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!

Sign up to hear more about PJE Guitars

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:

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

Guitar Summit 2026 gear!

Shop all new gear

The post Guitar Summit 2026: the biggest gear announcements appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Check out the rest of our headphone ratings here:

• Andertons Scoreboard: Best-Closed Back Headphones £20-£40 (2024)
• Andertons Scoreboard: Best-Closed Back Headphones £40-£70 (2024)
• Andertons Scoreboard: Best Closed-Back Headphones £70-£100 (2024)
• Andertons Scoreboard: Best Closed- Back Headphones £101-£180 (2024)

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

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

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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

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?

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.

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.

Enjoyed this?

Why not check out the rest of our industry and learn content? We’ve also collated a bunch of other relevant articles for you below:

• Hardware synths vs. software synths
• Synth 101: a guide to synthesizer terminology
• Desktop synths vs. modular synths
• What makes synths so expensive?
• How to use modular synthesizers

Shop Behringer synths

Shop all Behringer synths

The post Why are Behringer synths so popular? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Alvarez Guitars are a company whose story simply needs to be told. As one of the longest-running names in acoustic guitars, their colourful history is echoed in their diverse range of instruments. We spoke to Senior Vice President Chris Meikle about Alvarez’s remarkable journey and the legacy of the late, great Kazuo Yairi.

St. Louis Music

Alvarez was founded in 1965 by Gene Kornblum of St. Louis Music. Based in St. Louis, Missouri (naturally), the company played a pivotal role in bringing musical instruments from around the world to the USA. This included everything from violins to classical guitars, and the team was always on the lookout for new manufacturers and fresh ideas. The Alvarez name was originally given to St. Louis Music’s line of Spanish-style guitars.

Kornblum met Japanese luthier Kazuo Yairi in the late 1960s. Yairi was part of a revered family of craftspeople who’d been making world-class instruments for generations. Kornblum was particularly impressed by Yairi’s commitment to his art and the quality of his work.

At that time, the Yairi family didn’t build steel-string guitars, so Kornblum seized the opportunity. He proposed they form a partnership to develop steel-string instruments for the Western market and chose to use the same Alvarez name that had already been established on St. Louis Music’s Spanish guitar line.

Alvarez & Yairi in the USA

Kornblum and Kazuo Yairi spent years designing, testing and perfecting their steel-string instruments. And the first Alvarez Yairi guitars that arrived in the USA in 1970 were a massive hit. It seemed the market was looking for an alternative to the industry’s old guard, and the reputation of Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail proved a winning combo.

The brand’s momentum only grew as its guitars found their way into the hands of some of the biggest names in music. This included The Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Johnny Cash and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Pretty good company, right?

Revitalised for the modern audience

Fast forward to 2005. Following a change of ownership at St. Louis Music, Alvarez entered a challenging period that saw the brand lose some of the guitar-building expertise and focus that had made it so successful. Thankfully, things weren’t to stay that way for long. Mark Ragin, a St. Louis Music distributor, acquired the company and brought Alvarez back home. Then, in 2011, Chris Meikle began leading the brand’s revival.

The goal was clear: to build the best imported acoustic guitars possible and take the brand to a more international stage. To achieve this, the team developed a fresh range in collaboration with Yairi, guided by the same passion and dedication that had shaped the company decades earlier.

They set out to make the best range of versatile acoustic guitars that money could buy, and their mission centred around four key principles:

• Always put the player first.
• Constantly learn and improve.
• Deliver outstanding value and quality through better design.
• Respect and understand the guitar better than the competition.

As Kazuo Yairi once said, “Perfection is a journey, not a destination.” This philosophy helped Alvarez develop a compelling range of instruments that ticked all the boxes. And it’s since helped them cement their position as one of the most innovative manufacturers in the game.

The Alvarez Guitars range

The Alvarez range is one of the most diverse collections of acoustic instruments on the market. Spanning everything from ukuleles and parlour-style guitars to dreadnoughts and baritone strummers, there’s something for everyone. The range also caters to a variety of budgets, with affordable entry-level options, cool mid-range instruments and luxurious pro-grade guitars on offer.

