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PRS Tekton guitars: everything you need to know

Elliot Stent — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Over the years, players (particularly metalheads) have been pushing PRS to make more modern guitars. We’re talking instruments with shredder-thin necks, durable stainless steel frets, longer scale lengths optimised for drop tunings, plus pickups that play nicer with modelling amps. Well, they’ve ticked all those boxes with the new PRS Tekton. And there’s not one, not two, but four different models to choose from.

Built in PRS’s Maryland factory, these stunning new electric guitars are all about speed, precision and versatility. They boast the thinnest body and neck the company has ever made, with a fresh ergonomic shape that’s a mashup of the cult-fave Vela and flagship Custom.

Along with the Herman Li Chleo model released last year, these are some of the most forward-thinking axes Paul Reed Smith has ever produced. Scroll down for our full breakdown of the PRS Tekton series, the story behind the guitar’s name and how it stacks up against the iconic Custom 24.

PRS Tekton guitars: key features

Before we take a closer look at each Tekton model and how they compare, let’s quickly go over some of the standout specs you’ll find on all of them:

Sleek offset body: A hybrid of PRS’s Vela and Custom 24 shapes, but with a thinner, more sculpted silhouette and a deeper cutaway to reach all 24 frets.
25.5” scale length: Instead of its classic 25″ formula, PRS opted for a 25.5″ scale length that’s better suited to fast rhythm playing, speedy lead work and drop tunings. The 7-string model stretches this even further with a 26.5″ scale.
Bolt-on Maple neck with Hormigo strength rods: This wood and construction combo gives the Tekton a snappy response that’s perfect for tight, technical riffs. The rods increase the neck’s stability for more consistent, reliable performance.
Modern “D” neck profile: A new PRS carve that’s slim yet supportive, with a silky satin finish for fast, friction-free playability.
16” radius Ebony fingerboard: A beautifully smooth material with a flatter radius that allows for a low string action and choke-free bends.
24 jumbo stainless steel frets: Glassy, effortless and built to last. The Tekton is the first PRS model to feature stainless frets as standard since the limited-run Joe Walsh model in 2021. PRS retooled its factory to make it happen!
Offset dot inlays: A cool, minimalist design added after the prototyping stage at the request of early Tekton testers.
Luminlay side dots: Blue glow-in-the-dark markers that make navigating the fingerboard easy, helping you stay locked in on the murkiest stages.
Optimised string spacing: Matched to the PRS Silver Sky and Fiore, the wider string spacing allows for cleaner sweeps and more precise picking.
PRS Stylus pickups: Proprietary alnico V humbuckers that deliver clear, punchy tones. Their slightly lower-output design keeps even the filthiest gain settings tight and defined, while a push/pull tone knob unlocks sparkling split-coil sounds.
Included gig bag: Every Tekton ships with a premium gig bag to keep it protected on the go.

The PRS Tekton guitar range

Four models make up the Tekton lineup at launch, with hardtail, two-point tremolo, Floyd Rose and seven-string options available. Each comes in six finishes drawn from an entirely new PRS colour palette too. Here’s how they compare…

Tekton: primed for heavy, palm-muted riffs

This is the standard PRS Tekton model, featuring a fixed bridge and a Mahogany body adorned with a luxurious figured Mango top. If you’re a player who loves chugging big riffs with a solid foundation and plenty of sustain, this should be your go-to pick. It also comes equipped with lightweight PRS Phase III locking tuners, which help reduce neck dive and make string changes quick and hassle-free.

The Tekton hardtail is available in six fab colours that really make the Mango top pop: Bloodstone Red, Black Tourmaline, Violet Tourmaline, Fuchsia Aura, Slate Blue and Imperial Topaz.

Shop PRS Tekton guitars

PRS Tekton T: a more expressive platform

The Tekton T (for tremolo) shares the same killer core specs as the fixed-bridge model. But as its name suggests, it swaps the hardtail bridge for a two-point trem with a stable mounting design. Combined with the locking machine heads, it gives you the freedom to perform everything from subtle vibrato flourishes to dive bombs without knocking the guitar out of tune.

The vibrato unit can also be set up floated, letting you raise the pitch and even get some flutter action going. It’s fitted with brass saddles too, so it’s got bags of sustain.

Shop PRS Tekton T guitars

Tekton Floyd: the locking trem-loaded shredder

We reckon this is the Tekton guitar that lead players will dig the most (it’s certainly this writer’s favourite). Fitted with a recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo, it lets you confidently perform dramatic dive bombs and crazy Dimebag-style squeals while staying perfectly in tune.

Unlike the other models, the PRS Tekton “Floyd” has an Alder body without a Mango top. With the Maple neck, that’s essentially the classic ’80s shredder guitar recipe, albeit with a much more modern feature set. You don’t get the gorgeous transparent finishes available on the other models, but the PRS Tekton Floyd Rose is available in a range of loud, vibrant colours that are guaranteed to stand out on stage.

Shop PRS Tekton “Floyd” guitars

PRS Tekton SVN: a 7-string, 26.5”-scale beast

The mighty PRS Tekton 7-string model is near-identical to the standard Tekton but adds a low B string and stretches to a 26.5″ scale length optimised for extended-range performance. With that extra tension, low-register riffs, deep chugs and rapid-fire passages all stay nice and tight.

If you’ve been playing 7-string guitars for years and fancy upgrading to something really special, the PRS Tekton SVN should definitely make your shortlist. Or if you’re a PRS fan looking to shake the earth and expand your sound, it’s an equally wicked pick.

Shop PRS Tekton SVN guitars

PRS Stylus pickups: a dream for digital rig users

Almost every component on PRS’s latest electric guitars is brand new, including the pickups. Dubbed ‘Stylus’ and developed for the Tekton family, these humbuckers come loaded with alnico V magnets and are deliberately voiced with a lower output than most high-gain pickups. That means whether you’re playing sparkling cleans through a valve amp or pushing saturated gain through a modeller, they remain punchy, clear and controlled without ever turning muddy.

Stylus means an instrument for writing, which reflects PRS’s vision of these pickups as tools for players who create, record and perform. They’re by no means flat-response humbuckers, but their slightly flatter EQ curve and modest output help them pair extremely well with the digital rigs that many modern players are now using.

What’s more, every position has been carefully voiced for maximum usability. That includes split-coil sounds which you can access via a push/pull tone knob, giving you a versatile palette of genuinely inspiring tones at your fingertips.

What does ‘Tekton’ mean?

We’ve told you all about the cutting-edge features these new PRS guitars have and how each model in the lineup compares. But what does Tekton actually mean? It’s an ancient Greek word for artisan, craftsman or builder, specifically a woodworker. We think that’s a pretty fitting name for a series that reflects both PRS’s approach to guitar making and the creativity of the players who wield their instruments.

Developed through extensive listening sessions with PRS artists and hands-on employee testing, the Tekton range directly answers many of the most common requests from today’s technical guitarists: thinner necks, longer scales, flatter fingerboards, stainless steel frets and pickups that sound equally impressive through digital setups and traditional amps.

In PRS’s own words, the whole process apparently “felt much more like launching the S2 Series than launching a guitar model”, with “the same kind of platform-level commitment”. So yeah, it’s fair to say the Tekton is kind of a big deal for the brand! And we can’t wait to get our hands on one soon.

PRS Tekton price

At the time of writing, the PRS Tekton range starts at £2,899. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each model:

Tekton: £2,899
Tekton T: £2,899
Tekton “Floyd”: £2,999
Tekton SVN: £2,999

PRS Tekton vs. Custom 24

If you were in the market for a Core Custom 24, you might now be wondering whether the Tekton is a better choice. The Custom 24 is PRS’s flagship guitar that put them on the map back in 1985, and the current model is more versatile and refined than ever. But the Tekton brings a raft of contemporary features to the party, aimed at players always pushing their technique, chasing new sounds and looking ahead to what’s next.

We’ve stacked their key specs side-by-side to help you choose the perfect PRS:

Feature	Tekton	Custom 24
Top wood	Figured Mango (none on Tekton “Floyd” model)	Figured Maple
Top carve	Shallow violin	Violin
Back wood	Mahogany (Alder on Tekton “Floyd” model)	Mahogany
Body construction	Solid	Solid
Body finish	High-gloss nitrocellulose	High-gloss nitrocellulose
Scale length	25.5″ (26.5″ on Tekton SVN model)	25″
Neck wood	Maple with Hormigo strength rods	Mahogany
Neck shape	Modern “D”	Pattern Thin
Neck finish	Satin nitrocellulose	High-gloss nitrocellulose
Neck assembly	Bolt-on	Set
Fingerboard wood	Ebony	Rosewood
Fingerboard radius	16″	10″
Fingerboard inlay	Offset dots	Birds
Side markers	Blue Luminlay dots	Standard dots
Frets	PRS jumbo, stainless steel	PRS standard, nickel/silver
Number of frets	24	24
Bridge	Hardtail, two-point tremolo or Floyd Rose (model-dependent)	PRS Patented Tremolo, Gen III
Tuners	PRS Phase III locking (non-locking on Tekton “Floyd” model)	PRS Phase III locking
Hardware colour	Smoked black	Nickel
Pickups	PRS Stylus humbuckers	PRS DMO humbuckers
Controls	Volume, tone (push/pull for coil-split), 3-way blade pickup switch	Volume, tone, 5-way blade pickup switch
Number of strings	6 (Tekton, Tekton T, Tekton “Floyd”) or 7 (Tekton SVN)	6
Case/gig bag	PRS premium gig bag	Hardshell case

PRS Tekton series on Andertons TV

Captain Lee caught up with Paul Reed Smith himself to talk all things PRS Tekton and the thinking behind this exciting new guitar range:

Want to learn more?

Our comprehensive PRS buyer’s guide breaks down the entire Paul Reed Smith range, so it’s the best place to go if you want extra help finding the right PRS model for you. Or if you’re just after more of the latest guitar gossip, head over to our gear news page.

Pick up a PRS Tekton

Shop all PRS Tekton guitars

The post PRS Tekton guitars: everything you need to know appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Roland JUPITER-08: Legendary Synth Boutique Body

Robin Tindill — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 07:00:13 +0000

What Is the Roland JUPITER-08?

There are few names in the world of synthesis that get me as excited as Roland. From the unmistakable sound of the SH-101 to the lush, unmistakably ’80s tones of the Juno-106, Roland has produced some of the most iconic synthesizers and drum machines ever made. And when it comes to polysynths, few instruments have the legendary status of the mighty JUPITER-8 and they continue this with the Roland JUPITER-08!

Originally released in 1981, the JUPITER-8 helped define the sound of an era. Its enormous polyphonic sounds, hands-on controls and ability to create everything from shimmering pads to punchy basses and soaring leads made it a dream instrument for musicians and producers alike.

Roland first brought that JUPITER magic into its Boutique range back in 2015 with the JP-08. This miniature recreation captured the look, feel and sound-shaping approach of the original in a compact module, using Roland’s Analog Circuit Behaviour modelling technology. It was a brilliant way to bring the JUPITER-8 experience to a new generation of musicians, although its four-voice polyphony meant that getting the full eight-voice experience required chaining two units together.

Now, 45 years after the original JUPITER-8 arrived, Roland is revisiting that legacy with the JUPITER-08. This new Boutique synthesizer takes the concept further, combining an eight-voice, two-part architecture with modern performance features, extensive onboard effects and USB-C connectivity, all in a portable instrument with an included keyboard dock.

