How do you set up the Victory PowerValve 200?

Getting the Victory PowerValve 200 up and running couldn’t be simpler:

1. Take the output from your modeller, preamp or the end of your pedalboard chain via a 1/4″ jack cable.
2. Plug it into the Victory PV200’s balanced input.
3. Set your input level and EQ (you get Resonance, Body and Presence controls).
4. Engage the valve signal path via the VRC switch on the front panel.
5. Run the output into your guitar cabinet.

And that’s it. If you prefer a clean and transparent response, you can also bypass the valve stage and run a pure linear transistor signal path with zero colouration.

For silent practice or direct recording, the PowerValve 200 includes a 3.5 mm headphone output and an analogue cab sim via XLR — perfect for front of house, livestreams or tracking. Better still, the headphone/cab sim level is independent of the main speaker output. That means you can adjust your stage (cab) volume without upsetting the sound guy sorting the PA mix!

How big is the Victory PowerValve 200?

The Victory PowerValve 200 measures 130 x 300 x 295 mm and weighs only 2.4 kg. That makes it pretty pedalboard‑friendly, or you can simply pop it on top of your speaker cab. Thanks to its zinc‑plated steel chassis, it’s tough enough to handle life on the road too.

Does the Victory PowerValve 200 work well with a Quad Cortex?

Yes, and not just according to Victory. Neural DSP have put the PowerValve 200 through extensive testing with the Quad Cortex, and the feedback is glowing:

“PowerValve 200 genuinely exceeded our expectations. The response, feel and tone — especially when paired with the Quad Cortex — were outstanding. With the flip of a switch, the added tube stage (VRC) delivers an immediate, audible improvement to the signal.” — Ryan Morgan, Head of Global Sales, Neural DSP

If you want to create a more compact fly rig, teaming it up with the new Quad Cortex Mini is a great shout. Stick ‘em both on a board and you’ve got a lightweight, valve‑enhanced digital setup ready for any gig or session. Go direct to FOH with the PV200’s analogue cab sim, plug into the venue’s cabinet or run it through one of Victory’s lightweight Lunchbox guitar cabs. Speaking of…

Which cab goes best with the Victory PowerValve 200?

Victory’s Lunchbox 1×12″ cab (loaded with a Celestion Seventy 80) is an ideal match for the PowerValve 200. Together they create a tiny yet full‑sounding, valve‑reactive rig that works as brilliantly at home as it does in the studio or on stage. Neural DSP were impressed with this combo too:

 “We were particularly surprised by how effective the compact 1×12” Lunchbox cab was; the Celestion Seventy 80 sounded fantastic with IRs on or off.” — Ryan Morgan, Head of Global Sales, Neural DSP

Who uses the Victory PowerValve 200?

The Victory PV200 might be new, but some heavy‑hitters already love it (and we expect to see this thing popping up on a lot more pro boards soon). Rabea Massaad has been putting it through its paces with his Quad Cortex setup. And our very own Andertons TV maestro John Connearn (AKA “Digital John”) has been wowed by what the PowerValve 200 can do. Here’s what they had to say:

• “The Valve React Circuit really brings my presets to life and gives them that extra tube-amp style thump that feels great under the fingers.” — Rabea Massaad
• “PowerValve 200 allows me to have a valve-powered digital rig with huge hi-fidelity sound. More portable, powerful and affordable than any valve head I’ve seen.” — John Connearn

Victory PowerValve 200 vs. Seymour Duncan PowerStage 200

The Seymour Duncan PowerStage 200 has been the go‑to pedalboard power amp for years. So, how does Victory’s new contender stack up? Here’s a quick side‑by‑side look at the specs:

Victory PowerValve 200 on Andertons TV

We’ve talked a lot about the PV200 — now it’s time to hear it in action! Watch Lee and Pete test drive the Victory PowerValve 200 with the Neural Quad Cortex and some other glorious gear:

Want to learn more?

We’ve got loads more learn articles here on the Andertons blog. Can’t decide which Neural modeller to pair up with the Victory PowerValve 200? Our Quad Cortex vs. Quad Cortex Mini vs. Nano: comparison guide will help you find the ultimate companion.

Featured products

Shop all pedalboard amps

The post Victory PowerValve 200: Perfect partner for Quad Cortex? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

QSC CP Loudspeaker

High performance, superior quality and lasting reliability. These are the Hallmarks of the QSC Brand. The CP Series follows in that same tradition while also offering an ultra-compact form factor and class-leading value.

QSC CP Loudspeaker

QSC K Class

The QSC K.2 Series is a premium range of powered loudspeakers featuring 2,000-watt Class D amplification, high-performance DSP, and rugged enclosures. The main models include the K8.2 (8-inch woofer), K10.2 (10-inch woofer), and K12.2 (12-inch woofer), which are versatile, compact, and designed for portable PA or stage monitor applications.

These are pro-grade loudspeakers built to handle more demanding gigs and environments. If you’re regularly playing larger venues or need maximum versatility from your rig, these should be at the top of your list.Boasting an advanced digital signal processing system with an LCD interface and multiple I/O routing options, these premium active loudspeakers bring audio to life with unparalleled, next-level professional sound quality. When you’re filling larger venues, you need more than excellent clarity – you need a speaker that packs a real wallop.

QSC K Series Loudspeakers & Bundles

With the QSC K Class, this comes courtesy of the 2025-watt true peak class D amps driving the sound.Of course, any premium piece of gear needs to be paired with a solid, reliable construction, and there are no concerns on that front here. With a rugged ABS cabinet, you’re getting a heavy-duty, scratch-resistant speaker that can handle whatever you throw at it – which looks great too.Smart yet rugged, elegant and loud, the K.2 Series loudspeakers are the perfect modern loudspeaker solution for a whole host of environments. They’re equally at home in a DJ booth, live venue, corporate AV environment, or festival stage. And with clever features including setting presets, scene recall functions, and two different pole-mount angles, they pack an insane amount of versatility that means they might just be the only loudspeakers you need, no matter how many different event types you’re providing audio for.

Key Features

• 2025W Class D amplifier
• Advanced DSP with LCD interface
• Multiple input/output routing options
• Integrated delay module
• Two pole-mount angles
• Rugged ABS housing

QSC Column Loudspeaker Systems

While the CP and K.2 models stick to traditional loudspeaker form factors, the KC12 Column System brings something entirely different to the table. Combining portability, performance, and smart design, this three-way speaker system is ideal for users who want a powerful yet discreet setup that’s as visually sleek as it is sonically capable.At the heart of the KC12 Column, is a 12″ subwoofer, complemented by dual 4″ midrange drivers and a high-frequency compression driver, all working together under QSC’s proprietary LEAF waveguide technology for uniform coverage and excellent projection.

QSC Column Loudspeaker Systems & Bundles

With a peak output of 3000 watts and a max SPL of 132 dB, it’s more than capable of handling everything from intimate live performances, to thumping mobile DJ sets.There’s a full suite of digital controls via the onboard display too, including essentials like EQ shaping, subwoofer gain, delay module, presets, and external subwoofer output, all giving you extensive DSP functionality right at your fingertips. Add to that low-latency Bluetooth streaming (with the ability to pair up to four systems), and you’ve got a seriously flexible system that can adapt to just about any live sound scenario.But despite all that power and tech, the KC12 remains a highly portable. The top speaker and pole pack neatly into the included tote bag, while the subwoofer (constructed from sturdy 12 mm birch ply) is rugged enough to take a beating but still light enough to be manageable. Utilising a mix of ABS, aluminium, and steel in its construction, this is a system that’s built for the road – and available in both black and white finishes, it looks every bit as good on stage as it sounds.

Key Features

• 3-way column speaker with integrated 12” sub, midrange drivers, and HF compression driver
• 3000W Class D amplifier
• 132 dB SPL
• Digital control with EQ, delay, scene recall and sub gain
• Bluetooth streaming with multi-system pairing
• Impact-resistant, premium construction – a mix of ABS, birch ply and powder-coated metal

QSC KS Series Subwoofers

If you want to add some serious low-end reinforcement to your PA setup, QSC’s KS Series subwoofers have you covered. Whether you’re running the compact CP Series speakers or fully-loaded K.2 units, there’s a KS sub here to fit your space, style, and SPL requirements.

All KS Series subs share the same rugged 15 mm birch ply cabinet construction and support vertical or horizontal deployment, so whichever way you go, you’re getting plenty of durability and flexibility. But outside of that, there are a few important differences to consider before picking out your preferred low-end companion:

If portability is a priority, but you still want driving, impactful bass, the KS112 delivers in spades. This ultra-compact subwoofer features a 12” driver powered by a 2000-watt peak Class D amplifier. So, despite the modest size, this little ‘sub that could’ delivers impressive low-end output with an omnidirectional pattern, making it the perfect choice for smaller venues, mobile entertainers, or indeed anyone short on space.Throw in the optional KS-LOC security cover and you’ve got a secure, gig-ready sub that’s a dream to set up and transport – a perfect match for CP Series tops if you’re aiming for a compact setup.

Key Features:

• 2000W peak output
• 12” driver
• Omni-directional output pattern
• Vertical or horizontal placement
• Frequency response (-10 dB): 38 – 121 Hz
• Optional security cover

QSC K Series Subwoofers

KS212C

If you need directional bass control in tight or sensitive environments, the KS212C could be a game-changer. This unique single-box subwoofer provides a true cardioid output pattern, with up to 15 dB front-to-rear SPL attenuation – perfect for reducing stage rumble or keeping bass contained to the audience area. Inside the box, there’s dual 12” drivers pushing a massive 3600 watts of peak power, and like the KS112, there’s also an optional KS-LOC security cover to keep unauthorised fingers away from your controls. All in all, it’s a compact, powerful, and remarkably efficient sub that will keep your low-end exactly where it should be without the need for an extra sub to create the cardioid effect.

Key Features:

• 3600W peak output
• Dual 12” drivers
• Single-box cardioid output pattern
• 15 dB SPL attenuation (rear)
• Frequency response (-10 dB): 39 – 118 Hz
• Optional KS-LOC security cover

KS118

The KS118 is the subwoofer of choice when you’re looking to move some serious air. Armed with an 18” driver and a room-shaking 3600-watt peak Class D amp, it delivers a deep, commanding bass response that’s going to be hard to ignore. Used alone, it offers an omnidirectional pattern, but pair two KS118s together and you can activate cardioid mode for a directional, focused low-end control. If you’re a DJ, sound engineer, or venue operator and you need to bring the boom, the KS118 is more than up to the task.

