Possibly one of the most spoken about topics among guitarists right now is how common it’s becoming to go to a live show and not see a single amp onstage. With guitar rigs getting smaller all the time and more players than ever choosing to go ‘direct’, it’s getting increasingly harder to ignore the benefits of effortless load-ins and near-silent stages, especially with so many pedals now sounding and feeling closer than ever before to the real thing. It’s no surprise that ‘ampless’ rigs have exploded in popularity over the last few years.

With more gear than ever available, it’s sometimes tricky to pin down exactly what is best for you, especially when looking at a group of pedals which all do a very similar thing but all in quite different ways. Not to mention, with the added complication of so much overlap of features as well as shared guitar tone ‘buzzwords’.

With some pedals designed to simply capture the character of a classic amp, while others made to fully simulate or model, and some built to act as a complete portable rig with speaker driving capabilities – it’s no longer a question of can a pedal replace a rig, but more which pedal could you choose to replace your rig.

How can Pedals replace my traditional Amp setup?

There is so much overlap between pedals designed to mimic or replace an amp, and to make matters even more confusing, it’s fairly common for one type of pedal to be described as another. From overdrives and distortions being described as Preamps to Amp Sims labelled as Amp in a Box pedals, getting your head around what’s what can quickly turn into a guitar pedal minefield.

To try and keep things simple, I have categorised the 5 main types of pedals that I think could easily replace any traditional amp set-up, based on my understanding of pedals and their topology.  These are:

• ‘Amp in a Box’ (AIAB) styled pedals
• Amp Simulators
• Preamp Pedals
• Digital Modellers
• Pedalboard Amps

In this blog, I will deep dive into what each type of pedal is, how they can be used and what application each one is best suited for.

Amp in a Box

What is an Amp in a Box pedal?

Originally rising to popularity in the late 90s/early 2000s, Amp in a Box Pedals allowed players to add a flavour of another amp to their existing rig without the additional expense or size of another amp. Usually taking place in the ‘dirt’ section of a pedalboard, these pedals often utilise clever analogue circuitry and heavy EQing to provide the tonal character of a legendary valve amp at the click of a button.

Who are Amp in a Box pedals for?

This style of pedal is the perfect solution for those who love the core sound and most importantly – feel, response and attack of their existing amp but perhaps want to add a different voice, e.g. a Marshall or Soldano, for a specific song or section or perhaps even as a lead tone.

It’s also a great option for those who perhaps are in situations where backline amps are often provided, and players want a pedal that can be used to make that amp sound more like their usual amp of choice.

Where do Amp in a Box pedals go in the signal chain?

Amp in a Box-style pedals typically go in the dirt section of a pedalboard with your other overdrives and distortions. There is no hard rule, but I usually like to place mine last in my gain pedals to sort of mimic other overdrives (Tube Screamers, Klons, etc) going into the AIAB pedal and pushing it harder. Just like if you were to put an overdrive pedal in front of a traditional valve amp.

Amp Simulator

What is an Amp Simulator pedal?

Amp Simulator pedals simulate the entire guitar amp from the preamp to the power amp, as well as the speakers or cab. They usually just focus on one specific amp or style of amp (although there are some exceptions), and to me, their key selling point is their amp-like simplicity. Often featuring enough outputs for use with PA systems, studio monitors or powered speakers and frequently including headphone and USB outs, Amp Simulator pedals are perhaps the simplest way to make your rig silent.

Many Amp Simulator pedals feature IR (Impulse Response), allowing the player to experience not only the typical sound of a direct guitar speaker like the sounds often heard on older cab sims, but also the cab as a whole, as well as the microphones used to record it and even the room itself. Together helping to create an experience not too dissimilar to what it’s like having your favourite amp mic’d up in the live room while you’re playing in the control room.

Who are Amp Simulator pedals for?

Amp Simulator pedals are the perfect option for players who have just one or two core amp sounds and simply want to make them silent – all while still maintaining the tone, character, feel and response of the original amp. Whether this is for a ‘silent’ stage setup, practising late in the night or even as a quick recording tool, an Amp Sim has it all covered.

Amp Simulator pedals are also the perfect ‘fly rig’ solution for situations where it’s not feasible to transport your regular setup. With a footprint often small enough to cram into the front pocket of a gig bag or backpack, they are an easy way to guarantee you get the tone you love, no matter the circumstances.

Where do Amp Simulator pedals go in the signal chain?

