The Memorial Day sales have only just died down, but Guitar Center has already seen fit to tempt us further with some sweet discounts on acoustic guitars hitting up to 30% off. With big money off acoustic guitars, acoustic electric guitars, classical guitars, as well as some folk favorites like ukuleles and resonators, it’s the ideal place to pick up an acoustic instrument for less.

The sale runs until June 24th, so you’ve got a whole month to cash in on the deals. With pretty much every major acoustic guitar manufacturer represented in the sale, savings on Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, Epiphone, and many more make this one of the best opportunities to save of the year so far.

I’ve had a look through the full sale, and the first thing to catch my eye was $100 off this Recording King RPH-R2-E Dirty 30s Minnie Bucker Resonator. Perfect for slide and delta blues, it features a hand-spun aluminium resonator and a mini humbucker, which makes it ideal for players who want to plug in and play live.

I covered this deal in the Memorial Day sales, and while there’s a little less off it now, I still reckon this Gibson J-45 Studio with $200 off is an excellent deal. If you’re a regularly gigging player, this is a quality acoustic that delivers superb tone with its Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and side tonewood construction, and an LR Baggs electronics system that means it delivers when you plug it in.

Finally, I had to point out this limited edition Taylor 414ce, which is one of our favorite acousti-electric guitars here at Guitar Player. This version is only available at Guitar Center and features a unique sunburst top, Italian acrylic diamonds inlays, and gold Taylor tuning machines for a premium look. With $200 off, it’s superb value for money in my book.

The Memorial Day guitar sales are officially live and kicking, and latest to join the fray is Guitar Center, who’ve launched a sale with up to 30% off a huge range of guitar gear. They’ve seen fit to slash the prices of thousands of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amps, pedals, and plenty more, with discounts hitting hundreds of dollars off.

The sale is live now until May 27th, so it will run the full Memorial Day weekend and a couple of days after. Pretty much every major manufacturer is included in the sale, with Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, PRS, Martin, Taylor, and plenty more enjoying money off.

Part of my job is to keep track of all the best deals going around, which I do weekly in The Pick: Deals newsletter. So I know which items have been on sale for a while, and which are brand new. If you’re looking for the latter, then you’ll definitely want to check out a sweet discount of up to $250 off a PRS SE Silver Sky, which is one of the most popular guitars released over the past few years.

In our Silver Sky review we gave it a hefty four and a half stars out of five, and one of the things we loved most about it was the excellent build quality, which is especially good considering the cost. It’s also a bit of a tonal beast, capable of all those classic Strat tones and plenty more, so you can see why it’s been such a hit amongst guitarists.

Also on sale is this wicked Gibson J-45 Studio, which has got a humongous $599 off the price. That takes it down well below the $2,000 mark, excellent value for a pro-level dreadnought acoustic. It’s got an all-solid tonewood combo of Sitka spruce and walnut back and sides, helping it deliver a booming voice that will cut through and stay organic no matter how hard you hit it.

Finally, the Warm Audio WA-TS has got a cool 20% discount, bringing the price down to just $119. Considering you get three TS circuits in it with the TS9, 808, and TS10, that makes it superb value for money for all the Tube Screamer fans out there, offering you all the most popular circuits for a price that’s just above what a single TS9 costs at the moment.

Shop more Memorial Day sales:

• Amazon: Cheap pedals and accessories
• Fender: Up to $600 in savings
• Guitar Tricks: Get 1 month of lessons for just $1
• IK Multimedia: Amplitube collections from just $24.99
• Musician's Friend: Up to 60% off Gibson, Fender & more
• Positive Grid: 20% off Spark Neo headphones
• Sweetwater: Up to 35% off pedal sale
• Waves: 5 plugins for just $99.99

Guitar Center asked its store leaders to identify the songs customers play most often in its locations — and, surprisingly, Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” didn’t take the top spot.

The survey, conducted across Guitar Center stores nationwide, highlights the electric guitar riffs employees hear most frequently from customers testing instruments. The results reveal a mix of classic-rock staples and modern favorites — with a few long-standing guitar-store clichés ranking lower than expected.

“We went out to our store leadership with a survey and said, ‘Write your most overplayed songs and tell us about any anecdotes — whatever you have,’” Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto tells Rolling Stone.

“It actually turned out to be a really consistent list,” Dalporto adds. “Across stores and across regions, people are generally playing the same types of songs.”

So what came in at number one? Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” followed by Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Other well-known guitar-store staples — like Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” with its ubiquitous riff by Ritchie Blackmore, and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” which features Randy Rhoads’ signature riff — might seem like obvious contenders. Dalporto notes that the former has been “torturing our associates for decades.”

The absence of “Stairway to Heaven” is notable. The song’s popularity among music-store guitarists was famously spoofed in the film Wayne's World, where a sign warns customers not to play the classic. Guitar Center even displayed similar signs in its own stores for years.

The company lifted that tongue-in-cheek ban last year after YouTuber Døvydas invited Dalporto to play “Stairway to Heaven” with him.

Dalporto says he sympathizes with employees who hear the same riffs day after day.

“These songs are played a lot,” he says. “They’re often not played well. So you hear them over and over. But when someone nails it, you can tell — and the store staff really appreciates it when someone is awesome.”

The 10 most-played riffs at Guitar Center

1. Metallica — “Master of Puppets”

2. Guns N’ Roses — “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

3. The White Stripes — “Seven Nation Army”

4. Nirvana — “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

5. John Mayer — “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”

6. Metallica — “Enter Sandman”

7. Tool — “Schism”

8. Ozzy Osbourne — “Crazy Train”

9. Nirvana — “Come as You Are”

10. Deep Purple — “Smoke on the Water”

One of the best guitar sales of the year is about to come to a close, with Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon due to end on April 29th. So, if you want to take advantage of massive discounts of up to 30% off guitar gear, now's the time to pull the trigger.

Plenty of the biggest guitar brands have still got massive discounts in the sale, with heavy reductions on Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, and loads more. You can also save big on guitar pedals, guitar amps, and a nice selection of bass guitars as well.

There’s a lot to look at in the sale, so to make your life easier, I’ve looked through the whole sale for you to see what's still available and discounted, picking out 11 of my favorite last-minute deals to get you started.

Guitarists are always on the lookout for a bargain, and Presidents' Day is quickly becoming a great time for guitar players to shop. It seems every music retailer gets involved in the Presidents’ Day celebrations, but for us, one of the most impressive sales comes courtesy of Guitar Center. For the next few days, you can bag up to 30% off a wide range of big-name guitar gear.

This exceptional sale offers generous discounts on some of the most popular electric and acoustic guitars, along with a range of pedalboard essentials.

The headline offer is a whopping $900 off a stunning Gibson Les Paul. As you’d expect, this gorgeous LP features a mahogany body, topped with a stunning AAA figured maple top, and is available in either sweet Honey Lemon Burst or Triburst.

If you're looking to pair your new guitar with a suitably discounted amplifier, you might want to take advantage of $50 off the rather cool blacked-out Marshall DSL40CR. Nothing pairs as well with a Gibson Les Paul as a Marshall, and this is one of the coolest around.

Elsewhere in the sale, you'll find $100 off the Line 6 HX Stomp. Thanks to its ingenious blend of amp and effects modeling alongside its incredibly flexible connectivity options, this is one of our favorite multi-effects pedals on the market right now.

Obviously, there's a lot more on offer, so it's worth browsing through the sale to see if anything takes your fancy. You have until 18 February to grab a bargain, so if you see something you like, don't hang about, as you don't have long.

Shop the full Guitar Center Presidents' Day sale below 

• View the full electric guitar sale
• View the full bass guitar sale
• View the full amps and effects sale
• View the full accessories sale

If you're in the market for a new guitar to hit the stage with, you're in luck as the Black Friday guitar deals have started flooding in - and some of the biggest names are discounted. We've entered the biggest discounting period of the year, and this latest offer from Guitar Center proves it's the place to go if you're a gigging musician. Right now, you can score up to 40% off popular brands, including Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Schecter, and more.

This sale is populated with everything you'd ever need to make music, with discounts applied to everything from high-octane electric guitars to earth-shattering guitar amps, stunning acoustic guitars, and must-have guitar accessories.

So, no matter your playing style, guitar preferences, or budget, you're sure to find something to get excited about here.

Obviously, there is a lot more on offer, so we suggest that you take the time to take a look through the entire sale.

Gibson and Guitar Center have teamed up to resurrect one of Gibson’s most beloved acoustic guitars with a fresh twist for modern players: the Country Western Studio EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar, available now exclusively at Guitar Center stores nationwide and online at GuitarCenter.com.

A reimagining of the original 1955 Country Western — the Southern Jumbo’s sibling — the Studio EC brings the timeless warmth and balance of Gibson’s square-shouldered dreadnoughts into the 21st century. It’s priced at $2,999 and blends vintage style with modern comfort, including a cutaway body for improved upper-fret access and a sleek satin finish that enhances both resonance and feel.

Under the hood, the guitar pairs a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back, sides, and neck, producing that classic Gibson blend of sparkle and warmth. A short 24.75-inch scale and rounded neck profile make for an easy, relaxed playing experience, while the rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays adds an unmistakable vintage vibe.

Cosmetically, the Country Western Studio EC channels mid-century cool with a yellow tortoiseshell pickguard, gold Gibson headstock logo, and nickel hardware with white-button tuners — a look that nods to Gibson’s past without feeling stuck in it.

To bring that tone to the stage, Gibson fits the model with the L.R. Baggs Element Bronze pickup system, which captures the guitar’s natural resonance and warmth with impressive realism. It’s a plug-and-play setup designed for both live and studio work, and each instrument ships with a hardshell case.

“The Gibson Country Western Studio EC brings everything musicians love about classic Gibson acoustics to a new generation of players,” says Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. “It combines timeless tone and craftsmanship with the modern playability artists expect today, and we’re proud to offer it exclusively at Guitar Center.”

The Gibson Country Western Studio EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar is available now for $2,999, exclusively through Guitar Center.

Well, we're onto day 2 of Amazon Prime Day, and as we see the Prime Day guitar deals continue to roll through, it's very clear that the best savings are happening away from Jeff Bezos' website. Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon is back and better than ever. Until midnight tonight, you can take advantage of significant price cuts on some of the best guitar brands out there, including iconic pieces from Gibson and Fender, as well as stunning acoustics from trusted names like Martin and Taylor.

This is the last day to shop the sale, so if you spot something you like I suggest you act fast.