Here’s a quick summary of the Alvarez range:

• Yairi Series: The pinnacle of the Alvarez line. Designed by Master Luthier Kazuo Yairi and handcrafted in Japan from naturally seasoned tonewoods, these exceptional acoustics fuse the best of traditional and modern building techniques.
• Laureate Series: Inspired by the classic acoustic guitars of the past, Alvarez Laureate electro-acoustic guitars are built and voiced to be instantly responsive and articulate. They come fitted with the groundbreaking LR Baggs HiFi transducer pickup system.
• Masterworks Series: All-solid tonewoods with designs inspired by the undisputed classics of the guitar world. The Masterworks tagline says it all: ‘Truly Eloquent Professional Guitars’.
• Artist Elite Series: Premium instruments featuring unique tonewood combinations, eye-catching aesthetics and ergonomic appointments.
• Artist Series: The flagship line at the heart of the Alvarez brand. From budget-friendly solid-top dreadnoughts to rad 12-string acoustic guitars, there’s a model to suit almost every player.
• Regent Series: Proof that an entry-level acoustic guitar doesn’t have to feel disposable! With comfy slim neck profiles and quality design throughout, the Regent Series offers an accessible introduction to the Alvarez family.

Alvarez guitars on Andertons TV

Watch Ben strum through Alvarez’s Laureate range in our video below (he’s got some serious chops!):

Want to learn more?

If you’d like to dive deeper into the Alvarez range, check out these related articles:

• Why we love Alvarez acoustic guitars
• Alvarez guitars: 5 things you should know

And if you’ve enjoyed this piece, why not explore the rest of our learn and gear news content while you’re here?

Pick your perfect Alvarez!

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The post The history of Alvarez Guitars: from Missouri to Japan appeared first on Andertons Blog.

The new Fender Fusion Series takes some of the most iconic guitar shapes of all time and “strips away everything that doesn’t serve the riff” — in Fender’s own words. These are trimmed-out, hot-rodded machines loaded with high-output pickups, shredder-thin necks and modern hardware built for full-throttle playing. There’s even a beastly baritone Jaguar in the lineup!

Put simply, the Fusion Series is Fender for players who like it loud and aren’t afraid to push boundaries. It’s the boldest bunch of guitars we’ve seen come out of the brand’s Ensenada factory in quite some time, and we’re gonna break down each model in detail — from the Floyd Rose-equipped Telecaster to the mighty dual-humbucker Precision Bass.

Fender Fusion Series: key features

Before we take a closer look at each guitar, here are the core specs that run across the whole Fender Fusion range:

• Slim Alder bodies: These provide the same balanced, resonant tone in a sleeker, lighter and comfier profile.
• Sculpted neck heels: High fret access is a breeze thanks to asymmetrical neck plates that give you a little extra room where it counts.
• Thin “C” Maple necks: Fast and finished in satin — perfect for ripping through technical riffs and leads without feeling held back.
• 12” radius Ebony fingerboards: Smooth, snappy and flatter than the traditional Fender ‘board radius with a cool, luxurious look.
• Jumbo frets: Help you go big with bends and a wide vibrato, great if you like to play with plenty of feel and precision.
• High-output humbuckers: Fender’s Player II Modified ‘buckers power the Strat, Tele and baritone Jag, while the P-Bass packs a pair of Fireball pickups that can cut through the densest wall of guitars.
• Deluxe gig bags included: Every Fender Fusion Series model comes with a gig bag, so you’re ready to hit the stage straight out of the box.

Player Fusion Stratocaster HSS

If a souped-up Strat is your cup ‘o tea, you’ll love this. The Fender Player Fusion HSS Stratocaster is designed for high-octane performance, with a versatile pickup configuration that gives you all the aggression you need for 21st century rock while keeping those classic Stratty tones on tap. Better yet, the single-coils are Noiseless models, so you can pile on the gain without the usual hum getting in the way.