Typically, an Amp Simulator pedal takes the place of an amp – e.g., the last thing in a signal chain. From there, an Amp Sim pedal can then be plugged into a PA (or other powered speaker source) for a direct sound, headphones for practising or into a recording interface (via the pedal outs or even straight into a computer if the pedal you choose features a USB out).

Digital Modellers

What is a Modeller pedal?

Digital Modellers are the most feature-packed and advanced options for an ‘ampless’ electric guitar setup. Unlike everything else currently listed, Digital Modellers, for the most part, literally offer you pretty much every major amp type and more. They can replace an entire rig from conventional effect pedals, such as overdrives and modulations, to amps and cabs, and even utility pedals such as tuners and loopers. More advanced systems offer cutting-edge DSP processing as well as powerful amp profiling (or captures), together with IR for the most life-like digital simulations ever created.

Who are Modeller pedals for?

Digital Modeller pedals are for players who don’t want to be tied to one or two things. With Modelling pedals to suit just about every budget, they are the perfect way to really explore different tones and genres and experience different rigs and setups without needing to bust the bank every week. They are also the perfect choice for players after the most efficient all-in-one guitar tone solution for home, stage or even the studio.

Where do Modeller pedals go in the signal chain?

Modellers typically go last in the signal chain and are plugged directly into a PA (or other powered speaker source, such as studio monitors or a powered cab) or into a studio set-up (either via jack/XLR outputs or USB, depending on the Modeller you choose) or into headphones for silent practice.

Another way Modelling pedals can sometimes be used is directly into a traditional amp’s effect loop (via the return) or into a power amp device so that it can be used with a conventional guitar speaker cabinet.

Preamp Pedals

What is a Preamp pedal?

Preamp pedals are the pedal type that gets the most confusion, as a preamp can mean so many things, from a glorified EQ to a full-on distortion pedal. There’s also a lot of overlap with many Preamp pedals, also including features typically found on Amp Simulator pedals, such as recording outs and built-in IRs. In this context though, a Preamp pedal is a pedal which is designed to be used with a Power amp. Just like you’d find in a traditional amp. USUALLY, Preamp pedals are analogue, and for the most part, they literally take the preamp section from a classic amp and simply build it into a pedal, with some even including the valve gain stages!

Who are Preamp pedals for?

With many arguing that Preamp pedals often offer the most realistic tone, feel and response of all the pedal rig setups, Preamp pedals are the perfect choice for players who really like to home in on the small details.

Where do Preamp pedals go in the signal chain?

Preamp pedals are usually built to go last in the signal chain, directly into some form of Power amp, so that they can then be plugged into a guitar speaker cab. Although there are some which are built to also work as a sort of Amp in a Box-style pedal, they typically perform best going into a Power amp rather than directly into the input of a traditional amp. This is because Preamps are inherently designed to have a louder signal compared to a typical guitar effects pedal, meaning that when placed in-line with other effects or directly into an amp input, they can cause some unwanted side effects such as increased gain or noise.

If used with a traditional guitar amp with an effects loop, one of the most effective and commonly used methods of using a preamp pedal is with the 4-cable method. This utilises the Preamp pedal in the amp’s effect loop and allows you to effortlessly switch between your amp’s built-in preamp and the preamp pedal, allowing you to effectively add an additional channel to your amplifier.

Preamp vs. Power Amp

In the most simplest terms, a preamp shapes the guitar’s tone and also sets the guitar’s gain level; however, preamps generally are only as loud as line level (even less than 1W). It’s a Power Amp’s job to amplify this signal to an audible volume, as well as providing enough power to drive a speaker cabinet. There are tonnes of Power Amps for electric guitar on the market, but here are some of our favourite…

Pedalboard Amps

What is a Pedalboard Amp pedal?

A Pedalboard Amp pedal is quite literally a guitar amp that has been neatly shrink-rayed into a pedal-sized enclosure.  Just like a ‘normal’ amp, Pedalboard Amps usually come equipped with enough umph on tap to drive a speaker cabinet, enabling the player to experience the feel and resonance of a real speaker being driven, whether at home, on stage or in the studio. However, for even more versatility, Pedalboard Amps often also feature headphone and line-level outputs with onboard cab-simulation allowing players to effortlessly connect to a PA or Audio interface as well as silently practise.

Who are Pedalboard Amp pedals for?

Pedalboard Amps are the perfect solution for those who are set on 1 core sound and want the portability and connectivity of an Amp Simulator pedal, but also want a solution that can be used the ‘traditional’ way with a cab.

