Electric 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

Harley Benton just dropped an 8-string for southpaw players that has a multi-scale fretboard, high-gain humbuckers and offers change from 300 bucks

By Jonathan Horsley published 11 February 26

The R-458MN is a tidy-looking multi-scale eight-string that treads djently on your budget but will put some weight on your riffs

Dimmu Borgir’s Silenoz on playing a guitar inspired by a shark – and why you can be black metal and still love the blues

By Jonathan Horsley published 5 February 26

The symphonic black metal trailblazer offers us a tour of his signature Okkultist, expresses a deep appreciation of W.A.S.P. and stakes out the limits of a musical education

Mark Morton and Gibson unveil a signature Les Paul that brings the fire with a “flamethrower” bridge humbucker

By Jonathan Horsley published 4 February 26

The Lamb Of God guitarist's long-awaited Les Paul features an all-new set of ceramic humbuckers and is limited to just 350 units worldwide

Vernon Reid says he hopes he and Jack White have started a trend for pro guitarists swapping signature models

By Jonathan Horsley published 3 February 26

It all started with a chance meeting at the airport but now the Living Colour guitarist says he's already lined up more high-profile trades

The best new guitar gear of NAMM 2026: More effects, more amps, more guitars and more tech than ever

By Simon Arblaster published 27 January 26

MusicRadar's Rob Laing carried the weight of the guitar world on his shoulders as he single-handedly took on the NAMM Show 2026... and survived to tell the tale

Epiphone revamps core lineup with the Inspired By Gibson series

By Jonathan Horsley published 27 January 26

NAMM 2026: Laurel is out, rosewood is in for all but entry-level models, as upgrades come across the board

“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

Best electric guitars under $500/£500 2026: Affordable electrics

By Matt McCracken last updated 26 January 26

Get more for your money with my pick of the best value electric guitars below $500/£500

“Engineered for modern electric players seeking authentic nylon tine without the traditional limitations of classical instruments”: Abasi’s nylon 7-string opens for pre-orders

By Dan Mold published 23 January 26

NAMM 2026: The long-awaited Abasi Córdoba Stage 7 nylon string guitar makes its debut in California