Neural Amp Modelling, or NAM for short, is one of those things which in a very short space of time has completely taken over the electric guitar amp market. But what is Neural Amp Modelling? And why or how is it different to other digital amp simulations? And, most importantly, could a NAM-compatible pedal or amp benefit you or your setup?

Digital Modellers – The solution we asked for

Back when I first started gigging, guitar amps seemed like a much simpler subject. For the most part, there were 3 basic guitar amp types…

• Valve (or Tube) amps, which were generally considered the gold standard for professional (or aspiring) guitarists.

• Solid-State amps, which either covered simple, fully analogue practice amps or, at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, professional, super-clean, hi-fi-like gigging amps, perfect for musicians seeking the cleanest and loudest possible amp tones, such as Jazz guitarists.

• And finally, basic Digital Modellers, which sort of bridged the gap between beginners and more seasoned players, offering both practice and gigging amps that provided a basic selection of some of the most popular amp types from crystal cleans to full-bore American voiced-scooped metal tones. These sorts of amps often came with a handful of popular effects as well, enabling players to get a taste of a full rig and the press of a few buttons.

Each amp type had its place within the community, and each type generally had its own set of pros and cons.

Guitarists generally argued (and still do) that valve amps sounded and felt the best to play; however, they were extremely heavy and would often require regular, expensive maintenance. Solid-state amps were for the most part, bomb proof but had limitations in sound and were equally heavy, often relying on tried and tested, old-school technology. And finally, Digital modellers offered the most versatility and were often much lighter to carry; however, guitarists would often complain about how the sound and feel were never quite right.

The quest has been on to find a perfect solution which offered the versatility of early digital modelling amps, with the genuine tone and feel of a valve amp, and the reliability of a solid-state amp.

When did Digital Amp Modelling become a major player?

The amp modelling world was turned on its head in 2006 when, thanks to major advances in digital processing, Fractal Audio Systems revolutionised the market with their Axe-FX modelling and multi-fx processor. Unlike the original incarnation of digital modellers, which used simple digital technology to mimic the basic gain structure and EQ curve of a classic amp to give players a flavour of the overall tonal character of the original, the Axe FX used advanced computer processing power to model valve amps at a component level. From valves and transformers, right down to resistors and capacitors, the Axe FX system used a whole load of maths and science in partnership with the amp’s schematic to not only digitally reproduce what every part was doing within the circuit but also how each component behaved and interacted with each other.

As a player, what we ended up with was a digital modeller that felt and sounded real. The sag, attack, dynamics, touch sensitivity… It was all there! Furthermore, the Axe FX utilised a new technology – Impulse Responses (IR) to take care of not only the speaker cab tone but also the sound of the microphone and room it was recorded in. The result – a digital amp tone that actually sounded like air was being moved around the room.

Amp Profiling

In 2011, digital amps were once again turned on their head with the launch of the Kemper Profiler. This digital amp simulator introduced a completely new, revolutionary way of modelling an amp – Profiling.

Rather than modelling an amp based on an approximation of either its sound, EQ, gain or even components, the profiler took what sort of could be described as a digital fingerprint or photograph of what that amp or pedal was actually doing at that exact time. It’s arguably the most accurate way to reproduce the sound and feel of a real amp or pedal digitally, because instead of approximating what’s going on, a capture actually measures every detail of what’s audibly happening.

I won’t go into the full details on how a capture is done, but in its most simplest form, a ‘test tone’ is sent through that piece of gear, which is then sent back to the capturing device (be it a computer or a separate piece of gear such as a Kemper, Tonex or a Neural DSP) via a microphone or line-level signal. This is then analysed within the software, and a profile is produced.

The ‘test tone’ works by sweeping an audio signal through the gear that it’s capturing, measuring its reaction to different frequencies and dynamics, how quickly it reacts, its gain structure and how that fluctuates, how it compresses, how it releases the sound and just about everything we would ever notice as a player.

