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

“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...

NAMM 2026: rolling news from the world's biggest music-making gear show

By Andy Price last updated 25 January 26

All the hottest new guitars, synths, drums and other gear from Anaheim 2026

“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

"A brand new amp and speaker with AI vocal and instrument separation tech": JBL’s new BandBox makes it easier than ever to craft the perfect backing track

By Dan Mold published 23 January 26

NAMM 2026: JBL’s new BandBox uses the same instrument separating AI principles that gave us new Beatles music

“Its sound kicks the ass of amps three times its size”: Slash’s latest Magnatone Lil’ Viper 8-watt combo can go toe-to-toe with the big boys

By Dan Mold published 23 January 26

NAMM 2026: Slash teams up with Magnatone once more to create a tiny 8-watt amp with plenty of bite

“A deeper low-end presence within the StingRay lineup”: Sterling by Music Man launches its first ever baritone electric guitar

By Dan Mold published 23 January 26

NAMM 2026: Sterling by Music Man reveals the company’s first-ever baritone electric guitar, refreshes its popular Luke series and we get two new signature models