexi tones with an overdrive/distortion equipped with a versatile set of features. Gibson and Epiphone Launch Noel Gallagher 1960 ES-355 and Riviera Signature Models By Jonathan Horsley published 30 August 22 The Murphy Lab ES-355 is a meticulous recreation of the High Flying Birds guitarist's go-to live guitar, while the Riviera nails that Oasis vibe with its Dark Wine Red finish, and retails for $899. Josh Klinghoffer Says Rick Rubin Was “Way More a Hindrance than a Help” When Recording With Red Hot Chili Peppers By Jonathan Horsley published 29 August 22 The Pearl Jam touring guitarist argues that both his studio albums with RHCP were hampered by their producers. Watch Robben Ford Debut His Signature PRS Electric Guitar in Pro-Shot Set From Koko Jazz Club in Helsinki, Finland By Jonathan Horsley published 29 August 22 “How’s the guitar, too loud? Not loud enough? This is a brand new guitar for me,” said Ford, in a set of casual genius backed by an exceptional cast of backing players. Fishman Launches Signature Fluence Custom Series Humbucker for Riffs, Beards & Gear YouTuber Ryan ‘Fluff’ Bruce By Jonathan Horsley published 29 August 22 The Dragged Under guitarist's new signature bridge humbucker offers three voicings, with its active voice offering a high-output tone profile that pairs well with amp modelers. Sammy Hagar Says He Has Written a Song Using a Lick Eddie Van Halen Showed Him in a Dream By Jonathan Horsley published 25 August 22 In the dream, Eddie played Hagar a lick that he turned into a song as soon as he woke up, and he now plans on releasing it, giving his late bandmate a songwriting credit. Boss Rolls Out Next-Generation Dual Cube LX Digital Guitar and Bass Amplifiers By Jonathan Horsley published 25 August 22 A portable, rugged option for practice, performing and recording, the 10-watt stereo amps offer guitarists and bass players a comprehensive suite of 21st-century features. Gibson’s Cesar Gueikian Teases Signature Noel Gallagher Epiphone Riviera By Jonathan Horsley published 24 August 22 With a signature Gibson ES-335 Custom due by the end of the month, is there another signature model in the works for the High Flying Birds and former Oasis guitarist? Fender Unveils Custom Shop Replica of Jerry Garcia’s Heavily Modded Alligator Strat By Jonathan Horsley published 24 August 22 Master Builder Austin MacNutt took a forensic approach to recreating all the mods, wear, tear and mojo of one of the most iconic guitars in Grateful Dead history. 12Archives MOST READ1The Allman Brothers Band’s Dickey Betts has died at 802“Joe Walsh insisted that I buy it”: Jimmy Page on his “Number 1” 1959 Gibson Les Paul3How Robin Trower crafted his blistering tonal triumph, Day of the Eagle4Gary Clark Jr. never asked to be a guitar savior 5Best Travel Guitars 2024: Top Portable Instruments From Lowden, Furch, Martin and more
Manson Takes the T-Style Back to the Future With Limited Edition DL-2 and MB-2 Matt Bellamy Signature Guitars By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 The DL-2 offers a more affordable version of the Muse guitarist’s DeLorean model, while the tricked-out MB-2 is equipped with X/Y MIDI screen controller, a Sustainiac Pro, and dual DB-90 pickups.
Catalinbread Launches the Soft Focus Reverb Pedal, an “Instant Shoegaze Button” for Dreamy Guitar Ambience By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 Inspired by the rack-mounted Yamaha FX500 unit, the Soft Focus takes reverb off-road for recreating the shoegaze sounds of Souvlaki-era Slowdive and more.
Fender Unveils MIJ Aerodyne Special Series, Offering All-New Finishes and Modern Updates to Its Strat, Tele, P and J Basses By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 The Aerodyne Special Series comes in hot with fresh color finishes, basswood bodies, custom-voiced pickups, Babicz Z-Series bridges and vibratos and 12" radius fingerboards.
Gibson Recruits Slash, Paul McCartney and More for Ukraine Relief Fundraiser With Custom Les Pauls to Be Auctioned By Jonathan Horsley published 8 September 22 Finished in azure blue and gold, the Guitars For Peace custom Les Pauls have been stage-played by Macca, Slash, and more, and go under the hammer with commemorative autograph books.
Joanne Shaw Taylor Reunites With Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith for New Studio Album, Nobody’s Fool By Jonathan Horsley published 7 September 22 Nobody’s Fool is out October 28 and features guest spots from Carmen Vandenberg, JoBo himself, and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics.
Ruokangas Launches the Valvebucker Mk2, a $2,000 Active Pickup Powered by Vacuum Tube By Jonathan Horsley published 7 September 22 The Valvebucker Mk2 now brings its audiophile mojo to the Finnish custom guitar company’s seven-string and four and five-string bass guitar formats, and arrives with a redesigned floor unit.
Jackson Debuts New Made-in-Corona American Series With the Launch of the Soloist SL3 By Jonathan Horsley published 7 September 22 SoCal production line Jacksons are go! And the Soloist SL3 is up first, promising a speedy ride, whammy bar thrills, and versatility from its HSS configuration of Seymour Duncan pickups.