Once the profile is created, it will usually have some basic volume, gain and EQ controls; however, this won’t work in the way it would on the amp – it’s just a way of sort of fine-tuning the capture for what you are using it for. For the most part, once a capture is done, that’s the tone you will get – just like a photograph.

Profiling vs. Captures vs. NAM vs. SnapTones

One of the most common questions that we get asked is what the difference is between an Amp Profile, a NAM file, a Capture or even a Valeton SnapTone.

In short, Nothing, they are all just different names for what is essentially the same thing. All of these use the same idea – a series of ‘test tones’ played through a piece of gear to capture a digital profile of that piece of equipment.

The small differences lie in how the analysis is then processed through the computer or profiler’s software and then turned into something that you can play through. It’s a bit like seasoning a dish – 2 chefs can make the same meal with the same core ingredients; however, each can differ in taste purely down to each chef’s personal touch and how they choose to season it.

Generally speaking, when it comes to bad vs good profiles or captures, it is usually down to the person and the equipment used when creating the capture rather than the software itself. Poor line levels, wrong mic placement and subpar recording equipment are usually the culprits when it comes to a bad profile. 

Amp Modelling vs Captures

This is another question that I imagine guitarists will happily argue over indefinitely; however, in my opinion, both are great options, and both have their place within a rig or setup.

A capture is the perfect choice if you have a specific sound from an amp or pedal that you have already perfectly dialled in, and you simply want to capture that within the digital realm. If you use captures and want to get multiple sounds from a single piece of gear, then, generally speaking, the best way to achieve this is to capture that gear multiple times, physically changing the controls each time before you capture. That’s why you will often see captures named – ‘Amp brand/model – clean’, ‘amp brand/model – edge of break up’,  ‘amp brand/model – crunch’, ‘amp brand/model – lead’, etc.

Modellers are much more flexible, and generally, the controls act and behave just like they do on the real thing. This means that you can change, adjust and tweak much more freely, enabling you to dial in your perfect tones on the fly when and as you need to.

Is Neural Amp Modeller the same as Neural DSP?

No – Both have ‘Neural’ in the name, and both are tools used for getting incredible amp and pedal tones digitally; however, they are 2 separate things.

Is NAM free?

NAM is a free, open-source software that anyone can use. There is a vast library of free-to-download NAM files, which you can simply download and upload to your NAM-compatible pedal, depending on how many free slots you have available. In turn, this allows you to experience and use amps that you could usually only dream of using.

Using the software, you are also able to create your own captures to use for yourself or share freely within the guitar community; however, you will need a good quality audio interface along with either a good microphone or some form of professional amp load box with line-level out if you wish to capture without a cab.

For those who just want to skip to incredible results without sifting through tons of free captures, there is always the option to buy NAM files from people who specialise in creating them. The choice is yours, but from our experience, there are thousands of amazing NAM captures available, which are completely free of charge – Including these NAM Valeton SnapTone captures, which you can download for free here.

How do I use NAM

Using Neural Amp Modeller is easier than you may think! In the above video, Digital John and Lee go through the complete process of using Neural Amp Modeller to create, download, edit, and upload a NAM file into a Valeton GP-5.

Further information, as well as the free software needed, can be found on the Neural Amp Modeller website here.

NAM vs IR

Impulse Responses (IRs) are used to capture the sound of a speaker or a space and are the perfect way of capturing the digital fingerprint of a guitar cab within a room. IRs are linear, meaning that they don’t take into account tonal changes that can sometimes occur with dynamic playing, distortion, compression or volume levels, which sort of makes them perfect for speaker cab simulation.

NAM or any other type of Amp Captures are non-linear, meaning that they capture the whole three-dimensional image of an amp. This makes it the perfect choice for capturing the full dynamic behaviour, response and sound of a pre or power amp.

Amp captures often also capture the sound of the amp’s speaker cab; however, some players prefer to use captures done via a load box with a lineout method, so that they can use their capture in partnership with an IR. This allows guitarists to chop and change between different cabinet variations, allowing them to have further flexibility with their tone.

