So you’re in the market for a beginner guitar. It might be for yourself, your kid, a loved one or a good friend. You can quickly look up and buy a cheap instrument from a massive online retailer – think Amazon, Argos (UK), Walmart (USA) and Aldi (EU), or second-hand and classified ad sites like eBay, Gumtree and Craigslist.

But there are some important reasons as to why you should steer clear of buying a guitar, drum kit, keyboard or any other instrument from these websites. While the prices are attractive and the purchase process is straightforward, you don’t know that you’re going to get a reliable instrument. Quite simply, they don’t have your best interests at heart. So what’s the answer?

Here’s why we think you should buy your first guitar from a music shop:

1. You get to choose from a wide range of instruments
2. They don’t stock rubbish
3. You get more for your money
4. The experts look after you and your instrument
5. They’ll introduce you to the community

N.B. while we’ve written this article based on guitars, the same points also apply to other instruments like bass guitars, acoustic guitars, digital pianos, drums and percussion, and much more.

1. You’ll Get Plenty of Choice

You can buy a generic entry level guitar from pretty much any large retailer – but what about a guitar you’d actually like to look at and play? To state the obvious, buying your first guitar is an incredibly important and exciting step in your musical journey and you’ll want a guitar to continue to inspire you to keep practicing every time you pick it up to play.

When you buy from a music shop, you’re presented with a huge number of options tailored specifically for musicians. You can get a better idea of what you like the look of, what suits your style and feels comfortable. If you’re able to visit a music shop in person, you can feel and listen to the guitar too! This will help you make a more informed choice. Regardless of whether you’re at a shop or just browsing on a guitar shop’s website, the staff will be able to guide you in the right direction with expert advice – more on that later.

2. They Don’t Stock Rubbish!

Not only do you get a wider variety of instruments to choose from in a music shop, but the quality is far, far superior to that of large generic retailers. Music shops are not going to stock guitars simply because they’re made on the cheap. The people who own and run music stores know what they’re buying and take great pride in stocking legitimately good guitars across all price ranges. You’re getting the real deal rather than buying unknown brands or copies.

Reputable music shops stock some of the best brands in the business including Squier, EastCoast, Yamaha, Ibanez, Epiphone and loads more. These guitar builders cater to professional musicians, so you know that you can trust them!

3. You Get More For Your Money

We all love a bargain, and while you might be able to buy a guitar from a larger retailer for around £80, it will almost certainly be terribly made, it’ll barely last a year and there’s a good chance it will put you off playing the instrument entirely.

Spend even a little more at a guitar shop and you won’t regret it. EastCoast guitars are the very best entry level guitars around and their electrics start from just £99. They feel good to play, sound excellent and will last you the entirety of your formal years. The beginner guitar bundles we offer includes everything you need to get started, like a guitar amp, gig bag, guitar stand, strap, picks and a cable at a discounted price.

4. Experts Look After You & Your Instrument

Buying from a music shop is a personal, enjoyable experience that you’ll remember for a long time to come. Whether you pay a visit to the shop itself or shop online, your custom is valued and you’ll always be taken good care of as you get to take your time browsing instruments.

Here at Andertons, all our staff love making music and bring their own specialist knowledge in across every department. You don’t get that from any old shop. You can ask for personal advice and recommendations and take the opportunity to sit with the instruments if you’re there in person. Our experts can play them for you too, to get an idea of how they sound in experienced hands. Let’s say you decide to buy an instrument; it doesn’t end there. It’ll come arrive with you ready to play. You’ll receive all the advice you need on getting started as well as suggestions for accessories and upgrades you might want or need down the line.

If you’ve got any questions or issues, you can always call or pop into the shop. How do I re-string my guitar? How do I connect my keyboard to my computer? Most reputable music retailers like us have friendly teams on hand to deal with any enquiries.

5. They’ll Introduce You to the Community

For many musicians, beginner or veteran, learning an instrument is more than just a hobby. It sounds cliché, but it’s a way of life. When you decide to pick up a new instrument, you become part of a community and when you buy from a music company, you’re sure to get a warm welcome. As a family-run business for over 50 years, it’s how we do things at Andertons Music Co.

This means everything from tips on tuition and finding guitar, piano and drum lessons, to an insight into what’s to come. Local events, big releases, music news, helpful guides and articles (much like this one, we hope!) and more. You’re part of the family now!

