General Interest

Faith has landed at this year’s NAMM Show, unveiling the brand-new PJE Legacy FG4 Earth Satin Sunburst, while also upgrading its Nexus Series – and finally allowing its updated FX Series to make its international debut.

Firstly, the new FG4 model comes as the latest instalment in Faith’s PJE Legacy Series. The line honours the acoustic body shapes of iconic luthier Patrick James Eggle, with previous editions coming in the form of the PJE Legacy Mars’ drop-shoulder dreadnought, in honour of the PJE Kanuga as well as PJE Legacy Earth’s orchestral model reminiscent of the PJE Linville.

• READ MORE: “My job is to imagine things worth existing, and then making them real as an artist”: Jacob Collier is championing a new way to play guitar

Priced at £1,565, the PJE Legacy FG4 takes on the same shape as the PJE Legacy Earth, and is comprised of a solid torrefied sitka spruce top and solid African mahogany back and sides. Not only is it designed for warm low-ends and a rich midrange, the top has even undergone a round of “torrefaction” to essentially roast it. This process apparently improves its structural stability, as well as enhancing its tonal character.

Credit: Faith Guitars

NAMM attendees will be able to get a hands-on experience of the Faith’s new axe, as well as getting a cheeky look at Faith’s upgraded Nexus Series. The upgrades vary from more surface-level visual tweaks to refined playability.

Visually, Faith has made its Nexus line more cohesive. The Nexus Copper Black in particular has been renamed to the Thru-Black, with its new name falling in line with the Nexus Thru-Cognac. Both the Thru- models also now feature the same black ABS body, fingerboard and headstock binding and figured ebony pickguard as the Nexus Venus Solar Flare and Nexus Neptune Coffee Brown.

In terms of playability improvements, all Nexus Neptune models will also now include a cutaway in order to improve upper-fret access, as well as employing a soundhole-mounted Fishman S-Tone system. Upgraded Nexus Venus models will also feature a new Fishman Presus 2 preamp system with an undersaddle piezo pickup.

Credit: Faith Guitars

Despite these changes, Faith ensures that each guitar will maintain the signature Nexus tone and feel. Updated models cost anywhere between £805 and £885.

Alongside Faith’s new and improved axes, there will also be the international debut of the fresh FX Series. NAMM attendees will be able to get up-close and personal with both the FX Dark Natural Gold and FX Moondust Grey electro-acoustic models, both costing £1,245.

If you’re going to be at NAMM, Faith Guitars is set up at booth Booth #7007 in Hall C. Head to Faith Guitars for more info.

Credit: Faith Guitars

The post A totally new guitar, an upgraded Nexus Series and an international debut – here’s what Faith Guitars has launched at NAMM 2026 appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Sterling by Music Man. This year’s NAMM Show sees the brand debuting a host of new instruments, with new additions across the Luke, StingRay and Cutlass lines – we’re talking new artist models, short-scale alternatives, and it’s even time to say hello to the brand’s first baritone guitar.

The StingRay line is getting the most love this year, with the StingRay Baritone coming as the brand’s boldest move yet. It comes as Sterling’s first baritone axe, boasting a 27.5″ scale, 24 frets, and B-standard tuning in a striking shade of Toluca Lake Blue.

• READ MORE: The Sterling Kaizen was my favourite guitar of 2025 – but it looks like the new Ibanez Alpha Series is coming for the crown

The fresh StringRay Baritone also comes with a roasted maple neck, locking tuners and an HH pickup to round things off. It’ll cost you $849.99.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

A smaller take on the StingRay has also been unveiled for bassists, with the lightweight StingRay Short Scale bass coming in at 30” scale. It’s a great option for anyone who can’t quite hack a full-scale StingRay without compromising on power, kitted out with passive electronics paired with a neodymium humbucker to maintain that strong punch.

There’s also a push-push volume boost and 3-way switch to help fine-tune your sound and adjust to your desired tonal character. The bass comes in Charging Green and sits at $749.99.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

In terms of the Cutlass, the line gains two new additions this year. Both are pretty aesthetic-centric addition to the line, with the Cutlass Plus now available in Cashmere and Showtime – two new Ernie Ball Music Man signature styles. They’ll be available for $699.99.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

There’s also a brand new finish for All That Remains’ Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass. The 7-string guitars serves as a must for metalheads, “designed to meet the technical demands” of the skilled axeman, focusing on a “hyper-ergonomic” feel to ensure even the fattest djenty chugs can be played with ease. That guitat is now available in Kokiri Forest green – and it’s also expanding to offer 6-string variants. A standard 7-string is priced at $999.99, with a 6-string option costing a slightly lower $949.99.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

The Luke line is also earning a new addition, with its namesake, Toto’s Steve Lukather, working with Sterling to release the new Luke HSS. Yet again, the Luke HSS wears the iconic V neck profile and familiar Luke shape, but its also got a new HSS pickup alongside its 5-way selector, vintage tremolo and 12dB push-push volume boost. Available in Heritage Cherry Burst and Yucatan Blue, the Luke HSS is $849.99.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

NAMM attendees also have the privilege of acquainting themselves with some unreleased guitars. While all of the aforementioned gear can be pre-ordered now, there’s two very special StingRay guitars at the event which wont be available until later in the year.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

The first sneak peak on show at NAMM is the second edition of Cory Wong’s Artist Series Sting Ray. The StingRay II features locking tuners, an enlarged headstock and an oval-shaped pickguard reminiscent of the typical StingRay bass. That’s set to cost $749.99.

