As I mentioned in this column last year, we often kick off our annual year-end issue well in advance. Consequently, much of this edition was assembled in late October, including our feature on teh “most significant guitar news of the year.”
However, to showcase the vibrant and ever-evolving world of guitars, I found myself updating our news section almost daily as the printing deadline loomed. From the sale of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “Kramer Ad” guitar to the Stray cats’ tour cancellation, and from Gibson/Epiphone’s Back to the Future ES-345s to Nigel Tufnel’s latest Marshall amp, there was no shortage of exciting developments.
Undoubtedly, the most heartbreaking late-breaking news was the passing of Kiss co-founder Ace Frehley, a genuine and charismatic figure who had graced our cover multiple times.
Fortunately,we had an unpublished interview with Frehley from early 2025,making it a fitting addition to this issue’s 11-page tribute.This “lost interview” captures Ace’s engaging personality, his candidness, humor, and a treasure trove of vivid memories from the past.
What’s Inside This Issue
This captivating issue features…
- Our editorial team’s selection of the guitarists of the year-around 20 musicians who made a lasting impact in 2025, including Nuno Bettencourt, Jake E. Lee,the members of Mirador,Marcus King,Nigel Tufnel,Noel Gallagher,Stephen Carpenter,Tim henson,and many more.
- A summary of the year’s most significant guitar news, highlighting the losses of Ace Frehley, Ozzy Osbourne, and Brent Hinds, along with the monumental Back to the Beginning event from July, the conclusion of Megadeth, and the buzz around Modified Marshalls.
- The guitar World team’s picks for the best new gear of the year, featuring the EVH SA-126 Standard, Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble, Taylor’s new Gold Label acoustics, and a plethora of other gear we’d love to add to our collections.
- A diverse array of guitar legends-including Don Felder, Brad Gillis, Kiki Wong, Max Cavalera, Herman Li, Vernon Reid, joe Perry, Keith Urban, Eric Gales, Richard Fortus, Melanie Faye, Steve Stevens, and others-sharing their favorite albums, solos, riffs, songs, and memorable guitar moments from the year.
- A heartfelt tribute to Ace Frehley,featuring the previously unpublished interview conducted in early 2025.
more exciting Features Await!
The Gear Hunter connects with Paul Reed Smith at PRS Guitars, a brand celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
We also sit down with Nuno Bettencourt (one of our featured guitarists of the year) and transcribe-marking a first in our 45-year history-Young Man Blues from Live at Leeds by The Who. Other transcriptions include Shinedown’s 2025 hit Three Six Five and Buddy Holly’s Blue Days,Black nights,featuring the legendary Sonny Curtis on guitar.
In terms of gear, we delve into the rich history and appeal of the Gibson SG Standard, alongside reviews of the following standout products:
- Ibanez Q54W
- Boss PX-1 Plugout FX
- Sterling by Music Man Kaizen 7
- fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster
- Warm Audio Throne of Tone
- JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage
Additionally, we introduce new columns from Joe Bonamassa, Jared James Nichols, and Cory Wong, along with a fresh voice in our lineup-Blackberry Smoke guitarist Charlie Starr.
Grab your copy of Guitar World at Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Hudson News, Books a Million, and other retailers. Or better yet, subscribe to enjoy every issue at a discount!