Are Second-Hand Instruments Good for Beginners?

Some people consider second-hand instruments to be a viable choice for beginners. The main draw is the price, where the likelihood of grabbing a bargain is good on sites such as eBay and Gumtree.

Although finding a gem is possible, most of the time second-hand starter instruments will be duds. Whether they’ve been left banished in damp-ridden closets for years, or simply mistreated by their owners, there’s always an element of risk when it comes to buying second-hand gear – especially more affordable instruments.

Most beginner instruments are constructed from cheaper materials to keep their costs low, so they can be more susceptible to wear and tear. Of course, we’re not saying that you should avoid second-hand musical equipment at all costs. In fact, we have our very own dedicated second-hand section featuring some amazing gear. However, with cheaper instruments we’d always recommend trying them out before buying!

Andertons Music Co. – The Best Musical Instrument Store in England?

OK, we might be a little biased but whether you’re local to the Guildford & Surrey area or a musician living in Brighton, Bristol or London looking for your first guitar, Andertons is just a short trip away. We’re 45 minutes by train from London and just over an hour in the car from Brighton and the South Coast. You’ll find the best selection of guitars, pedals, amps, synths, drums and more – all at competitive prices with friendly faces to answer your questions. Find out more about our shop opening times and location and plan your visit!

Find out more

If you enjoyed reading this, check out the rest of our learn articles. If you want to know more about buying for beginners then head over to our site to browse our comprehensive catalogue!

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Whether we like it or not, there’s no escaping the fact that Bluetooth has fully integrated itself within our guitar bubble. From simple audio connectivity to advanced AI-powered jamming and tone generation, Bluetooth has become a standout theme within many of our more recent favourite product releases.

We take an Andertons deep dive into how Bluetooth is being used within our amps and how it could be used to shape the way you practice.

So, in no particular order – here are our top 5 reasons why you need a Bluetooth-equipped guitar amp!

1. A 2-in-1 Guitar Amp and Sound System

Gone are the days of small, boxy-sounding guitar practice amps with a 3.5mm Aux In that sounds more like trying to listen to music through a half-distorted vintage horned gramophone. With modern digital modelling technology often taking care of the amp, cab and speaker tones of the amp, the actual amp itself is left to focus on simply providing a wide-open, luxurious, often stereo sound that’s perfect for music playback.

This makes these sorts of amps perfect for players who don’t specifically have the space for a guitar amp and home sound system but would still like something that’s loud enough, and with a good enough sound for music streaming, listening to the radio during the day and even for watching videos online or gaming with better sound.

The Positive Grid Spark range of amps is perfect due to their variety of different sizes available, making it easy to pick out a model that best suits your space.

2. Effortless Jamming

There is nothing worse than a spaghetti of cables piled on the floor, not to mention the effort of trying to untangle leads in a rush when something in the signal path goes wrong. Guitar amps that feature Bluetooth streaming take this stress away, allowing you to effortlessly connect your phone or other Bluetooth device to your amp so you can jam along with your favourite track or online lesson.

For those who busk with backing tracks, the Orange Ed Sheeran Outlowd ES3 or ES60 are the perfect solution thanks to their premium preamps, powerful battery life, lightweight design and integrated Bluetooth.

3. App Control

If you’re a player who likes to fully take control of your tone, or perhaps someone who wants an amp that comes with a near infinite amount of possible options, then a practice amp with its own integrated Bluetooth app is the perfect choice.

Each brand and model offers a different take, but the general gist is that rather than being limited to the relatively small amount of amp models and effects typically offered on the front panel of the amp, using in partnership with an app opens the possibilities to a vast plethora of different amps, cabs, effects and more. They also often allow you to expand on presets as well as share and download sounds with others.

It’s the perfect option for those who don’t want to just commit to one or two core sounds and for those who want to fully explore the vast possibilities of electric guitar tone.

The Positive Grid Reactor even goes as far as using AI-powered integration to allow you to describe a guitar tone with word prompts or even images to help accomplish the dream guitar sound you have in your head.

4. Your Ultimate Practice Companion

Practice amps with integrated app control often come bundled with a whole heap of useful features that help keep practice focused and on track. From simple metronomes and built-in drum machines to loopers and even tutorial courses and exercises, these apps can help take your run if the mill practise routine to something worth getting excited over.