There’s plenty of clever extras here too. A push/pull tone control lets you split the Player II Modified humbucker for spanky bridge tones, while the lone volume knob keeps the control layout uncluttered and easy to manage. Add in a 2-point synchronised tremolo and short-post locking tuners, and you can rock out on the whammy bar without worrying about tuning slips.

This guitar also looks the biz, with a white pearloid pickguard, all-black hardware and a painted headstock giving it loads of contemporary flair. Whether you go for the timeless Black finish or the fancier Olympic Pearl, you’re guaranteed to make a statement on stage wielding one of these.

Shop the Fender Fusion Strat HSS

Fusion Telecaster HH Floyd Rose

The Fender Player Fusion Telecaster HH Floyd Rose is nothing like your typical Tele. This legendary model is famous for its twang, but the Fusion heads in the opposite direction entirely, with a pair of high-output humbuckers primed to handle copious amounts of gain and roar through your rig.

A Floyd on a Telecaster might also seem like sacrilege to some, but this Fender Fusion Series model happily flips the bird to tradition when it comes to hardware. The recessed system gives you the freedom to dive-bomb, squeal and flutter to your heart’s content — all while staying in tune.

Like the Strat, this Tele has a bit of bling with a pearloid pickguard, while the black hardware and pickup rings give it a clean, cohesive look. The inlay-free fingerboard is seriously cool too, as well as that vibrant Aura Metallic finish. We reckon Danish Pete’s got one on order already…

Shop the Fender Fusion Tele HH Floyd Rose

Fender Fusion Jaguar Baritone

The Jaguar is famously known as Fender’s short-scale model, but this one couldn’t be further from it. Stretching that typically slinky 24″ scale all the way up to 27″, it’s made to handle a thunderous B-to-B tuning with ease. And with two high-output humbuckers at its core, the Fusion Jaguar Baritone delivers the kind of tonal assault that sits in a dense, down-tuned mix without disappearing.

The classic Jaguar rhythm circuit gets a clever upgrade too, now featuring “Spin-a-Split” wiring via Fender’s roller pots. This lets you gradually dial the humbuckers back into single-coil territory for a tighter, more cutting sound. Plus, there’s a TBX tone control onboard, allowing you to cut or boost frequencies for extra bite or warmth.

While this Jag has been beefed up in just about every way, the neck is still slim and built with riff-lords in mind. And with a fixed Adjusto-Matic bridge and locking machine heads, tuning stays solid even when you’re digging in with heavy palm-muted chugs. Doomers, how about that Silverburst finish, eh?

Shop the Fender Fusion Jaguar Baritone

Fusion Precision Bass HH

Fender hasn’t forgotten about bassists either. The new Player Fusion Precision Bass HH is a modded masterpiece that provides the kind of slick playability modern metal players and hard rockers demand.

You’ll still get a hint of that classic P-Bass thump, but this Fender Fusion Series model takes things to another level with twin Fireball humbuckers. They sound huge, and with a handy blend control, you can dial in everything from deep, rumbling lows to a tight, punchy midrange attack. There’s a master tone knob on hand too, letting you roll off the top-end for those moodier, mellower moments.

Another wicked feature is the HiMass bridge, which boosts sustain and gives every note a solid, planted feel. We’re also big fans of that classy Halo Metallic finish option up above!

Shop the Fender Fusion P-Bass HH

Fender Player Fusion guitars: specs compared

We’ve already gone to town on the standout features of each Fender Fusion Series guitar. But if you’re after a quick side-by-side overview, here’s a handy summary of what sets them apart:

Fender Fusion Series guitars on Andertons TV

Watch Lee and Pete test drive the new Fender Fusion guitars in our video:

Fancy a Fender Fusion?

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After more gear gossip?

If you love keeping up with the latest product launches, our gear news hub is the perfect place for all things fresh. Our new in page is well worth a look too, especially if you want to check out other amazing guitars Fender’s just dropped — including more 75th Anniversary models and a quirky new range of Squier Paranormal guitars.