Key Features:

• 3600W peak output
• 18” driver
• Omni-directional pattern (cardioid mode with 2 units)
• Frequency response (-10 dB): 35 – 111 Hz

C Class vs K Class Side-by-Side Comparison

C Class vs K Class – Which QSC PA System Should You Choose?

• Go for the CP Class if… you want an affordable, lightweight solution that still delivers excellent sound and reliability. It’s the perfect choice for solo and duo performers, small venues, casual gigging and more.
• Opt for the K Class if… you need more power, increased versatility and clever advanced features. The K Class is designed for pros who seek consistent, reliable, customisable performance, the best of the best, night after night.

Summary

QSC’s lineup is jam-packed with clever design, pro-level audio, and consistent quality, and that rings true whether you’re buying in at the compact C Class level or stepping up to the flagship K Class models. Add in options like the KC12 and KS subwoofers, and there’s never been a better time to build your very own tailored PA setup that does exactly what you need – and looks the part too.Whichever class you choose, you can bet your bottom dollar you’re getting pro-level performance, trusted reliability, and flexible features that can grow with your needs. So, ready to upgrade your live PA sound? Then explore our full QSC range at Andertons Music Co. – and don’t forget to complete your PA bundle with a few of our essential PA accessories! Ready to pull the trigger? Why not check out some of our conveniently curated QSC bundles with everything you need and save on accessories.

The post QSC PA Systems: C Class vs. K Class appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Buy the Polyend Endless Pedal

Boss GX-1 & GX-1B guitar/bass effects processors

Boss lived up to their name yet again (literally bossing it) with their new GX-1 guitar effects processor and GX-1B bass multi-FX. They fully deserved to pick up a ‘Best in Show’ award for this dynamic duo — just look at these top‑level specs:

• Boss GX-1: A grab‑and‑go pedalboard packed with 23 pro‑grade AIRD amp models and over 140 effects. It comes loaded with 99 ready‑to‑play presets, plus 99 user slots for your own custom patches. There’s even built‑in Bluetooth, so you can jam along with tracks straight from your mobile device.
• Boss GX-1B: Everything above, but for bass! You get 16 amps and 130+ effects to play with, along with full support for the Boss Tone Studio app — giving you powerful practice tools and deep sound‑editing right from your phone or tablet.

Congrats Boss, these units are wicked. And if you want to get even more out of ’em, don’t forget about the new FSC-10 footswitch caps Boss also launched at NAMM. These clever little add‑ons make hitting the right switch easier than ever, while still letting those cool LEDs shine through.

Shop the Boss GX-1 & GX-1B

Bad Cat PurePath analogue load box & cab sim

Our pals at Bad Cat found the purr‑fect spot for their NAMM booth this year — “nice and quiet, if not slightly warm,” according to Lee. Ideal conditions, really, because it meant they could show off their brand‑new PurePath in all its glory. And it clearly worked, as it walked away with a ‘Best in Show’ award.

So what’s the PurePath all about? It’s a completely passive, fully analogue load box and cab sim designed to nail the exact tone and feel of your fave guitar cab. Great for silent recording, cab‑free stages or just keeping the neighbours sweet. You get Alnico or Ceramic speaker flavours, open or closed‑back cab options and mic‑placement controls. There’s a balanced XLR out for running straight to your PA or interface, plus a cab out if you want to run a cool hybrid setup.

It’s not on our site just yet, but word on the street is that it could land as early as this spring. To stay in the know, join our mailing list here.

Shop Bad Cat Amps

Our staff’s top NAMM 2026 picks

Our content team have nominated their own ‘Best in Show’ products too. Check out what really impressed them below:

Laney Billy Corgan Supergrace-Loudpedal

Elliot Stent – Digital Product Content Writer

I’m a huge Pumpkins fan, so I know Billy Corgan’s been working with Laney for a while. But launching an amp pedal that distils his massive live rig into a do‑it‑all box? That caught me totally off guard, not gonna lie!

I’ve been using the Laney Ironheart Loudpedal as my main gigging amp for the last couple of years and love it, but I’m sure I’ll be upgrading to the Supergrace soon. It mimics Billy’s iconic Siamese Dream/Mellon Collie tones perfectly with that high‑gain Carstens Grace channel, and the clean sounds are lush too.

It’s also got MIDI, so it’ll play nicely with my Boss MS‑3 for channel switching. And with Billy’s handpicked IRs onboard, it’ll sound even better going direct to FOH when I play live with my band. I can’t wait to try one out.

Buy the Laney Billy Corgan Supergrace

Korg Phase8 acoustic synth

Robin Tindill – Pro Audio, Keys & Drums Content Specialist

What I love about the Phase8 is that it’s actually doing something new. It’s an acoustic synth using eight physical steel resonators being driven by magnet hammers, sequenced and modulated like some electro-mechanical octopus. Instead of pretending to be a 40-year-old circuit, it fuses electronics with real, moving, misbehaving matter. You can tap it, feed it, abuse it, literally stick a stick you found in the park on it to change the timbre.

It’s got the power of modern sequencing with the chaos of physical vibration, which, as someone who collects synths, vintage and old, is actually exciting to see — control plus happy accidents.

And of course, it’s designed by the outrageously brilliant Tatsuya Takahashi. While everyone else is polishing the past, the Phase8 is busy inventing the future, and frankly, it’s about time.

Buy the Korg Phase8

Strandberg N2 Tremolo with Arc TILT

Stuart Palmer – Digital Product Content Writer (Guitar)

I’m the very happy owner of Strandberg’s Plini neck‑through signature model, so I was super keen to see what they were bringing to NAMM this year. And they didn’t disappoint — their new N2 Tremolo looks like a wicked bit of kit!

It features their new Arc TILT (Twin Incline Lever Technology) trem system. The bridge follows the natural string angles of the multi‑scale layout, and there’s a redesigned trem arm attachment too. These, along with a couple of other tweaks, mean you can push those pitch bends further, get some lovely flutter action going, and still trust the guitar to snap right back into tune.

They’ve also equipped it with a titanium‑reinforced roasted Maple EndurNeck, which Strandberg are calling their most stable neck ever. I don’t think I’ll be trading in my Plini sig anytime soon, but you can bet I’ll be grabbing one of these off the wall for a test drive the second they land in store!

Shop All Strandberg Guitars

Friedman Phil X PX-20 valve amp head

Dennis Ralph – Digital Content Specialist

This was a surprise for even me, as my usual stance on amps is that it has to be valve, has to be point-to-point wired, no more than one channel and strictly — less is more. The fewer knobs, bells and whistles the better, but my top pick for this year’s NAMM is the Friedman Phil X PX20 head.

After years of working as a hired gun at studios and on stage, and being required to transport an unruly amount of ‘just in case’ equipment, I’ve often thought about what I “actually” need and what my real bread and butter setup would be to get 99.9% of things done to a standard I’m happy with. I’ve always concluded that my go-to would be a Dumble-esque American amp for cleans and edge of break-up, a British EL34-powered ‘70s-inspired no-nonsense amp for rock rhythm — and finally — a hot-rodded ‘80s voiced amp for high-gains and lead.  The PX20 does all of it and more in one unit, with a generous helping of Dave Friedman’s magic tone dust sprinkled all over for good measure.

Reading and watching the countless write-ups and videos from over the NAMM weekend, I’m genuinely excited to get to the store and try one out in the flesh when these come in. The thought of being able to get such a variety of classic tones from one genuine valve amp, without needing to go down the path of digital modellers or a ton of effects, really appeals to what I currently need. And to me, 20 watts is the perfect compromise between stage and studio ready, as well as being home and family friendly!

Shop All Friedman Amps

See ya next year, NAMM!

Yeah, the 2026 NAMM Show might be over, but we’ve still got more videos on the way — plus fresh products from the event landing on the site. Bookmark our blog to stay in the loop with everything happening in the music gear world. And join the Andertons mailing list for instant alerts as new releases drop, along with awesome deals and local event updates.

Don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and across our social channels too:

• Subscribe to Andertons Music Co. on YouTube
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on Instagram
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook

Quick links: browse all NAMM 2026 products

There’s way more to NAMM 2026 than we could ever squeeze into one roundup. Dive into the full lineup below and explore hundreds more of the hottest new releases:

• NAMM 2026 Electric Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Acoustic Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Bass Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Pedals
• NAMM 2026 Amps
• NAMM 2026 Recording Gear
• NAMM 2026 Synths
• NAMM 2026 Keyboards & Pianos
• NAMM 2026 Live & PA Gear
• NAMM 2026 Drums

Shop All NAMM 2026 Releases

The post NAMM 2026: ‘Best in Show’ Winners Announced appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Shop All Gibson Guitars

Shop New Epiphone Guitars

Laney: Billy Corgan Supergrace-Loudpedal & Nathan East DB-East-Pre

Lee caught up with Lee Wrathe from Laney and Brian Carstens from Carstens Amplification to dive into two of NAMM 2026’s hottest new releases: the Billy Corgan signature amp pedal and the Nathan East Digbeth preamp. The fellas break everything down in detail in the video, but here’s the quick‑fire overview:

• Billy Corgan Supergrace-Loudpedal 60W amp pedal: This monster takes The Smashing Pumpkins frontman’s colossal live rig and distils it into a compact, do‑it‑all box. Go straight to FOH, run it into a cab, record direct over USB‑C — whatever your setup, it slots right in. You get the modern, high‑gain precision of the Carstens Grace and the classic brute force of the Laney Supergroup, separated into two channels. With full MIDI control and Billy’s hand‑picked IRs onboard, this thing is an absolute weapon!
• DB-East-Pre Nathan East Digbeth bass preamp pedal: Co‑designed with bass legend Nathan East, the DB‑East‑Pre combines independent FET and Tube channels, with the Tube side offering three gain modes from subtle asymmetry to punchy, modern distortion. A Range control fine‑tunes the low‑end entering the drive, while the powerful EQ — complete with selectable mid pre‑shapes and the signature Tilt control — makes dialling in your tone fast and intuitive. Dual inputs let you easily switch between instruments, and LA·IR‑equipped DI outputs come preloaded with Nathan’s fave cab IRs for polished, ready‑to‑mix direct sound.

Bonus content: Lee also sat down with Nathan East to chat about his early days, his decades of work with Eric Clapton and his ongoing collaboration with Laney. They even squeezed in a jam session at the end!