The Blackstar Beam app comes equipped with Moises Stem Separation (releasing August 2026), allowing you to isolate guitar parts from a track or even remove guitar parts so you can seamlessly play along.

5. Fully Wireless

Amps such as the Boss Katana Air utilise both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz digital wireless technology to enable a fully wireless setup. Simply connect your guitar to the Katana Air using the included wireless transmitter, pair with the (sold separately) battery-powered Boss Wireless Bluetooth footswitch and play seamlessly without cables. This type of setup offers the perfect solution for effortless practising when cables of any sort pose a tripping hazard in shared spaces or for those who just prefer a more mess-free, streamlined rig.

Dads can be notoriously difficult to buy for (mine certainly is). Even if playing guitar is his favourite hobby, it’s not always easy knowing what gear will actually rock his world. A Strat-shaped lunchbox or any other novelty stinker that made our “what not to buy guitarists” list definitely won’t!

To save you the hassle, we’ve rounded up a few fab Father’s Day guitar gifts that the strummer or shredder in your life will genuinely love. From pocket-sized guitar pedals to portable practice amps that double as Bluetooth speakers, there’s plenty of inspo below…

1. Guitar tech & maintenance essentials bundle

We stock an awesome range of guitar care products to help keep his pride and joy looking spotless and playing like a dream. Polishing sprays, fingerboard oils, setup tools… you name it.

But if you don’t fancy scrolling through dozens of options, our Andertons Guitar Tech & Maintenance Essentials Bundle has you covered. It includes everything Dad will need to get his guitar in top shape:

• Jim Dunlop body & fingerboard care kit: Perfect for keeping his axe clean, shiny and well-conditioned.
• 11-piece guitar care toolkit: Includes a string cutter, measuring gauges, fret files and other handy tools.
• Cork work mat & neck cradle: No more awkward balancing acts! These make working on a guitar safe and easy on any surface.
• Trigger capo: A must-have for quick, accurate adjustments and hassle-free restringing.

Buy the bundle now

2. Mini guitar pedal

Mini guitar pedals from the likes of Tone City and Landlord FX will always go down well. As they’re so small, they’re an absolute doddle to wrap and Dad will have no trouble squeezing one onto his pedalboard. But don’t be fooled — just because they’re tiny, doesn’t mean they sound it!

Plenty of these petit stompboxes come in under £50 too, so you won’t have to break the bank to surprise Dad with a fresh, inspiring new effect this Father’s Day.

Shop all mini guitar pedals

3. Guitar pedalboard bundle

Really wanna treat him? Check out our range of guitar pedalboard bundles. Each kit includes a sturdy Tone City pedalboard, a handpicked selection of mini pedals, plus patch cables and a power supply — all the stuff Dad will need to get up and running. Then once everything’s been unwrapped, he can build his new setup, plug in and start exploring a whole load of wicked sounds.

The coolest thing about these bundles is that they’re tailored to specific genres, with some even designed to capture the sound of a famous player. If he’s into Metallica or Judas Priest, he’ll be melting faces in no time with our Metal Pedalboard Kit. Big Van Halen fan? Go for the Eruption-Inspired Pedalboard Bundle. Or if Noel Gallagher’s his fave, the “Sound Like Oasis” Pedalboard Bundle will do the trick. There’s no way he’ll be looking back in anger after that prezzie!

Shop all pedalboard bundles

4. EastCoast Bounce 15 desktop amp & Bluetooth speaker

Dad won’t always have the house to himself to crank up his prized valve amp. So, for those quieter moments (like an after-work practice sesh), a desktop guitar amp such as the EastCoast Bounce 15 is a perfect pick. It models eight legendary amps to cover almost any style and comes packed with four built-in effects that are loads of fun.

The Bounce 15 also features Bluetooth audio playback, so it doubles as a nifty little speaker for jamming along to backing tracks — or just kicking back with a few favourite tunes. Not bad for £54.99!

PJD Guitars has become one of the UK’s most respected boutique instrument builders. Founded by Leigh Dovey in 2010, the brand takes its name from his late father — a Royal Opera House prop maker whose craftsmanship clearly left a lasting impression. Following in those footsteps, Leigh developed his own skills as a woodworker, honing his guitar-making craft alongside a career in sound and video engineering.