There’s also a SUB Series StingRay on show, which adds even more versatility to the SUB Series bass line. There’s a push-push volume boost to give that extra kick, alongside a 3-way switch to flick between parallel, and single-coil pickup configurations in an instant. The bass boasts a matching headstock and block inlays, resulting in a truly bold bit of kit. The SUB Series StingRay will be available in 4- and 5-string configurations, as well as coming in Seafoam Green or Vintage Sunburst finishes. – coming in 2026. The 4-string option will sit at $499.99, while the 5-string will be $549.99.

Except for the StingRay II and SUB Series StingRay, these new guitars can all be pre-ordered now. Head to Sterling By Music Man for more information.

Credit: Sterling by Music Man

The post Sterling by Music Man: New Luke model, Jason Richardson Cutlass and the brand’s first-ever baritone debut at NAMM 2026 appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Seymour Duncan is proud to announce MortalCoil Multiple-Voiced Active Humbuckers are now available to order from seymourduncan.com and from authorized Seymour Duncan dealers.

MortalCoil Multiple-Voiced Active Humbuckers

MortalCoil delivers three precision-engineered voices: a tight, aggressive modern metal MC1 voice with fast, controlled attack, authentic JB and Jazz-inspired passive tones, and a clear, articulate single-coil. Built with optimized-resistance coils and advanced audio op-amps for exceptional response and efficiency, MortalCoil is a powerful, versatile active upgrade.

• Our MC1 voice is a crushing modern metal sound with surgical precision, delivering tight lows and focused mids without high-end fizz

• Faster and stronger attack driven by a low-resistance, high-density copper coil design

• Authentic JB and Jazz voices drawn directly from Seymour Duncan’s legacy

• Single-coil voice with clear articulation and output suited for modern rigs

• Advanced, audio-optimized preamp for superior clarity and definition

• Efficient circuitry designed for best-in-class battery life

• Drop-in upgrade compatible with many multiple-voiced active pickup systems

Introducing Seymour Duncan’s MortalCoil: an active humbucker set with three voices engineered for precision, power, and musical clarity. Designed from the ground up for modern players who demand brutal articulation and authoritative low end, the new primary MC1 voice delivers an exceptionally tight, mix-ready modern metal sound that stays focused and controlled across complex riffs, palm mutes, and harmonics. Alongside it, MortalCoil brings additional voices drawn directly from Seymour Duncan’s legacy: a classic JB and Jazz–inspired voice, plus a powerful single-coil voice ready when versatility matters. Built on 50 years of pickup-voicing expertise, MortalCoil represents a fresh approach to what multiple-voiced active pickups can be.

MortalCoil’s MC1 (Voice 1) delivers uncompromising tightness, note separation, and cutting presence for modern metal applications, maintaining clarity and balance without fizz or nasal midrange, even under extreme gain. Voice 2 unlocks authentic JB Bridge and Jazz Neck voicings, capturing the proven character and feel players have trusted for decades. Voice 3 offers a strong, articulate single-coil voice with enough output and definition to hold its own in modern rigs, making it ideal for cleans, edge-of-breakup tones, and layered production.

At the core of MortalCoil are precision-wound high-density copper coils with optimized resistance, providing faster transient response and stronger pick attack than competing designs across all tunings. Our all-new preamp utilizes advanced audio op-amps that contribute gain, rich harmonic detail, and dynamic feel with extremely low distortion, while the efficient circuit design supports superior battery life for reliable performance on stage and in the studio. The result is crushing attack and surgical control under modern metal gain.

Whether you’re tracking or performing live, MortalCoil allows one guitar to move effortlessly from pristine cleans to aggressive high-gain tones. Experience what happens when 50 years of pickup expertise meets modern active technology. MortalCoil installs easily as a drop-in upgrade for many existing active setups and includes all required pots and wiring. Available now in 6-string and 7-string configurations.

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Laney has introduced the Supergrace Loudpedal, a dual-channel amp-in-a-box collaboration with Billy Corgan and Carstens Amplification.

Working alongside amplifier designer Brian Carstens, the mind behind the renowned Carstens Grace amplifier, Laney set out to do what most believed impossible: faithfully translate two distinct, professional-grade amplifiers into a single floor-based format without compromising the soul of either. The result is the Supergrace: a dual-amplifier platform designed for players who refuse to choose between modern precision and vintage authority.

Born from Billy Corgan’s demand for extreme gain, massive headroom, and unmistakable identity, it delivers articulate saturation with exceptional note definition-long after most amplifiers collapse into compressed blur. Harmonic richness, dynamic sensitivity, and clarity remain intact even at punishing gain levels. Clean transparency flows effortlessly into textured overdrive using only guitar volume and gain controls.

Using the pedal’s Amp footswitch you can select the Supergroup channel and you’re instantly transported to 1969. This channel is a faithful recreation of the legendary Laney circuit that helped define early heavy metal and still powers some of the heaviest tones on modern stages. Gain here is organic and uncompromising. No digital modelling. No shortcuts. Push the input and power section and you’re rewarded with an uncompressed, wide-bandwidth response defined by clarity, punch, and visceral connection. Even the famous “transformer rub” sub-note heard on countless vintage Laney recordings is preserved intact.