As someone who owns an original SH-101 and Juno-106, alongside the Boutique SH-01A and TB-03, this is exactly the sort of announcement that gets my attention. I’ve always loved the way Roland balances hands-on sound design with instruments that have a character all of their own. The JP-08 was already an exciting piece of that puzzle, so seeing Roland revisit the JUPITER concept with a more form friendly design, is exciting.

But what exactly has changed since the original JUPITER-8 and the first Boutique JP-08? And what makes the new JUPITER-08 worth getting excited about? Let’s take a closer look!

History of the JUPITER-8

The Original JUPITER-8: The Legend

The original JUPITER-8 was a flagship analogue polysynth that helped establish Roland as one of the defining names in synthesizer design. With eight voices of polyphony, two oscillators per voice and a deeply hands-on interface, it offered musicians an enormous amount of control over their sound.

Its ability to create rich chords, layered textures, expressive leads and powerful basses helped make it an enduring classic. Even today, the JUPITER-8 remains one of those instruments that makes synthesizer enthusiasts stop and take notice.

Of course, original vintage hardware comes with practical considerations. These were substantial, expensive instruments when new, and finding space for one isn’t exactly easy. Most were also toured into absolute oblivion. That’s a big part of the appeal of Roland’s more compact recreations.

The JP-08: The First Boutique JUPITER

When Roland introduced the Boutique series in 2015, the JP-08 brought the JUPITER-8 concept into a module small enough to sit comfortably on a desktop. It used Roland’s Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology to recreate the original’s sound and response in a digital format, with 36 controls inspired by the JUPITER-8’s front panel. It also introduced some additional sound-shaping options, including an expanded oscillator range and extra waveforms.

The main compromise was polyphony. The JP-08 offered four voices, rather than the original’s eight, although Roland provided a chain mode that allowed two JP-08 modules to work together for eight-voice operation.

For a compact instrument, it was an impressive way to explore the JUPITER sound. It retained the hands-on approach that made the original so appealing while adding practical features such as battery power, a built-in speaker and USB audio/MIDI connectivity.

The JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm: Roland’s Modern Synth Powerhouses

The JP-08 wasn’t the only way Roland brought its JUPITER heritage into a modern instrument. The JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm took a different direction, combining classic Roland sounds with a powerful modern sound engine. This technology was designed to do far more than recreate a single vintage instrument.

Both models use Roland’s ZEN-Core synthesis system, alongside models of classic instruments including the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, JX-8P and SH-101. This lets you explore a huge range of familiar Roland sounds, from analogue-inspired basses and leads to lush polysynth pads, digital textures and rhythm parts.

The flagship JUPITER-X houses this technology in a full-size instrument with a 61-note semi-weighted keyboard, channel aftertouch and extensive hands-on controls. The JUPITER-Xm, meanwhile, packs much of the same synthesis power into a more compact 37-note keyboard. It also features built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and battery operation.

Both models can work with up to five parts: four playable parts and one rhythm part. This gives you plenty of scope for layered sounds and more elaborate arrangements.

Roland Jupiter Synths Available at Andertons

The JUPITER-08: A New Chapter

The new JUPITER-08 builds on that Boutique heritage with a more expansive specification. Rather than requiring two modules for eight-voice operation, it offers eight voices and a two-part architecture in a single instrument, with layered, split and dual-part capabilities inspired by the original JUPITER-8.
It also introduces a two-part, 64-step polyphonic sequencer, an arpeggiator, 17 onboard effects and dedicated delay, reverb and shimmer reverb. USB-C audio /MIDI interface, traditional MIDI connections and an external clock input help it fit into modern production and hardware setups.

The compact format remains central to the experience, too. The JUPITER-08 includes the K-25m keyboard dock, built-in speakers and the option to run on four AA batteries or USB-C power.

For me, that’s the most exciting part of this new release. The JP-08 introduced the idea of a miniature JUPITER-inspired instrument, but the JUPITER-08 looks to offer more of the original’s polyphonic flexibility without sacrificing the portability that makes the Boutique series so appealing.

It’s not simply a case of making the old instrument smaller. It’s about taking the spirit of a classic synthesizer and making it practical for a new generation of musicians, while giving existing Roland fans another reason to get excited.

And as someone who’s spent time with both original Roland hardware and its Boutique counterparts, I can’t wait to see what people do with it.

Roland JUPITER-08 – Key Features

Eight-voice, two-part architecture: Create layered sounds, split performances and complex arrangements inspired by the original JUPITER-8.
17 onboard effects: Shape your sounds with a selection of effects, including chorus and MFX, alongside dedicated delay, reverb and shimmer reverb.
Two-part polyphonic sequencer: Build basslines, chords and melodies with a 64-step sequencer supporting up to eight notes per step, plus motion recording.
Arpeggiator and Hold function: Create evolving patterns and rhythmic sequences while keeping your hands free to experiment with the sound.
USB-C audio and MIDI: Connect to your computer or DAW, with traditional MIDI connections for integrating external hardware.
Portable Boutique design: Enjoy built-in speakers, USB-C or battery power, and the included K-25m keyboard dock.

Classic JUPITER Character in a Compact Package

Let’s start with the obvious: the sound.

The original JUPITER-8 occupies a special place in synthesizer history, and it’s easy to understand why.

Vintage Roland instruments continue to attract musicians, producers and collectors for good reason. Their sounds have become part of the musical landscape, from huge, expressive chords to bright, cutting leads and deep, punchy basslines.

The JUPITER-08 aims to bring that character into a much more accessible format. Roland’s latest technology underpins its sound generation, with refined voice allocation and pitch behaviour. These features help deliver an expressive, vintage-inspired playing experience.

One of its biggest attractions is the eight-voice, two-part architecture. Previous Boutique instruments have offered more limited polyphony, but the JUPITER-08 gives you considerably more room to explore. Its layered, split and dual-part capabilities open up possibilities for studio composition and live performance.

For me, this is where the appeal really starts. I love the immediacy of classic Roland hardware. With instruments like the SH-101 and Juno-106, part of the magic comes from hands-on control. You can reach for a control, make an adjustment and hear the difference straight away. The JUPITER-08 brings this philosophy into a compact instrument inspired by one of Roland’s biggest icons.

The JUPITER-08 isn’t a full-size vintage JUPITER-8, but it doesn’t need to be. Its appeal lies in bringing that inspiration, architecture and performance-focused approach to a much more portable format.

JUPITER-08 Breakdown

More Than Just a Synth: Sequencing and Performance

A great synthesizer should inspire you to make music, not just scroll through sounds. Fortunately, the JUPITER-08 includes several features designed to get ideas moving.

The two-part, 64-step polyphonic sequencer is a particularly useful addition. It supports up to eight notes per step, letting you build chords, melodies and basslines. Motion recording adds another dimension, allowing you to capture parameter movements as part of your sequences.

Then there’s the arpeggiator, which transforms simple collections of notes into something more rhythmically interesting. Combine it with the Hold function, and you have an instrument that encourages experimentation. Whether you’re building a track in the studio or performing live, there’s plenty to explore.

This is one of the things I appreciate about hardware synthesizers. Having an instrument directly in front of you, with physical controls to interact with, makes creating music feel more immediate.

Rather than relying entirely on a mouse and keyboard, you can tweak sounds, experiment with patterns and develop ideas as they happen. The JUPITER-08’s sequencer and arpeggiator make it particularly well equipped for this hands-on approach.

Built-In Effects for Bigger, More Expressive Sounds

Effects can make a massive difference to a synthesizer’s character. A simple sound can become a huge atmospheric pad, a shimmering lead or a rhythmic sequence with the right processing.

The JUPITER-08 features 17 onboard effects, including chorus and MFX. It also includes dedicated delay, reverb and a new shimmer reverb.

This gives you plenty of scope to shape sounds without immediately reaching for external effects or plugins. Chorus adds width and movement, while delay introduces rhythmic interest. Reverb can also give your sounds a greater sense of space.

The dedicated shimmer reverb is particularly interesting for anyone who enjoys creating expansive, atmospheric textures. It can transform a straightforward sound into something far more cinematic.

Of course, effects aren’t just for ambient music. A touch of modulation, a carefully chosen delay or some extra space can help a sound sit in a mix. These effects can also add movement to a sequence or give a lead more personality.

For anyone building a compact hardware setup, this much onboard processing is a real advantage.

You can experiment with sounds from the moment you switch the instrument on, without needing to build an entire effects chain around it.

A Boutique Synth Designed to Go Anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of the Roland Boutique range is its compact design. Vintage synthesizers can be wonderful instruments, but they’re not always practical for modern studios, particularly when space is limited.

Better still, the K-25m keyboard dock is included, turning the module into a standalone mini-instrument. Built-in speakers let you play without connecting external amplification. Power options include four AA batteries or USB-C.

This makes it suitable for desktop setups, smaller studios and portable music-making rigs. It’s also ideal for musicians who want hands-on hardware alongside a laptop-based production environment.

I think this is where the Boutique concept really comes into its own. These instruments bring classic Roland-inspired synthesis into setups where a full-size vintage keyboard simply wouldn’t be practical.

There’s also something appealing about having a dedicated instrument you can pick up, switch on and start playing. Sometimes, you don’t want to boot up a computer, open a DAW and start building a project. Sometimes, you just want to play a synthesizer and see where the sound takes you.

Available Roland Boutique Synths & Accessories at Andertons

Modern Connectivity for Your Studio Setup

Portability doesn’t mean much if an instrument is difficult to integrate into your setup. Thankfully, the JUPITER-08 offers a range of connections designed to make this straightforward.

USB-C provides audio and MIDI connectivity for computers and DAWs. Traditional MIDI input and output let you connect compatible external hardware. There’s also an external clock input for integrating the instrument into hardware-based sequencing and synchronised production workflows.

Whether you’re using it in a larger hardware rig or bringing its sounds into a computer-based production setup, these connections offer plenty of flexibility.

For those of us who enjoy combining different generations of equipment, this is particularly welcome. Vintage-inspired synthesis and modern production tools don’t have to exist in separate worlds. The JUPITER-08 can sit alongside other hardware and software, providing another source of sounds for your music.

Because the instrument is so compact, it should also be relatively easy to accommodate within an existing setup.

Who Is the Roland JUPITER-08 For?

The JUPITER-08 has plenty to offer, but I think its biggest appeal will be to a few particular types of musician.

Roland fans and synth collectors will naturally be interested in a new Boutique instrument celebrating one of the company’s most iconic synthesizers. The anniversary connection and distinctive silver side panels give it a clear identity within the range.

Electronic music producers will appreciate the combination of polyphonic synthesis, sequencing, effects and modern connectivity. It’s an instrument that can contribute everything from basslines and chords to leads, textures and more experimental sounds.

Live performers have the benefit of a compact instrument with dedicated performance controls, an arpeggiator, a Hold function and two-part architecture. Its portable design also makes it easier to incorporate into a smaller live setup.

Finally, anyone who’s curious about the JUPITER-8 but doesn’t want to accommodate a full-size vintage synthesizer has a new option worth investigating. The JUPITER-08 brings together the inspiration of that classic instrument and a more manageable modern format.