The post New Fender Fusion Series guitars: iconic shapes, metal makeover! appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Ed Sheeran is no stranger to a collab. And no, we’re not talking about Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber. Back in 2019, he joined forces with Lowden to launch a lineup of co-designed acoustic guitars. In 2024, he set up Sheeran Loopers with HeadRush. And earlier this year, he partnered with PRS Guitars on a rather sick semi-hollow baritone (with three more finishes added to the range recently). That’s quite the A-team of brands to work with…

Now, the multi‑Grammy winner has linked up with the mighty Orange Amps to unveil not one, not two, but three signature acoustic guitar amps. Steady on, Ed! Dubbed the Outlowd ES Series, the lineup starts with a portable Bluetooth-enabled practice amp and tops out with a big, stage-ready 100W option — with a versatile, battery-powered all-rounder sitting right in the middle.

Sound pretty sweet, eh? And if you’re on the hunt for a new acoustic amp, we’re gonna dive into their key features and differences below to help you pick the right one. But first, here’s Ed explaining the Orange Outlowd range in a nutshell:

ES3 Outlowd: a go-anywhere acoustic amp & Bluetooth speaker

The ES3 is the baby of the Orange Outlowd ES Series. It’s a compact 3W practice amp that’s great for home use, adding a touch of ambience and a subtle lift to your unplugged sound.

Its built-in reverb gives your acoustic more space and character, while the simple control layout keeps things nice and straightforward. You’ve also got Bluetooth audio playback onboard, so it doubles as a nifty little speaker for jamming with backing tracks or just kicking back to your favourite tunes.

With USB-C charging, an internal Li-ion battery (which lasts up to 12 hours) and a convenient carry strap, it’s easy to grab and go — ideal for bedrooms, desks or wherever inspiration strikes.

Buy the Orange Outlowd ES3

ES60 Outlowd: the perfect busking companion

The ES60 sits right in the sweet spot of the Orange Ed Sheeran lineup, built for budding singer-songwriters and seasoned performers alike. With 60 watts of power on tap, it holds its own when the volume goes up, making it more than capable for busking and small gigs. All while staying compact and manageable for rehearsals or home use.

Thanks to its built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery and mains operation, you can pretty much play with it anywhere. And you’ve got two channels for guitar and vocals, both with carefully voiced EQ and reverb to keep everything sounding clean and natural. The mic channel features a combi input, +48V phantom power and vocal-friendly processing options too.

Throw in Bluetooth for backing tracks, an effects loop for your fave guitar pedals, plus a balanced line out for recording or hooking up to a PA, and you’ve got a superb all-rounder ready to hit the stage or the street. It even includes a carry case, so it’s good to go straight out of the box.

Buy the Orange Outlowd ES60

ES100 Outlowd: big power for big stages

The ES100 is the flagship 100W acoustic amp made for proper gigging musicians and larger stages, delivering huge clean headroom and rich, natural warmth. In short, it keeps your guitar and vocals sounding crystal-clear and articulate even with the volume cranked. No squashing here!

The guitar channel offers precise, studio-style EQ control with sweepable mids and onboard feedback management. Then there’s the mic channel, featuring a combi input, +48V phantom power and a handy high-pass filter. Add in an effects loop and balanced line-out, and you’ve got an amp that integrates cleanly with pedalboards, PA systems and audio interfaces.

Driving the ES100 is a premium Celestion neodymium speaker pairing — a 12” driver combined with a 1” high-frequency tweeter. The result is a full-range response with plenty of top-end detail and clarity. And while they handle a lot of the heavy lifting, the neodymium design keeps the amp’s overall weight down, making life a little easier if you’re gigging on the reg.

Buy the Orange Outlowd ES100

Orange Ed Sheeran signature acoustic amps: specs compared

We’ve already covered the standout features of each Orange Ed Sheeran amp. But if you’re after a quick side-by-side overview, here’s a neat summary of their key differences:

Orange Outlowd ES Series amps on Andertons TV

Join Danish Pete and Ben as they put the Orange Outlowd Ed Sheeran amps through their paces:

Play lowd!

Shop all Orange acoustic amps

Want to learn more?

If you’re after more juicy product gossip, our gear news page is well worth a look. Or for proper nerdy deep dives and how‑to guides, head over to our learn section.

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