Supergrace is more than two amplifiers: it’s Billy’s fly-rig. Laney’s LA·IR Advanced Impulse Response technology provides studio-grade Impulse Responses (IRs), preloaded with Billy’s preferred IRs. USB-C connectivity enables latency-free recording straight into a DAW ands also allows the IRs to be switched out for something specific to the player using Laney’s LA*IR App. MIDI integration is also seamless.

A transformer-isolated FX loop offers flexible routing, an auxiliary input supports backing tracks, and headphone output allows for silent practice. Whether in the studio, on tour, or at home, the full rig is always available.

Features include:

Dual Authentic Amplifiers – The Carstens Grace high-gain channel and a faithful 1969 Laney Supergroup circuit, united in one floor-based platform

True Analogue Signal Path – No digital amp modelling; real amplifier tone, dynamics, and response throughout

Professional Connectivity – USB-C audio interface, MIDI control, transformer-isolated FX loop, auxiliary input, and headphone output

LA·IR Advanced Speaker Emulation – Studio-grade impulse responses preloaded with Billy Corgan’s personal touring IRs

Stage-Proven Power – Used live by Billy Corgan in front of 60,000 fans with his full touring rig replaced by a single pedalboard

Handcrafted in the UK – Built at Laney’s Black Country Customs workshop and supplied in a premium presentation case

Every Supergrace Loudpedal is handcrafted in Laney’s Black Country Customs workshop in Birmingham, England. Each unit ships in a handcrafted presentation box, complete with power supply and premium USB cables.

Laney’s Supergrace carries a street price of $629.99. For more information visitlaney.co.uk/amps/guitar/supergroup/bcc-Supergrace.

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Levy’s Music has introduced the Chroma Series, a new collection of leather gig bags that applies bold, guitar-inspired colorways to classic soft-case construction. The series brings a visual update to Levy’s gig bag offerings while maintaining the brand’s established approach to premium materials and skilled craftsmanship.

Visual contrast and color are central to the Chroma Series design, introducing a brighter, more expressive look within Levy’s leather gig bag offerings. The collection is available in Party Red, Powder Blue, Aqua Green and Soft Pink, each applied across a smooth leather exterior. All four colorways are offered in both electric and bass guitar formats.

Each Chroma Series gig bag is constructed from premium garment leather and features a padded interior designed to protect instruments during routine handling and storage. 1" (2.5 cm) plush foam lines the interior, while reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers support long-term use. An exterior accessory pocket provides space for small accessories, and adjustable backpack straps and a carry handle offer multiple carrying options.

All Chroma Series gig bags are handcrafted in Canada, reflecting Levy’s’ long-standing production standards and attention to detail across its leather products. The Chroma Series joins Levy’s broader range of gig bags, which also includes the recently released Solera Series of premium leather bags. For more information, visit levysleathers.com.

Spector Bass announces the NC-4 Frank Bello Black Sapphire Signature Bass, a new finish option for the official bass of Anthrax. Available worldwide through authorized local retailers and online, the Black Sapphire NC-4 introduces a darker, more aggressive visual identity while keeping the design, feel, and performance that defines Bello’s signature model. Featuring a matching headstock and inlays, the Black Sapphire finish further reinforces the thrash metal aesthetic associated with Anthrax and Bello’s unmistakable presence on stage and in the studio.

The NC-4 Frank Bello is rooted in Spector’s heritage and the classic American bolt-on bass design with modern contours for enhanced playability. The instrument features a refined body shape with a radiused top and a uniquely contoured neck heel, offering a more comfortable and agile playing experience. An alder body provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the one-piece maple neck and maple fingerboard contribute clarity, articulation, and snap. The neck profile is slim yet comfortable, modeled after several of Bello’s most valued vintage instruments for a familiar, broken-in feel. The bass features a 34-inch scale length and is visually unified by its matching headstock and inlays, all finished in the striking Black Sapphire color.

Electronics on the NC-4 Frank Bello reflect a straightforward, performance-focused approach. The bass is equipped with Frank Bello’s signature EMG P/J pickup set, paired with a simple control layout consisting of two volume controls and a master tone control. This configuration allows players to quickly blend pickups and shape their sound with ease, whether performing live or working in the studio.

Hardware appointments are equally purposeful, combining vintage-inspired chrome tuners with a modern, fully adjustable bridge for reliable tuning stability and precise setup. Designed to withstand the demands of professional touring and recording, the NC-4 Frank Bello Black Sapphire is built to deliver consistency and confidence on the world’s biggest stages. Frank Bello’s career spans nearly 40 years, from his early days as a guitar tech to becoming a defining force in thrash metal as the bassist for Anthrax, one of the genre’s iconic “Big Four.” His aggressive playing style and commanding stage presence continue to influence generations of bassists.

“I’ve had my Spector bass out on tour and in the studio for the past year, and it’s gone above and beyond my expectations—whether on the biggest stages or in the studio,” says Frank Bello. “I’m thrilled to introduce the new Sapphire Black version for all the players who’ve been asking for it. Cheers to Spector for making it happen!”

For more information on the NC-4 Frank Bello Black Sapphire Signature Bass and the complete Spector Bass lineup, visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.spectorbass.com

Street Price: $1499.99 USD

Following an entire year of celebration for the company’s 50th anniversary in 2025, ESP Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) will spend 2026 recognizing another huge milestone: the 30th anniversary of their LTD series of guitars and basses. LTD instruments first became available to the public in 1996.

