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After unveiling the ID:X Floor – a new floor-based digital amp modeller – Blackstar has offered up something for the practice amp enthusiasts with its new Beam Mini desktop amp.

Designed for electric, bass and acoustic guitar players after portability and intuitive controls without sacrificing tone, the Beam Mini packs in Blackstar’s advanced digital modelling and powerful DSP into a small, portable, acoustically tuned cab for the classic Blackstar sound anywhere.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

Loaded with two 60mm full-range drivers – as well as two passive bass radiators and Blackstar’s Super Wide Stereo technology – the Beam Mini is said to offer an “expansive, room-filling sound that belies its dimensions”.

Harnessing component-level modelling, Blackstar says the digital Beam Mini even offers up the dynamic feel of tube amps, despite its tiny size.

It also features 12 amp models – six Blackstar designs and six Ampton recreations of classic amps – as well as three bass amps, two acoustic voices, an acoustic simulator, and of course, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, which essentially allows the user to blend between British and American-style voicings.

Intuitive operation is key to the Beam Mini’s design, with a simple, large SpeedDial and Light Beam Display, offering “instant visual feedback” without having to navigate menus. There is, however, a Beam app, through which users are given deeper editing and creative options, as well as a growing library of amps, cabs, mics and pedal models, and thousands of user- and artist-generated patches.

Beam Mini also features XpressFX, which allows the user to adjust the intensity of multiple effects simultaneously with the single movement of the SpeedDial. It also sports a studio-quality mic input for recording guitar and vocals together, as well as Blackstar’s IR-driven CabRig technology.

Portability isn’t just served by its light weight and form factor; the rechargeable Beam Mini also features an IP66 dust-tight and weatherproof design, and offers over 18 hours of playtime on a single charge.

The Beam Mini is available now priced at $299.99.

For more info, head to Blackstar.

The post The Blackstar BEAM MINI harnesses a tube-driven feel in a digital desktop amp format – with plenty of amp models and even ISF control appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

As we reported earlier this month, PRS looked to be teasing something related to the late, great Theodore “Ted” McCarty.

As it turns out, that was a new full-length documentary celebrating the guitar innovator’s life, packed with archival interview footage, as well as new interviews with PRS head honcho Paul Reed Smith, McCarty’s daughter Sue Davis, and a number of PRS employees. And the 73-minute doc is available to watch right now at PRS’s YouTube channel.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

Ted McCarty served as vice president of the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1949, and later as president between 1950 and 1966. The man behind the Tune-O-Matic bridge – also working alongside Les Paul to develop the Les Paul guitar format – McCarty was also partially responsible for the humbucking pickup alongside engineer Seth Lover, as well as the Explorer, Flying V, SG, ES-335 and Firebird.

As PRS explains, Paul Reed Smith first discovered McCarty’s name in the US Patent office in the early ‘80s, and later enrolled him as a manufacturing and business consultant. PRS introduced its first McCarty model in 1994, and continues to honour him with new guitar designs. Ted McCarty sadly died in 2001 at the age of 91.

“Ted McCarty was a legend. Incredibly smart. Really exceptional,” says Paul Reed Smith. “He was a champion, an industry icon, a leader, a mentor, a friend. In the end, he was family.”

“If you ask anyone who’s an expert over the age of 50, ‘Can you teach me,’ they say ‘Okay, I’ll teach,’ because they don’t want to die and have their gems of knowledge not be passed on,” he continues. “Ted was a prime example of that. He wanted his knowledge base to be passed on, and he decided to pass it on to us (at PRS Guitars), which I loved.”

“There is no better time to reflect on our history than as we close our 40th anniversary,” adds PRS Guitars COO Jack Higginbotham. 

“Ted is a part of our foundation. He’s central to who we are. As we continue to grow the company and evolve and create new instruments, he’s fundamental in our thought processes of building great instruments. Ted will always be a part of the story of PRS Guitars as it goes forward.” 

“I feel so proud that PRS has once again honoured my dad – this time through a great video tribute to his life and impact – and I am delighted and honored to have been a part of this project as well,” says Ted McCarty’s daughter Sue Davis. 