Where do Pedalboard Amps pedals go in the signal chain?

Pedalboard Amps are usually placed last in the signal chain, just like a traditional amp.

Conclusion

Whether you simply want to add a different flavour to your existing setup or perhaps want an entirely new rig built for silent stages, effortless recording and practising into the night, pedals are a perfect way to achieve this.

With so many options available at budgets to suit everyone, it’s the perfect way to experience and experiment with sounds you may not typically try. And remember, this blog is just a guide to help you figure out what you may want to try for yourself – many of the greatest guitar tones were found by breaking  ‘rules’ and experimenting with pedal placements.

Want to learn more?

If you love staying up to date with the latest kit chatter, our gear news page is one to bookmark. For full-on nerdy deep dives and practical how‑to guides, check out the learn section.

The post Can Pedals Replace Your Entire Guitar Rig? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Big brands and iconic gaming companies teaming up on cool projects is nothing new. We’ve seen loads of epic mash‑ups in recent years, from LEGO x Nintendo to Nike x PlayStation. And after recently coming back from a trip to Japan — where wild crossovers are commonplace — it’s easy to see why these kinds of collabs are popping up more and more. I mean, who doesn’t want to see two of their favourite passions collide?

And believe it or not, gaming and guitars have crossed paths a few times already (with some wicked results). One of the freshest loot drops is Jackson’s X Series Diablo IV Kelly, which landed only last week. So naturally, we reckoned it was time to round up some of our personal faves (in no particular order). Kicking things off with the very guitar that inspired this article…

1. Jackson X Series Diablo IV Kelly

Jackson and Blizzard Entertainment didn’t just collaborate here — they summoned something truly monstrous. The Jackson X Series Diablo IV Kelly “Lord of Hatred” is a celebration of all things loud, heavy and evil. Mephisto’s menacing face dominates the front with Diablo IV artwork lurking around the back, making this one seriously sick-looking axe.

Under that unholy exterior is a Nyatoh body with blood‑red binding, paired with a through‑body Maple neck and Amaranth fingerboard featuring custom red Diablo inlays. It boasts an active high‑output Jackson bridge pickup with enough power to wake the dead. And its hardtail bridge is built to stand up to the most punishing playing styles. In short, this beastly Diablo guitar is ready to raise hell!

Buy the Jackson Diablo IV Kelly

2. ESP SN-25th Sonic the Hedgehog Guitar-II

When it comes to gaming franchises, they don’t get much bigger than Sonic the Hedgehog. Sure, the series might have run out of puff a little in recent years. But there’s no denying Sonic’s a legendary character that everyone knows and loves (especially those of us of a certain age). In 2016, ESP partnered with Sega to release four limited Sonic‑themed guitars, celebrating 25 years of blistering speed, Chaos Emerald collecting and stopping the dastardly Dr. Eggman.

All of ‘em were seriously cool — and spec’d to play just as fast as the blue dude can sprint. But the SN‑25th Sonic the Hedgehog Guitar‑II was arguably the headline model, featuring Sonic himself splashed across the front and a rad checkerboard pattern that only the truest old‑school fans would clock (guilty). This high‑octane axe nailed both style and nostalgia, and with a Floyd Rose 1000 trem, Seymour Duncan H/S pickups, plus a slick Ebony ‘board with XJ frets, it was built for full‑tilt shred. You gotta go fast, after all.

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3. Fender Final Fantasy XIV Stratocaster

Back in 2021, Fender worked with Square Enix to create what might just be one of the sharpest-looking Stratocasters ever. Yup, I’m still kicking myself for not buying one of these at the time. But to be fair, they were the best part of three grand a pop…

Developed alongside the FFXIV team, this Japanese‑made Strat was designed to capture the magic, mythology and scale of one of the world’s most beloved MMORPGs. Dressed head‑to‑toe in black, the body featured translucent blue and purple crystal sections inspired by the game’s Crystals of Light and Darkness. Modern guitar makers, please take notes.

Other key appointments included a slim Modern “C” Maple neck, a Rosewood fingerboard with a Meteor inlay at the 12th fret, plus a trio of specially‑calibrated V‑Mod single‑coil pickups. There was even a neat Easter egg for FFXIV players — a push‑push “Limit Break” tone control (a special ability in the game) that put the bridge and middle pickups in series for a beefier sound. I dread to think what these go for now.