Now, I know the number of deals might feel overwhelming, but I’ve handpicked the top Guitar Center offers that truly stand out. Whether you're gearing up for a live gig, preparing for an important recording, or simply treating yourself or a loved one to a new instrument ahead of Christmas, this sale features something for everyone.

Here's 11 guitars I recommend based on my experience as a guitar writer and reviewer for Guitar Player, Guitar World and MusicRadar:

• Jackson Rhoads JS32T FSR: Was $359.99, now $219.99, save $140
• Fender FA-135CE: Was $319.99, now $239.99, save $80
• Sterling StingRay Ray5HH: Was $499.99, now $349.99, save $100
• Squier Classic Vibe '60s P-Bass: Was $495.99, now $399.99, save $96
• Epiphone Hummingbird EC Studio: Was $499.99, now $399.99, save $100
• Martin GPC Special Koa: Was $699.99, now $599.99, save $100
• Line 6 HX Stomp eafoam Green: Was $699.99, now $599.99, save $100
• Fender Player II Stratocaster: Was $839.99, now $649.99, save $190
• Gretsch G5427TG Electromatic: Was $899.99, now $759.99, save $140
• Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V: Was $2,999, now $2,499, save $500
• Taylor 914ce 50th Anniversary: Was $6,299, now $5,399, save $900

One standout for me is the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V, now with a remarkable $600 discount. Although we’ve seen this beauty in past sales, I have to admit it looks particularly stunning in the Ocean Water Perimeter finish. The Traditional Pro V comes equipped with Grover locking machine heads and an asymmetrical neck design for a modern playing feel, along with an underwound vintage-style neck pickup and an overwound Tradbucker at the bridge, plus options for coil-splitting and coil-tapping.

Another favorite of mine is the Martin Special GPC Grand Performance, which is now $210 off. This guitar is built with an all-solid construction, meaning it sounds every bit as good as it looks - the Fishman's MX pickup also means it’s ideal for live performances. Of course, if you are looking for a truly special acoustic guitar, you won't get much better than the stunning Taylor 914ce 50th Anniversary Custom Limited-Edition Grand Auditorium in Light Shaded Edge Burst. This guitar has a whopping $900 off right now!

Looking for a hollowbody that sounds as good as it looks? Well, the Gretsch G5427TG Electromatic may just be the best guitar for you. Featuring a laminated maple body with trestle block bracing, FT-5E Filter’Tron pickups, and a Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece, the G5427TG more than delivers those iconic Gretsch sounds, and with $140 off, we think it is a total steal!

It’s important to mention that Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon isn’t just about discounts of up to 30% on well-known brands; it also showcases a range of exclusive models. Among these is the striking Epiphone Flying V '70s Guitar in Silver Burst, a blacked-out Marshall DSL40CR, and a fetching blue Boss Katana.

Hurry, as the Guitar-A-Thon runs until 8 October. With so many enticing offers, be sure to seize this opportunity before it disappears.

Shop more Prime Day sales

• Fender: Acoustics from just $399
• GuitarTricks: 50% off annual
• Musician's Friend: 9,000+ discounts
• Reverb: B-Stock bargains
• Sweetwater: Up to 50% off recording
• Plugin Boutique: Save big on software
• Positive Grid: Big discounts on BIAS
• Universal Audio: Huge plugin reductions
• Waves: Buy 2 get 2 free

We’re fast approaching Labor Day weekend, and to celebrate, there are sales launching all over the web. One of the latest to launch is over at Guitar Center, where you can grab up to 30% off guitar gear, which at first might not sound like the most tantalizing offer compared to some others offering more.

GC has got a trick up its sleeve, though, and that’s offering discounts on a range of Guitar Center-exclusive gear, many with limited edition finishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Not only does that mean you’re getting a nice reduction, but it’s also on gear that others are unlikely to have, perfect for those who want to stand out.

• Shop exclusive gear for up to 30% less over at Guitar Center

Of course, if you prefer a traditional sunburst finish on your guitar then there are plenty of those in the sale too, but it’s hard not to have your head turned by the Ocean Perimeter AAA Flame Top of this Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V, which has got a gigantic $500 discount in the sale.

The dual TradBucker pickups are the epitome of Les Paul tone, featuring an overwound bridge pickup for plenty of punchy PAF tone, while the neck is underwound for a smoother, low-output tone. Perfect for rock and blues, you also get the addition of a push-pull tone knob, which lets you split the coils of the humbuckers for even more versatility.

If you prefer your tones a bit more reined in, the Martin Special D Classic Dreadnought is available with a humongous $149 reduction. A close cousin of the Martin D-10E, this guitar is only available at Guitar Center and comes in a more traditional format without electronics for those who prefer their guitars more vintage-inspired.

The solid Sitka spruce top provides that typically punchy, articulate tone you’d expect from a Martin, with scalloped X-bracing that allows it to vibrate freely. It results in a fantastic unplugged tone that responds beautifully to playing dynamics, whether you’re fingerpicking gently or strumming hard.

Finally, if you’re looking to make things loud, the Supro Delta King 12 tube amp has got a hefty $100 reduction. Available in a beautiful Ivory White cabinet, it’s a small amp, but it can get plenty loud when you need it to. I wouldn’t really recommend it for practice, but if you’ve got forgiving neighbors or you need something powerful yet portable, it’s a great option.

It’s got a couple of neat tricks onboard too, with a footswitchable FET-driven boost function that’s perfect for adding some heft when you really want those lead parts to sing. There’s also a Pigtronix FAT high-gain mode for players who prefer a dirtier tone, which, when engaged, really fattens up the low end for some beefy guitar tones.

When was the last time you changed your strings? Like doing the washing up or any other household chore for that matter, changing your guitar strings is something we all have to do, but precious few of us actually enjoy. Presumably, that’s why D’Addario has created World String Change Day, to get us to do it more often. To give you a little push in the right direction, you can now get 25% off D’Addario’s XS-coated guitar strings over at Guitar Center.

• Get your hands on 25% off D’Addario XS coated guitar strings at Guitar Center

To take advantage of this awesome deal you’ll need to move quickly, as it’s only available until June 11th. It includes electric guitar strings, as well as sets for acoustic, mandolin, and banjo - sorry bassists - and if you’re an electric player you should definitely take a look at the deal on the three-pack for $31.99, as you’re getting better value when you buy in bulk.

If you’ve not tried a coated string set before this is definitely a good opportunity. Coated strings are more expensive, but you’ll change strings less often, so they tend to save you both money and time in the long run. D’Addario’s XS coated string is the longest-lasting coated set they offer, and it features an ultra-thin polymer coating that keeps them feeling as close to traditional strings as possible. Of course they will feel slightly different, but in my experience you get used to that pretty quick.

If you’re not changing your own strings, it’s something you should definitely try because it’s a lot easier than you think. It’ll save you money taking it to a tech, and it allows you to experiment more easily with different string gauges without the cost adding up. I’ve been changing my own strings for well over 20 years now, and I can get a change done with a good clean in less than 15 minutes now, and even less than that if I’m dealing with a guitar that has locking tuners!

It’s also a great time to clean every little part of your instrument from those bits around your pickups to the intricate parts of the bridge and bridge saddles that are magnets for dead skin and other detritus. You can wipe down the guitar, polish any metal, buff the body back to a nice shine, and check for any issues that might be developing. You can also condition the fingerboard if it needs it, and clean off any of the gunk that gathers near the frets.

• If you’re new to changing strings, go check out our electric guitar string-changing guide.

Memorial Day is almost here, and Guitar Center has launched an epic Memorial Day Sale, which offers up to 35% off a massive range of gear until May 28th. So, if you’re on the lookout for a new electric guitar, acoustic guitar, guitar amp, or effects pedal, then head on over for a browse while stocks last.

Just like last year, Guitar Center is currently having a massive sale on a wide variety of popular brands such as Fender, Epiphone, Gibson, Martin, Line 6, and more. It's a fantastic opportunity to snag some awesome deals. If you need some help navigating through the 800+ products on sale, we've highlighted a few top picks for you below. 

First up, we've found a whopping $200 off the Martin Special D, which is now down to only $849. This is a very special deal on an equally special guitar from Martin, the company that brought you the quintessential all-American flat-top. Martin invented the Dreadnought, and this all-solid Special D model features an x-braced Sitka spruce top and sapele (also known as sapele mahogany) back and sides.

Next up, and keeping things American, we have the stunning Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s, which has a generous $419 slashed off the price. This retro throwback delivers stellar vintage tones with a seriously chunky neck and outstanding finishing. 

Not a Les Paul fan? Well, you'll want to check out the gorgeous limited edition HSS Fender Player Strat. Now with a sizable $180 discount, this humbucker-equipped Strat is fiercely versatile and a total steal at this price. 

Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon is back and better than ever. For a limited time, you can take advantage of significant price cuts on some of the best guitar brands out there, including iconic pieces from Gibson and Fender, as well as stunning acoustics from trusted names like Martin and Taylor.

I know the number of deals might feel a bit overwhelming, but I’ve gone through the Guitar Center website to handpick the top offers that truly stand out. Whether you're gearing up for a live gig, preparing for an important recording, or simply treating yourself to a new instrument, this sale features something for everyone.

Here are 10 guitars I recommend based on my experience as a guitar writer and reviewer.

• Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V: Was $2,999, now $ 2,399
• Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Plus Top: Was $879.99, now $699.99
• Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Candy Red Burst: Was $879.99, now $699.99
• Fender Player II Stratocaster British Racing Green: Was $799.99, now $649.99
• Epiphone Dove Studio Alpine White: Was $549.99, now $399.99
• Ibanez AEG70 Blue Ocean Burst: Was $429.99, now $329.99
• Martin GPC-X1E: Was $699.99, now $599.99
• Morley Cliff Burton Power Wah: Was $229, now $199
• ProCo White RAT2: Was $99.99, now $89.99
• Warm Audio Foxy Tone Box: Was $149, now $125

One standout is the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V, now with a remarkable $600 discount. Although we’ve seen this beauty in past sales, I have to admit it looks particularly stunning in the Ocean Water Perimeter finish. The Traditional Pro V comes equipped with Grover locking machine heads and an asymmetrical neck design for a modern playing feel, along with an underwound vintage-style neck pickup and an overwound Tradbucker at the bridge, plus options for coil-splitting and coil-tapping.

Another favorite of mine is the Martin Special GPC Grand Performance, which is now $200 off. This guitar is built with an all-solid construction, meaning it sounds every bit as good as it looks - the Fishman's MX pickup also means it’s ideal for live performances.