Things stepped up in 2017 when PJD moved into a larger workshop in York, giving Leigh and his growing team the space to step up production and properly establish their home. Since then, they’ve built a reputation for standout Custom Shop electric guitars that blend classic shapes with modern precision.

More recently, PJD introduced the Origin Series. It’s a more accessible range designed to capture the feel and character of their high-end builds, but at a price point that opens the door to more players. We caught up with Leigh to talk about this lineup, as well as what first sparked his passion for guitar building and the challenges he’s faced along the way.

10 questions with Leigh Dovey

What originally inspired you to start building guitars?

Well, I became totally obsessed with guitars when I was about 10 or 11. I remember on a family holiday to America, I visited this amazing guitar shop (Ed Roman Guitars it was called) which also had a huge parts department. Pickups, hardware, spare necks, bodies — you name it, they had it. They used to build guitars in house too, I believe.

My dad and I got chatting to the tech guy and he helped me choose some cool mods for my Fender Mexican Stratocaster. When we got back, we started modding this Strat and it came out pretty cool actually. So, I guess that was where it all started.

What do you think sets PJD guitars apart from other brands?

PJD Guitars is still a small, family-run business, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Unlike many larger brands, I remain personally involved in every aspect of the company, from designing and developing new models to overseeing production, speaking with dealers and talking directly with customers.

Because we’re not a huge corporation, we’re able to focus on quality, attention to detail and building instruments that we genuinely believe in, rather than chasing trends or production targets. Every guitar that leaves our workshop represents what we’ve built the company on from day one.

We spent a fair amount of time working on what voice we wanted certain guitars to have, and I’m massively proud of what we’ve accomplished. I think they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best.

What kind of feedback from guitarists has shaped your instruments the most over the years?

One of the biggest advantages of being a small guitar company is that we’re able to have genuine conversations with the people who play our instruments. And the most valuable feedback is often the simplest.

A guitar should inspire you, but it also has to be a practical tool that you can rely on. Listening to players has helped us strike that balance. Even today, I still take a keen interest in customer feedback, and many of the refinements we’ve made over the years have come directly from conversations with musicians.

You brought pickup production in-house a couple of years ago. What drove that decision & what challenges came with it?

It was something that I’ve always wanted to do. I think guitar building is such an art form, so why put in all that work and then drop in a set of pickups that haven’t been designed by the person building the instrument?

I’m pretty lucky to have Josh Parkin working for me. He’s been building and designing pickups and guitars for years, so really it wasn’t too challenging. We spent a fair amount of time working on what voice we wanted certain guitars to have, and I’m massively proud of what we’ve accomplished. I think they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best.

What are PJD Origin Series guitars & where are they made?

The Origin Series is the entry point to PJD guitars. They’re designed by us in the UK and built in Indonesia.

How does the Origin Series compare to your UK-built instruments?

Personally, I feel the Origin Series captures the parts of the UK-built instruments that people always comment on — shape, frets, finish, feel and sound — which is exactly what we set out to do with these instruments.

Yes, of course you don’t have the hand-wound pickups, the level of customisation or the crazy attention to detail of our Custom Shop guitars. But what you do get is an amazing instrument designed by us, with all the important details done really well. And of course, at a price that’s way more attainable — without sounding too much like a salesman!

You’ve recently introduced microtonal necks. What inspired that move and are they difficult to make?

Well, I can’t take any credit for that, we owe that to Lee Anderton. I’ve been friends with Lee for quite a few years now and we’ve often discussed cool and new projects together. But this one certainly came as a surprise.

Lee phoned me one afternoon and started chatting about Angine de Poitrine. He asked, “could you guys build a microtonal guitar neck?” And I said “yeah, I don’t see why not”. When I told Josh, his beard nearly flew off!

We got our heads around the fret position calculator and went to work, and the result of course was the very cool microtonal guitars video you guys released a few weeks back. Since then, we’ve all gone microtonal mad. Harriet (Leigh’s wife) said she’s in microtonal hell, haha.

A few big names have picked up PJD guitars but which one surprised you the most?

Katie Melua! To be completely honest, I didn’t even know Katie had a PJD until her guitar tech got in touch last year and asked if we would build another for an upcoming tour, which we were pretty excited about.

Do you have a personal favourite PJD model at the moment?

