Guitar Summit 2026: the biggest gear announcements

Europe’s largest annual guitar festival is back. And we’re here to bring you all the most exciting new launches and gossip direct from the Mannheimer Rosengarten.
Elliot Stent

Elliot Stent

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!

Patrick James Eggle being interviewed by Dagan Wilkin at Guitar Summit 2026

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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.

Tone King Royce Preamp pedal on display at Guitar Summit 2026 alongside the Imperial and Royalist preamps

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.
The Martin Custom Shop 000-42 Eric Clapton acoustic guitar in the Clear Natural finish on a dark textured background

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.

Guitarist sitting in studio playing through amp and Two Notes Torpedo Captor X Pro

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.

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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!

Matteo Mancuso holding his Yamaha Revstar RS20MM signature electric guitar with a dark background behind him

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.

The Boss EX-4 Effects Expander guitar pedal on a wooden floor

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.”

A photo of two PRS Silver Sky Defender guitars leaning up against a garage door

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.

The Jackson Pro Series PC1-E Phil Collen signature guitar in Worn Black placed on a black tour case

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.

A guitarist adjusting the settings on a Vox AC Mini guitar amp that's placed on a sideboard while holding a Les Paul guitar

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.

A photo of the show floor at Guitar Summit

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Elliot Stent
Elliot Stent
Elliot is a content writer at Andertons and plays guitar in a modern rock covers band called Midnight Memento. When he's not working or riffing, you'll find him on a tennis court or glued to an F1 race.

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