Don’t miss the Fender Player Series Stratocaster HSS Plus Top, currently discounted by $180. This limited-edition Blue Burst model has a beautiful flamed maple top and an alder body that delivers a rich sound profile thanks to its HSS pickup layout. The 9.5" radius maple fretboard ensures smooth playability.

Guitar Center's Guitar-A-Thon is about more than just discounts of up to 25% on popular brands; it also features exclusive models. Check out the stunning Epiphone Les Paul Custom Widow in Purple Burst and a selection of eye-catching Taylor acoustics, celebrating 60 years of Guitar Center's flagship store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The 414ce Studio SEB, 214ce DLX SEB, and GS Mini-e Rosewood SEB all feature premium tonewoods, a striking Sunset Edgeburst finish, elegant diamond inlays, gold hardware, and custom interior labels.

But that’s not all! The Guitar-A-Thon also offers financing, letting you purchase your dream guitar with 0% interest over 48 months using your Guitar Center Gear Card (minimum purchase requirements may vary by brand). Plus, take advantage of the Guitar-A-Thon lessons offer, which includes a complimentary first lesson when you register for your first month.

Another exciting feature of this event is the Sweepstakes, giving you a chance to win an unbelievable Gibson prize pack that includes three guitars, an amp, and two pedals, totaling over $10,000 in value. You can enter by scanning the QR code on promotional materials or visiting the website for all the rules and details. Lastly, don’t forget about the Guitar-A-Thon repairs offer, offering free pickup installation when you buy an electric guitar or bass pickup.

Act fast - the Guitar-A-Thon ends on April 30! With so many enticing offers, be sure to seize this opportunity before it disappears.

The Fender Player Series has always offered incredible value and has long been a favourite of beginners and pros alike. When the sequel was announced, the aptly named Player II, the entire guitar community was excited to see how this newly revised version compared to the original. Thankfully, we weren't disappointed. The Player II was every bit as good as the guitar that came before, but now, it sports a few choice upgrades that have been carried over from 2021's Player Plus range. 

Fast forward to today, and with Black Friday right around the corner, we've started to see the very first discounts applied to two unique Player II instruments. Right now, you can score an impressive $240 off both the Player II Strat and Tele at Fender.com. 

Dressed in an eye-catching Forest Green getup, both models feature a contemporary C neck profile with silky satin urethane finish, a familiar 9.5”-radius slab rosewood fingerboard and 22 medium jumbo frets. The tonal heart of each guitar is a set of Player Series Alnico V single-coil pickups, and the spec sheet is rounded out with ClassicGear tuning machines. 

So, who should purchase one of these bargains? Clearly, they’re epic value for the budget-conscious player and an excellent buy for a novice. At only $559, they are also an absolute steal for the gigging musician who needs a reliable road-worthy guitar that doesn't cost the earth.   

There’s only one question that really matters – which one should I buy? The Fender Player II Stratocaster is arguably the most versatile out of the two, with its trio of pickups and Synchronized Tremolo. That said, a Strat can be too much for some players. The Fender Player II Telecaster is a far simpler instrument, and its rugged appeal suits various musical styles. 

Really, in our opinion, you can't go wrong with either. Both are stunning guitars at a fabulous price. Keep it locked to our Black Friday guitar deals page for even more savings throughout this year's Cyber Weekend.

Epiphone’s current collection of guitars offers a compelling blend of timeless designs and contemporary features, from expertly crafted replicas of iconic Gibson models to innovative new additions. For those starting their musical journey, there are also excellent options tailored for beginners. In my opinion, Guitar Center’s huge early Black Friday sale makes these models even more enticing, with savings of up to $150 on select Epiphone guitars, showcasing the best of what the brand has to offer. I’ve picked four of my favorites from the sale below.

The most significant discount in Guitar Center’s sale is a substantial $150 off the iconic Les Paul, specifically the Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro IV. Available in four striking finishes – Worn Metallic Gold, Worn Ebony, Worn Wine Red, and Worn Pacific Blue – this model is ideal for players seeking modern features. Despite its 'Traditional' designation, the Pro IV offers contemporary touches such as coil-splitting, a treble bleed circuit, and locking tuners.

Equipped with Alnico Classic humbuckers, it delivers the rich, dynamic tone you’d expect from a humbucker, while the coil-split provides access to crisp single-coil tones. Whether you're upgrading from a beginner’s model or seeking a versatile workhorse, this Black Friday deal is one not to be missed.

At Guitar Player we are big fans of ES-335s and luckily for us (and you) there are two standout ES-335 models that are also featured in the sale, both offering generous discounts. The first, in a striking Olive Drab finish, is arguably one of the most eye-catching options available. The addition of a Bigsby tremolo adds an extra layer of flair, and with $120 off, it's a perfect opportunity for those wanting to add a Bigsby to their collection.

The second model, in a timeless Cherry finish with a figured body, boasts a more understated aesthetic – but its true appeal lies in the USA Gibson humbuckers it’s equipped with. At $719, with a $130 discount, this is likely the most affordable way to own a guitar with genuine Gibson pickups. We’d be surprised if there was a more affordable Black Friday deal featuring Gibson hardware.

For beginners, the SG Special-I is an excellent choice, now with $50 off its usual price. Offering great value for money, this model comes equipped with two humbuckers, making it perfect for those looking to explore classic rock, blues, or metal. With its full-size body, it's suitable for both younger players and adults alike. Lightweight, well-constructed, and visually striking, it’s a step up from the clunky guitars many of us had to wrestle with when we were starting out.

With many of these models being phased out for a new Epiphone catalog, combined with fantastic savings during Guitar Center’s Black Friday sale, this could be your last chance to own one of these exceptional instruments.

Keep tabs on our Black Friday guitar deals page for even more fantastic offers for guitarists.

Explore more Black Friday deals

• Sweetwater: Save a massive up to 60% off
• Musician's Friend: Up to 50% off Holiday Kick-off
• Fender: Shop Squier & beyond up to 20% off
• Positive Grid: Major Spark savings

It’s Labor Day weekend which means as well as a well-deserved day off, workers of America also get the chance to save big on guitar gear! There are a huge amount of sales around this weekend, but we wanted to shout out a massive up to 50% off guitars, basses, pedals, and more at Guitar Center.

The sale will continue through the Labor Day weekend and beyond Labor Day itself, ending on September 4th. It means there’s not long to grab these deals while they’re still live. To sweeten the deals, Guitar Center has also seen fit to slash prices on some exclusive instruments that won’t be available anywhere else this weekend.

We had to have a look through the sale for ourselves, and we’ve managed to spy some epic deals that we think are well worth the money. If you’re after an exclusive deal you can’t get anywhere else, then the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar has a tasty $110 discount in the Labor Day sale. That’s a huge 24% reduction on the regular retail price, giving you a fantastic short-scale, offset guitar for much less. 

If you can’t decide between a Strat and a Tele, then you’ll want to check out the Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster. It features the classic Tele bridge plate and pickup, but adds a middle-position single coil like you’d get on a Strat. All the pickups are noiseless, and you also get a fingerboard with rolled edges for extra comfort, as well as a set of locking tuners. It’s an ultra-versatile guitar, and with a nice $100 discount in the Guitar Center sale, it’s phenomenal value for money too.

Finally, we couldn’t take our eyes off the super-cool Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang with its racy Competition Orange finish. It’s got a massive $150 discount, taking the price down to below a grand which is awesome value for money. The 7.25” radius fretboard offers classic playability, with vintage tall frets that make bending and vibrato easier. The neck features an early 70s ‘C’ profile, which starts off thin and then gets thicker as you move toward the 12th fret, while the vintage-style single-coil pickups complete a classic lineup alongside the floating Mustang tremolo.

A Guitar Center store in Gwinnett County, Georgia has helped local police seize thousands of dollars of illegal drugs after discovering a sizable stash hidden inside an amplifier.

The combo amp looks to have been gutted to house the drugs, and act as cover for the shipment.

Brazenly, the dealers, who police are trying to track down, were shipping the illegal substance through the mail, only for the amp to end up at the musical equipment store, where it was thoroughly checked over.

When staff inspected the amp, they discovered cocaine and methamphetamine amounting to thousands of dollars stuffed inside.

It is believed the shipment was sent to Gwinnett County Guitar Center by mistake, with the dealers using the firm's boxes and listing the store as the shipment’s return address, to eliminate any suspicions.

Police say that the send address was “out of state,” and are thankful for the Guitar Center employees' intervention.

“In this case, we have employees who did exactly the right thing,” Sgt. Collin Flynn with the Gwinnett County Police told WSB reporters. He adds that “it's extremely rare that this happens at any business.”

It's believed the dealers have used the method before, only this time the shipment was sent to the return, rather than the send address, in a surprise to staff.

Police have reiterated it can typically intercept these packages and stop them from reaching their intended destinations.

In 2023, the Parcel Interdiction Team, which includes the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation among its ranks, recovered 4,500 lbs of drugs.

As Sgt. Flynn explains, that amounts to $70 million which had been sent through FedEx, or UPS, that officers were able to seize with the help of a canine.

A Guitar Center spokesperson says the company is cooperating with law enforcement, and there is not believed to be a connection between the store, its employees, and the drugs.

As we step into the second day of Prime Day, the offers keep pouring in for guitar players. However, this year, the chances to grab exclusive deals on acoustic guitars have been few and far between. That is until Guitar Center stepped up and slashed up to $500 off a variety of Breedlove acoustic guitars. 

From the budget-friendly Organic Wildwood Pro series to the luxurious Legacy All Koa models, this sale offers a diverse range of options. It's an exciting chance to own some of the industry's most exquisitely crafted acoustic guitars at a fraction of their original cost.

Below, we have selected a few favorites from this remarkable sale. If you're interested in discovering more guitar-related bargains, be sure to visit our Prime Day guitar deals page, where we've curated the best offers from Amazon and other sources.

The Fourth of July is just over a week away, but Guitar Center has already started rolling out the discounts to celebrate. With huge savings of up to 30% off a range of guitar gear, it’s an awesome opportunity to bag yourself a new guitar, amp, or guitar pedal. The sale will carry on past the big day all the way to July 10th, so you’ve got a little bit of time to choose what you like - just be aware some items may sell out before then.

There are loads of big-name brands on offer including Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, Boss, Line 6, and many more. The emphasis seems to be on electric guitars, with a lot of different brands represented and many types including more shred-heavy metal guitars all the way to semi-hollow instruments. There are not quite as many deals on amps and pedals but there are a good few to choose from, so if you’re looking to upgrade your pedalboard or backline you can definitely find some here. 