Shop New Laney Gear

Furch Guitars 45th anniversary

Furch Guitars is celebrating 45 years of acoustic‑building wizardry in 2026, and they’ve marked the occasion with something genuinely special: the Violet 45 Gc‑EM — a limited run of just 90 guitars worldwide.

This commemorative model features a host of exclusive anniversary details, from its refined aesthetic appointments to its premium tonewoods. It’s built with the same meticulous craftsmanship Furch are known for and comes equipped with stage‑ready electronics — so it’ll shine both in the studio and under the spotlight. We’re hoping to get our hands on one (or a few) of these soon!

Shop All Furch Guitars

Strandberg: Jamstik ‘Chameleon’ collab & N2 Tremolo guitars

We’re sure that this is the video a lot of you have been waiting for. Lee briefly ditched Danish Pete and teamed up with “Swedish Pete” to check out what Strandberg are looking to shake up the industry with in ‘26 — and there’s some seriously cool stuff on the way:

Strandberg x Jamstik Chameleon

The name says it all. This headless machine features full polyphonic MIDI support, letting you control software instruments, hardware synths and pretty much anything else that speaks MIDI. Connectivity options include USB‑C, Bluetooth and TRS‑MIDI, so you can hook it up with whatever setup you’ve got. In short, you can use this guitar to trigger any sound you can dream up!

N2 Tremolo models with Arc TILT

Strandberg also showed off their new N2 Tremolo guitars, featuring their revolutionary Arc TILT (Twin Incline Lever Technology) trem system. This innovative bridge uses an offset pivot point, a unique tremolo block and baseplate design, plus a new arm attachment to deliver rock‑solid tuning stability, increased range, killer flutter effects and the smoothest trem action imaginable. Pete breaks down all the benefits of this clever bit of kit in the video:

Shop All Strandberg Guitars

Friedman Amps: IR-Load, PX-20 Phil X signature amp & AC-style Vintage VX30

The Friedman booth is a must‑visit every single year — and for good reason. Dave and the team consistently build some of the best‑sounding guitar amps on the planet, and the tones they demonstrate are always insane. Here’s what they’ve cooked up for 2026:

• IR-Load: Dave Friedman and session ace/YouTube hero Pete Thorn have joined forces to unleash the IR-Load. To quote Pete’s Insta post: “if you want and need IRs, load AND stereo FX and reamp, all in one box, the IR-Load does it.” Dave also breaks down the clever machine‑learning tech behind it in the video below — and trust us, it’s wicked smart.
• PX-20 Phil X signature amp: Everyone loves Phil X, and we’re loving the look of his new signature head. Dave describes the PX‑20 as “the most full‑featured 20‑watt amp Friedman has now,” and it definitely lives up to the hype. You get an American‑style clean channel spiced up with some tasty “Dumble mods,” plus a Marshall‑inspired dirty channel loaded with Tight, Bright and Structure switches for seriously flexible tone‑shaping. There’s even a built‑in boost for extra punch.
• Vintage VX30: This is Friedman’s first ever AC-style amp — and it looks every bit as good as it sounds. It’s got Top Boost and Normal channels, with the Normal channel blendable in phase with the other for added tonal mixing options. A Bright/Normal/Bass rotary control gives you even more legroom, while the matching cab comes loaded with Celestion Alnico Blue speakers — staying true to the AC vibe.

Shop Friedman Amps & Pedals

Music Man: Anniversary StingRay & Axis models, DarkRay II, Jason Richardson 8‑string & more

Music Man are celebrating some huge milestones this year — 50 years of the StingRay and 30 years of the Axis. On top of that, they’ve updated a couple of signature lines and unveiled the next chapter in their DarkRay Series. All of it lands this spring, and here’s the full breakdown:

• 50th anniversary StingRay bass: Five decades of the StingRay calls for something special, and Music Man have marked the occasion with two stunning limited‑edition finishes. Liquid Gold’s the ultra‑exclusive one — with just 50 instruments available worldwide. While Molten Gold is capped at 300 pieces and features a slightly less reflective finish. Each bass will ship in a deluxe case with a COF thrown in.
• DarkRay II bass: This beast takes the modern, aggressive concept of the original and pushes it even further with built‑in octave up and octave down effects. You get master volume, bass and treble EQ, plus a dual‑voice distortion circuit controlled via a push/push switch. The octave control works the same way, letting you flip between octave modes instantly with LED rings around both knobs that light up to show which mode you’re in. It’s flippin’ cool.
• 30th anniversary Axis: Music Man’s revisiting the bold translucent finishes that made the ‘96 OGs pop — Trans Gold, Black, Pink, Red, Blue and Purple. Each limited-edition guitar features a hand‑stained quilted Maple top, matching headstock, stainless steel frets, glow‑in‑the‑dark side dots, the classic asymmetrical neck carve and custom-wound DiMarzio pickups.
• Jason Richardson 8‑string Cutlass: The modern shredder’s signature line levels up with a monster 8‑string multi-scale Cutlass, available in three gorgeous colours: Water Temple, Death Mountain and Kokiri Forest. Big Zelda fan, eh?

New StingRay Special bass finishes will also be arriving this spring, along with the John Petrucci Majesty ‘Premium Select’ — fully loaded with DiMarzio Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher humbuckers, a piezo‑equipped floating trem, stereo/mono outputs and an onboard 20+ dB boost.

Shop Music Man Guitars & Basses

Vox Amps: new Valvetronix amps, hand-wired ACs & ’60s-style pedals

Vox’s latest lineup already turned heads in our early NAMM 2026 releases roundup — but now Lee’s had the chance to see (and hear!) everything up close.

The new VT Series Valvetronix (VT20X and VT40X) combos bring modern flexibility to Vox’s classic modelling approach, while freshly hand-wired AC30 and AC15 amps deliver that beloved chime with boutique-level craftsmanship. And just when we thought we knew what to expect, Vox surprised us with a set of ‘60s‑inspired pedals reimagined for today’s players — the VFZ-1 Fuzz and VTB-1 Treble Booster.

Shop Vox NAMM 2026 Gear

Soak up every moment from NAMM 2026

The NAMM Show 2026 might be wrapping up soon, but our coverage certainly isn’t — we’ve still got more videos on the way and fresh products dropping onto the site. Bookmark the Andertons Blog to stay in the loop, and hit the sign‑up button on our main NAMM page for instant alerts as new releases land.

Don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and across our social channels too:

• Subscribe to Andertons Music Co. on YouTube
• Check out our NAMM 2026 playlist on YouTube
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on Instagram
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook

Quick links: browse all NAMM 2026 products

Start exploring — here are your quick links to every NAMM Show 2026 category:

• NAMM 2026 Electric Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Acoustic Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Bass Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Pedals
• NAMM 2026 Amps
• NAMM 2026 Recording Gear
• NAMM 2026 Synths
• NAMM 2026 Keyboards & Pianos
• NAMM 2026 Live & PA Gear
• NAMM 2026 Drums

Shop All NAMM 2026 Releases

The post NAMM Show 2026: Day 4 Roundup appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Buy the Orange OR60

Wampler Pedalhead ‘machine learning’ power amp pedal

The legend that is Brian Wampler has teamed up with Synergy Amps to unveil the Wampler Pedalhead. Built as a pedalboard-ready solution, this 240-watt stereo power amp (equivalent to 60W of valve power) serves as the the engine that pumps life into rigs with digital effects or preamp pedals. It features six distinct power amp models, a built-in IR loader and full MIDI support. These features aim to deliver a responsive, tube-like playing feel whether you’re running straight into a PA system or powering a conventional guitar cabinet.

We’re awaiting more info on this one but we’re stoked. Want to be first in line? Sign up to our newsletter and we’ll keep you posted!

Shop All Wampler Pedals

Sire NAMM 2026 booth tour: new models, swirl finishes & intriguing prototypes

We dug into Sire’s latest Larry Carlton guitars and Marcus Miller basses in our NAMM 2026: Day 2 roundup — and it’s well worth a read. There’s a ton of cool stuff to catch up on, including new entry‑level models, fresh additions to the L, S and T Series, plus plenty more eye‑catching updates.

But if you’d rather grab a cuppa and let Pete and Lee walk you through it all, you’re in luck. They cover the whole lot in the video below, and there’s even a surprise cameo from Marcus Miller himself!

Shop Sire NAMM 2026 Guitars

Boutique Distribution: Tone King Royalist preamp pedal, new Synergy RV module & SYN-20IR combo

We teased the Tone King Royalist preamp pedal in our day 2 roundup, and promised more details would follow. We’ve stuck to our word, with Lee and Pete putting this tidy little preamp through its paces at the Boutique Distribution stand.

This magical, valve‑driven box distils those classic late‑’60s and ’70s Marshall tones into a compact, direct‑ready pedal. You get two identical channels, each with its own 3‑band EQ, tone‑shaping switches, built‑in reverb and plenty more to tweak. The boys were seriously impressed, and we can’t wait for these to hit the shelves.

A quick shout‑out to Synergy, too. Their latest gear makes a brief appearance at the end of the video, including the new RV module inspired by the Orange Rockerverb — ideal if you’re a Synergy player craving a hit of vitamin C. They also revealed the SYN-20IR valve combo, which can take any compatible two‑channel module for a killer grab‑and‑go gigging rig.

Shop Tone King Amps & Pedals

Shop Synergy Amps & Modules

HILS Guitars: HN3 Baritone, T-style & S-type headless models, acoustic prototype

We’ve been stocking HILS guitars for a couple of years now — pretty much since they first burst onto the scene — and they’ve been nothing short of a revelation. They’ve absolutely nailed the modern headless formula at prices everyone can get behind, and for NAMM 2026 they’ve rolled in with a fresh batch of models.

Highlights include the HN3 Baritone (tuned B‑to‑B straight outta the box), an “evil” 8‑string multi‑scale prototype, plus new HNT1 T‑style and HNS1 S‑type headless guitars — both of which are already live on our site in a variety of colours. But the biggest curveball? A multi‑scale acoustic prototype. And yes, it looks every bit as cool as it sounds. Check ‘em all out in our video below:

Shop All HILS Guitars

Seymour Duncan: MortalCoil, 50th anniversary JB/Jazz & Slash 3.0 pickups

When it comes to guitar tone, few names carry more weight than Seymour Duncan. And for 2026, the maestro and his team have cooked up some serious treats for tone chasers:

• MortalCoil multi-voice active humbuckers: Seymour Duncan’s answer to the Fishman Fluence is here. These pickups pack three precision‑engineered voices: a tight, modern‑metal MC1 mode with fast, controlled attack; authentic JB and Jazz‑inspired passive tones; and a clear, articulate single‑coil voice. An ultra‑versatile upgrade for just about any guitar — and they look the biz too.
• 50th Anniversary JB/Jazz set: The iconic JB/Jazz duo turns 50 in 2026, and Duncan are marking the milestone with a limited‑edition anniversary release. Built with historically accurate components (including butyrate bobbins and rough‑cast magnets), this set is a faithful recreation of the earliest production models.
• Slash 3.0 pickups: Slash’s signature arsenal gets an upgrade. The 3.0 set delivers more punch and aggression while keeping that unmistakable Slash clarity intact, with rough‑cast Alnico 5 magnets and a vintage‑inspired construction.

