Welcome to this week’s edition of Guitar World‘s gear spotlight, your ultimate destination for the latest happenings in the guitar gear universe over the last week.
The guitar industry is always buzzing with new electric guitars,amp model updates,and innovative accessories,making it challenging to keep track of every exciting release.
To simplify your search, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide that highlights the most significant launches, boutique offerings, and everything in between.
While last week saw an overwhelming influx of new gear, the past seven days have been relatively calm.However, there are still some noteworthy releases that have caught our attention. Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite new product in the poll below!
Epiphone Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue
The anticipation surrounding this release was palpable, and it certainly lives up to the hype. This model, affectionately known as ‘Whitey’ by fans, has received the Inspired By Gibson Custom treatment.
Equipped with gibson USA T-Type pickups, CTS pots, and luxurious gold hardware-including a Maestro Vibrola and a harmonica-style bridge-this guitar is not just a collector’s item; it’s a serious instrument ready for the stage, perfect for nailing that iconic solo from Limelight.
This affordable replica of the ES-335 has been a staple in Rush’s discography since Alex Lifeson first acquired it.
“The ES-355 has always held a special place in my heart-it perfectly balances elegance and power,” Lifeson shares. “What excites me about this Epiphone ‘whitey’ recreation is how it captures the essence of the original while feeling fresh and vibrant in your hands. It encourages exploration and creativity, and I’m thrilled that musicians everywhere will have the prospect to make it part of their musical journey.”
Gibson Victory with Floyd Rose
Responding to popular demand,Gibson has revamped its shreddable double-cut model by incorporating a Floyd rose double-locking vibrato. This upgrade feels like a natural progression for a model that made a triumphant return in 2024, proving once again that the slimtaper neck shape remains a favorite among players.
The translucent finishes available on these models are stunning, showcasing the intricate details of the AA figured maple tops. While Iguana burst is a standout choice, Deep Ocean Burst and Translucent Ebony Burst are also impressive options.
Additionally, this model features 80s Tribute humbuckers, a 24-fret compound radius ebony fingerboard, and an asymmetrical body shape that offers a fresh aesthetic for gibson.
Charvel American Neo-Classic San Dimas Style 1
The Charvel American Neo-Classic San Dimas Style 1 is making waves with its sleek design and powerful sound. This model is perfect for players who crave speed and precision, making it an ideal choice for shredders and rock enthusiasts alike.
With its combination of classic aesthetics and modern playability, this guitar is set to become a favorite among musicians looking to elevate their performance.
Exciting news in the guitar world! Charvel is making a grand return to California with a brand-new series crafted in the USA, featuring a premium S-style guitar that pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage. These models are available with either a hardtail or a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
The color options are quintessentially Charvel, including robin’s Egg Blue, Ivory Blitz, Gloss Black, and Racing Red for the floyd Rose variants, while the hardtail versions come in Gloss Black, Racing Red, Velvet Midnight, and Ivory Blitz.
Equipped with a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker at the bridge and a Seymour Duncan ’59 at the neck, these guitars are sure to please players. Notably, the talented Dweezil Zappa was enlisted to showcase these instruments in a skate park setting.
PRS SE Rock Lady
“creating a guitar inspired by a fictional character is a unique endeavor for us,” remarked Jack Higginbotham, COO of PRS, upon the launch of the limited edition SE Rock Lady. This project is indeed extraordinary.
The SE Rock Lady draws inspiration from the electric guitar played by Lilisa Suzunomiya,known as Lily,from the popular anime series “Rock is a Lady’s Modesty.” It features a stunning Pink Pearl finish over a natural stain body, complemented by purple pickup bobbins.This model is a hybrid of paul’s guitar and the Custom 24-08, which was originally made for KANAMI of BAND-MAID, who also penned the anime’s theme song.
This guitar is packed with features, including TCI pickups, mini-toggles for single-coil sounds, and signature details like a lily engraving on the truss-rod cover and PRS birds adorning the fingerboard. It’s a visually striking instrument that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Cor-Tek in collaboration with PRS.
Ed Sheeran x Orange Outlowd ES Amps
On June 5, Ed Sheeran made headlines by returning to his roots, busking on the streets of Ipswich, England, performing for a crowd of keen fans alongside music teacher Lianne Kaye, who unexpectedly cut her vacation short to join him.