As guitar gearheads ourselves, we had to have a look at the sale and see what we’d go for. First up, there’s an absolutely stunning-looking Epiphone Les Paul Traditional in an eye-catching Worn Pacific Blue. That finish probably won’t please traditionalists despite the name, but we think it looks rather fetching. It’s got a nice $100 discount in the sale, and it’s an excellent way to get close to the tone and looks of a full-fat Gibson without spending huge sums of money.

Next up our eye was caught by the Boss RE-202 Space Echo, which has got a tasty $80 reduction at the moment, taking the price down to just below the $300 mark. The Space Echo will need no introduction to most, being one of the most iconic echo units ever made, and the RE-202 gives you all of its power with some more modern flexibility in a more pedalboard-friendly format. We gave it five stars out of five in our Boss RE-202 Space Echo review, praising it for its wide variety of options and ultra-accurate emulation of the original unit.

If you fancy a new acoustic, we’ve always loved the Epiphone Hummingbird. This Tobacco Sunburst version has got $80 knocked off the regular price, which was already excellent value for money. It’s a striking-looking guitar, although a little more subtle than the Cherry Red version. It’s not just got good looks either though, feeling absolutely lovely to play with a nice low action and slinky neck profile.

Memorial Day is here, and Guitar Center has launched an epic Memorial Day Sale, which offers up to 35% off a massive range of gear until May 29th. So, if you’re on the lookout for a new electric guitar, acoustic guitar, guitar amp or effects pedal, then head on over for a browse while stocks last.

Just like last year, Guitar Center is currently having a massive sale on a wide variety of popular brands such as Fender, Epiphone, Gibson, Martin, Boss, Blackstar, and more. It's a fantastic opportunity to snag some awesome deals. If you need some help navigating through the 800+ products on sale, we've highlighted a few top picks for you below. 

First up, we've found a whopping $150 off the Martin Special D, which is now down to only $899. This is a very special deal on an equally special guitar from Martin, the company that brought you the quintessential all-American flat-top. Martin invented the Dreadnought, and this all-solid Special D model features an x-braced Sitka spruce top and sapele (also known as sapele mahogany) back and sides.

Next up, and keeping things American, we have the stunning Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s P-90, which has a generous $200 slashed off the price. This retro throwback delivers stellar vintage tones with a seriously chunky neck and outstanding finishing. 

Not a Les Paul fan? Well, you'll want to check out the gorgeous limited edition HSS Fender Player Strat in Sienna Sunburst. Now with a sizable $130 discount, this humbucker-equipped Strat is fiercely versatile and a total steal at this price. 

Shop more Memorial Day sales

• Amazon: Today's top deals on Fender, more
• Fender: 30% off Player, Affinity, more
• Fender Play: 50% off w/code guitarworld50
• Guitar Tricks: Get 1 month of lessons for just $1
• IK Multimedia: Up to 67% off Total Studio 4
• Musician's Friend: Up to 40% off Gibson, Martin
• Native Instruments: 50% off Guitar Rig Pro 7
• Positive Grid: Savings on the OG Spark
• Reverb: Like-new, used, and vintage gear
• Sweetwater: Huge Memorial Day pedal sale
• Waves: Bag 3 plugins for 60 bucks
• Yamaha: Shop the huge Spring Sale

Guitarists are always on the lookout for a bargain, and Presidents' Day is quickly becoming a great time for guitar players to shop. It seems every music retailer gets involved in the Presidents’ Day celebrations, but for us, one of the most impressive sales comes courtesy of Guitar Center. For the next few days, you can bag up to 35% off a wide range of big-name guitar gear. 

This exceptional sale sees generous discounts on some of the most popular electric and acoustic guitars, as well as a slew of pedalboard essentials. A few of our highlights include $750 off the stunning Hagstrom '67 Viking II – and yes, that really is better than half-price! This guitar looks absolutely stunning, and thanks to the dual-coiled Hagstrom mini-humbuckers, it sounds just as good as it looks. 

For acoustic guitar fans, we've decided to showcase the Gibson Generation Collection G-200 EC, which is down to only $1,529! We love the pared-back design of this Gibson jumbo and with $470 slashed off the price, we think it's a no-brainer for those seeking a larger-than-life tone. 

If you're looking to pair your new guitar with a suitably discounted amplifier then perhaps you'll want to take advantage of  $80 off the Line 6 Catalyst 100, as well as $40 off the insanely popular Boss Katana-50 MkII.

Obviously, there's a lot more on offer, so it's worth browsing through the sale to see if anything takes your fancy. You have until 21 February to grab a bargain, so if you see something you like, don't hang about as you don't have long.  

Shop the full Guitar Center Presidents' Day sale below 

• View the full electric guitar sale
• View the full bass guitar sale
• View the full amps and effects sale
• View the full accessories sale 

Guitar Center has finally launched its Black Friday sale with up to 40% off electric guitars, amps, pedals, and loads more. It’s easily their biggest sale of the year and includes some big hitters from Gibson, Fender, Taylor, and plenty more.

With such a huge sale we just had to look through all ninety-nine pages to see what was on offer, so if you don’t fancy doing that yourself, we’ve picked out our top five deals right here. Whether you want to splash out on a new Gibson or just enhance your pedalboard with something esoteric from EarthQuaker Devices, there are loads of great choices here. 

We're keeping track of all the best Black Friday guitar deals from now until the end of Cyber Weekend on our dedicated page. If you're looking for the very best bargains on guitars, amps, and pedals from all retailers then you'll find them right here.

Fender Player Stratocasters have always been incredible value, so to be able to snag one with up to $210 off is a real event. From now until November 15, Guitar Center is selling off select Fender Player Stratocasters from just $599.99. That’s an awful lot of guitar for your money!

The Player series is, of course, Fender’s entry-level, made-in-Mexico Strat, but they’re a real step up from a similarly priced Squier and not much of a step down from the much more expensive US-built Performer series.

The overall spec is out and out classic Strat – an authentically shaped, hand-finished alder body, a 5-way selector switch, Alnico pickups, a two-point bridge with bent steel saddles, and a modern C-shape neck with either a maple or pau ferro fingerboard. Some models also boast an HSS configuration, which can be coil split. And the tone? Pure Strat, of course, with that characteristic bell-like tone.

So, who should purchase one of these bargains? Clearly, they’re epic value for the budget-conscious player and an excellent buy for a novice. They are also an absolute steal for the gigging musician who either needs a backup guitar or who doesn’t fancy risking a $6,000 Fender Custom Shop instrument on stage night after night. You could buy ten of these for the same price.  

There’s only one question that really matters – which one should I buy? The Fender Player Stratocaster series is quite diverse, so it’s a tricky one to answer. However, here are three guitars that should definitely be on your shortlist. 

The classic alder-bodied Fender Player Stratocaster is the archetypal Strat. It doesn’t have quite as many features as its stablemates, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s a no-nonsense, great-value Strat that won’t disappoint the purists, or most other players for that matter. It’s also the least expensive at just $599.99 with a $200 discount in this current promotion, but looks twice the price with its super smart black body and matching pickguard.

The pickup configuration is the traditional SSS with a five-way selector switch for those iconic ‘in-between’ tones, the pups are Alnico 5 and the neck and fingerboard are maple. It sounds like a Strat should, balanced, bell-like with a ton of sparkle. If you’re looking for a solid-performing, great-value Strat, this could be your best buying decision in a long time.

The Fender Player Strat with roasted maple fingerboard and Fat '50s pickups is, as the name suggests, a guitar with some very tasteful and extremely tempting extras. Fender has kitted out this Player model with gorgeous Custom Shop Fat ‘50s pickups that take it to the next level sonically. These pups are made with custom magnets that are wound with enamel-coated wire to give a warm, full tone with a touch more midrange. Dig in with a little gain and they break up in the most organic fashion. Back off a little, and the tone starts to clean up with a sparkle. Classic Fender.

The roasted neck and fingerboard are a treat for the hand as well as the eyes. This guitar is currently $749.99 (with $200 off) but feels like it should be so much more than that. You get to choose from three colors – Fiesta Red, Surf Green, or Black – but they all look fantastic.

If you’re looking for a little more smoothness and a lot more oomph the Fender Player Stratocaster HSS should tickle your fancy. The Alnico II humbucker in the bridge position adds warmth and real power, the perfect antidote for those players who find a single coil here sounds way too brittle and characterless. 

Move the selector to position two and authentic Strat tones will be restored. Fender has wisely included an auto-split feature that splits the humbucker into a single coil when it’s paired with the middle single coil - music to the ears of Strat fans who appreciate a little ‘quack’ in their tone.

The Pau Ferro fingerboard is a treat to look at and should add further warmth to this Strat, albeit subtle. The neck is comfortable, fast, and treated with a satin finish on the rear to stop sweaty hands under hot stage lights from getting bogged down. Guitar Center has this model in an opulent Candy Red Burst, which looks absolutely stunning. A bargain at just $649 with a tasty $180 discount.

Keep it locked to our Black Friday guitar deals page for even more savings through this month.

Buying a new Taylor guitar is always a tempting proposition, but now Guitar Center has sweetened the deal to the point that it’s irresistible. Purchase a new Taylor 200 Series and above model from Guitar Center and you can add a Baby Taylor BT1 for just $99, or a GS Mini Sapele for $199. That’s a saving of $300 off the RRP. And if you live in Europe, including the UK, Thomann are adding these little beauties for free with eligible guitars! 

I know what you’re thinking. A travel-size guitar on the cheap, isn’t that going to sound a little, well, off? Nope, not these, because Taylor is a company that’s been built on innovation, playability and tone. It’s a quality brand that’s never been interested in budget guitars, and anyhow, the Baby Taylor and GS Mini aren’t cheap, you’re just getting access to them in an amazing deal.

The Baby Taylor would make an ideal gift for younger players. It’s a three-quarter-size solid-top acoustic that’s a good fit for smaller arms and not too taxing on the fingers. Too good to give away? Then keep it for travel. The GS Mini shares similar attributes but it’s a step up in quality. Essentially, it’s a scaled down Grand Symphony shape, with a top made from solid Sitka Spruce, a mahogany neck and an ebony fretboard. Leave it on the sofa, ready to grab whenever inspiration strikes, take it on your travels or gift it to your kids or grandkids.

In the UK or Europe?

Wowsers, Taylor’s range of acoustics is pretty comprehensive, which means there are dozens of eligible guitars in this promotion. Only you can make the final choice, but these models should make your shortlist.