It’s worth remembering that the JUPITER-08 is its own instrument, rather than a full-size vintage JUPITER-8 in miniature. If you’re interested in the original, its history and its place in synthesizer design are part of the attraction. If you’re looking for a compact, hands-on instrument with a JUPITER-inspired approach and modern performance features, however, this new Boutique model looks particularly promising.

In Summary: JUPITER-08, something to get excited about!

As a lifelong Roland fan, I’m always interested when the company revisits its classic instruments. The SH-101 and Juno-106 are two of my favourite pieces of hardware, and owning the Boutique SH-01A and TB-03 has only strengthened my appreciation for the way Roland brings its heritage into modern music-making.

The JUPITER-08 feels like a particularly exciting addition to that story.
It combines an eight-voice, two-part architecture with a polyphonic sequencer, arpeggiator, extensive onboard effects and modern connectivity, all in a compact instrument that includes its own keyboard dock. That’s a lot of creative potential in a very small package.

More importantly, it looks like an instrument designed to encourage you to play. Whether you’re building sequences, layering sounds, experimenting with effects or simply sitting down to explore new ideas, the combination of hands-on controls and portable design makes a compelling proposition.

Will it replace an original JUPITER-8? That’s not really the point. The original is a legendary instrument in its own right. The JUPITER-08 is about bringing that inspiration to a new generation of musicians, as well as giving established Roland fans another way to explore the company’s unmistakable synthesizer heritage.

And if you’re anything like me, the arrival of a new Roland Boutique instrument inspired by one of the greatest synths ever made is reason enough to pay attention.

Shop all our Roland synths

Shop all Roland Synths

Want To Lean More?

If the Roland JUPITER-08 has got you excited about synthesis, there’s plenty more to explore! Whether you want to learn more about the history of Roland’s iconic instruments, get to grips with the fundamentals of synthesis or discover how hardware synths fit into a modern studio, we’ve got you covered.

TR-1000 to SH-101: How Roland’s Number Series Changed Everything – Explore the history behind some of Roland’s most influential instruments, including the legendary SH-101.
Synth 101: A Guide to Synthesizer Terminology – New to synthesis, or want to brush up on the basics? This guide breaks down everything from oscillators and filters to envelopes and modulation.
Hardware Synths vs. Software Synths – Discover the differences between hardware and software synthesis, and find out which approach might work best for your music.
Desktop Synths vs. Modular Synths – Compare two popular approaches to hardware synthesis and explore the creative possibilities each one offers.
V-Drums: How to Add Samples To Your Kit – Get the most out of your V-Drums with new sounds, layering and sampling possibilities.

Whether you’re a lifelong Roland fan or just starting to discover the world of synthesizers, there’s always something new to learn, hear and create. Happy tweaking!

The post Roland JUPITER-08: Legendary Synth Boutique Body appeared first on Andertons Blog.

New Fender American Professional Guitars and Basses: Ultimate Workhorse Range

Cian Hodge — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Fender’s American Professional Series has for a long time lead the way as the industry standard for USA-made guitars, boasting excellent build quality and top specs serving you well day after day while still being accessible to working musicians – hence the “Professional” name. This latest 2026 refresh of the range transitioning from “American Professional II” to simply “American Professional” features a lot of thoughtful changes adding up to make a big impact on the way these Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguars, and Precision and Jazz basses feel to play.

That doesn’t mean they’re entirely shifting away from what made these iconic instruments great in the first place – they’re still inspired visually and sonically by their historic counterparts, but they’ve been updated to feel like modern guitars within the instantly recognisable Fender silhouettes. You’ve got a healthy choice of contemporary and vintage colours to pick from, whether you want to lean further into the old school Fender styles like with a 3-Colour Sunburst or Aged Cherry Burst or pick up on their popular new finishes such as Dark Night or Oxblood. The Deluxe Moulded hardshell case that comes with every guitar is lovely too.

Let’s get into the closer details of what’s changed with the new American Pro range and how they improve on their predecessors from a sound and playing feel point of view.

V-Mod III Pickups

Across the board, all 2026 American Pro guitars house the latest V-Mod III pickups. Designed in part by Fender pickup guru Tim Shaw, V-Mods bring together the best of both vintage and modern traits: warm, crisp and dynamic, but with the cutting edge needed for brighter and louder recording and live performance with minimal unwanted feedback. They’re a proprietary blend of alnico II, III and V magnets and each pickup, be it single-coil or humbucker, voiced specially for each neck, middle or bridge position. I’ll get into the tonal specifics and extra circuitry within each guitar.

ClassicGear Precision Potentiometers

All American Professional guitars have new ClassicGear volume and tone controls to really up the ante when it comes to premium playing feel. These custom torque pots let you make smooth swells to finesse your performance. No more sudden on or off cut – it’s a gradual 0-100 allowing to fine tune your exact tone and change it on the fly with great accuracy.

Polyurethane Finishes

Fender hasn’t added any new finishes to the range, but the line-up certainly looks stronger and the colours more refined thanks to the polyurethane finishes replacing the old gloss urethane. Gloss is a type of poly finish, but they’ve made a concerted effort to make these guitars look more natural rather than dress them in the high-sheen, mirror-like level of finish they had before.

Super-Natural satin necks

Not a new feature but one certainly worth mentioning, the Super-Natural satin neck doesn’t get much smoother or easier to play, which combined with the line-up-wide rolled fretboard edges gives these Am Pro electrics a “played-in” feel, as if they’ve already been broken in like a highly desirable vintage guitar.

Sculpted neck heel and bevelled plate

Carrying over from the Pro II range is a small tweak that has had a fantastic effect on every American Pro guitar and bass. The bevelled neck heel where the neck and body join ensures you never accidentally catch your hand or arm as you reach for the upper frets, facilitating uninterrupted movement for solos and lead lines high up the neck.

Stratocaster

The intent with the American Pro Stratocaster has clearly been to update how this legendary guitar feels in your hands. You’ve got either alder or ash body models to pick from, with the latter replacing the previous Pro II’s pine option. Most of us will agree that ash is the superior wood and of course a classic material in Fender’s vintage catalogue, bringing a distinct look that pops with natural and trans finishes. Then there’s a choice to make between maple or rosewood fingerboards. Underneath is a reshaped deep “C” neck profile that starts slim at the nut and fills out the hand as you move up the frets.

Tremolo system redesign

The tremolo system has been overhauled with a new 2-point design featuring ClassicGear Radial bent-steel saddles. What this means in practical terms is superior tuning stability in tandem with the real bone nut. The cold-rolled steel block under the hood helps aid sustain and resonance throughout the body. The recessed screws stay right out the way of your picking hand too, making for a reliable and comfy Strat model.

V-Mod III Strat single-coils and HSS option

The new V-Mod III single-coils possess an incredibly expressive, dynamic sound to suit all sorts of rock and pop. There’s a push-push switch on the second tone control to activate the neck pickup in switch positions one and two, adding two unique pickup configurations not normally found on a Strat. You’ve also got HSS models if you’re after extra thickness or gliding smooth tone from the bridge position handling higher levels of gain with aplomb.

Telecaster

The most prominent update to the iconic single-cut American Pro Telecaster over the previous model is its three-saddle ash tray style bridge. It sports ClassicGear Compensated Brass Bullet saddles, which are without doubt their most comfortable Tele saddles yet. This should accommodate the players who have felt put off by the classic bridge design causing discomfort to the picking hand. As well as stringing through the body, you can also string through the end of the bridge to create a slinkier, lower tension feel that excels with big bends. Additionally, top-loading impacts the tone by introducing a mellower tang and springier attack.

Tele V-Mod III pickups and electronics

V-Mod III Tele pickups sound woody, natural and crisp, inspired by vintage models. There’s an extra push-push switch to kick in the series mode when set in the middle position with both single-coils active, fattening up the sound. Another way to add a dimension to the traditional Telecaster tone.

Fiery Hotshot model

There’s also a new Telecaster model to talk about: The Hotshot. These bad boys add in an extra Strat-voiced single-coil pickup into the middle slot. That changes the entire tonal palette at your disposal, as you’re able to blend it with the classic Tele single-coils for thicker, more complex tones, or set it on its own for that bright, pronounced, lively middle position you’d get from a Stratocaster.

Jazzmaster and Jaguar

On top of the range-wide upgrades is a welcome update to the Jazzmaster and Jaguar’s unique tremolo system. The big adjustment here brings the tailpiece closer in line with the action of a Stratocaster bridge. The offset models could always produce colourful warbles, but they never had the same level of expression as the Strat. Now, these systems let you dive deeper by increasing the range of the tremolo arm. The new tight-tolerance lock in each string’s break angle and contact point to ensure you don’t drop out of tuning or shift intonation.

Jag and Jazzmaster V-Mod III tones

The Jazzmaster’s unique tone is prominent here in the V-Mod IIIs, crafted with the shorter poles and a wider magnet wind to grant the guitar its rounder tone with the fuller bass. The Jaguar is different in tone, brighter like a Strat, overwound for the extra bite and handling gain well with the metal shielding claw to prevent excessive hum.

Both guitars’ renowned rhythm circuit is present, providing a neck position tone that you can dial in separately from the core circuit. The result is a thicker voicing with increased output, controlled by the funky little roller pots.

Shop Fender American Professional Offsets

Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in 3-Colour Sunburst, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in Olympic White, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in Black, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in Oxblood, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in Dark Night, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jaguar Electric Guitar in 3-Colour Sunburst, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jaguar Electric Guitar in Olympic White, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jaguar Electric Guitar in Black, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jaguar Electric Guitar in Oxblood, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Fender American Professional Jaguar Electric Guitar in Dark Night, Rosewood Fingerboard

£1,899.00

Precision Bass

The American Pro Precision Bass has possibly seen most of the changes over its previous iteration with this refresh, including redesigns to the bridge, neck profile, neck rod support and pickup. Like the Strats, the P Bass also gets either an alder or ash body depending on the finish, and rosewood or maple fretboards. The famously clacky, beefy Precision split-coil pickup has been modified for even greater punchiness while packing the fundamental Fender sound you know and love.

Modified “C” neck profile

The neck has now evolved from a vintage “C” to a modified “C” shape, which starts off thick down by the nut and actually slims out when you move up to the 12th fret for a more ergonomic playing experience. Again, this is all complimented by the Super-Natural satin finish and rounded fingerboard edges.

HiMass bridge

The new HiMass Pro bridge is significantly more substantial than the previous Vintage version. This is completely intentional, as it’s designed to increase sustain, note definition and resonance wherever you’re playing on the fretboard. Like the Tele, you’ve got the ability to customise the P Bass setup best to the way you play, either stringing through the body or top-loading through the end of the bridge.

Posiflex graphite truss rods

To cement the Precision bass as the ultimate reliable workhorse bass, they’ve added Posiflex graphite rods down the neck to ensure wood warping is kept under control as you move the instruments between different climates, with heat and humidity have a significant effect on long-term tuning stability. As a result, the American Pro is an insanely reliable live performance instrument.

Jazz Bass

A bass for players who really care about the details, the American Pro Jazz is still distinctly different to the Precision in the way it sounds and feels thanks to the slim “C” neck shape and two single coil pickups for excellent nuance and tone shaping, but it’s now sharing the same HiMass Pro bridge to bring about a boosted presence and extended sustain to every note.