Shop New Seymour Duncan Pickups

Warm Audio Fluff Drive Ryan Bruce signature pedal

Warm Audio have turned up to NAMM with the limited‑edition Fluff Drive, the first‑ever signature pedal from YouTuber and tone connoisseur Ryan “Fluff” Bruce. It’s his modernised, metal‑ready take on an iconic ’80s scream machine — keeping the attitude of the original but 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 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. Warm Audio have packed it with proper analogue goodness too — JRC4558 op‑amps, discrete transistors, JFETs and internal voltage‑doubling for extra headroom. And because looks matter, it comes in Teal or White — pick whichever flavour best matches your board (or your beard).

Below, you can watch Lee catch up with Ryan as he breaks down the design, the tweaks and the downright filthy tones this pedal can unleash. And keep your eyes peeled — there’s more “Stuff with Fluff” coming this spring. He’ll be visiting Guildford for fewer sheNAMMigans and a whole lot more tone talk!

Shop Warm Audio Fluff Drive Pedals

Experience every highlight from NAMM 2026

Our NAMM Show 2026 coverage continues tomorrow. Bookmark the Andertons Blog to stay in the loop, and hit the sign‑up button on our main NAMM page for instant alerts as new releases drop.

For real‑time updates straight from the Anaheim show floor, follow us on YouTube and our social channels — we’re posting live all weekend:

• Subscribe to Andertons Music Co. on YouTube
• Check out our NAMM 2026 playlist on YouTube
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on Instagram
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook

Quick links: browse all NAMM 2026 products

Jump straight in with these quick links to every NAMM 2026 category:

• NAMM 2026 Electric Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Acoustic Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Bass Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Pedals
• NAMM 2026 Amps
• NAMM 2026 Recording Gear
• NAMM 2026 Synths
• NAMM 2026 Keyboards & Pianos
• NAMM 2026 Live & PA Gear
• NAMM 2026 Drums

Shop All NAMM 2026 Releases

The post NAMM Show 2026: Day 3 Roundup appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Shop Chapman NAMM 2026 Guitars

Tone King Royalist preamp pedal

The Tone King Imperial, one of last year’s hottest products that even snagged ‘Effects Pedal of the Year’ at the first-ever Andertons TV Awards, is now getting a royal brother — the Royalist. While the Imperial channelled classic Fender vibes, early chatter on social media suggests the Royalist might be leaning firmly into Marshall‑inspired territory. And honestly, one look at those control knobs is enough to confirm the suspicion.

Much like the Neural Quad Cortex Mini, this feels like a strong contender for a NAMM 2026 ‘Best in Show’ nod. We’re still waiting on the full specs, but as soon as they drop, we’ll update this blog. And keep an eye on YouTube too… there’s definitely more intel on the way.

Shop Tone King Amps & Pedals

Yamaha Guitars: Chris Buck Signature, Pacifica SC Models & 60th Anniversary Revstar

Yamaha has hit NAMM 2026 in full force with what might be one of the most anticipated signature guitars in years. The Revstar Chris Buck RS02CB captures the tone, feel and stripped‑back vibe of the modern blues-rock star’s USA‑built Yamaha Custom Shop Revstar — finally bringing his coveted setup to the masses.

Built around a chambered Mahogany body paired with a TonePros intonatable wraparound bridge, the RS02CB focuses on resonance, simplicity and touch sensitivity. Custom‑voiced P‑90‑style pickups and straightforward volume/tone controls keep things honest, while a carbon‑reinforced neck makes it ready for life on the road straight out of the box. It comes with a gig bag, too!

Beyond the Buck signature, Yamaha has also unveiled an entirely new line of single-cut Pacifica ‘SC’ models across the Standard Plus and Professional ranges, all sporting SH pickup configs and vibrant finishes. And to top it off, they’re celebrating 60 years of guitar‑making with a limited‑edition Revstar RSP20B, showcasing a stunning Flamed Maple top and a Göldo tremolo — a fitting tribute to six decades of craftsmanship.

Shop New Yamaha 2026 Guitars

Sire: new models, updates, entry-level guitars & swirl finishes!

Sire have always punched above their weight, and for 2026 they’ve doubled down with a huge wave of updates. We’re talking ‘New Gen’ Marcus Miller basses, fresh F Series models and major additions to the Larry Carlton lineup. They’ve even introduced some uber-affordable models and a crazy-cool swirl finish across the range. We’ve done our best to break it all down below:

2026 Marcus Miller basses

• New Generation V7, P7, V7 Vintage & V3: Seven years after Gen 2, Sire’s flagship basses get a serious overhaul — improved comfort, upgraded materials, more flexible electronics and refined aesthetics for an extra premium feel.
• F10 DX & F10 DC: Following the mighty F10’s debut last year, Sire are expanding the lineup with the F10 DX (a premium spec including a wooden finger rest and hard case) and the F10 DC, a double‑cutaway design for enhanced upper‑fret access. The DX even comes in headless form.
• Entry‑level V1 Series: Sire are taking aim at beginners with their ultra‑affordable V1 bass. Despite the price, you still get their trademark rolled fingerboard edges, making it ideal for first‑time bassists looking for comfort and quality.

2026 Larry Carlton electric guitars

• L Series: A new L5 set‑neck model joins the range as “the most traditional and fundamentals-focused option in the L Series”, according to Sire. Meanwhile, the L7 DX brings the bling with full body binding and a rock‑solid Gotoh bridge.
• S Series: That eye‑catching swirl finish arrives in the S lineup via the S7 SW, serving pure ‘Superstrat’ swagger. Prefer something classic? The S7 Ashtop delivers with its gorgeous Swamp Ash body (the grain looks killer).
• Q7 Series Hollow: For players craving modern ergonomics with added warmth and airy resonance, the Q7 Hollow offers a fully chambered Mahogany body and a gorgeous carved Maple top.
• T Series T7 SW: The contemporary Tele‑style T7 also gets the swirl treatment, bringing bold stage presence to the T‑shape silhouette.
• Entry‑level S1 & X1: Sire round things out with affordable options for new players — the S1 (a versatile HSS S‑style) and the X1, a modern metal‑friendly model with sleek looks and a beginner‑friendly price tag.

Shop Sire 2026 Instruments

Reverend 2026 guitars & basses

Reverend Guitars have gone all out at NAMM 2026 by overhaulin’ almost their entire lineup. The range has been completely reorganised into streamlined families built around their unique offset body shapes, making it easier than ever to find your dream Reverend guitar or bass.

There are upgraded pickups and fresh configurations across the board, new lightweight ‘Air’ variants with semi-hollow bodies, as well as smooth‑feeling Wilkinson trems on selected models. And for the shred‑inclined, Reverend has even rolled out a handful of Floyd Rose–equipped guitars!

Shop Reverend 2026 Guitars

New Jim Dunlop, MXR & Way Huge pedals

With so many brands under the Dunlop umbrella, their NAMM booth always brings a buzz. And for 2026, boy have they delivered. Here’s what they’ve unleashed in Anaheim:

• Jim Dunlop Iron Maiden Killers Cry Baby Wah: A collector’s edition wah celebrating one of metal’s most iconic bands. It features a custom tread inspired by the Killers album artwork, honouring the Cry Baby’s role in shaping that unmistakable early‑Maiden sound.
• Jim Dunlop Cry Baby BB535 1994 Reissue Wah: A faithful revival of the first commercially available modded wah, bringing back its expressive, throaty growl and hands‑on tweakability. The six‑position frequency selector ranges from sharp bite to deep roar, with an adjustable boost offering up to +16dB for extra punch.
• Way Huge Jumbo Fuzz Swollen Pickle XXX: Marking 30 years of glorious fuzz, the XXX edition cranks out the same high‑gain saturation and filthy, hairy lows the Pickle is famous for — now with extra “mad scientist” tweaks from Mr. Huge for even more sonic control.
• MXR EVH Modern High Gain pedal: Originally developed with Eddie Van Halen back in 2015, this updated version pushes even hotter, molten distortion tones. A new 55Hz/80Hz switch lets you choose between a thicker or tighter low end, making it easy to dial in the right flavour for any rig.

Shop Dunlop NAMM 2026 Pedals

Ibanez: NAMM 2026 booth tour, more signature guitars on the way

We’ve already dived deep into Ibanez’s 2026 range in our NAMM Show 2026 early releases blog. But now that Lee and Pete have wandered through their labyrinth‑like booth, it’s only fair we give them a bit more spotlight. After all, when a brand unveils over 100 new models, it deserves the extra coverage. Highlights include the new Alpha Series multi‑scale guitars (which have been causing a proper stir online) and the seriously cool Mode Series basses.

The guys also swept through several signature models that are likely to land later this year, for Kiko Loureiro, JB Brubaker (August Burns Red), Nita Strauss and Nili Brosh, plus longtime Ibanez heavyweights Andy Timmons, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Oh, and keep an eye out for the prototype Tim Henson electro‑classicals with some jaw‑dropping finishes.

So, grab a cuppa and settle in — this video is a long one and it’s bound to give you a serious case of G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)…

Shop Ibanez 2026 Gear

Warm Audio Retro 64 Dynamic Microphone

Warm Audio always turns up to NAMM with something cool, classy and usually indestructible — and the new Warm Audio Retro 64 dynamic mic continues that tradition with style. At first glance, it looks like it’s wandered off a 1960s TV studio set, but don’t be fooled by the vintage swagger. This is a modern, road-ready live mic built for today’s stages. And with its matte black finish, retro grille and hammer-like construction, the Retro 64 delivers instant broadcast character.

Under the hood, the Retro 64 is all about practical performance. Its custom-tuned humbucking dynamic capsule is voiced specifically for front-of-house use, with a focused upper midrange that helps vocals and instruments punch through dense mixes without needing heroic EQ. The top end is gently rolled off to keep harshness and feedback at bay, while tight off-axis rejection controls spill from drums, amps and monitors.