“It was the introduction of LTD in 1996 that made ESP a global brand with accessibility to every level of musician,” says Matt Masciandaro, president and CEO of the ESP Guitar Company. “ESP was already recognized as a very high-quality guitar builder. But it was LTD that put those outstanding guitar and bass shapes into the hands of musicians around the world.”

ESP Guitars had already established itself as a high-end boutique-level luxury guitar brand when, in 1995, ESP’s USA-based distribution company broached the idea using ESP instrument shapes to build high-quality, mass-produced guitars and basses using higher volume OEM factories outside of Japan. This allowed for a larger volume of instruments to be made than what was possible with ESP’s handcrafted instruments, built one at a time by their Custom Shop in Tokyo. In turn, it made the retail pricing of these LTD instruments accessible to far more musicians than their handcrafted ESP-branded counterparts.

The success of the LTD Series was immediate, and within a short time frame, LTD became a significant brand for musicians and musical instrument retailers alike. Six years later in 2002, the company added their LTD Deluxe Series, which added upgraded pro-tier build techniques and components to the already-popular LTD brand. Today, LTD guitars and basses are manufactured with superb quality in multiple countries, and are sold at hundreds of US-based retailers and 80 countries worldwide via ESP’s network of international distributors.

More information on ESP Guitars and the LTD Series is available on the ESP web site at www.espguitars.com.

Levy’s Music has broadened two of its leather guitar strap collections with new additions. The Amped Leather Series now includes new colorways and acoustic-format models that build on its familiar construction, while the Rebel Leather Series gains added variations that extend the series’ existing design.

The Amped Leather Series has expanded with a range of new color and material options that build on its padded leather construction. Additions include black with tan accents, burgundy with matching burgundy leather, dark brown in an extended-length format, red with white detailing, and a walnut-and-brown combination. The update also introduces a suede-backed variation in black and tan that adds an alternate texture within the standard format. Two acoustic-format versions offered in black and dark brown feature a narrow, elongated end designed to fit smaller strap buttons and tight spaces on acoustic guitars.

The Rebel Leather Series adds two new groups that broaden the collection’s material and hardware options. The first introduces eyelet-style straps in distressed black, oxblood, and white, each featuring repeating metal-rimmed eyelets along the length. The second adds studded designs in black leather with silver or red studs, oxblood leather with black studs, cracked white leather with silver studs, vibrant red leather with red studs, and white leather with red studs. These updates provide new visual and material variations within the series’ established leather builds.

All new straps continue to be handcrafted in Nova Scotia, Canada, reflecting the production methods and material standards used across Levy’s leather collections. For more information, please visit levysmusic.com.

ESP Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) have added six new guitars to its acclaimed ESP E-II Series. Formerly known as “ESP Standard Series,” ESP E-II instruments are built at the ESP factory in Tokyo, Japan.

The ESP E-II Eclipse is now available with EMG pickups in Black Satin finish. The E-II Eclipse offers the single-cutaway ESP Eclipse shape in a guitar designed for professional touring and recording. Built with set-thru construction at 24.75” scale, it features a mahogany body with maple cap, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Components on the E-II Eclipse include a Gotoh TOM-style bridge and tailpiece, ESP strap locks, a bone nut, Gotoh locking tuners, and a set of EMG 57TW (bridge) and EMG 66TW (neck) pickups, splittable to single-coil mode via push-pull controls.

The new ESP E-II Horizon FR-II has been updated in two exciting finishes: Andromeda II Satin and Gun Metallic Black. These guitars are built with set-thru construction at 25.5” scale, and have features including a mahogany body with maple cap, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Components on the ESP E-II Horizon FR-II include a Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo bridge, ESP strap locks, Gotoh locking tuners, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 89R (splittable with reversed single-coil positioning) in the neck position.

Another new ESP E-II model for 2026 is the Horizon HT-II. Available in Granite Sparkle finish, this guitar offers neck-thru-body construction at 25.5” scale, an alder body, a three-piece maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Components on the E-II Horizon HT-II include a Hipshot fixed bridge with string-thru-body, a bone nut, Gotoh locking tuners, and a set of Fishman Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker active pickups with multiple voicings selectable via push-pull controls.

ESP has also made the Maverick guitar shape available in an E-II version with the ESP E-II Maverick, offered in both Andromeda II Satin and Gun Metallic Black finishes. This guitar is built with neck-thru-body construction at 25.5” scale. It offers an alder body, a three-piece thin U-shaped maple neck with ebony fingerboard, and 27 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets. Components on the E-II Maverick include black hardware, a Floyd Rose Original bridge, Gotoh locking tuners, a Seymour Duncan TB-14 Custom-5 Trembucker in the bridge — splittable via push-pull control — and a Seymour Duncan SCR-1 Cool Rails in the neck position.

More information on ESP Guitars and the new additions to the ESP E-II Series is available on the ESP web site at www.espguitars.com.

ESP Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) have announced a batch of new bass models for 2026.

Available in both 4-string and 5-string models and in two exciting finishes, the LTD B-204DX and LTD B-205DX are basses that offer great tone, playability, and features that go far beyond the expectation for their price range. Their features include a poplar body with burled poplar top, roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, an LTD DB-4 fixed bridge, controls for volume, balance, treble and bass EQ, and a set of ESP SB-4 (or SB-5 in 5-string models) bridge and neck pickups. The B-2004DX and B-205DX are being made available in Black Burst and Red Burst finishes.