You’ve got all the standard Am Pro benefits like the satin neck, rolled fingerboard edges, Precision potentiometers and sculpted neck, but with the additional overwound heat from the V-Mod III single-coils voiced specifically for the bridge and neck positions. Both the Jazz and Precision have five-string versions for you to get creative with the extended voicings and stacked octaves.

Check out the full range of American Professional guitars and basses on the Andertons website or keep reading with plenty more informative articles released weekly.

Shop all Fender guitars

The post New Fender American Professional Guitars and Basses: Ultimate Workhorse Range appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Black Friday 2026: Top 10 Guitar Deals!

Elliot Stent — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year when we all get a little less trigger-happy when it comes to buying gear. You find something you want, but that voice inside your head says, “What if it’s cheaper during Black Friday?”

It makes total sense. But A: waiting sucks. And B: we have Epic Deals running all year round here at Andertons, not just over Black Friday. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 of our best current guitar offers below, so you can bag yourself a bargain right now.

Better yet, if the price drops even further during Black Friday, our Price Promise has you covered. In a nutshell, we’ll refund the difference in Loyalty Points, which you can put towards your next purchase. Now, let’s dive into those deals…

Fender American Ultra II Strat HSS in Graffiti Yellow: save £350

If you like your Strats limited edition, loud and loaded with premium features, then you’ll love our exclusive Fender American Ultra II HSS Stratocaster in Graffiti Yellow. Based on the uber-modern Ultra II platform, we’ve taken an already supercharged Strat and given it the full hot-rod treatment.

We ripped out the base model’s pickups and installed a versatile, high-end HSS set that you’d typically only find in Fender Custom Shop guitars. With a Seymour Duncan Antiquity humbucker in the bridge and a pair of Fender Custom Shop Texas Special single-coils in the neck and middle positions, this sleek, shreddin’ rock machine serves up a sizzling sound. That Graffiti Yellow finish is guaranteed to stand out on any stage too.

Right now, you can save £350 on this kitted-out Strat. And Andertons is the only place you can pick one up. If you love the look but don’t wanna stretch to a USA-made Strat price, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster HSS in Graffiti Yellow is a brilliant budget-friendly alternative at just £299.

Buy the American Ultra II Strat

Warm Audio Fluff Drive pedal: 50% off

The Warm Audio Fluff Drive is a modernised, metal-ready take on an iconic ’80s scream machine. Designed with YouTuber (and tone connoisseur) Ryan “Fluff” Bruce, it keeps the attitude of the original circuit but has been completely re-engineered to hit harder, track tighter and stay composed when the gain gets silly.

The feature set reads like a riff-lord’s wishlist: a redesigned low-boost for a punchier bass response, a switchable mid-enhance circuit that can sit before or after the drive, plus a fully variable noise gate to keep your chugs clean and your breakdowns surgical. There are some proper premium analogue parts under the hood too.

And because looks matter, it comes in Teal or White. So, pick whichever flavour best matches your board. It’s a whole lotta pedal for £99, and might just be the secret weapon your rig needs.

Buy the Fluff Drive pedal

Positive Grid Spark NEO Core headphone amp: was £139, now £69

Wearable guitar headphone amps are wicked bits of kit, especially if you live in a house share or next to neighbours with bat-like hearing. Just stick ’em on your noggin, plug in your guitar and rock out like you’re on a big stage — but in complete silence.

Positive Grid’s Spark NEO Core wired amp headphones are a great shout, especially as we’ve slashed £70 off their RRP. With 33 amps and 43 effects onboard, you can go from pristine ambient cleans to huge high-gain tones. Plus, with Spark app integration, you can access thousands of community-shared presets.

But the coolest part? Spark AI. Via the app, just type in the sound you’re after and Spark NEO Core will dial in a tone in seconds. What’s more, these Positive Grid cans double as a premium pair of Bluetooth headphones. So, they’re perfect for those times when you just wanna relax with some tunes or pods.

Buy the Spark NEO Core

Behringer guitar pedals: up to £15 off

Behringer builds some of the best affordable pedal clones in the biz. They don’t just painstakingly recreate sought-after circuits, they make them look near-identical to the original stomps too.

We’ve dropped the prices on a select few Behringer pedals, including these popular models:

Behringer Zentara: Based on the mythical transparent overdrive, delivering rich, amp-like gain without masking your guitar’s natural character. It works great as a boost, an always-on tone sweetener or a cutting, hair-raising lead pedal.
Behringer Fuzz Bender: The sound of ’60s rock in a box! Whether you like your tone velvety smooth or loud and aggressive, this pedal delivers, with its custom mod switch giving you plenty of fuzz-fuelled flavours.
Behringer Bass Brassmaster Fuzz: A hidden gem of a circuit brought back to life. From subtle grit to completely explosive fuzz, this pedal packs a punch and gives your bass or guitar tone an edge.

Shop all Behringer pedals

Tobias Killer B IV bass: save £850

A few months ago, we ran one of our best bass guitar deals in years. We heavily discounted a bunch of Tobias basses loaded with premium specs, including exotic tonewoods, active Bartolini pickups and high-mass Babicz bridges. Needless to say, we sold through them pretty fast. But luckily for you, we’ve still got a few Killer B IV models left.

Featuring a curvy, satin-finished offset body crafted from Sapele, it’s a super smooth and comfy bass with bags of sustain. And with a layered Maple/Purpleheart ‘Stringer’ neck, it’s incredibly stable and stays in tune brilliantly.

Other badass appointments include lightweight Gotoh machine heads that keep the bass balanced, plus a variety of tone-shaping controls for tweaking the EQ and pickup blend. A handy gig bag’s thrown in too, so it’s ready to hit the stage. But just know that once this bass has gone, it’s gone!

Buy the Tobias Killer B IV

Positive Grid Reactor 50 amp: was £299, now £249

Did you just do a double take? We don’t blame you. The Positive Grid Reactor 50 amp — one of 2026’s hottest products — is now in our sale. Wild.

Powered by a sound engine called ‘Amp Intelligence’, this cutting-edge 1×12″ combo is designed to deliver tone the way you imagine it (quite literally). You can build a complete signal chain in seconds just by describing the sound you’re after, uploading a photo or playing a reference clip via the companion app. It’s seriously smart stuff.

With selectable wattage onboard, you can dial in your perfect tone at bedroom volume or crank it up for rehearsals and gigs without losing that feel. And with loads of built-in effects, plus the ability to run up to eight at the same time, it’s a do-it-all amp that’s an absolute steal at £249.

Buy the Reactor 50 amp

Dunlop Iron Maiden Killers Cry Baby Wah pedal: save £69

Emerging from the gritty streets of late-’70s London, Iron Maiden met the world with galloping rhythms, steel-forged riffs and banner-raising vocals. And they never stopped. Their intricate multi-guitar melodies and unmatched vigour helped define heavy music, and the band remains one of metal’s most enduring forces.

The Cry Baby Wah was integral to the momentous album Killers, helping shape the dark, aggressive character of tracks like “Wrathchild”, “Innocent Exile” and “Drifter”. This collector’s edition Jim Dunlop Killers Cry Baby Wah celebrates that sonic connection with an exclusive finish and custom tread inspired by the record’s iconic artwork.

If you’re a big Maiden fan, now’s a brilliant time to bag one with nearly £70 off. And just imagine how wicked your pedalboard will look with Eddie’s face on it?

Buy the Killers Cry Baby

ESP LTD M-1 Custom ’87: was £1099, now £799

Superstrats might be synonymous with the ’80s, but they have and always will be rad. This ESP LTD M-1 Custom ’87 epitomises everything about the formula, sporting a Floyd Rose locking trem, a single Seymour Duncan Distortion humbucker and an ultra-skinny neck with 24 X-jumbo frets. In short: it’s a high-octane axe primed for metal and hard rock.

Some extra cool features include a sleek neck-through construction, enhancing sustain and helping you reach the highest frets with ease. Plus, a push/pull volume control that lets you split the bridge ‘bucker for some sparkly single-coil tones. And when it’s time to rip some leads, just flick its EMG PA-2 boost mini switch for a kick in volume and gain.

If your current guitar feels like it’s holding you back, this ESP could be just the ticket for faster playing and face-melting tone. And right now, you can save a whopping £300 on this stealthy shredder.

Buy the M-1 Custom ’87

Warhead Dime Bolt mini amp head: £200 off

Always dreamt of getting the late, great Dimebag Darrell’s legendary guitar sound? This dinky Warhead amp head dishes out his dominating tone in an electrifying package.

Featuring artwork inspired by Dime’s iconic stage guitar and developed with input from his longtime tech Grady Champion, the Warhead Dime Bolt lets you plug in and hammer out classic Pantera riffs with a sound practically identical to the records. We’re talking aggressively scooped mids, punchy low-end and copious amounts of gain.

For a compact 40-watt head that’s a doddle to take anywhere, it sounds absolutely massive. Plus, it’s got a handy FX loop for placing your modulation, delay and reverb stompboxes through. Pair it up with the new MXR M226 Flanger/Doubler pedal (a recreation of Dime’s fave tone-widener) and you can call yourself a cowboy from hell!

Buy the Warhead Dime Bolt

TC Electronic Plethora X1 pedal: save £40

The TC Electronic Plethora X1 is like having a Swiss Army Knife on your pedalboard. It’s a multi-FX unit packed into a standard-sized pedal, letting you load up a huge range of TC’s most popular effects without taking up much of your board’s real estate.

Whether you’re after lush chorus, spacious reverb, swirling modulation or pitch-shifting madness, the small but mighty Plethora X1 has you covered. It’s super easy to use too, while the companion app gives you access to a massive library of TonePrint presets created by both TC Electronic and renowned players.

It’s one of the smartest pedalboard upgrades you can make. And with £40 off right now, there’s never been a better time to give one a go.

Buy the Plethora X1

Got more time to shop?

Check out all offers in our sale and find the next piece of gear to spark your creativity. And don’t forget about our huge range of Second Hand and B-Stock items. Some have barely been used, while others are practically brand new with just a tatty box.

Be sure to bookmark this page too, so you can stay in the loop when even more deals land in our Black Friday Sale.

Shop deals!

Squier Limited Edition Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster HSS in Graffiti Yellow

£299.00

Behringer Zentara Overdrive Pedal in Gold

£54.99

Tobias Killer B IV Bass Guitar in Satin Natural

£649.00

Positive Grid Reactor 50 Intelligent Guitar Amp Combo

£249.00

Jim Dunlop IM95 Crybaby Iron Maiden Killers Wah Pedal

£169.99

Warhead Amps Dime Bolt 40W Mini Guitar Amp Head

£349.00

Warm Audio Fluff Drive Ryan “Fluff” Bruce Signature Overdrive Pedal in White

£99.00

Shop all offers

The post Black Friday 2026: Top 10 Guitar Deals! appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Guitar Summit 2026: the biggest gear announcements

Elliot Stent — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Thousands of guitar geeks from around the globe have flocked to Mannheim, Germany this weekend. Why? It’s Guitar Summit 2026, baby! And it’s the place to be if you want a first-hand look at the latest and greatest electrics, acoustics, basses, amps and pedals from the industry’s leading brands.

More than 600 exhibitors are showing off their new gear as we speak, with loads of launches announced in the run-up to the event too. We’ve rounded up the biggest headlines so far below, including fresh releases from Martin, Boss, PRS Guitars and Vox.