Where the Retro 64 really wins is versatility. It’s equally happy on lead and backing vocals, guitar cabs, snare, toms and acoustic instruments, making it a genuine stage workhorse rather than a one-trick retro prop. Add the internal shockmount for reduced handling noise and Warm Audio’s famously rugged build, and you’ve got a mic that looks like it belongs in the past but performs exactly where you need it.

Buy the Warm Audio Retro 64

Catch every moment from NAMM 2026

NAMM 2026 isn’t easing up, and neither are the announcements. Bookmark the Andertons Blog to stay up to speed, and sign up to our mailing list on the main NAMM page for instant gear alerts.

For real‑time coverage, follow us on YouTube and social media — we’re sending updates live from the floor in Anaheim:

• Subscribe to Andertons Music Co. on YouTube
• Check out our NAMM 2026 playlist on YouTube
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on Instagram
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook

Quick links: browse all NAMM 2026 products

Explore every NAMM Show 2026 category with these quick links:

• NAMM 2026 Electric Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Acoustic Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Bass Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Pedals
• NAMM 2026 Amps
• NAMM 2026 Recording Gear
• NAMM 2026 Synths
• NAMM 2026 Keyboards & Pianos
• NAMM 2026 Live & PA Gear
• NAMM 2026 Drums

Shop All NAMM 2026 Releases

The post NAMM Show 2026: Day 2 Roundup appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Buy the Quad Cortex Mini

Sterling by Music Man: Cutlass Plus, StingRay Baritone & more

The folks at Sterling by Music Man haven’t been sitting still. After teasing their first ’26 models on social media a couple of days ago, the full lineup is now live and available to pre‑order. Here’s what they’re showing off at NAMM:

• Cutlass Plus: It’s a cranked-up Cutlass, basically. You get a slick roasted Maple neck, rock-solid locking tuners and a versatile HSS pickup config. The standout feature? A push/push mid boost on the volume knob — perfect for cutting through the mix when it’s solo time.
• StingRay Baritone: Built to go low, with a 27.5” scale length and B standard tuning straight out of the box. Other highlights include a vintage‑style tremolo, powerful ceramic humbuckers and a rather lovely Toluca Lake Blue finish.
• Luke HSS: Staying true to the full‑fat Music Man recipe, this one features the instantly recognisable body shape and comfy V‑shaped neck Steve Lukather favours. It ups the flexibility with an HSS setup and a 12dB onboard push/push boost, just like the Cutlass Plus.
• StingRay Short Scale bass: A proper little tone machine. Thanks to its 30” scale, this StingRay is an absolute joy to play — and it sounds the business too. The neodymium humbucker delivers that signature ’Ray growl, plus there’s a built‑in push/push volume boost. Yep, we’re definitely seeing a pattern here, Sterling (and we’re into it).
• ‘Kokiri Forest’ Richardson signature guitars: Any Zelda fans feeling a bit of nostalgia right now? Jason Richardson’s latest sig models arrive in a lush, gaming‑inspired green finish that feels like it’s been pulled straight outta Hyrule. Looks aside, these modded 6-string and 7-string Cutlass guitars are just as hyper‑ergonomic as ever — fast, precise and built for modern shredders (no Master Sword required).

Shop New Sterling by Music Man Guitars

Blackstar amps: ID:X Floor, TV-10 amps & Artist FR cabs

Blackstar have clearly been a busy bunch. This morning, they lifted the covers off not one, not two, but three digital floor modellers, a pair of retro-style valve heads, plus two new FRFR cabinets. Here’s a closer look at what they’ve brought to NAMM:

• ID:X Floor One, Two & Three: Play live on the reg? These amp and FX modelling pedals are gonna save your back and give you stellar tone direct to FOH (sound engineers will love you). They come equipped with 12 awesome amp models, 35+ effects, 99 patches and USB-C connectivity — with no deep menu diving needed. Choose the ultra‑portable Floor One or step up to the Floor Two or Floor Three for a built‑in expression pedal and a few extra footswitches.
• TV-10 A & TV-10 B valve heads: Remember those TV-10 combos that launched about 18 months ago? Well, Blackstar have now introduced head versions! The American‑voiced TV‑10 A and British‑style TV‑10 B deliver classic low‑wattage, single‑ended Class A tube tone and take pedals beautifully. Partner them up with the new Celestion‑loaded TV-112 A and TV-112 B matching cabs for a complete, portable boutique‑style rig.
• Artist FR 1×12” cabs: These powered FRFR cabinets are designed to give digital modeller users the dynamics and feel of a real guitar amp, without killing any clarity. That’s where features like whizzer cones, active 3‑band EQs and Presence controls come into play. They also include built‑in kickstands for easy tilt‑back floor monitoring. And best of all, they’re super budget‑friendly. The Artist FR Standard is great for home use and smaller gigs, while the Artist FR Special is better suited to rehearsals and larger stages.

Shop Blackstar 2026 NAMM Gear

Korg Phase8 acoustic synth

The Korg booth is never short on surprises, but NAMM 2026’s real curveball is the wonderfully strange new Korg Phase8. This isn’t your usual “yet another synth” situation. Phase8 is an eight-voice acoustic synthesizer that ignores the rules and blurs the line between electronic control and real-world vibration. It’s the brainchild of Tatsuya Takahasi, the genius behind the Monotron and the original Volcas that kick-started the mini-synth craze. In other words, he’s a bit of a legend.

Instead of pretending to be acoustic, Phase8 actually is. Each of its eight voices drives a vibrating steel resonator, so you’re shaping genuine movement rather than a digital impression of it. Touch it, pluck it, mute it or introduce “found objects”, and Phase8 pushes back with feedback, noise, shimmer and organic texture that standard oscillators simply can’t fake.

It ships with 13 chromatically tuned resonators (with eight installable at any one time), and you can swap and tune them to create your own scales and temperaments. With envelope shaping and modulation, those resonators can snap into tight percussive hits or bloom into long, ghostly sustains. Under the hood, Phase8 is also a serious compositional tool. The built-in polymetric sequencer supports classic step programming and unquantized live recording, plus per-voice step skip, trigger delay and full panel automation.

And yes, it plays nicely with the rest of your gear. MIDI, USB-MIDI, CV and sync I/O make Phase8 feel right at home in DAW-based, hardware, modular or hybrid setups. Its sequencer can even drive external synths while the resonators do their thing.

Buy the Korg Phase8

Fender Custom Shop event

The Andertons crew were lucky enough to get an invite to Fender’s very exclusive Custom Shop event last night — and it did not disappoint. The room was packed with hand‑crafted Custom Shop guitars, all set against a backdrop of classic muscle cars, hot rods and glowing vintage neon signs.

Safe to say, there were more than a few jaw‑dropping instruments on display. And yes, this writer is slightly jealous they got to see it all up close!

The even better news? A handful of these beauties will be heading to Andertons later this year. It’s a bit of a lottery as to which ones we’ll receive, so for now, the best move is to bookmark our Fender Custom Shop guitars page and keep an eye out over the coming weeks and months.

Shop Fender Custom Shop Guitars

RANE System One Motorised Standalone DJ System

RANE turning up to NAMM without something disruptive would feel suspicious — and the new System One proves they’re not breaking tradition. It’s a standalone, motorised DJ system that politely acknowledges laptops and then carries on without ‘em, delivering a club‑ready, all‑in‑one setup with high‑torque platters, deep Engine DJ integration and full Serato support. It’s built for open‑format DJs who want real turntable feel without dragging an entire studio into a cramped booth!

At its core are a pair of 7.2-inch aluminium motorised platters with proper torque and inertia, so scratching and nudging behave naturally instead of feeling like you’re moving files around a screen. Because it runs Engine DJ, you can stay completely laptop‑free while still getting modern workflows: fast browsing, RGB waveforms on a 7-inch touchscreen, RGB pads with OLEDs, onboard sampling, lighting control and RANE’s OmniSource flexibility for playing from USB, SD, internal SATA, cloud storage or streaming platforms. And if you do want a computer, System One drops straight into Serato DJ Pro.

Creatively, System One refuses to stay in the “two‑deck” box. Standalone Stems let you pull tracks apart on the fly for instant acapellas, instrumentals and mashups, with dedicated pad modes, Stem FX and over 25 Main FX turning transitions into actual performances. Add the MAG FOUR crossfader, adjustable channel faders, 24‑bit audio, full pro I/O, Bluetooth, dual mics and built‑in SoundSwitch lighting control — and you’ve got a system equally at home in clubs, weddings or livestreams.

Buy the RANE System One

Martin Guitars: New Standard Series acoustics & Molly Tuttle signature models

Martin has kept the momentum going at NAMM 2026 with a handful of new additions to their Standard Series and two signature models for modern Bluegrass icon Molly Tuttle:

• Super HD‑28 & Super D‑18: These deeper‑bodied versions of Martin’s celebrated dreadnoughts deliver extra power, richer harmonics and a fuller low‑end — all while staying true to the classic Martin look and feel.
• Molly Tuttle signature D‑18 & D‑X2E: Inspired by Molly’s treasured 1943 D‑18 and finished with her own touches — including striking Moon Phase fingerboard inlays. Both guitars feature a 1 11/16″ nut width, a spec coveted by Bluegrass players for quick, clean flatpicking.

Watch Lee and Pete react to these, plus the Road Series models we covered in our early NAMM 2026 releases blog, in our Martin tour video:

Shop Martin NAMM 2026 Acoustics

Don’t miss a thing from the 2026 NAMM Show

The NAMM launches won’t be slowing down any time soon, so make sure you bookmark our blog for all the latest news as it happens. You can also sign up to our mailing list via our main NAMM Show 2026 page to get new gear alerts straight to your inbox.

Better yet, follow us on YouTube and socials for live updates direct from the show floor in Anaheim:

• Subscribe to Andertons Music Co. on YouTube
• Check out our NAMM 2026 playlist on YouTube
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on Instagram
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook

Quick links: browse all NAMM 2026 products

Get stuck in with these quick links to every NAMM Show 2026 category:

• NAMM 2026 Electric Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Acoustic Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Bass Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Pedals
• NAMM 2026 Amps
• NAMM 2026 Recording Gear
• NAMM 2026 Synths
• NAMM 2026 Keyboards & Pianos
• NAMM 2026 Live & PA Gear
• NAMM 2026 Drums

Shop All NAMM 2026 Releases

The post NAMM Show 2026: Day 1 Roundup appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Buy the Neural Quad Cortex Mini

PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash Limited Edition Baritone

Release date: 20th January 2026

Ed Sheeran and PRS have teamed up to create probably the most eye-catching guitar you’ll see at NAMM 2026. The new PRS SE Hollowbody I Piezo Baritone “Cosmic Splash” blends Ed’s chart‑topping musicality with his off‑stage passion for painting, resulting in an instrument that’s as inspiring to look at as it is to play.

Limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide, each model is wrapped in artwork taken directly from one of Ed’s 2025 Cosmic Carpark paintings — a vibrant, swirling design that gives this baritone serious stage presence before you even hit a note. Even the inlays get the Sheeran treatment, nodding to his upcoming album cycle with classic media icons: Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast‑Forward and Stop.

With a 27.7″ baritone scale, PRS/LR Baggs piezo system and a pair of PRS 85/15 “S” pickups, the Cosmic Splash is built to roam across genres and textures. And because PRS and Ed clearly know how to spoil fans, each guitar ships with an 8″ x 8″ autographed print of the exact artwork featured on the body.

Buy the PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash

Akai MPC XL standalone sampler & sequencer

Release date: 20th January 2026

The Akai Professional booth is always a must-see for producers, and for 2026 it’s all about the MPC XL. Far more than a sampler, this is a next-gen standalone production powerhouse with an 8-core processor, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD storage and MPC OS 3.7 — letting you run multiple plug-ins, audio tracks and stems without a computer.

The standout features? MPCe pads with 3D sensing, a performance touch strip, 16 Q-Link knobs with OLEDs, plus a 10.1-inch multi-gesture touchscreen. Build complex sequences, launch clips, remix stems and time-stretch samples — all from the hardware. And with eight line outputs, mic and instrument inputs, USB-C audio, and CV/Gate, it easily slots into any studio, modular rig or DAW-less live setup.

AKAI’s MPC legacy is legendary, powering artists like Liam Howlett (The Prodigy), J Dilla, Madlib and, famously, Fred Again. MPC XL carries the torch forward with modern power and workflow. Whether you’re upgrading from a vintage MPC or looking for a central brain for your studio, this thing is designed to keep up with today’s producers, performers and beat makers.

Buy the Akai MPC XL

Warm Audio Fluff Drive Ryan Bruce signature pedal

Release date: 20th January 2026

Warm Audio will rock up to NAMM 2026 with the limited-edition Fluff Drive — the first‑ever signature pedal from YouTuber Ryan “Fluff” Bruce. It’s his modernised twist on an iconic ’80s scream-machine, keeping the attitude of the OG but with a full rebuild under the hood so it hits harder, stays tighter and behaves better in high‑gain chaos.

The feature list reads like a metalhead’s wish‑fulfilment: a modded low‑boost for punchier bass, a switchable mid‑enhance circuit you can place pre or post drive, plus a fully variable noise gate to keep your chugs surgical. Warm Audio haven’t skimped on the guts either — we’re talking proper analogue goodies like JRC4558 op‑amps, discrete transistors, JFETs and internal voltage doubling. Oh, and it comes in Teal or White — so you can choose the flavour that looks best on your board.

Shop Warm Audio Fluff Drive Pedals

Schecter 50th Anniversary Guitars

Release date: 19th January 2026

Believe it or not, it’s Schecter’s 50th anniversary this year. The brand that began as a plucky repair/mod shop has come a long way! They unveiled a stunning USA Custom Shop model earlier this month to mark the milestone. And now, they’ve followed it up with four more limited-edition 50th anniversary guitars — all dressed in a bold and brilliant Gold Burst finish. Hard to think of a better colour for the occasion, really!

These are some of the most souped-up Schecter Diamond Series guitars we’ve ever seen. 7-piece necks, X-jumbo stainless steel frets, TonePros locking tuners, plus Schecter USA pickups as standard. The 50th anniversary Avenger and C‑1 FR‑S models go even further, packing Sustainiac systems and Floyd Rose tremolos — perfect for players ready to explore the outer edges of what a guitar can do.

Shop New Schecter Guitars

ESP Guitars 2026: fresh signature, LTD & E-II models

Release date: 16th January 2026

ESP Guitars have clearly been very busy. The company’s just unleashed around 50 new E-II and LTD Series axes for us to drool over. And perfect timing too, with the LTD line celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. We can’t wait to see how Lee and Pete react when they hit the ESP booth at some point this NAMM weekend!

A hefty batch of new ESP signature guitars join the catalogue, including the long‑awaited Joe Duplantier (Gojira) LTD JD-I offset, a brutally cool 7‑string baritone V for ESP newbie Jack Simmons (Slaughter to Prevail) dubbed the JS-7, plus a pair of 20th‑anniversary LTD tributes to the late Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) — the Arrowhead SE and Sawtooth SE.

As for the Japanese‑crafted E‑II range? The Horizon FR‑II returns with two striking new finishes: Andromeda II Satin and Gun Metallic Black. And ESP’s also resurrected the curvy early‑’90s Maverick as a full‑blown E‑II model, complete with 27 frets, a Floyd Rose Original trem and passive Seymour Duncan pickups.

Shop ESP 2026 Guitars

Vox Amps: hand-wired AC combos, pedals & more

Release date: 15th-16th January 2026

Vox have absolutely brought it this year, unveiling a seriously exciting range of gear. Headlining the launch is a new family of hand-wired AC amps, joined by two overhauled Valvetronix combos (an Andertons fave) and a fresh update to the popular Pathfinder practice amp.

But a pair of vintage‑inspired analogue pedals are perhaps the biggest surprise. First up, there’s the Vox VFZ‑1 — taking cues from the iconic Mk1.5 Tone Bender for snarling silicon‑based fuzz with a distinctive Germanium‑style character. And then there’s the VTB‑1 Treble Booster, which pays homage to Vox’s ultimate partner-in-crime — the legendary Rangemaster Treble Booster. It’s purpose‑built to drive a good valve amp into glorious, singing saturation with loads of bite.

Shop Vox 2026 Products

Boss & Roland: GX-1, GX-1B, CUBE Street Mini & FSC-10 footswitch caps

Release date: 15th January 2026

Boss and Roland have gone into 2026 meaning business. Two new multi-FX units, their smallest CUBE amp ever, plus some handy footswitch toppers that make their pedals even easier to use:

• Boss GX-1: A grab-and-go pedalboard with 23 pro-level AIRD amp models and 140+ killer effects. It comes loaded with 99 ready-to-play presets and 99 user slots for your own custom patches. And you can even play along with songs from your mobile device thanks to built-in Bluetooth.
• Boss GX-1B: Same as the above, just for bass! It’s equipped with 16 amps and over 130 effects, so there’s loads to play with. It works with the Boss Tone Studio app too, so you can access powerful practice features and sound-editing tools from your phone or tablet.
• Roland CUBE Street Mini: The dinkiest CUBE to date, with up to seven hours of playtime via its rechargeable battery. You get dual channels, built-in FX, Bluetooth audio, plus a handy onboard tuner. And don’t let its size fool you — its integrated 2.1 speaker system delivers wide sound and awesome projection!
• Boss FSC-10 Footswitch Caps: These clever little add-ons make hitting the right switch easier than ever. They’re compatible with a wide range of Boss pedals featuring metal footswitches. Plus, they’re transparent to let any cool LEDs shine through.

Shop New Boss & Roland Gear

Martin 2026 Road Series acoustics

Release date: 14th January 2026

Martin’s Road Series has been reimagined for 2026, now split into two clear families — Retro and Modern:

• Retro models: These honour Martin’s storied heritage, pairing traditional solid tonewoods with vintage‑style tuners, classic fingerboard inlays and timeless rosette designs. With both satin and gloss finish options — plus a standout “Plus” model featuring a Torrefied Spruce top, Granadillo back and sides and LR Baggs electronics — the Retro lineup is crafted for players chasing the feel and character of Martin’s most beloved acoustic designs.
• Modern range: As the name suggests, these acoustic are built for today’s performers. They offer a contemporary twist while maintaining that unmistakable Martin DNA. Striking rosettes, ergonomic cutaway options and stage‑ready electro‑acoustic features make them ideal for musicians who want smooth playability and reliable performance at home, in the studio or on stage.

Shop Martin 2026 Guitars

Bad Cat ‘Mod Shop’ Hot Cat 50 amps

Release date: 14th January 2026

The Bad Cat ‘Mod Shop’ Hot Cat 50 has landed. And it’s not just a refresh — it’s a total reinvention. With 50 watts of blooming, punchy power, this revamped valve beast feels bigger, bolder and more expressive than ever. Bad Cat’s opened up the mids, expanded the tone stack and reworked the presence circuit to dish out sweeter harmonics and a silky-smooth response.

The clean channel breathes with glassy American shimmer in Low mode, then kicks into a cranked AC/JTM‑style growl when switched to High. Flip over to the drive channel and the Hot Cat 50 shows its teeth. Gain Low delivers classic ’80s British crunch, while Gain High engages an extra tube stage that turns the amp into a tight, roaring high‑gain monster. Four killer voices — one purr‑fect amp!

Choose the head and partner it up with your favourite cab. Or grab the combo for a gig‑ready rig right out of the box. Whichever you choose, a two‑button footswitch and cover are included.

Shop New Bad Cat Amps

Fender Quantum LT & HD Audio Interfaces

Release date: 13th January 2026

Fender’s come out swinging with the new Quantum LT Series — a trio of interfaces designed to make recording feel easy. These things deliver proper studio-grade results while keeping the workflow slick, thanks to low‑latency drivers and some seriously impressive MAX‑HD mic preamps. And as everything hooks up seamlessly with Fender Studio Pro, you get direct monitoring and full control over each Quantum LT mixer right from the software — no menu-diving, no stress. Here’s how each model in the lineup stacks up:

• Quantum LT 2: A compact, bus‑powered little powerhouse. You get a MAX‑HD mic preamp, an instrument input, flexible monitoring options and near-zero latency — ideal for mobile recording and home studios.
• Quantum LT 4: Need more? The LT 4 steps things up with expanded I/O, dual MAX‑HD preamps, Fender instrument inputs and loopback for streaming. Perfect for creators, duos or anyone levelling up their studio game.
• Quantum LT 16: A full 16‑in / 8‑out USB‑C interface with eight MAX‑HD mic pres, eight extra TRS line inputs for outboard gear, DC‑coupled outputs, MIDI I/O, standalone mic‑pre mode and Fender Studio Pro bundled in. If you’re tracking a band, this is your guy.