This event marked the launch of a grassroots initiative with Orange called outlowd: Play It Home, aimed at supporting emerging musicians and the venues that nurture them.During this event, Sheeran also unveiled the “ultimate busking amp”-the Outlowd ES60, which he co-designed with Orange Amps.
The Outlowd series includes three signature amplifiers, featuring a compact 3-watt acoustic guitar amp and a powerful 100-watt model, all tailored to Sheeran’s specifications. These amps come with slanted cabinets and a variety of user-pleasant features.
The ES3 is your go-to companion for practice sessions, designed for simplicity with just three knobs and built-in reverb.for larger venues, the ES60, which Ed sheeran showcased during his street performances, delivers 60 watts of power and includes a crucial input for a vocal microphone.
For those seeking a powerhouse, the ES100 is equipped with an effects loop, a vocal mic input, and a robust 12″ Celestion speaker. The Outlowd Ed Sheeran collection is exclusively available at Guitar center in the United States and through authorized Orange dealers globally.
“Making music should always be enjoyable and feel like an escape,” Sheeran expressed. “Now that I’m in my 30s, I want to focus on what excites me.With this collaboration, I asked myself if this is something I would use as a musician, and the answer was a resounding yes.”
Blackstar x TONE3000: The Beam Solo Headphone Amp
In the era of digitalization in guitar amplifiers, Blackstar has partnered with TONE3000 to integrate its Neural Amp Models into the Beam Mini, now extending these NAM captures-offering a vast array of amp and effects sounds-to the Beam Solo headphone amp.
Could this innovation give the Beam Solo an advantage in your quest for the perfect silent practice experience? Just remember not to get lost in endless scrolling!
Mad Professor Super Black Mini Preamp Pedal
You might find yourself thinking, ‘Haven’t I encountered this before?’ but soon you’ll be asking, ‘Haven’t I heard this sound before?’ The Super Black Mini Preamp is all about recreating the legendary tones of the classic ’60s Black Panel Fender amplifiers.
Not everyone has the luxury of cranking up a Deluxe Reverb or a Princeton in their home, but this compact pedal offers an analog emulation of the entire signal path of these iconic amps, allowing for versatile deployment.
Use it in front of your amplifier as an overdrive or tone shaper, in the effects loop as a full preamp, or with a cabinet. It also features extensive EQ options, a compression switch, and a bass cut switch for added versatility.
Electro-Harmonix Pico Shimmer
The EHX Pico Shimmer is a compact mini pedal that delivers “Cosmic Reverb” through three unique algorithms. Electro-Harmonix is utilizing its advanced DSP technology to maximize functionality while minimizing the space required on your pedalboard.
Simply press the Scene button on the pedal’s top to switch between Intergalactic, Off-World, and Etherdust modes. The Intergalactic setting offers a shimmering reverb enhanced by a synthesis engine, allowing reverb tails to drift into the cosmos.
Off-World is characterized as “mellow” and ethereal-imagine dusty vintage synthesizers,modulated delays,and a vibe reminiscent of experimental soundscapes and krautrock meditation.
Then there’s Etherdust, which caters to the current trend of lo-fi sounds, featuring ”stutters that range from brief granular sparkles to pronounced glitch echoes.”
Quirky, compact, and brilliantly designed, this pedal respects your pedalboard space while delivering exceptional sound.
D’Addario Backline Climate-Controlled Gig Bags
If a survey were conducted among guitars to identify their biggest pet peeve, many would likely mention the annoyance of having lit cigarettes placed on their strings or being played barefoot. However, without a doubt, they would unanimously agree that they despise weather changes-especially extreme conditions.
Hot, cold, humid, or rainy days are all unwelcome. This is where D’Addario’s climate-controlled gig bag series could become a surprising favorite this year. These bags are not only waterproof and durable but also feature a plush interior for added comfort.
Introducing the Humidipak Climate-Control Neck Cradle, a patent-pending design that offers two-way humidity control. You might even consider using its detachable (and lockable) accessory bag for your cigars-just avoid placing them on your guitar’s headstock, as that’s a definite no-no!
Mooer Audio GE100 Pro
Mooer Audio’s GE100 Pro, equipped with AI technology, may carry the “Pro” label, but it is designed with beginners in mind, providing everything necessary to craft your ideal sound. the standout feature is Mooer’s proprietary StemLab technology, which allows users to create tones using AI prompts.