We’ve even got Dagan on the ground delivering the NAMM-style video coverage you know and love. So make sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll be updating it with all the hottest releases, rumours and breaking news throughout the weekend.

Guitar Summit 2026 rumours, news & announcements

The doors of the Mannheimer Rosengarten are officially open. Scroll down for all the coolest Guitar Summit ’26 talking points and gear news straight from the show floor:

Patrick James Eggle guitars: coming soon to Andertons

Patrick James Eggle is a bit of a legend. Over the years, the British luthier has built custom guitars for icons such as Tony Iommi, Albert Lee and Rory Gallagher. And he’s also played a key role in designing award-winning instruments for brands including Faith, Fret-King and Shergold.

But for the last decade or so, Eggle and his talented team of craftspeople have focused solely on producing limited-run, premium electric guitars bearing his name from a workshop in the historic market town of Oswestry. They’re pretty darn special too, pairing stunning lightweight tonewoods and micro-thin finishes with hand-wound pickups and top-notch hardware.

So naturally, we’re thrilled to announce that Patrick James Eggle guitars will be arriving at Andertons soon. Dagan caught up with the man himself in our Guitar Summit 2026 show floor tour video, where PJE showed off some seriously tasty creations, including a collab model with Luke Black Ltd. The company specialises in bespoke surface finishes for high-end interiors, furniture and luxury yachts, and the results are every bit as striking as you’d imagine. Just check out that Macon model below!

Tone King Royce Preamp: a surprise Guitar Summit debut

Well, we didn’t see this one coming. Tone King has given us a sneak peek at its third amp-in-a-box pedal at Guitar Summit 2026 — the brand-new Royce Preamp.

Following in the footsteps of the hugely popular Imperial Preamp and Royalist Preamp, the Royce takes inspo from another legendary British amplifier: the iconic Vox AC30. It boasts two independent channels, switchable treble-boost options, plus onboard reverb and tremolo. We’re still waiting for Tone King to reveal the full specs, but it looks like fans of their existing preamp pedals will feel right at home.

The official launch isn’t expected until November 2026, but we’ve managed to get an early glimpse (cheers, Dagan!). Want to be among the first to hear more about the Tone King Royce Preamp? Sign up below and we’ll keep you in the loop as soon as more details are revealed.

Be first to hear about the Royce Preamp

Martin Eric Clapton signature Crossroads acoustic guitars

There aren’t many artist-brand partnerships as iconic as Eric Clapton and Martin. And that longstanding relationship continues at Guitar Summit 2026, with the pair unveiling two new signature acoustics — each available in both natural and burst finishes.

“Slowhand” won’t be at the event to show them off in person, as he’s gearing up for two nights at his Crossroads Guitar Festival in Texas this weekend. That’s a pretty good excuse, to be fair. But we’ve got the lowdown on both models below:

Road Series 000-13E Eric Clapton: The more affordable of the two, featuring a discreet soundhole-mounted tuner and pickup with cable access via the strap button. It pairs a Spruce top with Ziricote fine-veneer back and sides, while Eric’s signature is inlaid on the Ebony fingerboard. Available in Natural Antique Toner or 1935 Sunburst.
Custom Shop 000-42 Eric Clapton: The first Martin built for Clapton using rich, resonant Ziricote. This premium custom model features an Adirondack Spruce top, ‘Golden Era’ scalloped bracing and purfling, plus an Ebony board with Eric’s signature inlay. This one’s available in Clear Natural or 1935 Sunburst.

Shop Martin Eric Clapton guitars

ENGL Savage 30: legendary high-gain tone in a compact head

The ENGL Savage amp has earned a fearsome reputation among rock and metal players over the years, known for its crushing, razor-sharp high-gain sound. Now, ENGL’s distilled that formula into a smaller package with the new Savage 30: a portable 30-watt head designed for everything from home jams to live gigs.

Despite its compact size, this thing is no one-trick pony. Two channels take you from shimmering cleans to the kind of tight, aggressive distortion that ENGL fans adore. There’s even an onboard noise gate that helps keep everything sounding clear and focused when the gain is cranked.

There’s plenty of flexibility on offer too. Switch between Full, Mid and Low Power modes to suit the room, or use Speaker Off mode for silent setups and recording. Add a tube-buffered effects loop and flexible speaker connections, and the ENGL Savage 30 looks like a seriously tempting option for players chasing big amp tone without hauling around a massive head. Something tells us this little beast will have metalheads queueing up for a turn all weekend.

Buy the ENGL Savage 30

Torpedo Captor X Pro: Two Notes’ most advanced digital load box to date

The original Captor X has become a go-to tool for guitarists looking to get more out of their valve amps. Whether you’re recording silently, taming a loud stage rig or sending a polished direct signal to front of house, it’s one of the smartest amp-management solutions around. Now, Two Notes has unveiled its best version yet: the Captor X Pro.

Developed with Ampete Engineering, the new model packs multi-impedance compatibility, 150W power handling and switchable Reactive and Resistive load modes into a single unit. There’s also programmable passive attenuation, letting you push your favourite amp harder while keeping volume levels well under control.

But the real magic happens when you go direct. The onboard DynIR engine provides detailed virtual cabinet simulation, complete with multiple cabs, mics, rooms and even studio-grade effects. Add stereo operation, loads of connectivity options and deep editing via the Torpedo Remote app, and the Two Notes Captor X Pro looks set to become a serious weapon for gigging musicians, home recordists and tone obsessives alike.

Buy the Captor X Pro

Fortin 3.33: an even meaner Fredrik Thordendal boost pedal

If you’re into modern metal, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Fortin 33. Developed by Mike Fortin and Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, it’s considered one of the best boost pedals for players chasing ultra-tight, percussive high-gain tones. Now, the legend has evolved with the new Fortin 3.33, and it’s got way more firepower.

With two independent channels of classic Fortin grit, it lets you dial in different boost settings and switch between them on the fly. You also get active Bass and Treble controls on each channel, giving you far more freedom to fine-tune your sound.

Fortin’s even built its acclaimed Zuul noise gate directly into the pedal for dead silence between notes. And you can switch channels on your amp with it too, so it’s the perfect companion for a contemporary metal rig. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we hear more about availability.

Shop Fortin Amplification

Yamaha RS20MM: Matteo Mancuso’s signature Revstar is finally here

Yamaha’s been on a bit of a roll this year. They unveiled the Chris Buck Revstar at Winter NAMM. They recently added four stunning new colours to their popular Pacifica Standard Plus model. And only last week, they launched eight premium made-in-Japan FG7 and FS7 acoustic guitars.

It doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon either, with Yamaha revealing a signature Revstar for Italian fingerstyle extraordinaire Matteo Mancuso on the eve of Guitar Summit. Dubbed the RS20MM, players can now experience the same look and playing feel as his custom Revstar in a production model packed with top features.

Highlights include a gorgeous Vintage Sunburst flamed Maple top, Yamaha’s Acoustic Design chambered body, a carbon-reinforced neck with jumbo stainless steel frets, plus a set of DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary pickups for a balanced response and big sustain. Will this guitar unlock Mancuso’s incredible quasi-flamenco/classical right-hand technique? No. But it’s a killer instrument that’ll help you get there eventually!

Buy the Yamaha RS20MM

Boss EX-4 Effects Expander: the ultimate utility pedal?

Boss has turned up to Guitar Summit 2026 with a stompbox that they say “instantly expands the sonic capabilities of any pedalboard setup”. That’s quite the claim, but you know what? We think they might be onto something with the EX-4 Effects Expander…

This dinky multi-FX unit lets you run up to four simultaneous effects from a vast onboard library offering 120 premium Boss algorithms. That includes overdrive, modulation, delay, reverb and even cult Boss favourites like Slow Gear and Slicer — the full works, basically. And they can all be accessed via an intuitive user interface and dual multi-function switches, while a versatile range of connectivity options lets you hook up external footswitches, expression pedals and MIDI foot controllers for even more control.

If you’re constantly battling for space on your pedalboard, the EX-4 could be the perfect utility stompbox to streamline your setup. We reckon we’ll see this thing popping up on loads of cover-band and session-player boards soon, especially as it’s only £289.

Buy the Boss EX-4

PRS Silver Sky x Land Rover Defender limited edition guitars

We love a good collab here at Andertons. Just check out our list of the top five epic gaming and guitar crossovers. But PRS and John Mayer joining forces with Land Rover to launch eight Silver Sky guitars in exclusive Defender colours? That defo wasn’t on our bingo card.

If you’re wondering how this unexpected tie-up came to fruition, here’s John shedding some light on the story behind his latest limited-edition gear:

“Teaming up with Defender to offer the Silver Sky guitar in their legendary 4×4 colours is a dream come true. I’ve always chosen colourways based on objects and materials that inspire me in the world, and as a collector and lover of Defenders, this collaboration is the perfect crossover between two great passions of mine.”

These instruments are split between PRS’s Core range and SE Series, with the four American-made Silver Sky Defender guitars limited to just 500 units per colour (so don’t hang around if you want one). They also come with a custom case boasting a Defender badge and feature a neck plate bearing the Land Rover logo and colour name.

The more affordable SE models also have these unique neck plates and come with a PRS/Defender gig bag instead. But what’s really cool about ’em is their black pickguards and control knobs. It’s a first for the Silver Sky and a look that fans have been requesting for years. They’re not as tightly limited as the US-made versions either, so there’s less pressure to snap one up straight away.

Shop PRS Silver Sky Defender guitars

Polyend Loop: a crazy-powerful looper pedal & drum machine

The folks at Polyend aren’t afraid to think outside the box. Just look at their Endless pedal which launched earlier this year. It’s a fully user-defined multi-FX unit that lets you build sounds from scratch by describing the tone in your head via Polyend’s Playground software or using open-source C++ to create entirely custom processors. No wonder it bagged them a NAMM 2026 ‘Best in Show’ award.

Their new Loop is another boundary-pushing pedal that’s all about boosting your creativity without interrupting your flow. Billed as an all-in-one imagination station, it combines an eight-track performance looper with a four-track drum machine and sequencer, giving you a powerful way to build complete arrangements from the ground up.

Record up to 52 seconds per loop track, choose from more than 100 built-in effects, load loops from microSD and even capture your own drum samples. You can use up to 16 drum patterns per Project and store as many as 1,000 Projects for later recall. And with full MIDI synchronisation and flexible audio connectivity, the Polyend Loop is more than ready for the stage, studio and spontaneous ideas.

Buy the Polyend Loop

Jackson Pro Series PC1-E: an affordable Phil Collen signature axe

Do ya wanna get rocked? Jackson has finally released a Pro Series version of Phil Collen’s signature Superstrat. And it’ll draw quite a crowd on the show floor with its Worn Black finish and flashy gold hardware. With the exception of an obscure Japanese-crafted artist model released in the early 2000s, the Mexican-made PC1-E is the first-ever non-USA Collen siggy model. So, it’s a much more affordable way to get the Def Leppard guitarist’s weapon of choice in your hands.

And don’t think that makes this animal any less potent. The Jackson PC1-E is a shred-ready rock machine loaded with many of the standout features you’d find on the full-fat USA PC1. That includes a set of explosive-sounding DiMarzio pickups, a Mahogany body, a super-stable roasted Maple neck with dual graphite reinforcement rods, plus a 12″ to 16″ compound-radius Ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets.