Fender also dropped the Quantum HD range, aimed squarely at pros, producers and players who want the absolute best in low‑latency performance and top‑tier audio conversion. There are two models to choose from:

• Quantum HD 2: A high‑performance interface for project studios, musicians and content creators who want uncompromising clarity. We’re talking 32‑bit/192 kHz converters, MAX‑HD preamps with +75 dB of gain and ultra‑low latency that keeps everything feeling tight and responsive.
• Quantum HD 8: If you’re recording multiple instruments or running a bigger setup, the HD 8 gives you loads of I/O, the same high-end converters, MAX‑HD preamps and seriously efficient drivers.

Shop Fender Quantum Interfaces

PRS Guitars: new amp, electrics, updates & colours

Release date: 13th January 2026

The folks at PRS Guitars have kicked off 2026 with a bang, introducing two new Maryland‑made electric guitars and a gig‑friendlier version of one of their most popular amps. They’ve also refreshed their SE Series with upgraded hardware and added some cool new colours across the entire range. Here are the highlights in a nutshell:

• DGT Semi-Hollow: Inspired by one of David Grissom’s Private Stock treasures, this gorgeous guitar offers everything players adore about the Core PRS DGT, but adds the airy, resonant magic of a semi-hollow body.
• S2 Vela HHT: Takes the offset S2 Vela design up a notch with dual DS-01 humbuckers and a trem for extra versatility. It’s also available in a wide selection of satin and gloss finishes.
• Archon Classic 50 Combo: This valve-powered, Celestion-loaded combo serves up everything from sparkling, 3D cleans to rich edge‑of‑breakup tones and searing high‑gain crunch. With a tube‑driven FX loop, it plays beautifully with pedals too.
• SE Series updates: Many 2026 PRS SE models now come with new pickup rings and ‘Wing’ tuning‑peg buttons, bringing them visually closer to their American‑made counterparts.

Shop PRS 2026 Gear

DSM & Humboldt Dumblifier Overdrive Special pedal

Release date: 9th January 2026

DSM & Humboldt is a small outfit out of Santiago, Chile that’s always punched above its weight. They’ve had a number of hit products over the last few years, from the original Simplifier analogue amp and cab sim to its kitted-out MKII upgrade. Not to mention the dual‑amp, stereo powerhouse Simplifier X!

Now, they’ve taken on one of the most elusive tones in guitar history — the Dumble Overdrive Special. Their new Dumblifier pedal captures the amp’s legendary feel using the same proven analogue modelling tech that put them on the map. It’s not just the tone — it’s the bloom, the compression, the touch sensitivity and the singing sustain that make those amps so mythical.

You get clean and overdrive channels, a footswitchable preamp boost (PAB), plus a raft of tone-shaping controls and switches that even let you choose your fave emulated speaker and cab size combo. Add in a stereo FX loop and onboard reverb, and you’ve got a seriously versatile pedalboard centrepiece. Lee and Pete ran it through its paces — and let’s just say, they came away very impressed…

Buy the DSM & Humboldt Dumblifier

Ibanez 2026 range: new Alpha Series guitars, Mode basses & more

Release date: 9th January 2026

The Ibanez booth is always a NAMM Show highlight. And calling it a “booth” hardly does it justice. It’s more like a sprawling labyrinth packed with their latest creations (you could easily lose half a day exploring every corner). For NAMM 2026, Ibanez will be showcasing 100+ new electric guitars, basses and acoustics. And you won’t have to wait for Lee and Pete’s video tour, as you can check out Ibanez’s ’26 range right here.

The biggest buzz? The all-new Ibanez Alpha Series. These multi-scale monsters (available in 7 and 8-string configs) are all about ergonomics and massive tone, with sculpted contours, stainless steel frets, Fishman Fluence pickups and a host of modern features made for tech metallers.

Other standouts include fresh Japanese-built RG and S Series additions to the Prestige range, the AS7328 Artcore baritone semi-hollow, plus the Layer Delayer pedal — sure to be a big hit with the ambient crowd. Don’t miss the new Mode Series basses either, which blend classic offset styling with cutting-edge upgrades. Lee managed to get his hands on some of the headline models recently…

Shop Ibanez’s 2026 Range

Taylor 2026 Next Generation & Gold Label acoustics

Release date: 8th January 2026

Taylor has levelled up its 300, 400 and 800 Series Grand Auditorium electro acoustic guitars, pushing each model even closer to perfection. Every guitar in the updated lineup now comes fitted with Taylor’s Long‑Tenon Action Control Neck and a newly evolved form of Scalloped V‑Class Bracing.

The enhanced neck‑to‑body connection boosts stability and sustain, while the re‑voiced bracing unlocks a fuller low end and a more open response on the higher strings. Together, they make these guitars feel richer, more dynamic and more expressive than ever.

Each model also comes equipped with Taylor’s brand‑new Claria pickup and preamp system. It delivers a remarkably natural amplified tone, with a versatile Mid‑Contour control to boot.

Shop Taylor 2026 Guitars

Victory MKX Lunchbox amp head

Release date: 5th January 2026

Building on the success of their no‑expense‑spared flagship amp — the MK Overdrive — Victory has unveiled the MKX lunchbox head. Sitting proudly at the top of their compact amp lineup, the UK-built MKX is without a doubt their ultimate do-it-all valve head. It’s made for players who demand authentic tube‑driven gain stages and raw, organic tone.

From clean to mean, the MKX delivers a huge sonic spectrum that spans almost every genre and playing style. It comes with two onboard digital reverbs, dual master volumes, switchable Hi and Low power modes and an effects loop — giving guitarists the flexibility to shape their sound in any situation. In short, it’s a pint-sized powerhouse!

Shop Victory MKX Amp & Cabs

NAMM 2026 rumours & predictions

NAMM season always brings its fair share of wild guesses, teasers and eyebrow‑raising hints — and honestly, we love every minute of it. Here are a few brands we reckon might drop something juicy this year…

• Chapman Guitars: Head honcho Rob “Chappers” Chapman hinted at “a couple of things that might surprise us” in a recent YouTube video. We can’t wait to see what they’ve been working on!
• Friedman Amps: Dave Friedman and Pete Thorn have joined forces to unleash the IR-Load, which they’ll be showing off in style at NAMM (and we believe will become widely available later this year). To quote Pete’s Insta post: “if you want and need IRs, load AND stereo FX and reamp, all in one box, the IR-Load does it.” We like the sound of that!
• Sterling by Music Man: These guys have just lifted the lid on their 2026 lineup via social media, with pre-orders opening on the 22nd as NAMM kicks off. The Cutlass Plus is back with a fresh look, featuring a cool mid boost circuit and roasted neck. There’s a Steve Lukather ‘Luke’ HSS model in the pipeline, also sporting an onboard boost. Plus, a short-scale StingRay is joining the range.
• Behringer: This musical powerhouse likes blindsiding the industry with out‑of‑the‑blue launches. They made their first NAMM appearance in a decade last year and brought some absolute bangers (like the LM Drum). We’re sure they’ve got more goodies up their sleeve.
• Valeton: These digital wizards have been on a serious roll. Their pocket-sized GP-5 multi-FX, amp & IR loader pedal scooped up two Andertons TV Awards last year. And in December, they raised the stakes with the GP-50, adding dual footswitches, a bumped-up screen and a built-in looper. We now know what’s coming next, with Valeton teasing their big NAMM 2026 products on their socials — the GP-150 and GP-180…

Stay in the loop for NAMM 2026

The NAMM launches will only keep coming, so to avoid any FOMO, we recommend bookmarking this blog for all the latest NAMM news. You can also sign up to our mailing list via our main NAMM page to get new releases delivered straight to your inbox as they drop.

Even better, follow us on YouTube and across our social channels to catch everything happening live from Anaheim:

• Subscribe to Andertons Music Co. on YouTube
• Check out our NAMM 2026 playlist on YouTube
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on Instagram
• Follow @andertonsmusicco on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook

Quick links: browse all NAMM 2026 products

Jump straight into the action with these quick links to every NAMM 2026 category:

• NAMM 2026 Electric Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Acoustic Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Bass Guitars
• NAMM 2026 Pedals
• NAMM 2026 Amps
• NAMM 2026 Recording Gear
• NAMM 2026 Synths
• NAMM 2026 Keyboards & Pianos
• NAMM 2026 Live & PA Gear
• NAMM 2026 Drums

Shop All NAMM 2026 Releases

The post NAMM Show 2026: Early Releases, Rumours & News appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Electric Guitar/Range of the Year

Winner: Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series

We’re kicking things off with the big one. ‘Electric Guitar/Range of the Year’ went to Fender’s American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series, which launched in August to rave reviews. These guitars have a winning formula — blending vintage mojo with the feel and features you’d expect from premium, contemporary instruments.

They’re essentially ‘50s and ‘60s-inspired Strats and Teles with aged ‘Heirloom’ nitro lacquer finishes that capture the look of well-loved, decades-old guitars (serious Custom Shop vibes). They also come fitted with era-accurate Fender Pure Vintage pickups for classic tone. But here’s the modern twist. They’ve got clever S-1 switches which unlock more sounds, plus treble bleed circuits that keep your highs sparkling at any volume.

And there’s more. American Ultra Luxe Vintage models boast tapered neck heels for easy upper-fret access, rolled fingerboard edges for silky-smooth playability, plus glow-in-the-dark side dots to keep you locked in on dark stages. Top it all off with durable stainless steel frets, and you’ve got a series that truly lives up to its name!

Want the full story? Discover all the details in our deep-dive blog: Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series: Is Vintage the New Modern?

Electric Guitar Nominees:

• Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series [WINNER]
• Fender Standard Series
• Jackson Pro Series Lee Malia Signature LM-87
• PRS SE Chleo Herman Li Signature
• Divitone MF Studio Smart Modelling Guitars
• PRS SE NF 53 Guitars
• Strandberg Boden Original N2
• Gibson Noel Gallagher Signature Les Paul Standard
• Sire Larry Carlton New Gen Guitars
• Gretsch Electromatic CVT Double-Cut

Shop All 2025 Electric Guitar Nominees

Acoustic Guitar/Product of the Year

Winner: Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustics

Most of the strummers in our poll crowned Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustics as their top pick. These stunning instruments take their cues from legendary Gibson designs and benefit from input by Gibson’s prestigious Custom Shop. They sure know how to build a guitar! But don’t mistake these for your run-of-the-mill affordable Epiphone acoustics — they’re packed with premium features that’ll make any guitar aficionado sit up and take notice.