It’s got to be the St. John, in any form. Elite, Classic or Origin — it’s just a cool guitar.

Can you share anything cool PJD Guitars are cooking up in the near future?

Absolutely… not! You will have to wait and see, maybe a nanotonal neck? 

PJD guitars on Andertons TV

Want to hear them in action? Watch Lee and Danish Pete put the PJD Origin Series through its paces in the video below:

Follow PJD Guitars online

Love the look of these instruments? Stay in the loop with PJD’s latest news, models and more:

• Subscribe to PJD Guitars on YouTube
• Follow @pjdguitars on Instagram
• Follow @pjdguitars on Facebook

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

Pick up a PJD!

Shop all PJD guitars

The post PJD Guitars: interview with founder Leigh Dovey appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Back in 2012, Eddie Van Halen was voted the winner of Guitar World’s Greatest Guitarist of All Time readers’ poll. Big deal, right? In the social media era, we see these kinds of clickbaity listicles all the time. But this one was pretty significant…

Not only was it the publication’s first-ever GOAT guitarist poll, but almost half a million votes were cast. We ain’t talkin’ ’bout some random blogger’s opinion here. It was a full-blown, tournament-style showdown featuring 132 of the biggest names in guitar, with Eddie battling past players like Slash, Satch and Randy Rhoads before seeing off Brian May in the final.

Whatever you make of lists like that, there’s still a compelling case that Eddie Van Halen was the most influential guitarist to emerge since Jimi Hendrix. Few players have captured the raw excitement of the electric guitar in quite the same way, and even fewer have pushed it forward while doing so.

When Eddie plugged in, it felt like anything was possible, and his impact reshaped how guitarists play, sound and even think about the instrument. In this blog, we’re going to dive(bomb) into five ways Eddie changed the game.

Five ways Eddie Van Halen rewrote the rock guitar rulebook

From his explosive style to pushing gear to its limits, Eddie Van Halen raised the bar in more ways than one:

1. He took guitar technique to a new level

Eddie popularised two-handed fingerboard tapping, a technique that allowed him to play rapid, cascading arpeggios that sounded more like a keyboard than an electric guitar. While he didn’t invent tapping (contrary to what some EVH die-hards might think), he refined it, weaponised it and brought it into the mainstream.

His showcase moment came in the now-iconic instrumental “Eruption”, the second track on Van Halen’s debut album, where he unveiled a completely new vocabulary for rock guitar seemingly out of nowhere. It wasn’t just about speed, it was about phrasing, feel and the sheer musicality of what he was doing with both hands on the neck.

Almost overnight, tapping became part of the modern guitarist’s toolkit and players everywhere scrambled to work it into their own style. But very few could match Eddie’s touch and flair. And to this day, “Eruption” remains the benchmark for guitar virtuosity.

2. Pioneered the “brown sound” and tone innovation

Eddie transformed how the guitar sounded too. His tone became just as legendary as his technical wizardry, creating what’s often referred to as the “brown sound” — a rich, saturated high-gain tone that somehow managed to be both smooth and aggressive at the same time.

And that tone didn’t come from off-the-shelf gear. Frustrated with what was available, Eddie took matters into his own hands and kickstarted a DIY approach that would inspire countless players to mod their own equipment. Central to this was his famous “Frankenstrat” guitar, a home-built hybrid that paired a Gibson humbucker with a Strat-style body and tremolo, giving him the best of both worlds in tone and feel.

He didn’t stop there either, famously tinkering with his Marshall amps to squeeze out more gain, punch and sustain. The result was a sound that redefined hard rock guitar — thick, articulate and instantly recognisable. More importantly, it proved that tone isn’t something you just buy, but rather something you build, shape and properly obsess over.

3. Inventive use of gear and effects

Eddie Van Halen was always chasing new sounds, treating his rig as an extension of his creativity and constantly pushing the boundaries. A key part of his style was his use of the Floyd Rose locking tremolo, which allowed him to perform extreme dive bombs and wide, expressive vibrato tricks while keeping everything in tune. What had previously been a risky move became a defining part of his playing style. And suddenly, every guitarist wanted a locking trem system!

He also made inventive use of guitar pedals, weaving in phasers, flangers and delays to add movement, depth and a real sense of drama to his sound. Tracks like “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” and “Unchained” showed how these effects could become part of the riff itself and not just something layered on top.