We all deserve a little luxury from time to time, something to bring a smile to our lips and a spring to our step. Well, the Taylor 214ce DLX is a guitar that will make your heart skip every time you pick it up to play. Essentially, Taylor has taken its regular 214ce and spruced it up with some nice-to-have appointments. This is Taylor’s most versatile body shape and size – superb for fingerstyle but great for strumming too – dressed up in a solid Sitka spruce top with layered rosewood back and sides. The DLX also gets a thin coating of super gloss finish, gold tuners, small diamond fretboard inlays and a deluxe hardshell case. It's already superb value at around $1,600, but more so with a bundled Baby Taylor or GS Mini.

Chances are, if you already own a guitar or two, they probably feature the classic pairing of spruce top and rosewood back and sides. This combination gives a lovely, balanced tone but it can sound a bit predictable if you’ve been playing for years. The solution is to add a mahogany guitar like the Taylor 326ce to your collection. 

In many ways it’s a big, bold, punchy animal but the ‘hog construction lends superb midrange clarity, and focus. Its large Grand Symphony shape provides plenty of projection and tonal richness, but the bass is well tempered. At around $2,499, this is an expensive guitar for many, but any financial hit is softened by the bundled Baby Taylor or GS Mini.

Of course, this is the perfect opportunity to invest in your dream Taylor. After all, you get to treat yourself and a loved-one at the same time, what could be more serendipitous? Your loved-one will be the proud owner of a Baby Taylor or GS Mini, while you get your hands on something a little more special, a Taylor Builder’s Edition 912ce.

Solid Indian rosewood and Lutz spruce conspire to bring powerful highs, a well-mannered bass response and a mid-range that’s the epitome of balanced tone. This is one of the few thinline acoustics that doesn’t sound weedy and gutless. 

The Grand Concert body shape is fully contoured with a bevelled armrest and cutaway for maximum comfort and accessibility, and the fretboard has rolled edges for that sleek, played-in feel. Yes, this is a guitar that suits electric guitar players but it’s also a fine instrument for jazz or any finger picking styles. A beautiful guitar – go on, you deserve it, and so does your loved one. 

Keeping your ear to the ground for big savings this month? Keep tabs on our Black Friday guitar deals page for all the best offers. 

Despite only just entering into November, Guitar Center has already gone live with their Holiday Sale, offering guitarists huge savings of up to 35% off a massive range of guitar gear. Whilst we were anticipating that some good savings would start landing soon, we didn’t expect them quite this early.

• Shop all electric guitar deals
• Shop all acoustic guitar deals
• Shop all bass deals
• Shop all amp and effects deals
• Shop all recording gear deals

There’s a gigantic array of gear available and having scrolled through the majority of it, I’ve used my many years of experience writing gear reviews to bring you my personal top five. They’ve all got some serious money off and are sure to find a place in even the most discerning guitarist’s collection. 

As we move closer towards the big Cyber Weekend event, we’ll be regularly updating our Black Friday guitar deals page, so it’s well worth bookmarking it and checking back throughout the month if you don’t see anything you like right now. 

American guitar makers’ collaborations with major retailers have occasionally resulted in some gems with staying power beyond their original “exclusive-to” intentions. The Gibson USA Les Paul Traditional Pro V is just such a guitar.

Offered exclusively for several years by Gibson and Guitar Center, it has been updated for 2023 with two sumptuous new finishes: Transparent Ebony Burst over a flame-maple top (as reviewed here), and a satin Desert Burst on a plain maple top. Otherwise, it retains the raft of hot-rod features that make it a superbly versatile performer.

Outwardly, it appears to be a dead-standard Les Paul, and given guitarists’ famously traditional leanings, that’s clearly the idea. But scratch the surface and just about every component hides a notable modification that takes this modern ’Burst’s capabilities way beyond the ordinary.

Construction follows the traditional Les Paul template, featuring a solid mahogany body capped with a carved flame-maple top, a glued-in mahogany neck, and a bound 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, all to a 24.75-inch scale length.

But even these basic specs hide several unseen alterations.

The fingerboard sports a compound radius that flattens out gradually as you progress toward the body, and the neck back is carved to an asymmetrical update of the traditional SlimTaper neck profile, resulting in slightly more depth front-to-back at the bass side of the carve and helping it fit the curve of the hand a little better.

Finally, the body has been weight relieved with nine large, round holes drilled into the mahogany before the top is glued on. Even so, it leans a tad on the heavy side at a shade under 10 pounds, although we’d have considered this a light one back in the ’70s or ’80s, so I guess it’s all a matter of perspective.

Close examination reveals that Gibson USA’s construction is generally excellent. There’s just a tiny bit of ledge where the top binding meets the body and some barely perceptible orange peel at the back of the neck heel, where the nitro has rippled in the wood grain, but the finish is well shot otherwise and particularly stunning where the Transparent Ebony Burst reveals some beautifully figured maple in the guitar’s top.

For another entry in the tasty timber department, the rosewood fretboard on this example is an appealing dark-chocolate brown, with some lovely subtle striping in the grain.

As for general ergonomics, the guitar plays smoothly right out of the case, benefiting from a confident setup that delivers easy action and accurate intonation right up the neck. It boasts a lively, resonant ring when played unplugged, too.

Down at the body end, the hardware includes an aluminum stopbar tailpiece behind a Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge. The headstock carries locking Grover tulip-button tuners and a “Trad Pro V” engraved truss-rod cover beneath the inlaid pearl Gibson logo and stenciled “Les Paul Model” signature.

I also like the slightly larger strap buttons, compared to the tiny vintage-spec buttons, whose use always puzzled me, given that this is one of the guitars more likely to suffer a headstock break when dropped.

Alongside the modifications to vintage spec, the pickups and electronics are the Les Paul Traditional Pro V’s biggest bragging rights. The open zebra-coil humbuckers in this model are Gibson’s Tradbuckers, made to the traditional PAF formula, with offset coils that are also a little underwound in the neck position and slightly overwound in the bridge (resistance-wise, that translates to 7.49k ohms and 8.44k ohms, respectively).

Each carries an Alnico V bar magnet and has four-conductor wiring to enable a plethora of switching options. And switching options there are! Push-pull switches on every volume and tone potentiometer are further enhanced by a block of five DIP switches housed within the control cavity.

Comprising Gibson’s HP-4 High Performance Circuit, they offer – depending on DIP positions – tap or split of each pickup, out-of-phase (with the neck tone up), and outer coils or inner coils for the split (with the bridge tone up or down), respectively. DIP switches three and four determine whether each pickup’s volume control has its high-pass filter engaged (to retain treble when rolled down), while the fifth DIP switch enables a Transient Suppression circuit when on.

Developed by GP contributor Craig Anderton, this circuit (which is in the public domain) reduces the signal peaks somewhat like a compressor or limiter and is particularly useful when recording direct into digital interfaces to help avoid nasty clipping in the AD conversion.

Tested through a 1966 Fender Princeton combo and a 65amps London tube amp head and 2x12 cab, the Les Paul Traditional Pro V revealed a chameleon-like sonic personality couched in a bevy of classic Les Paul tones that easily justify the Traditional part of its name.

First and foremost, this is a solid, muscular Les Paul in the grand style: Chunky rhythm, singing lead tones and a beefy yet articulate voice are all front and center, so the Traditional Pro V can easily be aimed at anything you’d have used a more “standard” Standard for in the past. As such, it was a lot of fun just getting lost in the riffing, the way these electric guitars have always inspired me to do, particularly with a Friedman Smallbox MIAB overdrive pedal into the London rig for some Plexi-like graunch.

Start messing with the switching options and the sky’s the limit for tone-crafting. I was pretty good at math back in the day and still don’t have time to run the numbers on the sonic options available here, nor space to describe them all. Having played through most major combinations, though, it was easy to hear what a boon this could be to your recording efforts in particular, while a couple of alternatives could certainly benefit live use.

For me, however, the plethora of variables also presented a potential downside when I wanted to just keep playing and not have to wonder, But what if I popped out this knob and flicked this DIP switch? But that’s a “me” problem, as they say.

All in all, Gibson’s latest Les Paul Traditional Pro V is a solid performer in the dual-humbucker, single-cutaway set-neck tradition and a very flexible tone crafter. And undoubtedly, that’s sure to excite a lot of eager players.

SPECIFICATIONS

• NUT: GraphTech NuBone, 1 11/16” wide
• NECK: Mahogany, asymmetrical SlimTaper profile
• FRETBOARD: Rosewood, 24.75” scale, compound radius
• FRETS: 22 modern
• TUNERS: Grover locking
• BODY: Weight-relieved mahogany with carved flame-maple top
• BRIDGE: Nashville Tune-o-matic with aluminum stopbar tailpiece
• PICKUPS: Two Gibson Tradbuckers
• CONTROLS: Volume and tone for each pickup, push-pull switching on each plus five DIP switches for split/tapped, out of phase, individual high-pass filter on/off, and transient suppression
• FACTORY STRINGS: Gibson .010–.046
• WEIGHT: 9.8 lbs
• BUILT: USA

Visit Guitar Center for more information.

Guitarists are always on the lookout for a bargain, and Presidents' Day is quickly becoming a great time for guitar players to shop. It seems every music retailer gets involved in the Presidents’ Day celebrations, but for us, one of the most impressive sales comes courtesy of Guitar Center. For the next few days, you can bag up to 35% off a wide range of big-name guitar gear. 

This exceptional sale sees generous discounts on some of the most popular electric and acoustic guitars, as well as a slew of pedalboard essentials. A few of our highlights include $400 off the Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V. The fierce flame top beauty is as versatile as it is gorgeous. With hi-tech push/pull pots this brilliant singlecut can do everything from classic rock humbucking tones and pristine single-coil sounds - as well as a spot-on impression of the mythical Peter Green out-of-phase tone. 

Of course, we know that this LP still isn’t exactly cheap, but don’t worry there are plenty of options for players seeking a budget-friendly tone machine. The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Thinline Telecaster is a steal at only $399, delivering the sound, feel and looks of a guitar twice the price.

Now, if you fancy pairing your brand-new axe with a giggable tube amp, we’d highly recommend the much-loved Vox AC15, which has a generous $100 slashed off the price. Need more power? Well, in that case, you can’t go wrong with the versatile Blackstar HT Club 40, which also sees $100 knocked off the asking price. 

Obviously, there's a lot more on offer, so it's worth browsing through the sale to see if anything takes your fancy. You have until 22 February to grab a bargain, so if you see something you like, don't hang about as you don't have long.  