“When Paul asked my dad to put his name on a guitar, dad wasn’t so sure anyone would want to buy it. Paul and PRS have made sure that the name Ted McCarty – and the man that he was – will be remembered for a long time to come. And for that, I could not be more thankful.”

You can watch the full documentary, The Legacy of Ted McCarty, below, or at PRS’s official YouTube channel.

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Ashdown has announced a major expansion of its Classic Custom Shop UK-Built Studio Peacemaker series at this year’s NAMM show. Building on the brand’s existing 2-watt Peacemaker models, the new lineup adds full-power heads, combos, and matching speaker cabinets designed for studio and stage use.

• READ MORE: ID:X Floor – Blackstar’s first “high-performance” digital floor modellers deliver the tone and feel of real amps with hands-on controls

Handcrafted in Essex, the UK-Peacemaker Series revisits one of Ashdown’s most iconic amplifier names, combining “traditional British valve tone” with modern reliability. The expanded range caters to guitarists at every level, from home practice and recording to full-scale live performance.

At the top of the range is the UK-PM-80H, an 80-watt, two-channel all-valve head designed for stage performance with unmatched headroom and authority. It’s joined by the UK-PM-20H, a compact 20-watt head aimed at delivering boutique tones with simple controls for the studio or small stage, and the UK-PM-20C, a 20-watt combo loaded with a 12-inch Celestion Creamback speaker.

Ashdown has also introduced three matching cabinets: the UK-PM-112 (1×12), UK-PM-212 (2×12), and UK-PM-412 (4×12), all fitted with Celestion Creamback speakers for classic British punch and projection.

Together with the original 2-watt PM-2H and PM-2C, the expanded Peacemaker range now covers the full spectrum of tonal needs, delivering the dynamic feel and harmonic richness British valve amps are known for.

The series is built with premium components throughout, including JJ valves, UK hand-wound transformers, and lightweight plywood cabinets loaded with UK-made Celestion Creamback speakers. It also celebrates the work of British engineer Dave Green, whose valve circuit designs shaped the Peacemaker name into one of Ashdown’s most respected platforms.

Designed for musicians who prioritise feel, dynamics, and tone, the UK-Peacemaker range preserves the character of Ashdown’s classic designs while offering a modern, professional-grade amp family entirely made in the UK.

The expanded Peacemaker lineup will be available worldwide through authorised Ashdown dealers and distributors.

Learn more at Ashdown Engineering.

The post Ashdown supercharges its UK-made Peacemaker series with bigger heads, combos, and cabinets for the modern guitarist appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Martin has teamed up with Grammy-winning guitarist and bluegrass icon Molly Tuttle on two new signature guitars: the D-18 Molly Tuttle and the D-X2E Molly Tuttle.

Both models take direct inspiration from Tuttle’s beloved 1943 Martin D-18, an instrument that has shaped her sound and playing style for years. While the D-18 Molly Tuttle aims to channel the punch, clarity, and fast-playing feel of that vintage guitar, the D-X2E Molly Tuttle brings those same artist-driven details into a more durable, accessible X Series build.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing Martin guitars ever since I started playing the guitar,” says Tuttle. “To see my name on this Martin guitar and to have had a hand in designing it, it was just a huge moment for me.”

• READ MORE: In pictures: check out the most stunning new Fender Custom Shop guitars of 2026

Leading the launch is the D-18 Molly Tuttle, the more premium of the two models, and one Martin describes as being “all wrapped in timeless tone and vintage style”. The guitar features rear-shifted scalloped bracing, a slim 1 11/16-inch nut width favoured by bluegrass flatpickers, and an authentic 1940s-style neck profile designed for speed and comfort.

Custom moon-phase fingerboard inlays reflect Tuttle’s personal aesthetic, joined by a silver Martin script headplate logo, oval tuner buttons, and a classic vintage sunburst top. Crafted with a solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and ebony appointments, the guitar delivers the balance, clarify, and punch D-18s are known for.