Another outstanding high-value bass being added to the ESP bass offerings is the LTD Phoenix-204DX, available in Black Burst and Red Burst finishes. This is the first time the LTD Phoenix bass has been offered in the affordable 200 range. This bass, highlighted by the flowing curves of the Phoenix shape, features bolt-on construction at 34” scale, a poplar body with burled poplar top, a roasted maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, reverse headstock, an LTD DB-4 fixed bridge, controls for volume, balance, and tone boost, and a set of ESP SB-4 bridge and neck pickups.

It’s a similar story for the LTD Surveyor-204DX, which takes a classic ESP bass shape and offers it with great LTD quality and high value. Its features include a lightweight, resonant poplar body with a burled poplar top, roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, LTD vintage tuners, and a set of ESP LJB (bridge) and LPD (neck) pickups. It’s available in Black Burst and Red Burst finishes.

More information on ESP Guitars and their entire line of basses is available on the ESP web site at www.espguitars.com.

The NAMM 2026 Show is officially open, and the Guitar.com is on the ground with an agenda to visit as many booths and get the lowdown on as much exciting new guitar gear as humanly possible.

We were lucky enough to visit an event hosted by Fender last night showcasing its latest Custom Shop offerings for 2026, and let’s just say there was some serious eye candy on display. There was a cornucopia of top-line custom instruments – not only Stratocasters, Teles and Jazzmasters from Fender, but uniquely spec’d models from Jackson, Charvel and Gretsch, too. And lucky for you, we managed to capture some shots of our favourites. Without further ado, for your viewing pleasure…

Take a look at our up-to-the-minute live blog on all things NAMM 2026!

The post Here’s some serious eye candy from the Fender Custom Shop event at NAMM 2026 appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Ernie Ball Music Man proudly celebrates 50 years of the iconic StingRay with the introduction of the all-new 50th Anniversary StingRay Bass, alongside the all-new DarkRay II, new StingRay Special bass finishes, the John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select, Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass collection, the 30th Anniversary Axis guitar, and new finish options for the Custom Design Experience.

For five decades, the StingRay has set the benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special honors that legacy with two limited-edition finishes. Liquid Gold is hand-numbered and limited to 50 instruments worldwide, featuring a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive presentation. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, showcases a metallic gold finish on the body and

headstock—each with its own unique character. Both versions are paired with an ebony fretboard with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on any stage. A roasted flame maple neck and poplar body deliver a fast, comfortable, and perfectly balanced feel, while gold hardware throughout, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge, completes the look. Finished with a commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen on the back of the headstock, each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.

50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Features:

● Roasted figured maple neck

● Gold face dot Inlays with glow-in-the-dark side dots

● 50th Anniversary stamped bridge

● Certificate of authenticity

● Deluxe hardshell case

The 50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Special in Molten Gold will be available at all Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, and the Liquid Gold colorway will be available exclusively in the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault this spring.

The DarkRay™ II bass expands on the aggressive, modern foundation of the original DarkRay by adding fully integrated octave up and octave down effects for an even broader sonic palette. Featuring the same core specs players know and trust, the DarkRay II includes a master volume, bass and treble EQ, a distortion control with a push/push function to switch between two distinct distortion voices, and an octave control with a push/push function to select octave up or octave down. Both the distortion and octave knobs feature LED rings that illuminate when

engaged and change color to indicate the selected mode, providing instant visual feedback. A three-way switch selects the core tone, octave only (middle position), or octave combined with distortion (neck position), making it easy to move from tight, punchy bass tones to massive, harmonically rich textures. Available in Black, Showtime, Spectralite, and Mean Green Burst, the DarkRay II delivers uncompromising tone, cutting-edge functionality, and unmistakable Ernie Ball Music Man style.

The DarkRay II will be available this spring.

First introduced in 1976, the StingRay has been revered as one of the most iconic bass guitars in history. The flagship of the Music Man line, today's StingRay Special retains the same signature features that it had some forty years ago, including a solid roadworthy construction, iconic oval pickguard, 3+1 tuning key configurations, and the ever-popular Music Man humbucker, all of which combine to produce a look, feel, and sound that is remarkably unmistakable.

The StingRay Special will be available in 4 or 5-string in either H or HH pickup configurations.

The new StingRay Special finishes will be available this spring.

The John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select delivers refined tone, precision, and versatility at the highest level—the culmination of years of touring and recording during which John Petrucci gravitated toward a mahogany neck-through body with alder wings and a thick maple top for added depth, sustain, and articulation. Features include a 24-fret ebony fingerboard with stainless steel frets, glow-in-the-dark side dots, DiMarzio Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher humbuckers, a piezo-equipped Music Man floating tremolo, stereo/mono outputs, and a 20+ dB onboard gain boost. Available in Carnelian Red, Ka'anapali Dream, Mystic Dream, Purple Nebula II, and Strawberry Moon.

The Majesty Premium Select will be available this spring.

Introducing the Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass HT 8-String, a bold evolution of the signature line and now available in three striking translucent finishes: Water Temple, Death Mountain, and Kokiri Forest. Designed for modern technical players, this multiscale powerhouse features a 25.5”–27” scale length—from the high E down to the low F#—providing exceptional clarity, tension, and articulation across the full extended range. An alder body with a buckeye burl top is paired with a roasted, figured maple neck and ebony fretboard, delivering a premium feel and outstanding stability. Outfitted with Jason Richardson HT humbuckers, the Cutlass HT 8-String offers crushing output, precise note definition, and dynamic tonal versatility. Additional pro-level features include 24 stainless steel frets, a hardtail bridge engineered for superior sustain and tuning stability, a push/ push volume knob for a 20+ dB boost, and coil-splitting via the push/push tone control. Engineered for players who demand peak performance and expressive range, this 8-String expands the sonic possibilities of the Jason Richardson platform like never before.