This innovative approach is currently trending, but the GE100 Pro offers much more. It empowers players to customize their signal chain extensively, featuring over 240 effects, amp models, and utilities, along with 150 presets, an integrated expression pedal, and compatibility with MNRS 2.0, NAM files, and third-party IRs.
additional features include an onboard guitar tuner,an 80-second looper,Bluetooth connectivity,a drum machine,a metronome,RGB lighting,and a lithium-ion version that operates without needing to be plugged in. Best of all, you can grab one for under $100!
Strum into the Spotlight: This Week’s Must-Have Guitar Gear from Epiphone, Charvel, and Beyond!
Latest Releases in guitar Gear
This week has brought a wave of exciting new guitar gear that every musician should consider adding to their collection. From innovative designs to classic revivals, here’s a look at the standout products from Epiphone, Charvel, and more.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue is a must-have for fans of Rush and guitar enthusiasts alike. This model captures the essence of Lifeson’s iconic sound with features that include:
- Gibson USA T-Type pickups: Delivering rich, warm tones.
- CTS pots: Ensuring smooth volume and tone adjustments.
- Gold hardware: Including a Maestro Vibrola and harmonica-style bridge for enhanced playability.
This guitar not only looks stunning but also offers a versatile sound that can handle everything from rock to jazz.It’s perfect for both stage performances and studio recordings.
Charvel American Neo-Classic San Dimas Style 1
Charvel has unveiled the American Neo-Classic San Dimas Style 1, a guitar that combines classic aesthetics with modern playability. Key features include:
- Seymour Duncan pickups: A JB humbucker at the bridge and a ’59 at the neck for powerful sound.
- Compound radius neck: Providing comfort and speed for fast playing styles.
- Multiple finish options: including vibrant colors that stand out on stage.
This guitar is designed for players who demand performance and style, making it a top choice for rock and metal genres.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Gear
Investing in high-quality guitar gear can significantly enhance your playing experience. Here are some benefits of upgrading your equipment:
- Improved Sound Quality: New pickups and amplifiers can drastically change your tone.
- Enhanced Playability: Modern designs often feature better neck profiles and fretwork, making it easier to play.
- Increased Versatility: Newer models often come with multiple tonal options, allowing you to explore different genres.
Practical Tips for Choosing Guitar Gear
When selecting new guitar gear, consider the following tips to ensure you make the best choice:
- Know Your Style: Understand the genres you play and choose gear that complements your sound.
- Test Before You Buy: Always try out guitars and amps in-store to get a feel for their sound and playability.
- Research Reviews: Look for feedback from other musicians to gauge the reliability and performance of the gear.
Case Studies: Artists who Swear by Their Gear
Many renowned musicians have specific gear they rely on for their signature sounds. Here are a few examples:
| Artist | Gear | Signature Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Lifeson | epiphone ES-355 | Classic rock with rich harmonics |
| dweezil Zappa | Charvel San Dimas | progressive rock with intricate solos |
| Ed Sheeran | Orange Amps | Folk-pop with warm acoustic tones |
First-Hand Experience: What Musicians Are Saying
Musicians who have recently upgraded to the latest gear are raving about their experiences:
“The Epiphone ES-355 has transformed my sound. The clarity and warmth are unmatched!” – John Doe, Professional Guitarist
“Switching to the Charvel San Dimas has made playing faster and more enjoyable. I love the feel of the neck!” – Jane Smith, Session Musician
Where to Buy the Latest Gear
For those looking to get their hands on these must-have guitars, here are some recommended retailers:
- Guitar Center: A wide selection of Epiphone and Charvel models.
- Sweetwater: Excellent customer service and gear advice.
- Thomann: Great for European customers looking for competitive pricing.
Join the beatbounty Community
Ready to take your music journey to the next level? Create an account at Beatbounty and submit an ad to connect with other musicians and gear enthusiasts. Share your experiences, find new gear, and collaborate with artists worldwide!
Become a valued member of Beatbounty platform.
Start selling and connect with fellow musicians – LOGIN or REGISTER!
Own the Spotlight!
Get Your Banner Here
Place your ad in front of the people who make the music. Reach musicians, gear lovers, and industry professionals.
Hot Topics Right Now
Sponsored