“I just love how D-18s sound,” Tuttle says. “It has that classic D-18 sound… it’s wonderful to use in the studio because the notes are so clear.”

The guitar ships in a vintage-style light blue molded hardshell case reminiscent of 1970s Martin designs and is priced at $4,199.99, with both right- and left-handed versions available.

For players looking for a more affordable option, the D-X2E Molly Tuttle brings those D-18 core specs into Martin’s X Series for the first time. Notably, it’s the first X Series model to feature a 1940s-style neck shape with a 1 11/16” nut width, a profile Tuttle describes as “extremely comfortable to play”.

The guitar’s solid spruce top is paired with figured mahogany HPL back and sides for added durability, while scalloped X-bracing, moon-phase markers, and Martin E1 electronics make it stage-ready straight out of the box.

“You could pick this up and go down and play a gig with it that very day,” says Tuttle. Priced at $999.99, it offers a far more accessible route into the Molly Tuttle signature lineup.

The moon-phase motif that appears on both guitars carries personal meaning for Molly as well: “I feel like the moon represents creativity, inspiration, your subconscious,” she says. “Sometimes when I realise it’s a new moon, I think that’s a good time to plant the seeds of new ideas.”

She hopes these guitars spark that same creative energy for other players: “I hope you pick one up. I hope you love playing it. I hope they kind of unlock some new ideas in your playing.”

The D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle will be available online and through authorised Martin dealers following their debut at The 2026 NAMM Show.

Learn more at Martin.

The post “It has that classic D-18 sound”: Molly Tuttle teams up with Martin on two new signature models inspired by her 1943 D-18 appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Córdoba Guitars has unveiled the new Stage Artist Series, an update to its Stage Series of solidbody nylon-string electric guitars aimed squarely at performing players. The lineup includes three models – the Stage Artist Agave Burst, Stage Artist Habano Burst, and Stage Artist Traditional – all priced at $1,199.99.

“Stage Artist guitars were designed in response to feedback from Córdoba artists and specifically crafted to meet their performance needs,” says Nick Beach, Product Manager at Fretted Instruments.

• READ MORE: A totally new guitar, an upgraded Nexus Series and an international debut – here’s what Faith Guitars has launched at NAMM 2026

“They have thicker mahogany bodies and larger internal chambering than our Stage guitars, resulting in a more substantial feel, louder acoustic sound, and fuller amplified tone. They also have deeper body contours and sculpted neck heels that compensate for the thicker bodies, letting them rest comfortably against the player.”

Across the range, all three models feature premium appointments, including ebony binding with bold maple purfling, flamed maple Arches logos, and rosewood knobs with maple inlays.

The Agave Burst and Habano Burst models feature Córdoba’s Exotic Top design, pairing an ultra-thin flamed maple veneer with a solid spruce top. They also share Córdoba’s Fusion neck profile, which is slightly slimmer than a traditional nylon-string neck for a playing experience closer to that of a steel-string guitar.

By contrast, the Stage Artist Traditional caters to players who prefer an instrument that looks and feels like a traditional nylon-string guitar. Features include a solid cedar top, antique-tinted gloss finish, flat fingerboard, and a wider 52 mm (2″) nut width.

All guitars are fitted with the Stage Pickup System, co-developed with Fishman, which combines an under-saddle transducer with an internal body sensor for a detailed and balanced amplified tone. Onboard volume, EQ, and Body Blend controls allow for quick tone shaping in live or studio settings.

Learn more at Córdoba Guitars.

The post Córdoba’s new Stage Artist solidbody nylon electrics are built for the gigging guitarist – and they’re serious lookers appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Strandberg has made a serious splash at this year’s NAMM Show. And following the unveiling of its MIDI-infused headless Chameleon guitar with Jamstik, the innovative brand has lifted the lid on the Arc TILT, a patent-pending tremolo design for “smooth motion, stable pitch control and a more intuitive playing experience”.