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4. Taylor The Last of Us Replica 314c

Gaming and guitar collabs aren’t reserved solely for supercharged electrics, you know. Taylor have got in on the action too, joining forces with the (uninfected, cordyceps‑free) brains behind The Last of Us on a couple of limited-edition acoustics. The latest is the The Last of Us Replica 314c released in May 2025, which you may have spotted in the hands of Joel and Ellie in the acclaimed HBO Original series.

It’s a cool collector’s piece for sure, but it’s also a serious strummer. The versatile Grand Auditorium body boasts a Tobacco Sunburst top with a smooth satin finish all over, paired with grained ivoroid binding, a faux‑tortoiseshell pickguard and classy Ebony bridge pins. That distinctive third-fret moth inlay also gets the ivoroid treatment, with matching dot inlays running up the neck. You do have to play Pearl Jam’s “Future Days” to properly break it in, though (wink).

Buy the Taylor The Last of Us Replica 314c

5. Fender Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster

Another gaming and Fender guitar collab? You betcha. To celebrate 20 years of Monster Hunter in 2024, Fender teamed up with Capcom to unleash a Tele inspired by none other than Rathalos — the “King of the Skies” and poster dragon of the series. Unsurprisingly, it looked ferocious. From the feather and flame detailing to the guild mark on the front, Rathalos emblem on the back and custom 12th‑fret inlay, it’s Monster Hunter lore galore.

As pretty as it is, the Fender Monster Hunter Telecaster wasn’t the kind of guitar designed to hang on the wall. This thing was forged to be wielded onstage, with custom Rathalos S/H pickups voiced for fire‑breathing tones that love a bit of gain. Paired with a smooth satin‑finished Alder body, modern‑feeling Maple neck and 22 medium jumbo frets, it’s clear this was intended as a real player’s guitar ready for battle. We’d love to see a sequel soon.

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Gaming x guitar collabs: honourable mentions

They might not be full‑fat launches, but these guitar and gaming collabs deserve a cheeky shout for doing something a bit different:

• Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster: Retro gamers, rejoice! Fender partnered with Bandai Namco in May 2026 to unveil the PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. Designed to bridge generations, this collab taps straight into millennial nostalgia while pulling in a new wave of fans drawn to iconic pop culture designs. It’s a limited Fender online store exclusive — so if you want one, you’ll need to be quick.
• Kramer x DOOM: The Dark Ages: A limited‑run crossover that was as savage as you’d expect. To celebrate the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages in 2025, Kramer built three Doom Slayer‑inspired guitars dripping in brutal aesthetics with suitably aggressive specs. These were giveaway‑only one‑offs rather than production models — which only makes them cooler.
• Fender x Fortnite: Yup, Fender guitars are officially in Fortnite now. Fender’s alliance with Epic Games brought officially licensed Strats and P‑Basses into Fortnite Festival, letting players shred virtual versions of some of the most iconic instruments of all time.
• CRKD x Gibson: CRKD collaborated with Gibson last year to create a range of premium Les Paul‑shaped gaming controllers. Whether you’re rocking out in Fortnite Festival or reliving classic Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, these are designed to give you an edge with lightning‑fast response times and customisable features.

Want to learn more?

Feeling even more nerdy? Head over to our learn section for deeper dives, retrospectives and the odd how‑to guide. Or if guitar and tech gossip is more your thing, our gear news page is well worth a bookmark.

The post Top 5 epic gaming and guitar collabs! appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Microtonal guitars have been bubbling away in the background of experimental music for decades. But lately, they’ve started creeping into more mainstream territory. And with bands like Angine de Poitrine and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard flying the microtonal guitar flag, it’s clear that guitarists are hungry for fresh sounds that live between the notes most of us thought were fixed in place.

So, what is a microtonal guitar and how does it actually work? And why are players stepping outside their comfy 12‑tone world for something a little more… wobbly? Let’s dive in.

What is a microtonal guitar?

A microtonal guitar is a modified instrument that lets you play notes in between the standard semitone pitches used in traditional Western music. Most electric guitars, acoustics and basses are built around 12‑tone equal temperament — that’s the system where an octave is divided into 12 equal steps (those familiar frets we’re all used to). But microtonal guitars break free of that by adding extra pitches (usually in the form of additional frets) that simply don’t exist on a standard guitar, unlocking new sounds, scales and musical possibilities.