Is NAM the same as NAMM?

This is another question which gets asked a lot, especially when people just hear the acronym spoken out loud. No, NAM is not the same as NAMM. NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is a yearly trade show that takes place in Anaheim, California, which is typically used by most major musical instrument manufacturers to debut and showcase the coming year’s launches.

Conclusion

Wherever you’re a die-hard digital fanatic who is looking for something sleek, modern and lightweight, or a beginner after a piece of gear that can effortlessly keep up with whatever song you are learning that week, or even, a seasoned valve-amp veteran after something that can quickly be flung into a gig bag on a jam night or fly gig – I think there is a place for a NAM-compatible pedal in every rig.

With enough flexibility to cover any type of guitar tone imaginable and feel and response that’s as close to the real thing as possible, it’s no wonder that these types of pedals are increasingly becoming one of the most used bits of gear on stage, on the road, in the studio and at home.

With their road-worthy build quality, tiny footprint and unrivalled versatility, NAM-compatible pedals are the perfect solution for what most of us have been asking for for over 2 decades!

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 What is Neural Amp Modelling (NAM)? appeared first on Andertons Blog.

Tuning machines might not be the most exciting part of your guitar, but they play a crucial role in how it performs. Locking guitar tuners have become a popular upgrade among players of all levels, offering more solid tuning stability with minimal fuss. But what exactly are locking tuners, how do they work and what are their benefits?

What are locking guitar tuners and how do they work?

Locking tuners work in a similar way to regular machine heads, but they’re designed to improve tuning stability and make restringing much quicker. They typically feature a pin or clamping mechanism to securely lock the string, preventing it from slipping when you’re playing.

Because the guitar strings are held firmly in place, locking tuners remove the need to wrap the them around the tuning posts. This not only helps reduce string slippage but also makes string changes faster and more straightforward — especially handy if you need to swap out a broken string at a gig!

Which guitars benefit most from locking tuners?

The benefits of locking tuners are often most noticeable on guitars fitted with tremolo systems, such as a Fender Stratocaster or PRS Custom 24. When you use a tremolo arm, the tension of the strings is constantly changing, which can cause the winds around the tuner posts to loosen and shift slightly. The same thing can happen when you’re bending strings.

In an ideal world, everything would return perfectly to pitch once the tension settles back to normal (the “zero” position of the strings). But in reality, those tiny shifts in the string windings can leave your guitar slightly out of tune.

Because locking tuners clamp the string in place, they eliminate the need for multiple wraps around the post. This reduces movement at the tuner itself, resulting in more consistent tuning stability.

The pros of locking guitar tuners

We’ve touched on a few of these already, but here’s a quick roundup of the key benefits of locking tuners. Plus, a couple more reasons why they’re such a popular upgrade:

• Superior tuning stability: Your guitar is more likely to stay in tune, especially when using a tremolo system or performing big string bends.
• Faster string changes: With no need for multiple wraps around the posts, restringing is quicker and much less hassle.
• Affordable upgrade: Locking tuners offer a noticeable performance boost without breaking the bank, with good-quality sets starting from around £70.
• Minimal modification required: In most cases, locking tuners will slot seamlessly into the existing holes on your guitar’s headstock. So, you won’t have to get the drill out!

The cons of locking tuners

Are there any downsides to locking tuners? Not many, but there are a few things worth bearing in mind before making the switch:

• Not a complete fix: While locking tuners can improve tuning stability, they’re not a cure-all. Factors like nut friction and setup still play a big part.
• Added weight: Some locking tuners are slightly heavier than standard ones, which can add a bit of weight to the headstock and possibly lead to neck dive.
• Not always needed: Some players and techs will argue that with proper stringing technique, normal guitar tuners can be just as stable. It’s ultimately down to personal preference and how you play.
• Change your guitar’s look: Swapping out tuners will alter your guitar’s appearance. For most players, the benefits of locking tuners outweigh this, but it’s something to consider if you like to keep things original.