Watch Wolfgang Van Halen Play “On Fire” and “Hot for Teacher” With Dave Grohl Playing Bass at Taylor Hawkins Tribute By Jonathan Horsley published 5 September 22 Wembley gathered to salute Hawkins but also paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, as Wolfgang joined Grohl, Justin Hawkins and Josh Freese for a blistering rendition of two Van Halen classics.
Watch Dave Grohl, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee Tear Through Classic Rush Tracks at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show By Jonathan Horsley last updated 5 September 22 London's Wembley Stadium witnessed the return of Dave Grohl to the drum stool as he joined the Rush legends for “2112 Part I: Overture” and “Working Man.”
Schecter Courts the Modern Prog Guitarist With AM-6 and AM-7 Aaron Marshall Signature Models By Jonathan Horsley published 5 September 22 The six and seven-string electrics are high-performance workhorses for the jobbing progressive shredder, but as the Intervals guitarist reveals, more high-end models are coming.
Nail Vintage Silvertone Amp Tones With Jackson Audio’s Twin Twelve 1484 Preamp Pedal By Jonathan Horsley published 5 September 22 Jackson Audio teams up with Silvertone to house the Twin Twelve’s preamp stage in a stompbox that can be used as a studio-grade preamp, boost, EQ or overdrive.
Watch Julian Lage Dial Up the Virtuosity in the Video for Playful New Single, “Chavez” By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 Taken from Lage’s forthcoming Blue Note album, View With a Room, “Chavez” finds drummer Dave King’s effervescent beat setting the tone for an audacious, life-affirming composition.
Gretsch Releases a Pair of Stunning Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguins Into the Wild By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 …And they really do look magnificent, with flame maple tops, jeweled Gretsch arrow knobs, and finish options comprising Dark Cherry Metallic Flame and Amber Flame.
EVH Updates Its Fashionably ‘80s 5150 Series with the Limited Edition Deluxe Ash Model By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 The EVH 5150 Series gets an all-natural, ash-bodied makeover that pairs Eddie Van Halen-style mods with a clean, playful look that calls to mind Jason Becker's “Numbers” guitar.
Charvel Launches Jim Root Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 By Jonathan Horsley published 31 August 22 The Slipknot guitarist's Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E is a souped-up S-style with a clean aesthetic, and it might be built for metal but it should work a treat on all rock and shred styles.
Watch Tommy Emmanuel Take a Rare Solo on Electric Guitar as Steve Vai Plays Rhythm By Jonathan Horsley published 30 August 22 The Australian acoustic guitar virtuoso was one of the guest tutors at Vai Academy 6.0 when he picked up an Ibanez JEM for a bluesy lead.
LPD Pedals Releases Expanded Seventy4 Deluxe – a Preamp Pedal Offering Two Channels of Vintage British Amp Drive By Jonathan Horsley published 30 August 22 The amp-in-a-box specialist just doubled down on classic Plexi tones with an overdrive/distortion equipped with a versatile set of features.
Gibson and Epiphone Launch Noel Gallagher 1960 ES-355 and Riviera Signature Models By Jonathan Horsley published 30 August 22 The Murphy Lab ES-355 is a meticulous recreation of the High Flying Birds guitarist's go-to live guitar, while the Riviera nails that Oasis vibe with its Dark Wine Red finish, and retails for $899.
Josh Klinghoffer Says Rick Rubin Was “Way More a Hindrance than a Help” When Recording With Red Hot Chili Peppers By Jonathan Horsley published 29 August 22 The Pearl Jam touring guitarist argues that both his studio albums with RHCP were hampered by their producers.
Watch Robben Ford Debut His Signature PRS Electric Guitar in Pro-Shot Set From Koko Jazz Club in Helsinki, Finland By Jonathan Horsley published 29 August 22 “How’s the guitar, too loud? Not loud enough? This is a brand new guitar for me,” said Ford, in a set of casual genius backed by an exceptional cast of backing players.
Fishman Launches Signature Fluence Custom Series Humbucker for Riffs, Beards & Gear YouTuber Ryan ‘Fluff’ Bruce By Jonathan Horsley published 29 August 22 The Dragged Under guitarist's new signature bridge humbucker offers three voicings, with its active voice offering a high-output tone profile that pairs well with amp modelers.
Sammy Hagar Says He Has Written a Song Using a Lick Eddie Van Halen Showed Him in a Dream By Jonathan Horsley published 25 August 22 In the dream, Eddie played Hagar a lick that he turned into a song as soon as he woke up, and he now plans on releasing it, giving his late bandmate a songwriting credit.
Boss Rolls Out Next-Generation Dual Cube LX Digital Guitar and Bass Amplifiers By Jonathan Horsley published 25 August 22 A portable, rugged option for practice, performing and recording, the 10-watt stereo amps offer guitarists and bass players a comprehensive suite of 21st-century features.
Gibson’s Cesar Gueikian Teases Signature Noel Gallagher Epiphone Riviera By Jonathan Horsley published 24 August 22 With a signature Gibson ES-335 Custom due by the end of the month, is there another signature model in the works for the High Flying Birds and former Oasis guitarist?
Fender Unveils Custom Shop Replica of Jerry Garcia’s Heavily Modded Alligator Strat By Jonathan Horsley published 24 August 22 Master Builder Austin MacNutt took a forensic approach to recreating all the mods, wear, tear and mojo of one of the most iconic guitars in Grateful Dead history.