Those extra pitches might include:

• Quarter tones (24‑TET): Notes that sit halfway between standard frets.
• 19‑tone equal temperament (19‑TET): A system that divides the octave into 19 evenly spaced notes.
• Custom intervals: Often created by the player using movable frets, similar to what you’d find on instruments like the sitar.

Think of it like upgrading your guitar from a box of 12 crayons to a full‑blown artist’s palette. Suddenly, entire emotional colours are on the table that just weren’t accessible before. And while those extra notes might sound like an out‑of‑tune guitar at first, they’re not. Microtonal guitars simply don’t play by the rules Western classical music settled on a few hundred years ago.

It’s also worth saying that microtonal systems aren’t new at all. They’ve been part of non‑Western music traditions for centuries, including:

• Middle Eastern maqam scales.
• Indian raga systems.
• Turkish and Arabic musical traditions.

How do microtonal guitars work?

Microtonal guitars open up those extra notes through modified fingerboards or alternative playing approaches. And while the results might look wild, the ideas behind them are surprisingly logical. Some of the most common designs include:

Additional frets

The most conventional approach (to these unconventional guitars) is adding extra frets between the standard ones, which are calculated to produce specific intervals. Some guitars focus on simple quarter tones, while others take inspiration from Arabic maqam systems, Indian raga scales or more experimental tuning theories. The latter often use custom layouts with split frets divided into smaller segments.

Replaceable or movable frets

Some modern designs use interchangeable or adjustable fret systems, allowing players to physically reconfigure the fingerboard. Fancy experimenting with a new tuning or scale? Simply move the frets and off you go. These setups can enable some seriously complex microtonal chords that wouldn’t be possible on a fixed‑fret guitar.

Fretless guitars

Another popular route is to ditch frets altogether. With no fixed stopping points, fretless basses and guitars offer near‑infinite pitch control — think smooth slides, expressive vibrato and all the microtonal inflections your fingers can muster. Much like a violin, you’re free to land anywhere between notes. The catch? Intonation is entirely down to you. No pressure…

What does a microtonal guitar sound like?

At first? Pretty darn weird, but not in a bad way. Microtonal guitars can sound unfamiliar or even a little alien compared to standard Western music. Because so much of what we’re used to is built around predictable harmonic resolution, hearing notes slip between the cracks can feel surprising yet expressive.

Microtonal intervals hover, pull, ache and slide in ways that standard frets just don’t allow, giving phrases a sense of movement and emotion that can feel almost vocal. Used subtly, microtonality can enhance your phrasing by adding extra shades of feeling between the notes.

But push it harder, and things can get properly disorienting and even unsettling. That makes microtonal guitars a perfect fit for metal, experimental film scoring or musicians who enjoy making audiences squirm a bit, like Angine de Poitrine. And no, it’s not just down to the costumes!

Which Western artists use microtonal guitars?

As we’ve established, microtonal guitars aren’t exactly a brand‑new thing. It’s just taken modern Western players a little while to fully embrace them. That said, a growing number of daring musicians have well and truly caught the microtonal bug:

• King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: Probably the most famous contemporary champions of microtonal guitar. Albums like Flying Microtonal Banana brought the sound into indie rock consciousness, proving microtonality can be groovy, catchy and fun.
• Angine de Poitrine: This Canadian rock duo became viral sensations thanks to their papier‑mâché masks and black‑and‑white polka‑dot outfits. Underneath the striking visuals, their use of microtonal guitar adds an off‑kilter edge to their sound.
• Steve Vai: Never one to shy away from new sonic territory, Vai’s experimented with fractionally-spaced frets for years. He currently owns a unique JEM featuring 16 notes per octave (16‑TET), built as a replacement for a guitar he gifted to Jacob Collier. You can hear plenty of microtonal madness in Steve’s 1993 track “Down Deep Into The Pain”.

Why are guitarists turning to microtonal instruments?

There are a few good reasons why players are making the leap to guitars with microtonal frets:

• Creative saturation: The humble minor pentatonic scale has done a lot of heavy lifting over the years. And while it’ll never go out of style, many guitarists are craving something fresh. A microtonal instrument opens the door to brand‑new sounds that haven’t already been played to death.
• Influence of global music: Thanks to streaming, players are now exposed to musical systems far beyond Western harmony. When you’ve spent time with Middle Eastern, Indian or African music, the idea that a guitar should only have 12 notes per octave can start to feel a little limiting.
• Expression over speed: Microtonal playing rewards feel, phrasing and subtlety. It’s less about shredding and more about emotion, nuance and character. They’re great for players who want their guitar to say something and not just show off how fast they can play!
• Boundary‑pushing genres: Metal, prog, jazz and experimental scenes have always thrived on innovation. In genres where “normal” has never really been the goal, microtonality fits right in by offering new textures and unfamiliar tensions that keep things sounding exciting and unpredictable.