Shop the full Guitar Center Presidents' Day sale below 

• View the full electric guitar sale
• View the full bass guitar sale
• View the full amps and effects sale
• View the full accessories sale 

Now is the time to ditch those grumbly old leads once and for all and take advantage of Guitar Center’s awesome Cyber Monday deals on guitar cables.

Right now, you can bag this four-pack of 30-foot cables for only $38.99! That’s an instant saving of $21 on the standard price of $59.99.

These high-quality guitar cables come with a fantastic Guitar Center rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on dozens of customer reviews.

In addition to this money-saving four-pack deal, you can also get 35% off a ten-pack of 30-foot guitar cables and 33% off a twin-pack of 30-foot guitar cables.

All electric guitar players know the pain of a faulty cable. Make sure you’re never left in the lurch by having some spares to hand – you never know when you might need them!

Musician's Gear 30’ Guitar Cables, Black (4-Pack)

More great Cyber Monday deals

• Amazon: Shop early Cyber Monday deals on guitars, mics & more
• Boss Amazon sale: Save on Katana, FX and more
• Fender Play: Save 50% on an annual guitar lessons subscription
• Guitar Center: Save 15% on select items over $199
• IK Multimedia: Save up to 85% on Max bundles
• Musician's Friend: Up to 50% off a huge range of music gear
• Native Instruments: Up to 75% off in their best Cyber Sale ever
• Plugin Boutique: Save big on plugins from SoundToys, iZotope, SSL and more
• Positive Grid: Big Black Friday savings on BIAS and Spark
• Reverb: Up to 68% on select gear, plus deals on new and used items
• Sweetwater: Save big money - up to 80% - with their official Black Friday sale
• Thomann: The Cyber Week sale is here, with up to 60% off gear
• Waves: Shop the official Black Friday plugin sale – from $5.99

Guitar Center is no slouch when it comes to Cyber Weekend deals on acoustic guitars.

What’s more, they’re offering massive savings on a range of Martin guitars, including D- and 000-size models.

These incredible bargains include $160 off the Martin Special Dreadnought Cutaway 11E Road Series; $100 off the Martin Special Dreadnought All-HPL; $100 off the Martin Special 000 All-HPL; and $100 off the Martin GPC Special Koa X Series Grand Performance.

Synonymous with quality and innovation since 1833, Martin continues to push the envelope in the world of acoustic guitar building.

If it’s got Martin on the headstock, you can guarantee it’s a fine instrument.

Martin Special Dreadnought Cutaway 11E Road Series

Martin Special Dreadnought All-HPL

Martin Special 000 All-HPL

Martin GPC Special Koa X Series Grand Performance

• Amazon: Shop early Black Friday deals on guitars, mics & more
• Andertons: Massive Black Friday discounts on guitars, amps and effects
• Boss Amazon sale: Save on Katana, FX and more
• Fender Amazon sale: Amazing savings on 66 electrics, acoustics and basses
• Fender Play: Save 50% on an annual guitar lessons subscription
• Guitar Center: Save 15% on select items over $199
• IK Multimedia: Save up to 85% on Max bundles
• Musician's Friend: Up to 40% off a huge range of music gear
• Native Instruments: Up to 75% off in their best Cyber Sale ever
• Plugin Boutique: Save big on plugins from SoundToys, iZotope, SSL and more
• Positive Grid: Big Black Friday savings on BIAS and Spark
• Reverb: Up to 68% on select gear, plus deals on new and used items
• Sweetwater: Save big money with their official Black Friday sale
• Thomann: The Cyber Week sale is here, with up to 60% off gear
• Walmart: Shop the latest deals on beginner guitars and beyond
• Waves: Shop the early bird Black Friday sale - 90 plugins discounted

With this year's Black Friday guitar deals a matter of days away now, we're starting to get really excited about the gear bargains on the horizon. Guitar Center always puts on a great run of deals - like their current Holiday Sale - but we're most excited about the Black Friday deals preview that just landed in the Guitar Player inbox.

What's even cooler is that the folks at Guitar Center have given us the green light to reveal some of the best deals early, to give readers a head start once they officially drop on Thursday November 24th; knowledge is power, after all. 

The full list of deals includes everything from strings, cables and other accessories that would make great stocking fillers, to big savings on premium brands including Fender, Taylor, Martin, Gretsch and Boss. If you're shopping for a younger player or someone new to the instrument, there will be great savings on beginner acoustic and electric guitars, as well as great value bundles. Many of the deals will be the best of the year, so if you've been holding out until now to get the most value for money, it will have been worth the wait.

We’ve trawled the pages of Guitar Center’s deals sheet to bring you our pick of the offers to look out for when they land on the 24th. We've included links through to each product too. They won't show the discounted prices yet, but you can bookmark any you fancy and the discounts will be there once you head back on the 24th. 

• Gretsch G5427T Electromatic Flame maple hollowbody: $899.99, $729.99, save $170
• Fender Player Strats in Limited Edition finishes: $879.99, $729.99, save $150
• D'Angelico Excel DC XT semi-hollow: $1,799.99, $1,349.99, save $450
• Boss Katana 50 and 100 MKII combos: $279.99-$399.99, from $229.99, save $50
• Martin GPC Special Koa X Series Grand Performance acoustic electric: $639.99, $539.99, save $100
• Taylor Special Edition 414ce V-Class Grand Auditorium acoustic electric: $2,899, $2,799, save $100
• Epiphone Les Paul Special-I Player Pack: $249, $199, save $50
• Ernie Ball Slinky and Earthwood strings: two sets for $10
• Yamaha F335 dreadnought: $189.99, $149.99, save $40
• Boss LE Anniversary pedal bundles (SD-1 and MT-1): $79.99-$138.99, from $58.99, save up to $39
• Snark rechargeable tuner: $39.99, $19.99, save 50%
• Squier Limited Edition Strat pack with Frontman 10G amp: $289.99, $249.99, save $40

When the sale does eventually land, you can expect five days of deals, starting on Thursday November 24th and stretching through until Monday 28th.

In the meantime, Guitar Center has a whole host of holiday deals up for grabs right now on guitars and basses, amps and effects, accessories, recording gear and more.

Can't wait? Explore more early black Friday deals

• Amazon: Shop early Black Friday deals on guitars, mics & more
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• Musician's Friend: Up to 40% off a huge range of music gear
• Walmart: Shop the latest deals on beginner guitars and beyond
• Positive Grid: Big Black Friday savings on BIAS and Spark
• Thomann: In the UK or Europe? Save on big-name guitar gear
• Fender Play: Save 50% on an annual guitar lessons subscription

Guitar Center’s Guitar-A-Thon sale has been called "the greatest guitar event on Earth.” 

With tons of money-saving deals now live there’s something for everybody among their massive range of guitars, amps, effects and accessories.

Right now, Guitar Center is offering $200 off the regular price of Fender Player Telecasters.

These limited-edition Plus Top electric guitars come in a choice of Sienna Sunburst and Blue Burst and feature a solid alder body with a gorgeous AA flame maple top.

Fender Player Telecaster Plus Top

In Guitar Center's awesome Guitar-A-Thon deal, these Fender Player Telecaster Plus Top axes come in a choice of two finishes: Sienna Sunburst and Blue Burst.

Constructed with a solid alder body – as used in standard Fender production since 1956 – these limited-edition models feature the rare addition of an AA grade flame maple top.

Enhanced by their transparent gloss finishes, these electric guitars are a unique alternative to regular Teles but maintain all the major appointments which have made this iconic design so popular since its release over seven decades ago.

A ‘C’-profile maple neck and 9.5-inch radius maple fingerboard provide an easy, comfortable feel, while a string-through bridge design offers maximum transfer of vibration from the strings to the body.

Loaded with dual Alnico 5 Player Series single-coil pickups, these Fender Telecasters deliver punchy vintage tone and as much classic Tele twang as you could wish for.

• Upgrade your Tele tone with the best Telecaster pickups

Right now, Guitar Center is offering over a third off the regular price of Boss DS-1 Distortion Kits in this incredible deal that also includes two six-inch patch cables.

Dubbed "the greatest guitar event on Earth,” the firm’s Guitar-A-Thon sale sees the price of this package slashed from $89.99 to just $58.99 – that’s a huge saving of $31!

With over 1.5 million units sold, the DS-1 Distortion is Boss’s best-selling effects pedal – and for good reason.

Seen on the pedalboards of countless pro guitarists over the decades, this tried and trusted dirtbox is a benchmark of tone.

Boss DS-1 Distortion

The Boss DS-1 Distortion is a king among distortion pedals and is one of the most popular effects units of all time.

Unveiled in 1978 following the launch of Boss’s iconic compact pedal series the previous year, the flexible DS-1 Distortion set a standard for all that followed.

Great for rhythm and lead sounds, this Boss classic features three simple controls – tone, level and distortion – with which to dial in your perfect settings.

Known for its edgy voice, the DS-1 Distortion allows electric guitar players to cut through a band mix. Whether on stage or in the studio, this Boss staple can be relied on for world class tone every time.

Popular with beginners and pros alike, it’s a great pedal to have in the toolbox and is built to withstand decades of use.

Long sold with a five-year warranty, Boss pedals are famously tough and are frequently cited as modern classics (just ask Joe Satriani or Steve Vai!)

Last week, Guitar Center kicked off their Guitar-A-Thon sale in style with tons of bargains across a range of products from top brands including Fender, Gibson, Martin, PRS, Taylor, Washburn, D’Addario, Breedlove, EVH, Epiphone, Gretsch, Music Man, D'Angelico, Schecter and more.

As well as price cuts on guitars (check out this deal on Fender Stratocasters where you can save up to $230!) Guitar Center has lowered the cost on masses of amps, accessories and effects.

Right now, you can save up 43% on MXR effects pedals, including the Fat Sugar Drive, Classic Overdrive, Prime Distortion and Classic Distortion.

MXR M66S Classic Overdrive

Pro standard distortion pedals needn't be expensive. Nor must they be overly complicated. And the MXR M66S Classic Overdrive is a good case in point.

This essential, no-frills stompbox sports three simple controls (output, tone and gain) to sculpt a range of overdrive sounds from clean boost to fat crunch.

If you're looking for a quality drive pedal from a leading brand you can trust then the Classic Overdrive is well worth considering (especially with 43% off the regular price.)

With close to 300 stores across the country, Guitar Center has long been a trusted retailer of guitar gear in the U.S.

Serving America for over half a century, the firm has helped countless musicians do what they love doing the most.

In recent times, Guitar Center’s Guitar-A-Thon has become one of the most exciting sales in the music retail world. Running from now until October 26, musicians can expect to find some of the best bargains around.

