Chris Vinnicombe

Chris Vinnicombe worked with us here on the MusicRadar team from the site's initial launch way back in 2007, and also contributed to Guitarist magazine as Features Editor until 2014, as well as Total Guitar magazine, amongst others. These days he can be found at Gibson Guitars, where he is editor-in-chief.

Latest articles by Chris Vinnicombe

This '60s Tribute in Heritage Cherry and satin nitro finish looks magnificent

Gibson SG '60s Tribute

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

The '60s run of the second most iconic Gibson model is reborn in the striking SG '60s Tribute

Electric Guitars

Gibson's Vintage Gloss nitro finish gives the '50s Tribute an immediate 'play me' appeal

Gibson Les Paul '50s Tribute

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

A self-tuning guitars that you will actually want to buy? We say yes, with a completely straight face. Read on to find out why...

Electric Guitars

The general retro vibe was partly inspired by vintage wristwatch designs

Music Man Armada

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

Music Man's first ever through-neck guitar lands on UK shores... but will it invade our affections?

Electric Guitars

If it's possible to refer to any Gretsch as 'utilitarian', then this is it - or at least as close to it as you'll get

Gretsch G6137TCB Panther Center-Block

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

The bridge between hollowbody luxury and workhorse stability?

Acoustic Guitars

There's something charming about the crude simplicity of a sand-cast Bigsby B6 in this age of technological acceleration

Gretsch G6139T-CBDC Falcon Center-Block Double Cutaway

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

Has Gretsch nailed the playability vs idiosyncrasy balance?

Acoustic Guitars

As you might expect from any Gretsch Falcon, there's bling here in excelsis

Gretsch G6139CB Falcon Center-Block Single Cutaway

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

A Gretsch with classic looks and modern performance enhancements

Acoustic Guitars

Yeup, that's a genuine Bigsby vibrato...

Squier Vintage Modified Cabronita Telecaster w/ Bigsby

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

The Cabronita may have first appeared as a four-figure 'dream machine', but the Squier standard models are much more affordable

Electric Guitars

10 years in the game for Stephen Stern and his team

NAMM 2014: Gretsch Custom Shop celebrates 10th anniversary with new models

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

Glorious Custom Shop machines in pictures

Guitars

NAMM 2014: Blackstar Amplification expands ID series with new ID:Core models

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

We've played them! Find out more here...

Guitars

The Squier Bass VI resurrects the individual on/off pickup slider switches and low cut 'strangle' switch

Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

A bass that guitarists will love? Step right down...

Guitars

Unboxing the CR60 reveals a reassuringly beefy combo that feels as robust as its more expensive valve-powered stablemates

Orange Crush Pro Series CR60C

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

Transistor bliss or solid-state illogical? Borehamwood's finest valve amp maker has something new for thrifty guitarists, and there's nary a vacuum tube in sight...

Guitar Amps

The Starfire IV feels like a 'proper' guitar with a personality and has been attractively finished

Guild Starfire IV

By Chris Vinnicombe last updated 26 January 17

Alfred Dronge's Guild Guitar Company planted a significant marker in the musical landscape of the 1960s. Can this new-old electric restore its reputation?

Acoustic Guitars