Bass Guitars

Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more

By Jonathan Horsley published 12 February 26

The budget gear giant rings in the changes with eight new electrics, one ‘thunderous’ retro beginner bass, and a pair of acacia bodied Custom Line acoustics… All at ridiculously low prices

"Cliff took Kirk's solo, which I think is just so cool": Robert Trujillo on the time Metallica mixed up their solos

By Will Simpson published 12 February 26

He says Orion is “the closest thing to the spirit of Cliff Burton”

“This has been a difficult decision for us”: Harley Benton is closing its US store on Reverb

By Jonathan Horsley published 27 January 26

Players in the US have until 31 January to place their orders before the doors shut at the German brand's US warehouse. Harley Benton says it is “no longer feasible” to operate in the US

“Bass players are the glue”: Mark Hoppus names his three (or four) favourite bassists

By Will Simpson published 26 January 26

And the reason he sold his Banksy...

Squier unveils huge Sonic Series refresh – super-affordable, beginner and child-friendly versions of classic Fender models

By Jonathan Horsley published 19 January 26

NAMM 2026: There are Sonic Mustangs with dual-humbuckers, vintage and modern colour finishes, classic Strats, HSS Strats... A 3/4-sized Strat too. But you'll have to wait until July

Joe Bonamassa gives his blessing as Norman Harris sells Norman’s Rare Guitars and says the future of his iconic LA store has been secured

By Jonathan Horsley published 15 January 26

TNAG Global, which owns Carter Vintage Guitars, is the buyer, and under CEO Ben Montague, it promises to preserve the soul and grow the business of one of the world's most-loved guitar stores

“There’s only two of these on the planet”: Myles Kennedy bassist Tim Tournier on the EVH bass Wolfgang Van Halen gave him

By Jonathan Horsley published 14 January 26

Tournier's prototype Wolfgang bass was is a dual-humbucker doozie, masterbuilt by Chip Ellis, and it is being road-tested hard. But will EVH Gear ever release it?

Paul McCartney's favourite bass company is in trouble – Höfner's future uncertain as it files provisional insolvency proceedings

By Jonathan Horsley published 18 December 25

The German brand behind McCartney's iconic 500/1 Violin Bass has been in existence since its founding by Karl Höfner in 1887

Taylor Swift's bass player Amos Heller says he couldn't believe the "insane" length of the Eras Tour setlist

By Ben Rogerson published 15 December 25

Plus, he reveals his unusual backstage practice location

Flea teases his first solo album with a seven minute jazz rave single

By Will Simpson published 3 December 25

The video is directed by his daughter