What about the sustainer system Collen constantly uses on stage? Yup, you get that too, courtesy of a PC1 Sustainer Driver neck pickup powered by an 18V battery. And the recessed Floyd Rose trem is a 1000 Series, so you won’t have to be foolin’ around to get back in tune after a big divebomb. It’s a lot of guitar for around £1,700 — and you even get a Jackson Foam Core case thrown in.

Buy the Jackson PC1-E

Vox AC Mini: AC30 tone you can use at home

The Vox AC30 is one of those amps that hardly needs an intro. Loved for its chimey top end and lively feel, it’s been a go-to choice for generations of guitarists. The only catch? Getting that classic AC30 experience at home isn’t always easy due to its size and power.

That’s where the new AC Mini comes in. Designed to capture the look, feel and character of Vox‘s iconic AC Series amps in a more compact and affordable package, it’s perfect if you want that timeless tone without taking up loads of space or ticking off the neighbours.

Despite its small footprint, the Vox AC Mini dishes out the dynamic response and rich harmonics that make great tube amps so addictive to play. That’s thanks to Vox’s newly developed analogue Dynamic Response Circuit. And the simple control layout makes dialling in great sounds quick and easy too. There’s even a headphone output and aux input, so it’s ideal for quiet practice sessions and playing along to your fave tracks.

Buy the Vox AC MINI

JAM Pedals Wahcko Mk.2: the most versatile wah pedal ever?

If you’re gonna be on the ground at Guitar Summit, you’ll struggle to miss the JAM Pedals booth. These Greek effects wizards make some of the wildest-looking stompboxes around, featuring vibrant, arty finishes designed to spice up any pedalboard. And they sound every bit as good as they look.

JAM’s new Wahcko Mk.2 wah pedal is no exception. Its chassis features psychedelic hues of purple, blue, green and yellow, complete with a rad croc graphic on the side. When you use the treadle, it looks like it’s wagging its tail — how cool is that?! But what’s actually new for the Mk.2?

You get a custom JAM inductor inspired by vintage TDK designs, a new internal Q control, selectable guitar and bass modes, plus a newly designed custom rubber tread. In other words, it’s even more versatile and feels extra planted under your foot. You still get that awesome six-position Sweep control and the internal input-gain trimmer from the original Wahcko too. And you can now power the pedal with a 9V battery.

Buy the JAM Pedals Wahcko Mk.2

Guitar Summit 2026 FAQs

What is Guitar Summit?

The Guitar Summit is Europe’s largest annual event and trade show dedicated entirely to guitars, basses, amps and effects pedals. It’s where leading guitar brands and boutique builders come together to showcase their latest products and launch brand-new gear. Various workshops, masterclasses and live concerts also take place, featuring some of the guitar world’s most renowned players.

When is Guitar Summit 2026?

The Guitar Summit 2026 dates are set, with the event running from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27. The show will kick off at 11am CEST on the Friday (10am in the UK).

Where will Guitar Summit 2026 take place?

Guitar Summit 2026 will be hosted at the Congress Centre Rosengarten in Mannheim, Germany. With a total area of 25,000 square metres, the event will span four floors with more than 600 exhibitors.

Who is exhibiting at Guitar Summit 2026?

Guitar Summit 2026 exhibitors include some of the biggest names in the business, such as PRS Guitars, Yamaha, Neural DSP, Universal Audio, Blackstar, Martin, Ibanez, D’Addario, Music Man, Dingwall, Strandberg, Marshall, Jackson, Chapman, Orange, Schecter, Bad Cat, Gretsch and many more.

Mad about guitar pedals? The likes of Boss, Walrus Audio, Catalinbread, Warm Audio, DSM & Humboldt, Meris, Electro-Harmonix, EarthQuaker Devices, Darkglass Electronics, JAM Pedals and Source Audio will also be getting in on the action with their latest effects.

Is Guitar Summit open to the public?

Yes! Anyone can attend the event, with tickets available via the official Guitar Summit website. Go for a single-day ticket or dive in with a full 3-day pass. You can also grab tickets for workshops, with Guitar Summit 2026 offering masterclasses with famous players such as Greg Koch, Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth), Wes Hauch, Phil Demmel, Jack Gardiner and Rabea Massaad.

Catch every Guitar Summit moment

Bookmark this page for the latest Guitar Summit 2026 news as it breaks. Better yet, follow us on YouTube and across our socials for live updates straight from the show floor:

Guitar Summit 2026 gear!

Shop all new gear

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Andertons Scoreboard: Best Closed-Back Headphones £10-£20 (2026)

Andertons Webteam — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:01:40 +0000

Check out the rest of our headphone ratings here:

Andertons Scoreboard brings you the best closed-back headphones in a price range that is budget-friendly: between £10 and £20. These cans are for DJs, producers or music lovers alike who want an affordable pair of closed-back headphones without giving up on quality and sound. We rated them based on comfort, sound quality and build to give you an insight into the overall performance. You can read the full criteria below.

Behringer HPM1000 Closed Back Headphones

Behringer HPM1000 Headphones

£10.00

Behringer HPM1000 Overview

The Behringer HPM1000 headphones deliver impressive high-resolution sound at an incredibly affordable price. Their high dynamic range and wide frequency response make them versatile enough for everything from listening to music and monitoring instruments to mixing and recording. They feature comfortable oval ear cups and a single-sided cable, making them practical for extended listening sessions.

The HPM1000 comes supplied with both 1/8″ and 1/4″ connectivity, so they can be used with smartphones, tablets, mixing consoles and a wide range of other audio equipment. For the price, they offer a surprisingly detailed and versatile listening experience, making them a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable pair of everyday headphones.

Rating:

Comfort – 3.3/5
Sound quality – 3.1/5
Build quality – 2.7/5

Final score: 3/5

Behringer HPX2000 Studio Headphones

£10.00

Behringer HPX2000 Overview

The Behringer HPX2000 headphones deliver high-definition bass and super-transparent highs across an ultra-wide dynamic range, making them a great choice for DJs and everyday listening. High-efficiency cobalt capsules provide detailed, high-resolution sound, while the rotating, reversible ear cups offer flexibility when monitoring and cueing.

Designed for durability and convenience, the HPX2000 features a rugged headband and a single-sided cable made with oxygen-free copper wire for improved durability and reduced tangling. A 1/8″ connector and 1/4″ adapter are included, making the headphones compatible with everything from smartphones and tablets to DJ mixers and mixing consoles.

Rating:

Comfort – 3.2/5
Sound quality – 3/5
Build quality – 3.1/5

Final score: 3.1/5

Numark Pro HF125 Headphones

£11.00

Numark HF125-X Overview

The Numark HF125 headphones offer excellent value for money, delivering clear sound and comfortable closed-back listening without stretching the budget. Their large 40mm Mylar drivers provide detailed audio, making them suitable for a range of applications including DJing and recording where hearing your mix clearly is essential.

Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, the HF125 features padded ear cups and a headband alongside seven independently adjustable ear cup positions for a flexible fit. A six-foot tangle-resistant cable with a 1/4″ connector provides plenty of freedom of movement, making these headphones a versatile and affordable choice for everyday listening, DJing and studio use.

Rating:

Comfort – 3.1/5
Sound quality – 3/5
Build quality – 3/5

Final score: 3/5

Behringer BH 470 Studio Headphones

Behringer BH 470 Studio Headphones in Black

£19.00

Behringer BH470-BK Overview

The Behringer BH470-BK headphones deliver clear, high-resolution sound with a wide frequency response and impressive dynamic range, making them well-suited to mixing, monitoring and everyday listening. Their 40 mm drivers provide detailed audio across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, offering an affordable way to enjoy a more detailed listening experience.

Designed for long listening sessions, the BH470-BK features soft oval ear cups and a comfortable, flexible headband. A 3.5 mm stereo connection and included 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter provide compatibility with everything from smartphones and portable devices to professional mixing consoles, while the 3 m cable offers plenty of freedom for studio use.

Rating:

Comfort – 4.3/5
Sound quality – 4.3/5
Build quality – 4.4/5

Final score: 4.3/5

Ordo HP-PMH20 Closed-back Headphones

£19.00

Ordo HP-PMH20 Overview

The Ordo headphones offer clear, versatile sound at an affordable price, with a wide 15 Hz to 22 kHz frequency response and 40 mm drivers. Weighing just 233g, their lightweight design makes them well suited to extended listening, mixing and monitoring sessions.

With a 3.5 mm stereo jack and an included 6.3 mm screw-on adapter, the Ordo headphones can be connected to a wide range of audio equipment. A 3 m cable provides plenty of freedom for studio use, making these a practical and budget-friendly choice for everyday listening and music production.

Rating:

Comfort – 3.6/5
Sound quality – 3.7/5
Build quality – 3.6/5

Final score: 3.7/5

How We Rated the Headphones

The Andertons team gathered together to rate these headphones and give you as many opinions as possible, not only the ones from our experts from the Pro-Audio team. We selected 20 people from our staff members from different departments, from drums to mail order and gave them the headphone to try and test.

There were 3 main categories we measured, we then took the average score from each category to see which one came out on top. The 3 categories went as follows:

Comfort – We consider how comfortable they feel on our heads! Considering the size of them, how the cushions fit our ears and how comfortable the material is, this is to make sure they’re good for extended use!

Sound quality – Here we’re looking as to how they generally sound, thinking about the frequency response and how they sound dynamically. In addition to this, we compare the sound against other headphones in the price range to see which one comes out on top!

Build quality – For this, we look at the general sturdiness of the headphones and what material they’re made from. While this also ties into the comfort of the headphones, we check to make sure they’re fit for the demands expected of them!

When doing these rankings, we took the price point into account. In our analysis, we focused on the range £10 – £20, to ensure we were comparing models in the same price/quality tier and kept you well informed!

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Alvarez Guitars – 5 Things You Should Know!

Andertons Webteam — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:22:10 +0000

Alvarez Guitars has one of the most diverse ranges of acoustic guitars in the world, boasting premium build quality at an affordable price point. For over 50 years, Alvarez has continued to push the envelope when it comes to acoustic guitar building, never resting on their laurels. By listening to the requests of their fans, Alvarez is constantly tweaking their designs and manufacturing processes to improve their products. Here are five things you should know about Alvarez Guitars!

1) All-Encompassing Range

As we alluded to earlier, Alvarez’s range is comprehensive to say the least. There are few other brands whose range includes dreadnoughts, parlours, jumbos and OMs, as well as baritones, 8-strings, 12-strings, and classicals! In addition to a whole selection of electro-acoustic models. The sheer number of different models available in the Alvarez range is truly astonishing. Every type of player is catered for, from the strummers to the fingerpickers! Here at Andertons, we stock a huge range of Alvarez acoustic guitars, so let’s take a closer look at the core models.

– Alvarez Regent Series

The Alvarez Regent Series of entry-level acoustic guitars is specifically designed for beginners, with a slim, comfortable neck profile and a versatile 1 11/16″ (43mm) nut width. Each Regent Series guitar also comes with a high-gloss finish and a good-quality gig bag. There’s a good selection on offer, from the RF26SB OM-sized model to the nylon-string RC26 Classical and RD26SB Dreadnought.

