Rod Brakes
Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World, Guitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.
Latest articles by Rod Brakes

By Rod Brakes Published
The future is uncertain following decisive trademark ruling

By Rod Brakes Published
The fingerstyle master talks technique and creativity in this unmissable podcast

By Rod Brakes Published
Video The Black Sabbath axeman opens Birmingham 2022 in style

By Rod Brakes Published
The Grammy-winning guitarist discovers a positive direction during the pandemic

By Rod Brakes Published
Video The YouTube educator pulls back the curtain to reveal an Alladin’s Cave of music gear in his latest video

By Rod Brakes Published
Video Watch the lyric video ahead of the band’s latest album release, The Alchemist’s Euphoria

By Rod Brakes Published
These limited-edition models straddle vintage and modern to create something wholly unique

By Rod Brakes last updated
This hand-painted replica captures the ‘60s vibe of the original Beatles guitar

By Rod Brakes Published
Gibson’s sibling brand continues their legacy of supplying instruments “for every stage”

By Rod Brakes Published
Video The Yes guitarist’s latest release appears ahead of new collaborative album

By Rod Brakes Published
Featuring their new Adaptive circuitry, this souped-up TS808-style overdrive boasts all the classic tones and more.

By Rod Brakes Published
All proceeds from these highly collectible Masterbuilt instruments will go in support of music education programs

By Rod Brakes Published
The new digital wide release of Piggy appears ahead of the artist's week-long residency on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

By Rod Brakes Published
Find out how these unique signature models are proving their worth on a global stadium tour with one of the world’s biggest bands

By Rod Brakes Published
Video The Black Dahlia Murder and current Exodus touring guitarist explains why his goes to 27 in the latest episode of Jackson's Thrashed series

By Rod Brakes Published
Video The hard rock vanguards announce new album with tour to follow later this year

By Rod Brakes Published
Fans remain hopeful as the Van Halen bassist talks band politics

By Rod Brakes Published
The duo's highly anticipated collaboration features two Depp originals and a plethora of covers

By Rod Brakes Published
Video This atmospheric film captures the raw essence of the late ‘70s Crazy Horse classic

By Rod Brakes Published
Shop around this Aladdin’s Cave of guitar parts for top-notch hardware and pickups

By Rod Brakes Published
Vintage style with a modern build, these cool retro amps appear in 1x12 Combo, 1x10 Combo, and Head formats

By Rod Brakes Published
An early embracer of digital technology, the prog rock legend used it to recreate Close To The Edge's tones live recently

By Rod Brakes Published
Video Set for release this month, the guitarist’s latest was recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama
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