Rod Brakes

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Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World, Guitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.

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Latest articles by Rod Brakes

Jeff Beck performs at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California on April 17, 1999.

Watch Jeff Beck Play Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” and Blow TV Host's Mind

By Rod Brakes published 7 July 23

Video The audience is left stunned while the presenter is rendered speechless by this awesome display of guitar-playing talent

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The All-American Acoustic Guitar: This Rare Sunburst D-18 From 1936 Represents a Pinnacle of Martin’s Craftsmanship

By Rod Brakes published 7 July 23

Pre-war Martins are among the most collectible flat-tops in the world – and this stunning example is one of the cleanest we’ve seen

Axl Rose and Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses perform as the band headline the Pyramid Stage at Day 4 of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on June 24, 2023.

“It’s the Greatest Accolade You Could Hope for”: Guns N’ Roses Guitarist Richard Fortus Champions Independent U.K. Boutique Builder Ivison Guitars

By Rod Brakes published 5 July 23

Talented British luthier Neil Ivison gives ‘Guitar Player’ the inside scoop on his now world-famous Dakota electric guitar played by Guns N’ Roses’ longest-serving guitarist

A Favorite of Jimmy Page, Don Felder and Slash, the Gibson EDS-1275 Double-Neck Solidbody Started out Here

By Rod Brakes published 30 June 23

This rare, custom-order 1957 Gibson Double 12 features six- and 12-string necks

Warm Audio ODD Box V1 and Mutation Phasor II

Warm Audio Releases the ODD Box V1 and Mutation Phasor II

By Rod Brakes published 28 June 23

This hard-clipping overdrive and vintage-style phaser are inspired by some pedalboard classics

Jeff Beck and Tim Bogert (bass) perform live with The Jeff Beck Group (Beck, Bogert & Appice) in Amsterdam, Holland in September 1972

Listen to Jeff Beck’s Newly Released “Superstition” Live Recording Ahead of the Epic Beck, Bogert & Appice Boxed Set

By Rod Brakes published 27 June 23

Revisited by Jeff Beck prior to his death, the ‘Live in Japan 1973, Live in London 1974’ boxed set showcases previously unreleased live performances from his legendary power trio

If You Like Analog Delay You’ll Love the New Boss DM-101 Delay Machine

By Rod Brakes published 22 June 23

Featuring a CPU-controlled analog circuit boasting eight BBDs, this powerful stompbox is a smorgasbord of classic echo

The History of Rickenbacker 360/365/370/375 Capris

By Rod Brakes published 15 June 23

Rickenbacker’s Deluxe semi-hollow electrics exhibited the full artistry of master luthier Roger Rossmeisl

1951 Fender Telecaster featuring prototype Bigsby and sunburst custom finish

This Experimental 1951 Fender Telecaster Has a Story Like No Other Vintage Guitar

By Rod Brakes published 14 June 23

David Davidson of Well Strung Guitars tells the amazing tale of a prototype Bigsby Tele in an unusual sunburst finish

Gibson ES-335TDC and ES-33TDC known as Big Red beloning to Ten Years after guitarist Alvin Lee

The History of the Gibson ES-335TD

By Rod Brakes published 8 June 23

This iconic semi-hollow thinline presented the best of both the solidbody and acoustic worlds

The History of the Gibson Super 400CES

By Rod Brakes published 2 June 23

We trace the evolution of these superlative guitars with jazzbox expert and author Dr Thomas A. Van Hoose

Les Paul Said He Gave Gibson All of His Secrets for This Guitar, but Why Didn’t It Sell?!

By Rod Brakes published 2 June 23

An under-the-radar vintage gem, here’s why Les Paul’s favorite signature model suffered a similar fate to the now uber-collectible ‘Burst

The History of the Martin 0-18

By Rod Brakes published 1 June 23

Available now in Martin’s Standard Series, the 0-18 remains small in stature but big on tone

“I See It as a Bridge Between My Solo Music and Toto Music”: Check out Steve Lukather’s New “Someone” Visualizer From His Forthcoming Album, ‘Bridges’

By Rod Brakes published 26 May 23

Video "Toto will never record another studio album," says Luke

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Photo of Peter GREEN; posed, studio, holding the Gibson Les Paul guitar he sold to Gary Moore

Want to Know the Secret to Peter Green’s Guitar Setups?