– Alvarez Artist Series

The Artist Series is Alvarez’s flagship line and is one of their most popular ranges, thanks largely to its diversity. Featuring everything from the AU66CCESHB Artist Concert ukulele to the bombastic jumbo ABT60 baritone acoustic guitar, the Artist Series offers unparalleled value and performance.

– Alvarez Artist Elite Series

As the name suggests, the Artist Elite Series of acoustic guitars takes the successful formula of the Elite Series and steps it up a notch! Featuring upgraded tonewoods such as Cedar, Macassar Ebony and Acacia, the Artist Elite series boasts luxurious Flamed Maple and Ebony binding and Alvarez’s signature bevelled armrest for maximum comfort. There are some lovely models to choose from, not least the beautiful Shadowburst Grand Auditorium, with Red Cedar top and Flamed Maple bevel.

– Alvarez Masterworks Series

Inspired by Japanese luthiery, the Masterworks Series includes a range of “truly eloquent professional guitars”. Boasting all-solid construction, Masterworks Series guitars and ukuleles are defined by their meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising quality. Check out the impressive MD60 Dreadnought with its open-gear nickel tuners, classic inlays, high-quality tortoiseshell-style pickguard and extended fingerboard. If you’re looking for a pro-grade instrument that won’t break the bank, look no further!

– Alvarez Laureate Series

The Laureate Series is Alvarez’s most premium-sounding, aesthetically impressive acoustic guitar made to date! This classically devised series has been designed with the contemporary player in mind, combining traditional appointments with modern building techniques. The Laurette series guitars comprise the finest tonewoods, such as quartersawn Sitka Spruce and East Indian Rosewood, that deliver a deep, dynamic, and rich sound, with distinctive shapes and unique finishes to create their most premium acoustic guitar yet! New models include the lovely LT66e Daybreak, constructed with a premium Mahogany top, back, and sides, and the charming LP70e Herringbone Sunset Parlour.

2) Attention to Detail

Research and design play a massive role in the building process of an Alvarez acoustic guitar. Every component has either been designed from scratch, tested heavily or chosen for its quality and performance. Whether it’s the neck carve, the bi-level bridge or the model-specific bracing system, the attention to detail is bordering on obsessive! Alvarez’s painstaking approach to building quality guitars that are affordable and reliable truly sets them apart from many of their contemporaries.

3) Hand-Built Guitars

The term “hand-made” typically implies that an item is of a higher quality than one that was mass-produced by a machine. The human touch and refined skills of artisans are what make Alvarez guitars so special, setting them apart from the competition.

Alvarez guitars are constructed on workbenches by highly skilled luthiers who have perfected their craft through years of experience. There are twenty-four luthiers at the Yairi factory, four of whom are Master Luthiers, each with over fifty years of expertise under their belts. This wealth of expertise, combined with premium, naturally seasoned woods, results in a playing experience like no other.

4) Model-Specific Bracing

Of all of Alvarez’s player-friendly features, the internal bracing may not be the first thing that springs to mind. It does, however, play a crucial role in the overall sound and response of the guitar. The entire line of Alvarez acoustic guitars features genre and model-specific bracing, with everything designed specifically for purpose and performance.

– FST2 – Forward Shifted Type 2

Forward-shifted bracing refers to the X brace and its relative position to the soundhole. By moving the X forward, or closer to the soundhole, it creates a larger soundboard area, yielding a louder, more open tone, with enhanced bass.

FST2 Bracing System

– MST1 – Middle Shifted Type 1

The X brace is positioned further back than with FST2 and is optimised for mid-size acoustic guitars, creating a darker, more mid-focused sound. It also allows smaller-bodied guitars to generate more energy, resulting in better projection, something that many smaller-bodied guitars lack.

MST1 Bracing System

– FS6 – Forward Size 6

Alvarez’s newest bracing design, the FS6 is forward-shifted and features lighter-weight bracing materials. This system delivers enhanced soundboard resonance and brings uniformity to the guitars, allowing their individual shape and size to influence their tone.

FS6 Bracing System

5) Unique Bridge Design

Kazuo Yairi’s original direct couple bridge changed the game back in 1980 and became a big part of Alvarez’s DNA. By increasing string tension and transference of vibrations to the soundboard, acoustic guitars deliver improved projection with an immediate response. You’ll notice that on Alvarez’s more modern style ranges, like the Artist and Masterworks series, they feature a bi-level bridge, which is an innovative step forward from Yairi’s original direct couple bridge. The bi-level bridge drops the bridge pins lower than the saddle, creating a more acute string angle. In doing so, it increases the string tension for improved resonance.

For the Laurette series, Alvarez has gone for a more traditional bridge style. The Laurette series features a solid Ebony piece, staying true to that Pre-War vintage aesthetic. Not only does this style of bridge complete the Laurette’s iconic look, but it also provides enhanced intonation and a bellowing tonal resonance.

Conclusion

So there you have it…five things you should know about Alvarez guitars and why they’re one of our favourite acoustic brands! Don’t just take our word for it though, as tone and playability are very subjective things. We would always encourage you to drop by the shop and try one of our many Alvarez guitars for yourself. You may just be surprised at how good they really are!

Shop all Alvarez Guitars

Want to Learn More?

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How the Akai MPC Changed the Music Production World

Robin Tindill — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:49:04 +0000

What is an Akai MPC?

The Akai MPC, which stands for Music Production Centre, is a music production instrument that combines sampling, sequencing and beat making in one intuitive system. At its heart are its familiar grid of velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used to trigger samples, play drums, create melodies and build rhythms.

Unlike a traditional drum machine, an MPC isn’t limited to a set of built-in sounds, it’s a sampler which means you can load or record your own samples, arrange them into patterns and use the MPC’s sequencing and editing tools to build complete musical ideas. This makes it equally useful for creating beats, chopping samples, recording performances and arranging tracks.

The MPC has become a hugely popular tool for producers because it makes the process of turning individual sounds into complete musical ideas remarkably hands-on. Whether you’re building a beat from scratch, chopping up a sample or sequencing an entire track, the MPC puts the essential tools for music production directly under your fingertips.

A Brief History

The MPC was born from a desire to make music production more accessible. Roger Linn, the designer behind influential drum machines such as the LM 1 and LinnDrum, was brought in by Akai to help develop a new kind of production instrument. The result was the MPC 60, released in 1988. Rather than simply functioning as a traditional drum machine, it combined sampling and sequencing with a tactile grid of velocity-sensitive pads, giving producers a much more hands-on way to create and arrange beats.

The MPC 60 quickly established the foundations for what would become one of the most influential production platforms in modern music. Its intuitive workflow made it easier to chop and trigger samples, programme rhythms and build grooves, while Roger Linn’s focus on feel and hands-on control helped give MPC beats their distinctive character. Akai continued to develop the platform over the following decades, but the core concept established by the MPC 60 would remain at the heart of the range.

How the MPC revolutionised the industry

The MPC changed music production by bringing sampling, sequencing and performance together in a single, hands-on instrument. Its velocity-sensitive pads made programming drums feel more like playing an instrument, while its sampling capabilities gave producers the freedom to take existing sounds, chop them up and transform them into something entirely new. Combined with powerful sequencing and editing tools, it offered a level of creative control that was difficult to achieve with the equipment that came before it.

More importantly, the MPC changed the way people thought about making music. You no longer needed a full band, an expensive studio setup or extensive knowledge of music theory to start building sophisticated tracks. Producers could experiment with sounds, rhythms and samples directly from the machine, developing ideas through instinct and feel. That combination of accessibility, flexibility and hands-on creativity helped make sampling and beat-making central to modern production, with the MPC’s influence still evident in studios and workflows around the world today.

Legacy Model Highlights

There have been many iterations of the MPC since the original MPC 60, each bringing new features and improvements to the formula. Here are a few highlights and some of the most significant developments they brought to the MPC range.

MPC 60 (1988)

The MPC 60 was where it all began. Designed by Roger Linn, it introduced the now iconic 16 velocity-sensitive pads alongside sampling, sequencing and MIDI functionality, establishing the core MPC workflow that would influence generations of producers.

MPC 3000 (1993)

The MPC 3000 built on the foundations of the 60 with improved 16-bit sampling, 32-voice polyphony, increased memory and longer sampling times. It also expanded the sequencing capabilities, making it a powerful production tool that became particularly influential in hip hop.

MPC 2000 XL (2000)

The MPC 2000 XL took the established MPC formula and made it considerably more flexible. It added time stretching, expanded storage and sampling options, more powerful effects and greater connectivity, helping make the MPC a complete production centre for increasingly complex projects.

Who Has Used An Akai MPC?

It’s probably easier to write a list of artists and producers who haven’t used an MPC. From hip hop and electronic music to modern pop and beyond, Akai’s iconic sampler has played a part in some of the most influential music of the last few decades.

A few noteworthy uses include Dr. Dre, who used the MPC 3000 extensively on The Chronic and 2001, and Kanye West, who relied heavily on the MPC 2000 when creating much of The College Dropout. J Dilla became particularly synonymous with the MPC 3000, using it to develop his distinctive approach to sampling and beat-making. Over in electronic music, Liam Howlett of The Prodigy has also incorporated MPCs into his production workflow, demonstrating the instrument’s influence well beyond hip hop.

The MPC’s influence continues today, too. John Mayer, for example, has spoken about using an Akai MPC to record guitar in modern production sessions, arguing that its ability to fit into a predominantly software-based workflow can offer advantages over recording through a traditional guitar amplifier. It’s a fitting example of how an instrument originally designed around beat-making has found a place in all sorts of production environments.

MPC Innovations

The MPC may have been around for decades, but its approach to sampling, sequencing and hands-on production remains just as relevant today. Akai has continued to evolve the platform with faster processing, larger displays, improved sampling capabilities and increasingly flexible workflows, while retaining the pad-based interface that made the MPC so intuitive in the first place. The latest generation gives producers more freedom to capture ideas wherever inspiration strikes, whether that’s building beats on the move, collaborating away from the studio or working on full-scale productions.

There’s now an MPC to suit almost every workflow and budget. The MPC Sample puts a pocket-sized, battery-powered production studio into your hands, making it ideal for creating wherever inspiration hits. Step up to the MPC Live 3, and you get a portable powerhouse with a built-in speaker, large touchscreen and familiar MPC interface, making it particularly well suited to collaboration and performance. At the top of the range, the MPC XL is designed as a flagship all-in-one studio, combining Akai’s fastest processing and highest level of hardware capabilities for producers who want the most powerful MPC experience available.

The beauty of the modern MPC is that the technology gets out of the way. Instead of waiting for inspiration to arrive at a computer, you can sample, chop, sequence and experiment almost immediately. That hands-on workflow can encourage a more instinctive approach to production, helping turn an idea into something tangible before it disappears.

Discover your first MPC

Ready to choose your first MPC? Whether you’re looking for a pocket-sized production companion, a portable powerhouse or a flagship studio centrepiece, there’s an MPC to suit your workflow. Take a closer look at the full range of Akai MPC products and find the one that’s right for you.

Our MPC range

Akai MPC Sample Synth Workstation & Sampler

£325.00

Akai MPC ONE G2 Sampler & Workstation

£715.00

Akai MPC Key 37 GEN2 Sampler & Workstation Keyboard

£835.00

Akai MPC LIVE 3 Sampler & Sequencer

£1,350.00

Akai MPC Live III Retro Edition Live Performance Sampler & Music Production Station

£1,399.00

Akai MPC XL Standalone Sampler & Sequencer

£2,172.00

Enjoyed This?

