Michael Astley-Brown
Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.
Latest articles by Michael Astley-Brown

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Longer-scale, vintage-vibed Island Series models

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Latest Metallica signature guitar comes tuned B-B

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
$599, 27”-scale electric aimed at metal players

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Ola Englund adds 26.5”-scale electric guitar to burgeoning range

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Ola Englund extends his range once more

By Michael Astley-Brown Published
The Big F's mid-priced Mexican-built Strat is pound for pound one of the all-time greats

By Michael Astley-Brown Published
The Big F's most affordable US Strat is a workhorse saddled with bags and bags of tone

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
The original Viator and Viator USB were nifty twists on the compact acoustic theme, so we're pleased to see the addition of a 12-string to Paul Brett's stable.

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Given the performance of Paul Brett's last 12-string - the compact Vintage Viator - we're pleased to see a bigger-bodied model given the green light, the Vintage Statesboro'.

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Premier Series DC semi-hollow packs Duncan Designed humbuckers

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
New Compensated String Pad eliminates the need for excessive tension

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Villager 12-string and Kingman Bass introduced

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Ola Englund’s gear co introduces A1.6 Baritone ATG

By Michael Astley-Brown Published
As quarantine has proven, you don’t need to be in the same room to make a ‘live’ recording - here’s how to record and assemble a remote band playthrough

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Amp manufacturer expands headphones line

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
The Wylde Audio product roster expands

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
PRS Silver Sky designer outlines the secrets of a great electric

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Analogue/digital hybrid stompbox gets updated

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
New releases expand company's tuner line-up

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Evan Taucher delivers a liquid performance to the beat of a dripping faucet

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Stylish wristwear doubles as a vibrating metronome, magnetic headstock tuner and decibel meter

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
Heavy-gauge strings promise rock-solid drop-tuning intonation

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated
The Darkness, Black Star Riders, Steve Hackett and more have donated strings
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.