Who makes locking machine heads?

These days, there are plenty of companies producing locking tuners. But it’s always a good idea to stick with reputable brands for the best results. You can’t go far wrong with names like Fender, PRS, Grover, Gotoh or Schaller, with all of these guitar parts manufacturers having long-standing reputations for quality and reliability.

In most cases, these brands offer a range of styles and finishes. So, you should be able to find a set that closely matches your existing tuners for a simple, like-for-like upgrade.

Are locking tuners worth it?

For some guitarists, locking tuners are a must-have upgrade — once they’ve tried them, there’s no going back. For others, they’re less of a priority (and that’s totally fine). Like most things in the guitar world, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and a bit of experimentation.

There’s no right or wrong approach, but if you’re struggling with tuning issues on your guitar, a decent set of locking tuners just might be the solution!

FAQs

Do locking tuners stay in tune?

Locking tuners can improve tuning stability, but they don’t guarantee perfect tuning. By clamping the string in place, they reduce slippage at the tuner, which helps your guitar stay in tune more consistently. But factors like the nut, bridge and overall setup still play a big role.

Do locking tuners break strings?

No, locking tuners don’t typically cause strings to snap. In fact, because they reduce the need for multiple wraps, they can help minimise stress points that sometimes lead to breakages. Most string breaks are caused by sharp edges at the nut or bridge, rather than the tuners themselves.

Is it hard to retune with locking tuners?

Not at all. Retuning with locking tuners is just as easy as with standard tuners. Once the string is locked in place, you simply tune up or down as normal. In many cases, tuning can even feel more stable and predictable.

Do I need to wrap my guitar strings if I have locking tuners?

No, one of the main benefits of locking tuners is that you don’t need to wrap the strings around the posts. The locking mechanism holds the string securely, so you only need a small amount of slack before tightening and tuning up.

Are locking guitar tuners good for beginners?

Yes, locking tuners can be a great choice for beginners. They make restringing quicker and easier, plus they help reduce common tuning issues caused by incorrect string winding.

Lock in!

Whether you’re gigging for the first time or you’re a seasoned player getting back in the game, we’ve whittled things down to the 15 must-haves every electric guitarist should bring to their next show. From key guitar accessories like spare strings and cables to clever bits of gear that’ll keep your setup slick (and save you from a bit of onstage tap-dancing), we’ve covered everything — from the obvious to the often overlooked.

Before we dive into our stage survival guide, we’re going to assume you’ve already got the basics sorted:

• Your main guitar
• A guitar amp (or amp pedal)
• A pedalboard
• Cables to connect it all together

Got those? Sweet. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty!

1. Earplugs

Yup, they’re boring and not very rock ’n’ roll. But as someone already dealing with tinnitus in their thirties, I can safely say earplugs are one of the most important things you can bring to a gig. You’ll want them in from soundcheck right through to pack down.

Not only will they save your hearing, but if you’re pulling double duty on vocals, they can actually help you hear yourself more clearly if the foldbacks aren’t quite cutting it. The only real exception is if you’re running in-ear monitors, which both protect your ears and give you a personalised mix. They’re a brilliant option if you’re willing to spend the dosh.

Shop all hearing protection

2. Extension lead

You won’t be melting any faces in the front row without something to power your amplifier and pedalboard. And unfortunately, the standard power cables that come with most electric guitar amps and pedal power supplies aren’t exactly generous in length. In other words, reaching the nearest mains socket isn’t always guaranteed!

That’s where a trusty extension lead comes in. Bringing one (or two) with enough outlets for your rig is always a smart move. Just make sure you go for something a few metres long, so you’re not caught short on stage.

Pro tip: Multi-sockets with individual on/off switches for can be really handy and a little safer when plugging gear in and out.