The new Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass colorways will be available this spring.

Introducing the 30th Anniversary Axis guitar. To mark 30 years of the Axis, we’re revisiting the translucent finishes that defined its 1996 debut—Translucent Gold, Black, Pink, Red, Blue, and Purple—applied to hand-stained quilt maple tops and paired with black, lightly sparkled backs that subtly echo each color. Each guitar features a figured maple neck with stainless steel frets, glow-in-the-dark side dots, the original asymmetrical neck carve, and the sought-after DiMarzio® custom-wound pickups that helped define the Axis feel and sound. Finished with a color-matched headstock face, a 30th Anniversary Axis logo on the back, and limited to 90 Gold, 60 Black, Pink, and Purple, and 30 Blue and Red instruments worldwide, every guitar ships with a certificate of authenticity and a deluxe Music Man® hardshell case.

The 30th Anniversary Axis Guitar will be available this spring. The Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience has expanded with 14 new finishes, offering even more ways for players to create their own custom StingRay bass. The Custom Design Experience is an online custom instrument configurator that allows customers to design and build their dream StingRay Special Bass guitar. Customers can choose from 4-string and 5-string models, right- and left-handed orientations, single- and double-humbucking pickups, finishes, necks, pickguards, hardware, tuning, case options, string gauges, and more. All Custom Design Experience instruments are built in the Ernie Ball Music Man San Luis Obispo, CA, facility and are shipped directly to the customer.

The Reverend Sensei Series, launching for 2026, introduces four upgraded models based on the renowned Sensei platform. As part of a complete line makeover, these models feature a streamlined body shape, reduced thickness for lighter weight and comfort, upgraded ebony fretboards, and newly designed pickups. The reworked body shape is more streamlined, yielding lighter weight, improved comfort, and tighter low-end, with improved high-fret access. Upgraded ebony fretboards are standard for a smooth, fast feel and tight tone.

Also new are the Steelhead Pickup Series, loaded into every Reverend Sensei. These radical new pickups feature oversized steel poles for a highly responsive, punchy tone. The humbucker versions are available in the Sensei HH, the hum-canceling P90 Steelhead pickups are equipped in the Sensei 290, and one of each is in the Sensei H90. The minimalist Sensei JR HB features a single humbucker for those who prefer a stripped-down rock machine.

With bold new top colors, transparent brown backs, and a new headstock logo, the Reverend Sensei Series delivers modern design and performance rooted in the brand’s signature style.

The Reverend Sensei Series is currently shipping to Reverend Authorized Dealers.

Introducing the lightest, fastest Roundhouse ever built. Reverend Guitars releases the new Roundhouse Series guitars for 2026. As part of a complete line makeover, the Roundhouse Series presents three updated models based on the classic Roundhouse platform: the Roundhouse HH, the Roundhouse H90, and the Roundhouse 290. These guitars now feature a thinner body for lighter weight and a rear belly contour for added comfort. All Reverend Roundhouse guitars have been upgraded with ebony fretboards for a smooth, fast feel and tight tone.

The Roundhouse Series introduces the new Steelhead pickups, available in both humbucker and hum-cancelling P90 versions. Designed by Joe Naylor, these pickups use oversized steel poles to deliver a punchy, responsive sound.

The new Roundhouse models come in bold colors with a beautifully arched top, giving them a standout look. Transparent brown backs add a classic touch, and a new headstock logo ties it all together. The Roundhouse Series offers reimagined guitars that blend classic style with the high performance you expect from Reverend.

The Reverend Roundhouse Series is currently shipping to Reverend Authorized Dealers.

ESP Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) announced that they are expanding their ESP USA Series in 2026 with a number of new limited-edition models at the 2026 NAMM Show, and new options for their online ESP USA configurator. ESP USA instruments are handcrafted guitars that are made by expert luthiers at the ESP USA shop in Southern California.

“We launched ESP USA in 2014 so that musicians would have the choice of a premier-quality, handcrafted guitar with ESP quality that’s 100% made in the USA,” says Matt Masciandaro, president and CEO of the ESP Guitar Company. “Over the past 12 years, the guitars from our ESP USA shop have been met with universal acclaim, and in 2026 we’re prepared more than ever to continue providing musicians with high quality instruments they ask for and demand.”

At the 2026 NAMM Show, ESP is showing a number of new limited-edition ESP USA models. These include the USA Horizon-II Limited Edition with a burl maple top in Pink Carmine finish, the USA M-II DX NT Limited Edition with a Tasmanian myrtle top in Natural Satin finish, the USA M-II NTB FR Limited Edition in Cosmic Web Andromeda finish, and the USA TE-II Limited Edition, featuring an open-grain claro walnut gloss top and a Trans-White Satin ash back. Three other distinctive ESP USA models at the NAMM show include the USA Eclipse in Peach Sparkle finish, the USA Horizon-II in Cosmic Gumball finish, and the USA M-II NTB FR in Arctic Sparkle finish.