What’s the future of microtonal guitar?

We’re already seeing more production‑ready microtonal guitars hitting the market, along with better software and hardware support for alternative tuning systems. Add to that a new generation of players raised on global musical influences, and it’s clear that curiosity around microtonality won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

As music continues to drift away from rigid genre boundaries, microtonality feels less like something complicated or avant‑garde for the sake of it and more like a natural evolution. Will microtonal guitars replace standard six‑strings? No. But will they become an increasingly explored option for adventurous musicians? For sure.

Much like extended‑range 7-string guitars and baritone guitars did years ago, microtonality is slowly shaking off its “experimental only” label and settling in as another legitimate tool for pushing musical expression forward.

Microtonal guitars on Andertons TV!

Watch a blindfolded Rabea get to grips with a microtonal neck guitar for the very first time:

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Microtonal guitar FAQs

What is the difference between microtonal and normal guitars?

The main difference between a microtonal guitar and a normal guitar is the frets. Standard guitars divide an octave into 12 equal notes, while microtonal guitars add extra frets between those notes, allowing access to pitches “in between” the usual ones. This opens the door to new scales and unfamiliar chords that you simply can’t reach on a traditional instrument.

Which bands use microtonal guitars?

Microtonal guitars are most commonly used by experimental and progressive artists, but they’ve also found a home in modern metal, fusion and alternative music. Bands like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Angine de Poitrine have helped bring microtonal guitar into the mainstream, using it to create exotic-sounding riffs and hypnotic melodies that stand out from standard tuning systems.

What type of guitar does Angine de Poitrine use?

Angine de Poitrine uses a one‑of‑a‑kind, custom-built double‑neck microtonal guitar and bass hybrid, created in collaboration with Canadian luthier Raphaël Le Breton. This bonkers instrument marries a Stratocaster-shaped guitar with a Precision Bass and throws in extra frets to unlock weird and wonderful quarter‑tone intervals.

Is it hard to play a microtonal guitar?

A microtonal guitar isn’t necessarily harder to play, but it does require a different mindset. The extra frets can feel unfamiliar at first and your ears need time to adjust to the new intervals. That said, if you’re comfortable on a regular guitar and enjoy experimenting, a microtonal guitar can be incredibly inspiring once you get the hang of it!

Want to learn more?

For deeper dives, helpful how‑to guides and plenty of guitar‑friendly knowledge, head over to our learn section. And if you like to stay on top of the latest gear gossip, releases and industry news, our gear news page is well worth a bookmark.

The post What is a microtonal guitar? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Dunable guitars are built for players who like their music loud, heavy and unapologetic. Founded by Intronaut frontman Sacha Dunable, the brand was born from a hands‑on search for something better — guitars that could survive punishing shows, deliver crushing tone and still feel inspiring night after night. That quest began in a converted Los Angeles garage, fuelled by years of real‑world touring and recording experience.

What started as a personal passion project quickly grew into a respected boutique brand with a devoted following. Today, Dunable instruments have become a go‑to choice for doomers, prog riff‑smiths and anyone chasing something a little different, offering electric guitars and basses that look wild, feel alive and sound massive.

Here at Andertons, we’re proud to stock the Dunable DE Series — delivering the bold designs and attitude of the USA models in a more accessible package. We caught up with Sacha Dunable himself to talk about his beginnings, inspirations and what makes Dunable guitars so special.

10 questions with Sacha Dunable

What first pushed you to start building guitars?

I spent most of my twenties balancing life as a member of a band that played around 100 shows a year with the reality of working whatever soul‑sucking service‑industry job would have me in between. Neither life was very lucrative during that time, and at a certain point I decided that I wanted to at least be able to maintain and repair my own guitars — since I could hardly pay to have that work done when I needed it.

That would have been around 2009 and quickly escalated to my new career path. I worked in a few guitar shops in Los Angeles, did some guitar tech gigs on tour and in studios for all kinds of bands and producers, then eventually started making some guitars in my garage with the idea that I could sell one or two a year. I could also theoretically afford a good guitar if I made it myself!