3. Pen and paper

You might’ve printed out lovely, easy-to-read setlists in bold, all-caps for everyone in the band — but if your singer suddenly doesn’t feel like belting out “Sweet Child O’ Mine” or your drummer chickens out of “Tom Sawyer” for the umpteenth time, you’ll need to make a few quick tweaks.

That’s why a pen and a few sheets of paper are a bit of a no-brainer. Even if you’re not swapping songs last minute, they’re useful for jotting down things like “Drop D tuning” reminders next to those grungier songs in your set, or the patch number on your fancy digital delay pedal.

It’s also not a bad shout to scribble down a few ideas for what to say between songs. And if you’re at a jam sesh using charts, you’ll almost certainly end up making notes as you go.

4. Backup amp

Whether you’re playing a 30-minute support slot at your local venue or a two-hour function gig, it’s always worth bringing a backup amp. With valve amps, you never really know when a tube might go kaput. And when it does, it can be a proper show-wrecker (it happened to me a few years ago at a very big gig, and I still get PTSD).

Even if you’re not using valves, solid-state and digital amps aren’t totally immune to the odd issue — just like any bit of electronics. So, if your main tone machine suddenly conks out, always have a spare on standby to save the day.

It doesn’t have to be a like-for-like replacement either. Compact preamp pedals or pedalboard amps are perfect for this sort of thing, especially as most can be plugged straight into front of house.

Shop all pedalboard amps

5. Spare guitar

Don’t forget a backup guitar too. Just like your amp, your axe could suffer from the occasional technical gremlin. But the main reason why you’ll want a spare is if you break a string. When that happens, then you can just quickly unplug, grab your backup, plug in again and carry on without missing a beat.

If you don’t already have a stage-ready spare, there are plenty of great options out there that won’t break the bank. Brands like Sire are a solid shout, offering pro-grade, budget-friendly instruments suitable for a range of styles.

Pro tip: Before heading on stage, make sure both your main and backup guitars are tuned and ready to go. That way, if you do need to switch, you’re not left tuning up while the rest of the band fills the silence. There’s nothing worse than an unexpected jazz fusion jam to kill the vibe!

Shop all electric guitars

6. Extra guitar strings

On the subject of snapped guitar strings, make sure you’ve got a couple of spare packs tucked away in your case or gig bag. If one goes during soundcheck, you’ll have plenty of time to swap it out before your performance. And if disaster strikes mid-set, you might even have enough time to get your number one restrung and back in action.

Pro tip: Restring your guitar at least a day before the show. Fresh strings are less likely to break, sound brighter (helping you cut through the mix) and feel nicer to play. Just avoid doing it on the day — you’ll want to give them time to stretch in properly, otherwise you could find yourself battling tuning issues all night.

Shop all electric guitar strings

7. Additional guitar cable (or two… or three)

Now, your guitar cable won’t snap like a string (unless a heavy-footed sound guy parks their size 14 on it). But it’s not going to last forever, especially if you’re out gigging on the reg. Clumsy bandmates have stepped all over my guitar cables, and I know it’s only a matter of time before my trusty D’Addario lead of a few years gives up the ghost.

So, make sure you pack at least one spare cable — or even two, in case you need to bail out your bassist who’s forgotten theirs. Running a wireless system? It’s still worth having a lead handy in case your batteries die or you run into signal issues.

Pro tip: If you’re also doing vocals, chuck a couple of XLR cables in your bag. And stuff a few patch cables in there too, just in case one starts playing up on your pedalboard.

Shop all guitar cables

8. Guitar stand

Leaning your pride and joy against your amp is an absolute no-no. It’s a bad habit at home — but on stage, it’s basically asking for trouble. One knock and you could be dealing with a nasty accident, so definitely invest in a proper guitar stand to keep your instrument safe and secure.

I personally use a Hercules GS402B Mini Guitar Stand as it’s sturdy, compact and folds down small enough to put in my rucksack. But to be honest, even budget guitar stands are miles better than balancing your guitar precariously against anything.

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!

Featured Products

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!

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