4. He blended classical melody with rock energy

Yes, Eddie’s solos were often fast and flashy, but he also had an awesome sense of melody. His playing struck a rare balance between technical brilliance and musical feel, which is probably why his lead parts still resonate with so many players today.

While most guitarists of the era focused purely on blues-based rock phrasing, Eddie drew on a wider palette of influences, including classical music. You can hear it in the structure of his solos — the way phrases build, resolve and evolve, almost like composed pieces rather than off-the-cuff jams. That’s what set him apart. His solos weren’t just fast for the sake of it; they were memorable and packed with personality. Skip to 2:15 below for one of Eddie’s best…

5. Incredible songwriting and hooky riffs

Beyond his soloing ability, Eddie Van Halen’s real superpower was knowing how to serve the song. Long before the solos kicked in, he was laying down riffs that did the heavy lifting. And they’re some of the most recognisable in rock history.

Tracks like “Dance the Night Away”, “Panama” and “Hot for Teacher” show just how inventive his rhythm playing was, blending groove, feel and punch with a real sense of joy. Even now, they still sound as fresh as ever. Whether it was the chugging drive of his palm-muted parts or the way he’d inject subtle embellishments into a riff, his playing always felt bouncy and alive. And let’s be honest, they’re ridiculously fun to play!

Is Eddie Van Halen the best guitarist ever?

“Best” is always subjective when it comes to artists and what they create. But based on everything we’ve covered, Eddie firmly belongs on guitar’s Mount Rushmore alongside Jimi Hendrix. And the remaining spots? That’s up to you. Jimmy Page? Brian May? David Gilmour? Whoever makes your top four, Jimi and Eddie feel like permanent fixtures most guitarists can agree on.

Nearly every rock, metal and shred guitarist who emerged in the ’80s owes something to him — from Vito Bratta (White Lion) and Warren DeMartini (Ratt) to Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt. His two-handed tapping and whammy bar theatrics may have been the defining sounds of the decade, but it was his melodic phrasing, rhythmic swagger and sheer sense of fun that truly made him special. And the “brown sound” is still the benchmark for great guitar tone!

So, is he the best of all time? That’s for you to decide. But very few players have changed the instrument so completely, or made it feel so exciting, as Eddie Van Halen.

FAQs

Why is Eddie Van Halen so popular?

Eddie Van Halen is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history thanks to his trailblazing technique, iconic tone and memorable riffs. From his explosive playing on tracks like “Eruption” to his innovative gear choices and signature “brown sound,” Eddie redefined what guitar was all about. His unique style and creativity helped shape modern rock and inspired generations of guitarists.

How was Van Halen so good at guitar?

Eddie’s skill came from a combination of natural musicality, obsessive practice and constant experimentation. He was known for spending hours refining techniques and tweaking his gear to achieve new sounds. And while synonymous with speed and technicality, it was his sense of phrasing, rhythm and melody that really made his playing feel exciting and fresh.

What is Eddie Van Halen’s greatest guitar solo?

Eddie wrote countless iconic solos, but “Eruption” is often considered Eddie Van Halen’s greatest guitar moment. Released on Van Halen’s 1978 debut album, the instrumental showcased his revolutionary two-handed tapping and tremolo picking techniques, plus his creative use of echo, phaser and whammy bar effects.

Did Eddie Van Halen invent tapping?

No, Eddie Van Halen didn’t invent two-handed tapping, but he popularised it and took it to a whole new level. Players like Steve Hackett and others had used similar techniques before, but Eddie refined it, made it a core part of his style and introduced it to a global audience through songs like “Eruption”, “Jump” and “Mean Street”.

Who taught Eddie Van Halen to play guitar?

Eddie Van Halen was largely self-taught on guitar, although he did receive early music training in piano as a child. After switching to guitar, he developed his style by listening to players like Eric Clapton and experimenting on his own.

Want to learn more?

Chasing your own “brown sound”? Head over to our learn section for deep dives and handy how-to guides to help you dial in your perfect tone. Or if you’d rather stay in the loop with all things gear, our gear news page is well worth a bookmark.

Run with the devil!

Shop all EVH gear

The post Eddie Van Halen: The Greatest Guitarist of All Time? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

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.

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. 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?