For example, check out these incredible deals where you can get up to $230 off Fender Player Series Stratocasters.

As well as special offers on Fender gear, you will also be able to find a host of bargains from top brands such as Gibson, Martin, PRS, Taylor, Washburn, D’Addario, Breedlove, EVH, Epiphone, Gretsch, Music Man, D'Angelico, Schecter, ESP and more.

Partnering with Guitar Center for this Fall’s Guitar-A-Thon is the Grammy-winning guitarist and producer Andrew Watt.

In our recent feature with Watt, the master collaborator picked five definitive tracks from his prolific career that has seen him work alongside the likes of Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa and Ozzy Osbourne.

More recently, Watt produced all of Eddie Vedder’s 2022 solo LP, Earthling.

Featuring co-writers Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer, Watt also performed on the album before joining the Pearl Jam frontman on tour as part of his all-star side project, The Earthlings.

As the face of this year’s Guitar-A-Thon, Watt will be featured in the retailer’s television spots and video interviews.

In Guitar Center’s exclusive interview, he gives fellow music makers some insight into his workflow and reflects upon how playing guitar informs his production techniques.

“Artists like Andrew Watt continue to redefine the music industry,” said Rich Hoalst, Executive Vice President & Chief Customer Officer at Guitar Center.

“From his recognition and skills as a producer and songwriter, to his love for playing and collecting guitars, Andrew proves that creating music is so much more than just playing an instrument.

"Artists and musicians inspired by him can find a variety of gear and products to produce new music at Guitar Center with a variety of price points and features, allowing them to get hands-on with the materials and tools they need to springboard their creativity.”

Click here to visit Guitar Center now and take a look at what they are calling “the greatest guitar event on Earth.”

Guitar Center’s epic Guitar-A-Thon sale has begun! 

Right now, there are masses of bargains to be had, including:

• $230 OFF this Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus Top in Blue Burst
• $200 OFF this Fender Player Stratocaster HSS in Candy Red Burst
• $170 OFF this Fender Player Stratocaster in Surf Pearl

We don't expect these limited-edition Fender Player Series Stratocasters to hang around for long, so why not head on over to Guitar Center now and take a browse? 

There you can find additional finish options to choose from, including Shell Pink, Green Burst and Sienna Sunburst, as well as Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguars and more.

Fender Player Series Stratocaster HSS Plus Top

Appearing in a limited-edition Blue Burst, this Player Series Stratocaster HSS Plus Top is now priced $679.99 – that's an incredible $230 off the regular ticket price of $909.99!

Along with the extra oomph of a humbucking bridge pickup this Strat boasts a gorgeous flamed maple top over a solid alder body.

A 22-fret maple fingerboard with a 9.5" radius for easy bending and a 2-point fulcrum tremolo bridge provide a modern feel.

Fender Player Series Stratocaster HSS in Candy Red Burst

This Player Series Stratocaster provides the essential features of Fender's iconic guitar while adding some extra appointments for the modern player, including a fatter-sounding bridge humbucker and an updated 2-point fulcrum vibrato bridge.

If you're the sort of guitarist who wants more gain out of the bridge pickup then this limited-edition Candy Red Burst Strat was made for you. 

A versatile guitar with killer looks, this all-rounder can switch from single-coil cut to chunky 'bucker tone in an instant.

Fender Player Series Stratocaster in Surf Pearl

This limited-edition Fender Stratocaster appears in headturning Surf Pearl gloss finish and features a retro 'mint green' pickguard as seen on Strats from 1959 to 1965.

A trio of single coil pickups provides traditional-sounding Stratocaster tones while a 5-way switch offers additional out-of-phase selections in positions 2 and 4.

As per the HSS Strats above, this model has been subtley modernized with a 2-point vibrato and 9.5" fretboard radius, allowing smooth playing action and choke-free bends.

Okay, we know you’d rather be thinking about a summer BBQ, but unfortunately, the time has come to start thinking about the return to school. So, whether you’re the parent of a young one who is returning to their studies or a college student leaving home to pursue further education, now is the time to take advantage of online retailers' back-to-school sales. Now, obviously, the books, pens and laptops are important, but we think the guitar is pretty essential, too – this is Guitar Player, after all. Luckily, the folks over at Guitar Center are now offering 15% off beginner-friendly acoustic guitars and lessons, meaning you can have your pick of the best acoustics for beginners for an unbeatable price. 

We are glad to see that this epic sale features some of the biggest names in the world of budget acoustic guitars, with the likes of D’Angelico, Yamaha, Ibanez, and Sigma all included. Now, don’t worry if you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to picking an acoustic guitar, as we’ve listed a few of our top choices below. 

Our first pick from this sale has to be the fabulous Yamaha F335, which is down to only $144.49. Yamaha makes some of the finest instruments in the world and for us, their budget line offers the best value for money in this price category. Our second pick would have to be the Epiphone PRO-1, which delivers a wonderful tone despite its modest price tag.  

Up until now, the two guitars we’ve recommended feature the dreadnought shape, which can be a little large for some of the younger players out there but don’t worry, the small-bodied Sigma SIG10 Mini is available for only $186.99 and even features a solid sitka spruce top! If you are thinking about purchasing a premium option, then our pick would be the absolutely stunning PRS SE P20E Parlor, which in our opinion is one of the best small acoustic guitars on the market, and the Pink Lotus finish option is down to only $424.15. 

Thankfully it’s not only instruments that are on sale, as Guitar Center is offering discounts on their popular guitar lesson service as well. For a limited time, if you buy three lessons, you get one free. All of these back-to-school offers run from now until 3 August, so be quick to make sure you or your little one doesn’t miss out. 

Explore more options with our buyer's guides

• Unplug with the best acoustic guitars under $1,000
• Our pick of the best beginner electric guitars
• Prefer to plug in? Explore our pick of the best electric guitars
• These are the best semi-hollow guitars on the market right now
• Considering a Martin? Here are the best Martin guitars for any budget 

Memorial Day is nearly here and Guitar Center has already launched their epic Memorial Day Sale.

If you’re on the lookout for a new electric guitar, acoustic guitar, guitar amp or effects pedal then head on over for a browse while stocks last.

From now until June 1, Guitar Center is offering massive bargains on a huge range of big-name brands including Fender, Epiphone, Gretsch, Martin, Boss, Vox and more.

We thoroughly recommend having a look around to see if you can pick up a nice deal or two, like this Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Plus Top with $230 off.

And with Guitar Center’s Memorial Day 15% off coupon there are even more bargains to be had.

Here are just a few of the awesome deals to be had over at Guitar Center’s Memorial Day Sale…

Martin Special D

With $200 off the regular price of $999.99 this is a very special deal on an equally special guitar from Martin, the company that brought you the quintessential all-American flat-top.

Martin invented the Dreadnought, and this all-solid Special D model features an x-braced Sitka spruce top and sapele (also known as sapele mahogany) back and sides.

BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Bundle

This bundle was $169 but you can bag it now for only $99.99. 

When we say this deal is crazy, we mean it. In fact, right now it actually costs more to buy a TU-3 Chromatic Tuner without any extras!

Intuitive, accurate and built to last, this Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner also comes with everything you need to power up to eight other pedals.

12 premium Boss picks have been thrown in for good measure.

Epiphone Les Paul Special-I

Come on! $139?! Yep. That’s how low Guitar Center are going this Memorial Day Sale when you save 22% on this limited-edition Epiphone Les Paul Special-I.

Echoing that cool vintage style and feel, Epiphone’s number one-selling axe is now available in a choice of Worn finishes, including Black (pictured), Cherry, Pelham Blue and Gray.

They're all in the sale now so go take a browse!

Guitar Center’s epic Guitar-A-Thon tends to yield some pretty spectacular bargains and this year’s spring event was no exception.

This time around, the guitar world was also treated to a set of appearances by Austin-based psychedelic soul merchants Black Pumas.

As the face of this year’s Guitar Center Guitar-A-Thon, the duo – comprising Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada – told a unique tale about how two “rhythm players” discovered their signature retro sound.

And in this exclusive clip, Black Pumas perform a full, uninterrupted rendition of “Confines” – a Quesada/Burton-penned track from their self-titled 2019 debut album.

This exemplary performance shows just how powerful the simple combination of electric guitar and acoustic guitar can be.

“The guitar is a big inspiration for me,” recalled Burton in an interview with Guitar Center. “I was attracted to the guitar at an early age, eight or nine.

“I used to play the violin, and I have some history with strings in general, but the guitar is just pretty much the most accessible instrument. Learning to play the instrument is immediate.

“When I was growing up, I was an introvert (still am in many ways) and often kept to myself. The guitar was a good way to find my voice when I was young. It was a way to express myself when I couldn’t any other way.”

For over half a century, Guitar Center has been helping musicians like Black Pumas to find their voice while offering a huge range of instruments at various price points.

With close to 300 stores across the U.S. and as one of the leading online retailers in the industry, Guitar Center has an enviable reputation as a go-to for musicians like Quesada and Burton.

Order the Black Pumas’ eponymous debut album here.

A well-cared-for electric guitar that shows the “patina of age, with finish checking, oxidation on the metal parts, and discoloration of the plastic.”

That’s how Fender describes a Journeyman Relic instrument in its extensive line of Custom Shop made-to-order guitars.

This is precisely the spirit in which Fender and Guitar Center have collaborated on the Limited-Edition Double-Bound Stratocaster Journeyman Relic, a guitar that has been carefully massaged to walk the line between custom and vintage.

Based on a 1960 Strat, the Journeyman is a showpiece, with an Aged Aztek Gold nitrocellulose-lacquer finish that’s been convincingly weather-checked to exude the appearance of having been carried from clubs to freezing cold vans for years.

The effect is also available in the Aged hues of Candy Tangerine, Sherwood Green Metallic, Lake Placid Blue and Candy Apple Red.

The customization begins with an alder body that is both non-contoured (i.e. flat-sided) and trimmed front-and-back in white binding. The gold/white theme looks very classy in a ’50s sort of way, and the light aging of the plastic parts is apparent in the three-ply pickguard, knobs, pickup covers and switch tip.

The attaching screws all wear a corroded patina as well, which looks so right here, as opposed to some “antiqued” guitars we’ve seen from other makers that lose the overall effect by using brand-new screws to secure aged components. In fact, the closer you look at the Journeyman, the better it gets.

The chrome on the vintage-style vibrato bridge looks decades old, with its softly dulled sheen, as do the jack plate and strap buttons.

The bent-steel saddles, springs, and fulcrum and intonation screws are all rusted to replicate being grimed by sweat from countless hours of playing.