They’ve got all-solid wood constructions for excellent resonance, thermally-aged (torrefied) tops for that vintage warmth, plus the iconic Gibson-style ‘open book’ headstock. Every model comes with the brilliant LR Baggs’ VTC pickup system too, so they deliver a rich and natural acoustic tone when amplified on-stage or recorded direct. Lee and Pete were blown away when they put them through their paces this summer:

Acoustic Guitar Nominees:

• Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Acoustics [WINNER]
• Taylor Jacob Collier 5-String Acoustic
• Cort Earth GO Travel Electro Acoustic
• Fender Acoustasonic Standard Series
• ToneWoodAmp2 Acoustic FX Device
• Taylor Gold Label Collection
• Martin 000-42EC 30th Anniversary Eric Clapton Signature

Shop All 2025 Acoustic Guitar Nominees

Bass Guitar/Product of the Year

Winner: Fender American Professional Classic Mustang Bass

It’s another win for the folks at Fender, with their mighty fine American Pro Classic Mustang Bass taking home the award for ‘Bass Guitar of the Year’. And it’s easy to see why. That iconic offset shape just oozes cool, while the short 30″ scale makes this 4-string a real joy to play. But what makes it so special is how Fender’s managed to strike the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern performance. We’re seeing a trend, here.

At its core, you’ll find a Coastline ’70 Mustang Bass pickup that’s retro at heart but slightly overwound for extra punch and focus. There’s also a unique Greasebucket Tone System that lets you shape the high frequencies without muddying up the lows. Plus, a Modern “C” neck with a silky-smooth satin finish and medium jumbo frets for a fast, controlled feel. You’ve got three rad finishes to pick from too…

Shop Now

Bass Guitar Nominees:

• Sterling by Music Man Bongo Bass
• Sire Marcus Miller M6 Headless Basses
• Epiphone Mike Dirnt Signature Grabber G-3 Bass
• HILS HZB4 Headless Bass
• Fender American Professional Classic Mustang Bass [WINNER]
• Origin Effects BassRig Fifteen Amp Sim & DI Pedal
• Darkglass Anagram Bass Workstation
• Laney Digbeth Foundry Series Bass Amps

Shop All 2025 Bass Guitar Nominees

Effects Pedal of the Year

Winner: Tone King Imperial Tube Preamp Pedal

Plenty of amazing new guitar pedals launched in 2025, but the Tone King Imperial Tube Preamp Pedal was a standout from day one. Why? Because it distils the soul of Tone King’s legendary Imperial MKII amp into a compact, two-channel stompbox that can easily live on your pedalboard — serving up ’50s Tweed, ’60s Blackface and vintage Brit rock tones all at your feet.

In an era where more guitarists are going “ampless,” the Imperial’s a dream come true (even for die-hard traditionalists). Running three 12AX7 tubes at high voltage, it delivers authentic valve amp tone and that magical interaction with your pickups and pedals. Add a low-latency IR loader, stereo outputs and MIDI, and you’ve got a powerhouse ready for the stage or studio. No wonder it’s been one of our best-sellers this year!

Effects Pedal Nominees:

• Strymon EC-1 Single Head Tape Delay Pedal
• Tone King Imperial Tube Preamp Pedal [WINNER]
• MXR X100 Rockman Pedal
• Boss XS-100 Poly Shifter Pedal
• Boss XS-1 Poly Shifter Pedal
• Marshall Amp Series Drive Pedals
• Mooer GL100 Looper Pedal
• JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage Preamp Pedal
• Behringer BM Series Pedals

Shop All 2025 Effects Pedal Nominees

Multi-FX Pedal/Product of the Year

Winner: Valeton GP-5 Multi-FX, Amp & IR Loader Pedal

No surprises here either, considering the Valeton GP-5 is basically a full guitar rig you can slip into your pocket! It boasts HD amp modelling tech that nails the sound of some of the world’s most iconic amplifiers, with over 100 built-in effects to play with. There’s even a companion Valeton Suite app, for easy tone tweaking right from your phone.

Recording direct to your PC is a doddle too, thanks to USB connectivity that eliminates the need for an external audio interface. And if you’ve got a few favourite third-party cab IRs, you can load in up to 20 of ‘em. All that versatility for around £65 — it’s seriously impressive.

Multi-FX Nominees:

• Valeton GP-5 Multi-FX, Amp & IR Loader Pedal [WINNER]
• Valeton GP-50 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal
• Line 6 Helix Stadium Floor Amp & FX Processor
• Line 6 Helix Stadium Floor XL Amp & FX Processor
• Mooer GS1000 Multi FX Guitar Pedal
• Boss PX-1 Plugout FX Multi-FX Pedal
• Polyend Mess Step-Sequencing Multi-FX Pedal
• IK Multimedia TONEX Plug Portable Headphone Amp
• Positive Grid Spark NEO Core Headphone Amp
• Blackstar Beam Solo Headphone Amp
• Neural DSP Quad Cortex (Firmware CorOS 3.3.0 Update)

Shop All 2025 Multi-FX Nominees

Amplifier of the Year

Winner: Victory Lunchbox Range

It’s victory for Victory Amplifiers. Despite some tough competition, their lunchbox range struck a chord with voters. Our marketing team were convinced the Peavey Josh Homme combo would take the crown (big QOTSA fans over here), so it’ll be drinks on them at the next staff party!

Victory produce some of the UK’s most popular full-fat valve amps, but they’re just as renowned for their compact lunchbox amps that don’t compromise on tone. 2025 saw some insane additions to their lunchbox line-up, from the Deputy 25W head to the V40 Duchess MKII. And let’s not forget the lunchbox cabs, built to match their respective heads in both looks and voice.

Shop Now

Amplifier Nominees:

• Synergy 20IR All-Tube Modular Amp Head
• Marshall Modified Series Amp Heads
• Orange Baby 100 Amp Heads
• Bad Cat Era 30 Amp Heads
• Peavey Decade Too Josh Homme Signature Amp Combo
• Lava Music Studio Digital Modelling Amplifier
• Blackstar ID:X Amp Combos
• Victory Lunchbox Range [WINNER]

Shop All 2025 Amplifier Nominees

Guitar Innovation of the Year

Winner: Valeton GP-5 Multi-FX, Amp & IR Loader Pedal

The GP-5’s so good, it scooped up two Andertons TV Awards! No big shock there — this small but mighty pedal packs a ton of features, so it was always going to be a strong contender. And it’s boundary-pushing gear like this that always gets us most excited.

If you’re loving the GP-5, you’ll want to check out its bigger brother: the brand-new Valeton GP-50. It takes everything great about the GP-5 and adds dual footswitches, a built-in looper, expanded I/O, extra knobs and a larger display — giving you even more flexibility and control. The best part? It’s still super affordable at around £109.

If you want to find out more about the GP-50, check out our comparison blog: Valeton GP-50 vs. GP-5: Which Should You Buy?

Innovation Nominees:

• Synergy 20IR All-Tube Modular Amp Head
• Cort Earth GO Travel Electro Acoustic
• Darkglass Anagram Bass Workstation
• Lava Music Studio Digital Modelling Amplifier
• Valeton GP-5 Multi-FX, Amp & IR Loader Pedal [WINNER]
• ToneWoodAmp2 Acoustic FX Device
• PRS SE Chleo Herman Li Signature

Shop All 2025 Innovation Nominees

Andertons TV Awards 2025 Winners!

Shop All 2025 Nominees

The post Andertons TV Awards: 2025 Winners Announced! appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Walrus Audio Pedals

Browse Walrus Audio Pedals

Tap Tempo Sync

Any Walrus pedal with a tap tempo switch can sync up with another tap tempo pedal. This means rather than setting an accurate tempo for each individual pedal, you can use a Walrus pedal’s switch to set it for both, saving yourself a few extra very precise taps.

You’ll find this nifty feature in the ARP-87 digital delay, Monument tremolo, Julianna chorus and Mako MkII delay. This function normally works with any tap tempo stompbox. Simply connect the two with a patch cable and you’ll be right on beat.

Eons Five-State Fuzz Adjustable Noise Gate

Walrus first introduced the noise gate with the gritty, thick-sounding fuzz Jupter V2 pedal and they’ve carried that functionality over to the super flexible Eons. A lot of pedals aim for the  stuttering ‘dying battery’ effect but there aren’t many that cover all the fuzz flavours the Eons packs in.

The Eons has an internal trim pot gate control you could use either to dial down the fuzzy aggression or implement hard cut-offs. This way you don’t have to power the pedal from a noisy non-isolated source or use a virtual battery to achieve the same effect.

Fathom Reverb’s Huge Momentary Burst

Create a massive surge of decaying reverb with the Fathom reverb. This effect is great during a crescendo or intense finale to a song. Not only is the Fathom a super adaptable reverb, but it can also turn your tone into a chaotic, swampy, beautiful noise.

With your Fathom turned off, press both the bypass and sustain switches at the same time. This will turn the pedal on abruptly (yet still smooth in transition) and hit you with a trail of reverb longer than where you’ve set the decay knob.

Mako and Melee distortion/reverb ramp up

Ramp is a feature that’s normally exclusive to an effect like tremolo as is the case with the Mako MkII, but Walrus Audio have implemented it into their unique reverb/distortion generator pedal, the Melee.

Essentially, ramp means to increasingly speed up the rate of the tremolo, or intensify an effect like reverb. Hold down the bypass to progressively accelerate the effect to make for some extremely climatic moments in your playing. If applied to tremolo you can adjust the build time, so the ramp will take longer hit peak speed the lower your set the base tempo. Let go of the bypass for the rate or intensity to drop back down again to where you’ve set your controls.

Smart Momentary Bypass

Smart momentary bypass has been a consistent feature in Walrus Audio’s pedals since the Lillian phaser and ambient Slö reverb. Simply hold down on the bypass switch for as long as you’d like to activate the effect. It’s a feature that a lot of companies have adopted, as it simply makes it possible to inject a short burst of the effect without the need to press twice on a pedal.

Ambient, texture-like sounding pedals like the Lillian and Slö benefit greatly for momentary bypass. You’re able to create a bed of trailing phaser or reverb and then add layers of playing on top as it floats underneath a lead line.

Want to learn more?

I hope you get to use these fun effects to their fullest potential! Enjoyed this read? Make sure to have a browse of our Industry and Learn articles.

Shop All Walrus Audio Pedals

The post Walrus Audio Pedals: 5 Amazing Hidden Features appeared first on Andertons Blog.