Within a couple years, I think around 2014, I was getting enough calls for those guitars that I didn’t need to go to my “regular” job anymore and dove into building guitars headfirst. I’ve been fascinated with the electric guitar (and the music you can make with it) since I was a little kid, and still am. The long days of work for those first few years were just as much fun as they were stressful.

How did your years touring with Intronaut influence your guitar designs?

I think the experience taught me what reliability means in relation to a guitar. We probably averaged 150 shows every year from 2006-2016, so I had all the gear horror stories happen to me. Broken headstocks, electronics crapping out, finish damage from drastic changes in temperature, weird setup issues, airline staff, etc. I was using a Les Paul for drop B tuning, so I was fighting for my life out there in every sense. I learned the value in simplicity, but also that perceived guitar design simplicity must come from someone overthinking it at some point, so you don’t have to.

I also absorbed a lot doing tech work for other bands and working repair in guitar stores, discovering what I liked about other designs, brands, hardware, pickups and general setup standards. Plus, I learned what a ton of players valued too, from beginners all the way up to extremely successful, iconic musicians. Being immersed in and exposed to so many different guitars over a bunch of years taught me so much.

What do you feel truly sets Dunable guitars apart?

I never know how to answer this because I rarely think about what we do compared to other guitar makers. The guitars were meant to embrace the things I love about other instruments, but with adjustments that make them suited better for the type of music I like.

Like, as a player, I want the essence of this sick guitar from 1974 that I saw in a pawn shop. But that guitar’s also 50 years old and doesn’t play great anymore. It was also designed before distortion in amps existed. We all made that kind of thing work for us when we had to, but what if that spirit could be captured and kind of reimagined with the perspective 50 more years of guitar design progress has given us?

It’s hard to know what I think sets us apart in the eyes of guitar players, but I think I understand it more as time goes on. I think players, or just people in general, pick up on what is coming from a cool place and what is BS. I don’t think there was really something that was so truly “for us” in the guitar world before Dunable happened. And I guess that’s why it happened! I just couldn’t afford a new guitar.

There was no intention of this ever becoming a real business. And even though that’s changed, I still do this solely because I’m having fun and want to keep improving our guitars. And also because guitars, riffs and having good times with your friends are the best things on earth.

Which styles of music do Dunable guitars excel at?

I think they would excel at any style of music. But they were made for heavy, loud riffing — especially if you tune down!

There have been big pop acts that show up on stage with our guitars, and I’ve ended up in rooms that, by any sound logic, I had no business being in.

What are Dunable DE Series guitars & where are they made?

The DE Series guitars are made in South Korea. We introduced that line in 2021, and it offers most of the same models that we make here in the US, but at a more accessible price point.

How does the DE Series differ from your USA & custom instruments?

They have the same standard core specs as our USA models in terms of scale lengths, tonewoods and overall design. The biggest differences would be the lacquer finishes on the USA guitars versus poly finishes on the DE models, while the pickups and hardware in DE guitars are sourced in Korea. USA models have our own in-house pickups, electronics and super high-quality hardware.

Which core Dunable features were non-negotiable for the DE Series?

Basically, all of them! The set neck combined with the 25.5″ scale length for standard guitars, 27.5″ for baritones and a 35″ standard bass scale are the most baseline specs that make these special. But we share as many specs as we possibly can between the two shops. Jumbo fretwire, Luminlay side dots on most models, more instruments with locking tuners and keeping it fun by mixing things up with small batches of unique colourways, along with the mainstay production iterations.

Do you have a favourite Dunable model at the moment?

I’m almost always a Yeti or Gnarwhal guy, in either the 25.5″ standard scale or the 27.5″ baritone. I also love our Gnarwhal VI with a 30.75″ scale. On bass, I always go back to the Thunderclapper or Cyclops.

Have any unexpected artists embraced Dunable guitars?

Lots for sure. In a way, they’re still all unexpected to me. And in another way, I expect everyone to embrace our guitars because they are the best. Ten years ago, I never would have expected that bands in the more hardcore realm of heavy music would be so into them. That world was dominated forever by some other big (and in my opinion, also great) guitar brands. But there have been big pop acts that show up on stage with our guitars, and I’ve ended up in rooms that, by any sound logic, I had no business being in.

There have been Dunables used to record albums by huge bands with other brand endorsements, so I can’t even tell anyone. But that kind of stuff has always been a great secret to keep and has really helped boost my ego in times that I’ve felt like an impostor in this business.