By Rod Brakes published 25 May 23

Restoration expert and ‘Famous Frets’ author Steve Clarke reveals this surprise from Bonham’s Peter Green Collection

Yes From left: drummer Jay Schellen, guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Billy Sherwood, singer Jon Davison, and keyboardist Geoff Downes

“This Album Is Demonstrative of Us Growing and Building Again”: Watch the New Yes “Circles of Time” Music Video

By Rod Brakes published 25 May 23

Video The band’s latest single is taken from their sensational new studio album, ‘Mirror to the Sky’

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ROTHBURY, MI - JULY 05: Guitarist Dave Shul of Michael Franti and Spearhead performs during the Rothbury Music Festival at the Double JJ Ranch on July 5, 2008 in Rothbury, Michigan.

“I Grew up With Songs. Now, It’s the YouTube, Instagram Age Where You’ve Got All These Bedroom Mozarts”: Listen to Our Compelling ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ Podcast Featuring Dave Shul

By Rod Brakes published 24 May 23

“Could these people actually play with other musicians?” asks the San Francisco funk ace

Watch Jared James Nichols’ Barnstorming “Easy Come, Easy Go” Video

By Rod Brakes published 24 May 23

Video This live performance film accompanies the second single from the guitarist’s new album

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D'Addario XS packet and Taylor acoustic guitar headstock

“They Make a Guitar Sound Musical”: Taylor Guitars Switches to D'Addario Coated XS Phosphor Bronze Strings

By Rod Brakes published 24 May 23

Taylor and D’Addario join forces to create an “enhanced level of premium sound and performance”

Dutch-born American Rock musician Eddie Van Halen (1955 - 2020), of the group Van Halen, performs onstage at the Jacksonville Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, January 18, 1984.

Watch the Epic ‘Van Halen 1984 Documentary’ Miniseries for Free! First Two Episodes Out Today

By Rod Brakes published 24 May 23

Video Don’t miss this essential five-part fan-made rockumentary debuting today on YouTube

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John 5 plays a Fender John 5 Ghost Telecaster

The Fender John 5 Ghost Telecaster Finally Materializes

By Rod Brakes published 23 May 23

This new limited edition model captures the spirit of the Mötley Crüe guitarist

The History of Martin 45-Series Acoustic Guitars

By Rod Brakes published 23 May 23

Take a close look at this stunning pre-war 000-45 with CF Martin & Co’s museum and archives specialist, Jason Ahner, as he schools us on the history of Martin’s flagship flat-tops

Listen to the New ‘Jeff Beck Tribute’ EP

By Rod Brakes published 19 May 23

Featuring previously unreleased material, this three-track collection appears ahead of next week’s Royal Albert Hall tribute concerts

Gretsch Celebrates 140th Anniversary With the Double Platinum Collection

By Rod Brakes published 19 May 23

The historic instrument builder’s new line includes six models inspired by classic designs

Joe Bonamassa plays a Gibson ES-355 live

“The Crowds Are Really Digging It”: Watch Joe Bonamassa’s New “I Want to Shout About It” Music Video

By Rod Brakes published 19 May 23

Video JB’s crowd-pleasing version of the Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters “party song” is taken from his new studio album

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"I was playing the wrong key and everything, but it didn't seem to matter": Watch George Harrison play a Little Richard classic with Deep Purple in 1984
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“It was a way to kind of memorialize the folks that I lost”: Grieving the death of his grandparents and close friend Joey DeFrancesco, jazz guitar ace Dan Wilson found solace in creating his beautiful new album, Things Eternal
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”If you don’t get your act together, then you can’t expect your band to be.” Session player and bandleader Ben Misterka shares his wisdom on playing savvy in the post-pandemic world
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Don’t miss out on a Black Friday bargain - Sweetwater’s up to 80% off Cyber Week sale is only live for 3 more days
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“It’s the sound of the Stones: a five-string with a six-string on top. Guitars are amazing things – you can make an orchestra out of them…” Keith Richards on life without Charlie, The Beatles and the Stones, and new album Hackney Diamonds