ESP has also announced plans to add more new ESP USA models that will be made available to the public throughout 2026 and beyond. In most cases, ESP USA guitars offer personalization options that can be envisioned via the ESP USA Configurator on the ESP web site. Configurable options on most models include top woods, finishes, and pickup/hardware options. ESP USA guitars are available through a select list of authorized ESP Guitars dealers and distributors worldwide.

More information on ESP Guitars and the latest ESP USA additions are available on the ESP web site at www.espguitars.com.

ESP Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) is debuting 10 new additions to the LTD Series’ “400 Range.” These new guitars are designed for players who want excellent value along with pro-tier components, extraordinary playability, and excellent build quality.

The LTD Arrow-400 is a bold, angular V-shaped guitar. Available in Charcoal Metallic and Scarlet Metallic finishes, its features include set-neck construction at 25.5” scale, a maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany body, black binding on the neck and headstock, a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge, Grover tuners, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active pickups.

The LTD EC-400QM is available in See Thru Black Sunburst and Vintage Burst finishes. This single-cutaway guitar shape features set-thru construction at 24.75” scale, a quilted maple top, white binding on the body, neck, and headstock, and a rosewood fingerboard. Its components include a TOM-style bridge and tailpiece, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active pickups.

Being offered in Charcoal Metallic and Scarlet Metallic finishes, the LTD M-400HT takes the flat-topped ESP M/Mirage shape and offers it with bolt-on construction at 25.5” scale, with mahogany body, roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, single-ply black binding, LTD locking tuners, LTD fixed hardtail bridge with string-thru-body, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active pickups.

The LTD MH-400HT QM See Thru Black Sunburst offers an arched quilted maple top, set-thru construction at 25.5” scale, a reversed headstock with matching finish, LTD locking tuners, LTD fixed bridge with string-thru body, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active pickups. The LTD MH-400 Snow White has an arch-topped mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard, reversed matching-finish headstock, a Floyd Rose Special tremolo, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active pickups.

A new LTD shape is also available in the 400 Range. The LTD TH-400 (available in Charcoal Metallic and Scarlet Metallic) is built with bolt-on construction at 25.5” scale, with a mahogany body, roasted maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. Components include an LTD fixed hardtail bridge with string-thru-body, LTD locking tuners, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active pickups.

More information on ESP Guitars and the LTD Series is available on the ESP web site at www.espguitars.com.

Takamine Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) has announced two new additions to their popular line of travel-sized guitars known as Taka-Minis. The GP3HSE and GX31CE made their debut at the 2026 NAMM Show.

“Both of the new Taka-Mini models are more than they appear at first glance,” says Tom Watters, Director of Product Development for Takamine Guitars. “The GP3HSE is designed for high-strung Nashville tuning, while the GX31CE represents a higher-quality solution in a compact and convenient size. Both of these value-packed guitars are very appropriate for use by pro players in recording and live performance.”

The Takamine G Series GP3HSE is a 3/4-sized guitar (22.4” scale length) with the shape and full body depth of a dreadnought. Its pro features include a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides, with a laurel fingerboard, multi-binding on the front and back of the body, and Takamine’s TP-3G electronics with 3-band EQ, volume, and a built-in chromatic tuner. Available in Natural Satin finish with gold hardware, the GP3HSE comes factory-strung with the high-strings from a 12-string set — known as Nashville tuning — delivering the signature shimmering tone that adds depth and sparkle to performances.

The Takamine G Series GX31CE is designed for exceptional portability without compromising Takamine’s renowned tone. This compact model — using Takamine’s popular NEX cutaway body shape — features custom-designed bracing, along with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It delivers exceptional projection and clarity for a smaller (22.4” scale length) instrument, and includes pro features like multi-binding on the front and back of the body, gold hardware, and Takamine’s TP-3G electronics with 3-band EQ, volume, and a built-in chromatic tuner. Available in Natural Satin finish, the GX31CE also comes with a convenient GBXM gig bag.

More information and detailed specs on the latest additions to Takamine’s G Series is available at www.esptakamine.com.

Reverend Guitars is introducing the Air series for 2026, featuring four new semi-hollow models in the Charger, Kingbolt, and Roundhouse lines. Each one is built for classic tone, modern playability, and standout looks.

Each Reverend Air model is constructed with a solid mahogany back, routed to yield a full-length center block. This is topped with maple (Roundhouse Air) or spruce (Charger Air and Kingbolt Air). The mahogany locks in warm midrange and sustain, while the maple or spruce tops add complementary harmonics and shimmer. The highly resonant semi-hollow design is ideal for those seeking warm, rich cleans, dynamic overdrive tones, and controllable feedback.

The Reverend Air models feature the new Steelhead Series pickups, which include humbuckers and hum-cancelling P90s with oversized steel poles. Designed by Joe Naylor, these pickups deliver a punchy, dynamic sound. The lineup includes the Charger Air HH, Kingbolt Air HH, Kingbolt Air 390, and Roundhouse Air HH.

Bold new top colors create a modern yet classic look, and transparent brown backs add a touch of class. Reverend’s signature Shooting Star f-holes adorn the top. New headstock model logos complete the concept.

Reverend Air models blend modern craftsmanship with classic style, offering the high performance and timeless look that Reverend Guitars is known for.

The Reverend Air Series is currently shipping to Reverend Authorized Dealers.

ESP Guitars (NAMM Booth 210D) debuted eight new models in their acclaimed Signature Series. These guitars are based on the ESP Custom instruments created in conjunction with some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians.