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Who Are Warm Audio?

Robin Tindill — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:19:00 +0000

Warm Audio is a Texas-based studio equipment manufacturer best known for bringing the sound, character and workflow of legendary analogue recording gear within reach of modern musicians, producers and engineers. Since launching in 2011, the brand has built a reputation for recreating sought-after studio hardware at prices that are realistic for home studios and professionals alike.

Rather than chasing the latest trends, Warm Audio focuses on carefully selected components, traditional analogue circuitry and dependable modern manufacturing. The result is a range of recording gear that delivers authentic analogue character without the eye-watering cost usually associated with vintage equipment.

From Passion Project to Studio Favourite

Warm Audio was founded in 2011 by Bryce Young, whose fascination with analogue recording equipment began long before the company existed. Like many musicians, he wanted to capture the rich, detailed recordings he’d grown up listening to, but genuine vintage equipment was financially out of reach.

While building and modifying classic microphone preamp kits, he realised that premium transformers, capacitors and carefully selected components made all the difference. That philosophy became the foundation of Warm Audio, turning a passion project into one of the most respected names in accessible analogue recording equipment.

That philosophy became the foundation of Warm Audio.

What Does Warm Audio Make?

Warm Audio’s catalogue spans almost every stage of the recording chain, with microphones and outboard equipment sitting at the heart of the range. Alongside classic studio tools, the brand also offers headphones, DI boxes, pedals and accessories that bring the same vintage-inspired approach to everyday recording setups.

Microphones

Warm Audio’s microphones are arguably the heart of the brand, recreating some of the most celebrated studio microphone designs ever made. Whether you’re recording vocals, acoustic guitars, drums or amplifiers, the range focuses on capturing the rich character and musical response that made these originals legendary, while offering the reliability and consistency of modern manufacturing.

Models like the WA-87, WA-47jr and WA-251 have become favourites among producers looking for premium studio sound without boutique price tags. By pairing carefully selected capsules, high-quality transformers and analogue circuitry, Warm Audio delivers microphones that feel just as inspiring to use as they do to hear.

Compressors

Compression has always been one of the defining ingredients of classic recordings, and Warm Audio has built a reputation for recreating some of the industry’s most iconic analogue compressors. Rather than simply controlling volume, these units add the punch, warmth and movement that engineers have relied on for decades.

The WA76 brings fast, aggressive dynamics inspired by a legendary FET compressor, making it ideal for drums, guitars and energetic vocals, while the WA-2A delivers smooth optical compression that’s become a favourite for polished vocal performances and bass recordings. Together, they demonstrate how Warm Audio makes professional analogue workflows achievable for modern studios.

Shop all Warm Audio Compressors

Preamps

A great microphone deserves an equally capable preamp, and Warm Audio’s preamps are designed to provide the colour, depth and harmonic richness associated with legendary recording consoles. Instead of aiming for a completely transparent sound, they’re built to become part of the recording process, adding character before the signal even reaches your interface.

The WA73 series, inspired by one of Britain’s most famous console designs, has become particularly popular for vocals, guitars and drums, giving recordings a fuller, more confident sound while retaining the tactile workflow that makes analogue hardware so rewarding to use.

Shop all Warm Audio Preamps

EQs

Warm Audio’s analogue equalisers are designed to shape sound musically rather than clinically, allowing broad tonal adjustments that complement performances instead of overpowering them. Inspired by classic studio EQs, they’re particularly effective for adding weight to bass instruments, opening up vocals and bringing extra presence to acoustic recordings.

Combined with the brand’s compressors and preamps, they make it possible to build a complete analogue signal chain that feels remarkably close to working in a traditional recording studio.

Shop all Warm Audio EQs

Headphones

While Warm Audio is best known for microphones and outboard gear, its studio headphones bring the same practical philosophy to monitoring. They’re designed to provide dependable performance during recording and mixing, with a comfortable fit that makes longer sessions easier.

Rather than chasing exaggerated consumer sound profiles, they’re built to support critical listening, helping musicians and engineers make more confident recording decisions.

Shop all Warm Audio Headphones

DI Boxes

A quality DI box is one of the most underrated tools in any studio, and Warm Audio’s models are designed to preserve the natural character of guitars, basses and keyboards before they reach your recording chain. By maintaining signal integrity and reducing unwanted noise, they provide a cleaner foundation for both recording and live performance.

Like the rest of the Warm Audio range, they prioritise robust construction and dependable analogue performance over unnecessary complexity.

Shop all Warm Audio DI Boxes

Guitar Pedals

Warm Audio’s pedal range takes the company’s analogue-first philosophy beyond the studio, recreating classic effects that have shaped countless recordings. Instead of chasing novelty, the focus is on capturing the feel and response of much-loved vintage pedals while offering the reliability expected from modern hardware.

It’s a natural extension of the brand’s wider approach, giving guitarists the same vintage-inspired character that recording engineers have enjoyed from its studio equipment.

Shop all Warm Audio Guitar Cables

Cables

Every recording chain is only as strong as its connections, which is why Warm Audio also offers studio cables designed for dependable everyday use. Built to provide reliable signal transfer across microphones, instruments and outboard gear, they’re intended to complement the rest of the ecosystem rather than become an afterthought.

It’s a small but practical addition that helps musicians build a complete recording setup around the same commitment to quality and reliability found throughout the Warm Audio range.

Shop all Warm Audio Cables

Why Are Warm Audio So Popular?

Warm Audio has earned a loyal following by offering faithful recreations of classic analogue equipment without cutting corners where it matters. Carefully selected components, tactile controls, vintage inspired styling and modern reliability all contribute to the brand’s appeal.

Building a Classic Hardware Vocal Chain

One of the clearest examples is a Warm Audio vocal chain built around the WA87 microphone, WA76 compressor and WA-2A optical compressor. Together they recreate a workflow inspired by classic recording studios, giving singers and engineers a practical way to achieve polished analogue-style recordings without investing in rare vintage hardware.

Why Producers Choose Warm Audio

Warm Audio stands out by combining premium components, vintage-inspired aesthetics and tactile controls with prices that make classic analogue workflows accessible to far more musicians. Many products are also backed by a five-year warranty, adding modern reliability alongside vintage character.

Why Does Analogue Still Matter?

There’s a reason vintage studio equipment continues to be so highly regarded decades after it was first designed.

Analogue gear often introduces subtle harmonic richness, natural compression and musical colour that many engineers find difficult to replicate perfectly with software alone. Whilst modern plugins have become incredibly capable, many producers still enjoy the hands-on workflow and sonic character that dedicated analogue hardware brings to a recording session.

Warm Audio’s philosophy is simple: if the original equipment became legendary because of the way it sounded, then recreating that experience as faithfully as possible is worth pursuing.

Who is Warm Audio Gear For?

Whether you’re building your first home studio or expanding an established recording setup, Warm Audio is aimed at musicians, producers and engineers who want genuine analogue character without paying collector prices for ageing studio hardware.

Why Choose Warm Audio?

Warm Audio combines vintage inspiration, premium components and modern reliability to create recording equipment that feels both familiar and accessible. From iconic style microphones and compressors to practical everyday studio tools, the range offers an approachable route into analogue recording without compromising on the experience that made the originals famous.

Ready to upgrade your studio? Explore the full Warm Audio range and discover microphones, outboard gear, pedals and accessories inspired by some of recording’s greatest classics.

Shop all Warm Audio

The post Who Are Warm Audio? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Why are Behringer synths so popular?

Robin Tindill — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In a relatively short space of time, Behringer has gone from being a peripheral player in the synth market to one of its most recognisable names. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for an affordable entry point or a seasoned synthesist chasing classic sounds, chances are you’ve come across a Behringer synth.

Their ever-expanding range has helped introduce countless musicians to the world of synthesis, while also appealing to experienced players with faithful recreations of sought-after vintage designs. In a nutshell, their popularity comes down to a few key factors…

Behringer synths are:

Affordable
Very accessible
Excellent sounding
Great for beginners
Influenced by legendary designs and historically significant instruments

The machines that changed music

Since the late 1960s, synths became more and more integral to bands, artists and even composers due to their superior sound design and versatility when compared to a guitar or a piano. Instruments such as the Moog MiniMoog and pretty much the whole of Roland’s numbered instruments gave birth to or heavily influenced music at the time. The Roland TR-808 was a force in hip hop, the TR-909 was loved by techno and house artists, and the TB-303 practically gave birth to acid music thanks to Phuture. Van Halen would have never jumped without the Roland Jupiter 8 either! And the Roland SH-101 is still used heavily to this day live by bands like The Prodigy and the Kaiser Chiefs.

We could talk for hours about the influence of some of these machines. But funnily enough, lots of these instruments were commercial flops at the time, with the TB-303 being the textbook example that later became legendary (vintage units now command extremely high prices). This writer has been actively looking for a Roland TR-909 and, at the time of writing, they stick around the £4,500-£5,000. Now, he wants one, but that’s a steep price; is it worth it? Maybe, but that means they’re out of reach for many who want to experience those classic instruments, and this writer is still looking.

Where does Behringer come in?

Behringer has been creating synths ever since their first hit with the DeepMind, which was heavily influenced by the Roland Juno-106. Then they released the Behringer Model D, which was a great analogue synth based on the Moog MiniMoog. Since then, we’ve seen the TR-808 (RD-8), the TR-909 (RD-9), TR-606 (RD-6), SH-101 (MS-1) and even some very obscure and legendary synths such as the Kobol and Wasp.

They give younger musicians the chance to get hands-on with some physical instruments with cool chunky dials and switches, a nice break from some of the mini synths that became popular in the 2010s. Plus, they allow people to use fully analogue instruments away from a PC and invoke some of the inspiration of yesteryear without being tiddly tiny.

Are they full clones?

They aren’t full clones, unlike companies like DinSync or Steda who focus on one-to-one recreations. Behringer instead focuses on bringing the sound as close as possible, but also introducing quality-of-life improvements. A prime example is the RD-8, which features all the sounds produced by the original TR-808 but with knobs that are bumped up in size, making it easier to use. The sequencer is also expanded and redesigned, and the I/O is improved with modern staples such as MIDI and additional controls while being a bit more portable than the originals too. Want another example? Let’s take a look at the TD-3. This is a clone of the Roland TB-303, which gave birth to the sound of acid. The TD-3, for the most part, keeps this quite faithful, including the legendarily complicated sequencer, which is known for being a bit of a happy accident machine. Behringer has brought some welcome improvements, such as some expanded CV connectivity and MIDI so it can easily be sequenced with modern gear and a built-in distortion circuit- distortion unit, you say? Yes, one of the most iconic sounds of the TB-303 was the unit being run through a distortion unit, or heavily driving a mixer, so they included one right on the unit, nice.

Are Behringer synths any good?

Simply put, yes, they are. They’re an affordable way to get into hardware synthesis; they sound wicked, and they’ve been spotted with many professionals. We mentioned them earlier, but The Prodigy and Kaiser Chiefs have both been seen using the Behringer MS-1 live in place of their usual SH-101s. You can very easily build an old-school acid house setup with an RD-9, TD-3 and MS-1 and get jamming with something great immediately.

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