What can fans expect from Dunable in the near future?

Likely, more guitars and basses. Plus, more cool artist collabs later this and next year, and maybe some new or first-time models. There’s lots of fun stuff to come!

Dunable guitars on Andertons TV

Lee and Oz crank up the Dunable DE Series to see what it can really do. Loud riffs incoming.

Follow Dunable Guitars online

Digging the vibe of these instruments? Stay up to date with Dunable’s latest news, models and more:

• Subscribe to Dunable Guitars on YouTube
• Follow @dunable_guitars on Instagram
• Follow @dunableguitars on Facebook

Be sure to bookmark the Andertons Blog too. We’re always dropping fresh content, from in-depth learn articles to the hottest gear news.

Ready to riff?

Dunable Yeti DE Electric Guitar in Aged Silverburst

£1,429.00

Dunable Gnarwhal DE Electric Guitar in Gloss Black

£1,399.00

Dunable Yeti DE Electric Guitar in Oxblood Metallic

£1,429.00

Dunable Minotaur DE Electric Guitar in Matte Black

£1,429.00

Dunable Yeti DE Electric Guitar in Gloss Black

£1,429.00

Dunable Asteroid DE Electric Guitar in Sky Blue

£1,429.00

Dunable R2 V2 DE Electric Guitar in Silverburst

£1,349.00

Dunable Gnarwhal DE Bass Guitar in Olive Green

£1,429.00

Dunable Yeti DE Baritone Swamp Ash Electric Guitar in Matte Black

£1,429.00

Dunable Gnarwhal DE Baritone Electric Guitar with Bigsby in Vintage White

£1,429.00

Dunable Minotaur DE Electric Guitar in Matte Olive Green

£1,429.00

Dunable Gnarwhal DE Black Limba Electric Guitar in Tobacco Burst

£1,429.00

Dunable R2 V2 DE Bass Guitar in Olive Green

£1,429.00

Dunable Yeti DE Baritone Electric Guitar in Oxblood Metallic

£1,429.00

Dunable R2 V2 DE Electric Guitar in Gloss Black

£1,349.00

Valeton GP-150 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal

£149.99

Valeton GP-180 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal

£159.99

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

£59.99

Valeton GP-50 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal

£89.99

Valeton GP-200LT Guitar Amp & Effects Processor

£199.99

Valeton GP-200 Multi-Effects Processor

£249.00

Valeton GP-200X Limited Edition 10th Anniversary Multi-Effects Processor

£269.00

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

£59.99

Valeton GP-50 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal

£89.99

Valeton GP-150 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal

£149.99

Valeton GP-180 Multi-FX, Amp Modeller & IR Loader Pedal

£159.99

Valeton GP-200LT Guitar Amp & Effects Processor

£199.99

Valeton GP-200 Multi-Effects Processor

£249.00

Valeton GP-200X Limited Edition 10th Anniversary Multi-Effects Processor

£269.00

Valeton GP-200 Multi-Effects Processor Pedal with Bag and FRFR Cab

£479.00

Tone King Royalist Tube Preamp Pedal

£599.00

Tone King Imperial Tube Preamp Pedal

£599.00

Victory PowerValve 200 Compact Power Amp

£499.00

Neural DSP Quad Cortex QC Digital Effects Processor and Amp Modeller

£1,449.00

Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini Digital Effects Processor and Amp Modeller

£1,129.00

Victory MKX Lunchbox 1x12"" Cab With Celestion Seventy 80

£349.00

Does It Doom Sabbathi Octave Fuzz Pedal

£199.00

Does It Doom Walpurgis Vol. 2 ‘MoR’ Edition Sabbathic Overdrive Pedal

£289.00

Does It Doom Bower Power Jimmy Bower Signature Op-Amp Overdrive Pedal

£239.00

Does It Doom Giza Dva JFET-Based Blended Preamp & Distortion Pedal

£289.00

Does It Doom Doomsaw 'Blood Splatter' Edition Distortion Pedal

£189.00

Does It Doom Baghdad ‘Green’ Edition High-Gain Preamp Pedal

£289.00

Does It Doom Aghartha Drone Distortion Preamp Pedal

£229.00

Does It Doom Masochist Matt Pike Signature Overdrive & Distortion Pedal

£289.00

Does It Doom Elder God Dual-Blended Fuzz Pedal

£209.00

Does It Doom Fuzzcoven Silicon Fuzz Pedal

£189.00