“ESP’s Signature Series offers something for everyone,” says Tony Rauser, ESP Director of Artist Relations. “The artists who play these guitars are among the world’s most respected guitarists, and their Signature guitars allow people the opportunity to use the same instruments they’ve seen played in front of thousands of people on stage and heard on some of the most acclaimed albums of all time.”

To commemorate the 20-year milestone anniversary of ESP’s relationship with the late Alexi Laiho, respected and influential frontman and lead guitarist in Finnish melodic death metal masters Children of Bodom, two new Signature Series guitars were announced at NAMM 2026. The LTD Alexi Laiho Arrowhead SE 20th Anniversary (Black w/Yellow Bevels) and the LTD Alexi Laiho Sawtooth SE 20th Anniversary (Black w/White Pinstripes) both use the offset V-shape for which the guitarist was well known. Features on these Signature guitars include neck-thru-body construction at 25.5” scale, a Macassar ebony fingerboard (scalloped from frets 19-24), satin-finished neck, Grover tuners, a double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 bridge, and a single EMG HZ F-H2 passive pickup with volume control.

The long-awaited Signature Series guitar for Joe Duplantier, the founding member, songwriter, and producer of French heavy metal icons Gojira, made its debut at NAMM 2026. The LTD JD-I offers a uniquely modified take on the offset XJ shape, and features bolt-on construction at 25.5” scale, a three-piece roasted maple neck with Macassar ebony fingerboard, pearloid block inlays, and 22 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, a Hipshot Tone-a-Matic bridge and tailpiece, a Graphtech TUSQ nut, and Joe’s signature DiMarzio JD Fortitude passive humbucking pickup.

Another new Signature guitar was announced for George Lynch, whose distinctive Kamikaze guitar, released in 1985, was one of the first-ever ESP Signature models. The LTD GL-200 Kami is a streamlined version of the instrument in a solid Black finish, but retaining recognizable design elements like the “hockey stick” reverse headstock. Other features include a basswood body, a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge, and a set of ESP LH-150B (bridge) humbucker and an ESP LS-120 passive single coil pickups in the neck position.

Joining the ESP Signature artist family for 2026 is Jack Simmons, guitarist and music composer for international deathcore icons Slaughter to Prevail. The LTD JS-7 Baritone features a V-shaped body, neck-thru-body construction at 27” scale, 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, a 48mm Graphtec TUSQ XL nut, a Hipshot 7 hardtail bridge with string-thru-body, and a single direct-mount Fishman Open Core Modern 3-Voice humbucker active pickup.

The late iconic thrash metal guitar god from Slayer, Jeff Hanneman, has a new addition to his Signature Series with the LTD JH-200 CTM. This guitar, priced for accessibility to the legions of Slayer fans, features bolt-on construction, excellent access to the highest frets, an alder body, red star position marker inlays, a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge, and a set of high-output ESP LH-301 humbucking pickups.

Updated for 2026 with a new Black Satin finish, the LTD MT-I is the Signature Series guitar for Mick Thomson, highly respected guitarist of Slipknot. The MT-I features set-thru construction at 25.5” scale, mahogany body with white ash top, 24 medium-jumbo stainless steel frets, a Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL nut, Hipshot Grip-Lock locking open gear tuners, an all-brass Hipshot Hi-Mass hardtail bridge, blue Luminlay side markers, and a Fishman Fluence Mick Thomson Signature pickup with a 3-way low profile toggle switch to select between voices.

Finally, a new finish is available for one of the best-selling Signature Series guitars of all time. Now available in Magenta finish with gold hardware, the LTD SC-607 Baritone is a Signature guitar of Stephen Carpenter, the influential co-founder of California-based alt-metal gurus Deftones. This new finish and design scheme is based off one of Stef’s beloved personal ESP Custom Shop guitars, and its features include seven strings, neck-thru-body construction at 27” scale, a TonePros locking TOM-style bridge with string-thru-body, and a set of Stephen’s own Fishman Fluence SRC Signature 3-Voice pickups.

More information on ESP Guitars and the ESP/LTD Signature Series is available on the ESP web site at www.espguitars.com.

Reverend Guitars unveils the new Kingbolt Series guitars for 2026. Part of a complete line makeover, the Kingbolt Series represents seven new upgraded models. Reworked cutaways provide improved upper-fret access. Body thickness has been reduced, yielding lighter weight, improved comfort, and tighter low end.

The Kingbolt H90, H290, HH, and 390 now feature Reverend’s new Steelhead pickups. These pickups feature oversized steel pole pieces for a highly responsive, punchy tone. A Wilkinson WVS50IIK bridge comes standard on all Kingbolt models. It is celebrated for its tone, durability, and tuning stability. The Kingbolt H90 FR features a Floyd Rose and a Railhammer Alnico pickup at the bridge, making it perfect for those seeking extreme whammy madness. The Reverend Kingbolt F-Sonic delivers semi-hollow resonance in a solid body with a pair of Railhammer pickups. Topped off with Reverend’s signature Shooting Star f-holes, it delivers a unique blend of style and sound.

Bold new top colors pair with a sleek body shape to create a clean yet aggressive look. Transparent brown backs add a touch of high class. A new Kingbolt headstock logo completes the concept. The Reverend Kingbolt Series guitars are modern with classic sensibility. They offer the high performance and timeless style you expect from Reverend Guitars.

The Reverend Kingbolt Series is currently shipping to Reverend Authorized Dealers.