At the opposite end, the ’50s-style tuners and dual string trees are similarly age-advanced and look ever so cool against the dark sheen of the roasted, quarter-sawn maple neck.

A chrome neck-joint plate bearing the Custom Shop stamp is actually the only item on this guitar that looks new.

The medium-profile ’59 “C” neck is also finished in nitro lacquer and has a tactile, silky feel that is inviting to the hand. It’s interesting how one can totally get the sense of playing a vintage guitar while knowing full well that it’s an entirely modern creation.

On the top side, the rosewood fingerboard is adorned with clay position dots and carries 21 perfectly groomed medium-vintage frets with nicely rounded tips that roll smoothy into the edges of the fretboard.

The small bone nut has also been carefully fitted and smoothed so that no sharp corners can be felt.

We couldn’t resist removing the pickguard to have a look inside, and it’s satisfying that Fender went the extra mile by using waxed, cloth-covered wire for all the connections, along with old-school paper-in-oil caps.

The Stratocaster JCE single-coils are staggered-pole, low-wind units for balance, clarity and tonal authenticity. However, customization extends here too, as Fender uses what’s called 1/2 Blender wiring, which turns the second tone control into a blend pot when the five-way selector is in positions one and two (i.e. bridge and middle, which some call positions four and five).

At any rate, with the selector in the bridge position, the blend knob lets you add the neck pickup in any proportion, while the bridge/middle setting allows you to blend-in the neck pickup to change the tone of that combination.

It’s a cool system that lets you easily access lots of sounds on the fly, while the guitar still functions as normal for the neck, middle-plus-neck and middle positions.

The combination of a roasted neck (which drives out tone-killing moisture) and top-quality body wood and solid hardware – not to mention that the bridge is adjusted to lay flat against the top – gives the Journeyman excellent resonance and sustain.

We found ourselves playing it for long stretches without feeling the need to plug in, and our only issue was having to constantly re-tune the low strings when using the vibrato.

No amount of string stretching seemed to help, so perhaps adding another spring and re-adjusting the claw might be a solution.

Weighing a touch over eight pounds, the guitar is a comfortable hold on a three-set night, and we have to say there’s something Tele-like about the way a flat-sided Strat positions your right hand that’s kind of neat, if you happen to be a Tele player. 

Driving Fender Deluxe Reverb and Victoria Double Deluxe 2x12 guitar amps, the Journeyman sounded excellent, delivering glassy and bell-like tones whether hammering on the neck pickup boosted with an overdrive pedal, getting funky rhythm sounds when playing super clean on the neck/middle and bridge/middle combinations, or summoning a soaring lead tone on the bridge setting when fired up with a Fulltone OCD driving into an Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man.

You can further texturize tones with the blend knob by rolling in some neck pickup and softening the bridge pickup’s bite, or by using it to create a big three-pickup tone on the second position, thereby completely changing its character.

It’s great to have these options at your fingertips, and the Journeyman is all the more flexible because of its 1/2 Blender wiring.

All things considered, the limited-edition Custom Shop Limited-Edition Double-Bound Stratocaster Journeyman Relic merits a close look. It’s well made and has a superb neck with excellent fretwork, and its tones embody everything that people dig about early ’60s Strats.

Each example comes with a deluxe G&G hardshell case with embroidered Custom Shop logo, a black-leather portfolio containing a certificate of authenticity and detailed build info, and an accessories package that includes a stitched-leather strap, a nickel-plated trem cover, extra springs and more.

Our review sample looks awesome with its aged-gold finish, and we’d surmise that anyone who keeps an eye on new Custom Shop offerings will want to get their hands on one of these guitars.

Visit Guitar Center for more information.

There are plenty of Black Friday guitar deals floating around at the moment, but Black Friday doesn't just mean sales and discounts. It's also a time that sees guitar companies team up with retailers to offer unique, often collectible, twists on established models that are difficult to find elsewhere and at other times.

Case in point is this stylish trio of new, Guitar Center-exclusive, denim-finished Fenders, unveiled right in time for the holidays.

These three guitars from Fender's American Ultra line – two Strats and a Tele, respectively – all come in a limited-edition Denim Burst finish, with a AA flame maple top, ash or alder body, and a black-finished headstock with Fender's logo in silver.

All three of the instruments also come fitted with modern D-shaped maple necks with sculpted heels, and striped ebony (rather than the rosewood typical of American Ultras) fretboards with 22 medium jumbo frets.

Electronically, the axes are armed with Fender’s fifth-generation Ultra Noiseless pickups – model-specific vintage single-coils on the regular Strat and the Tele, plus those and a dual-coil overwound Double Tap bridge humbucker on the HSS Strat. 

Each of the three guitars is also fitted with an S-1 switch on the volume knob, which users can engage to add the neck pickup to any switch position or – on the HSS Strat – use for coil-splitting.

Elsewhere, the controls on the three guitars are fairly standard: a three-way pickup switch and individual master tone and volume knobs on the Tele, and a five-way blade pickup switch, two tone controls, and a volume knob on the Strats.

The Tele boasts a fixed bridge with individual string saddles, while the Strat features a two-point deluxe synchronized trem system. Locking tuners come standard on all models.

The Fender American Ultra Denim HSS Stratocaster is available now for $2,549, while the standard Strat and Tele versions will set you back $2,499. 

For more info on the guitars, head on over to guitarcenter.com.

Joe Bonamassa says that in some ways he knows what makes his 1951 NoCaster – nicknamed the Bludgeon – special, and in some ways he doesn’t.

“My ’51 NoCaster is basically the best guitar I’ve ever owned in my life,” he says. “I’ve had it for seven years and I’ve probably played 700 shows with it.” He reveals that he found the NoCaster – so called because it was made during the brief period when Fender clipped “Broadcaster” from the headstock decal – at a Guitar Center, where it was hanging on the wall.

The moment he walked up to it, he knew he would have the guitar for the rest of his life.

Bonamassa and Fender recently announced the re-creation of the Bludgeon – “The Bludgeon” 1951 NoCaster – in a limited run of 100 pieces, all of which will be crafted one at a time by master builder Greg Fessler at a rate of one or two per month, and priced at $8,500 each.

Fessler has duplicated the aging and the feel of the neck and the patina of the metal. When we asked him about the woods and how they may have contributed to the tone of this guitar, he said, “This one was unusual because it’s a one-piece body, which I never see with NoCasters, and it might have something to do with the sound of this thing. 

"We use the best materials and we take our time on these guitars. The body is a one-piece ash spread, and I just try to get a nice weight and grain pattern. The neck is a plain-grain maple blank, which is common for that time period. The tonal quality varies like all wood, so I just try to pick a nice piece of maple.”

If you compare Bonamassa’s original electric guitar with the new Bludgeon, it’s clear that there was literally nothing in the guitar’s unique wear patterns that escaped Fessler’s eagle eye, not even the puzzling absence of wear at the 16th fret, which neither the original owner – who played the guitar for 65 years – nor Bonamassa seems to have touched.

“We make masks to replicate the wear patterns on both the neck and body to get as authentic a look as possible,” Fessler explains. “But it does take some time to get all the details right.”

Seymour Duncan re-created the original flat-pole single-coil bridge pickup and the PAF humbucker that was installed at some point in the guitar’s life. Fessler says he just copied the electronics on the original guitar, which includes the .05uF wax paper capacitor, to get an authentic sound.

Bonamassa calls the pickups “out of phase in a beautiful way when the selector is in the middle position,” adding that songs like “No Good Place for the Lonely” were done solely on that position.

“When you find a good Telecaster, whether it’s an old one or one made yesterday, they have infinite dynamics,” the guitarist says. “One of the cool things about Telecasters in this configuration is you can play any genre and any style, and do it authentically.

“My original turned 70 this year, and you can enjoy this guitar for a lifetime.”

Check out more Fender Custom Shop Blackguards here.

Buddy Guy is a bona fide master of electric blues. Much like his early contemporaries Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, Guy moved north to Chicago as a young man and became immersed in the local blues scene. 

He eventually signed to Chicago blues hub Chess Records in 1959, and although the label only managed to put out one studio album during his tenure – 1967’s I Left My Blues in San Francisco – he was recruited to perform on countless sessions for the likes of Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson.

Throughout that time, Guy built an international reputation for his incendiary live shows and inspired a new generation of blues players, including a young Eric Clapton. As one of the first blues guitarists of note to adopt the Stratocaster as an instrument of choice, Guy stretched the boundaries of what solidbody electric guitars were capable of doing early on in the late-'50s. 

In recognition, Guy was honoured with his own Fender signature model in 1995 – the Buddy Guy Stratocaster. Originally available in either a two-tone sunburst or Honey Blonde, by 2002 it also came with Guy’s trademark Polka Dot finish.

During this incredible clip from the Guitar Center Sessions, Guy performs a masterful rendition of "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues” using a Strat (occasionally one-handed!) and shows us exactly why he has remained one of the world’s most revered electric blues artists. 

The intimate location and close up camerawork in this video make for especially interesting viewing and give a unique insight into the raw, off-the-cuff musical genius of the original Chicago blues legend that is Buddy Guy.

Keep up to date with Buddy Guy here

A mural of Eddie Van Halen has been unveiled on the outside wall of Guitar Center's flagship Hollywood location.

Created by Robert Vargas, the mural – titled "Long Live the King" – is 17 feet tall and 105 feet long, and covers the entirety of the store’s outer wall at its rear entrance. Depicting Van Halen with his iconic “Frankenstrat,” it was painted entirely by hand.

“Eddie was one of my creative heroes," Vargas said in a statement. "When I was young, the debut Van Halen record was the first album I ever owned. He influenced me over the years in so many different ways. 

"As soon as the news hit of his passing, I knew I had to do something creative to memorialize him, and Guitar Center was the obvious venue. Right here on the Sunset Strip, where the band made their bones – I can’t think of a better place for this tribute to him, and I thank Guitar Center for giving me the canvas to share it with the world.”    

“Eddie Van Halen was a truly monumental force in rock music," added Guitar Center Category Manager Jean-Claude Escudie. "He made lead guitar playing popular when it might have been slipping away into punk and new wave minimalist territory, and then basically the entire 80s hard rock scene followed in his wake. 

"Guitar Center saw this first-hand, as generations of lead guitarists have flocked to our stores to try to capture something of what inspires them about Eddie’s sound. Besides that, sometimes people forget that he was an immigrant and multi-racial, so in so many ways his story is the story of the American experience.”  

You can watch Vargas work on the mural, and discuss Van Halen's impact on his own life, in the video below.