The design is said to reimagine how a tremolo responds to the player, with a redesigned pivot system and tremolo block engineered to move in sync with the bridge, “resulting in a fluid and controlled feel” while maintaining stability.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

Touted as a “new way of thinking about tremolo design”, the Arc TILT debuts on two new Strandberg models, the Electric Fuchsia-finished Boden Standard N2.6T, and Black Denim Satin-finished Boden Original N2.6T. 

“The patent-pending Arc TILT tremolo is a groundbreaking innovation,” says Ola Strandberg, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Strandberg Guitars. 

“It’s a new tremolo platform built around how players interact with the instrument. By rethinking motion, balance, and response, we’ve created something that feels more natural, more expressive, and more inspiring to play, while further advancing our long-standing focus on comfort and modern playability.”

In terms of pickups, the Boden Standard N2.6T and Boden Original N2.6T – the two guitars which feature the new Arc TILT system – are fitted with Seymour Duncan Pegasus and Sentient humbuckers and Fishman pickups, respectively.

You can learn more about the Arc TILT tremolo system at Strandberg.

The post “A new way of thinking about tremolo design”: Strandberg unveils patent-pending new tremolo system, the Arc TILT appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Geordie Greep, frontman of Black Midi, has written a touching letter on the loss of his friend and former band mate, Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin.

Kwasniewski-Kelvin sadly passed away after a long mental health battle at the age of just 26. He played guitar for the band from its formation in 2017, and stepped away in 2021 to focus on his mental wellbeing.

His family announced his death through a statement shared by the band’s label, Rough Trade Records, earlier this month. They described him as “a talented musician and a kind, loving young man”, and urged people to check in on their loved ones.

View this post on Instagram

Geordie Greep has now written his own statement, shared via social media, in which he has thanked their friends, those the band have worked with, and their fans for being so kind. He also passed on his love to the family of Kwasniewski-Kelvin.

“It’s really such a sad thing that’s happened,” he writes, “but I have been trying to focus on what a great person he was, what a force for positivity and goodwill, and how much better he made the lives of everyone who knew him. We all loved him so much, we really did. And he will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

“Even though I haven’t seen him in some years, I thought about him very often, and I always wished and hoped I would one day see him again. There is so much I wish I could say to him. I wish I could say how sorry I am for everything that happened, how sorry I am that he was unlucky enough to be battling such a cruel, unforgiving and persistent illness, how much I miss him and will miss him always, and how thankful I am for everything he did for me.”

He later continues, “We had a dream when we were 14 years old of making crazy music and playing it around the world, being able to make music on our own terms and be able to do it for a living – and we bloody did. We did and in a short time too.”

Before sharing some throwback photos of the band, Greep concludes: “So thank you Matt, thank you for everything. You’re always gonna be with me. Every stage and studio or wherever I play I’ll be thinking of you. I dedicate the rest of my life to finishing what we started. And I would never be able to do any of it without you. I love you, thank you so much.

“And thank you everyone else too. Best wishes to everyone. I love you all. I don’t have many good pictures of us all together, but here are a few. One from our very first recording session (in a proper studio) and a few from our very first gig, and some from us and a few other great friends from school playing the blues. That was nine years ago now, and I remember it like yesterday. These are the sort of memories you can’t forget.”

You can read Geordie Greep’s full post below:

View this post on Instagram

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can find support through Find A Helpline.

The post “I dedicate the rest of my life to finishing what we started”: Geordie Greep pays tribute to former Black Midi bandmate Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Yamaha has launched two new Pacifica variations – the SC Professional and SC Standard Plus – as well as a brand new Revstar signature model made with Chris Buck.

These new Pacifica models are single-cut versions of its Professional and Standard Plus models released in January 2024. These guitars share many of the same features but the Professional variation has a higher price point, and varies with a 9.5 -12” Compound Radius fingerboard (12” on the SC Standard Plus), a custom tinted satin neck finish, and a hardshell case as opposed to a gig bag.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

These new Pacifica models are fitted Reflectone pickups, developed in partnership with Rupert Neve Designs. They come in an S-H configuration, and are accompanied by a Focus Switch to offer a wide tonal range. Each guitar has a contoured, chambered body, engineered with Acoustic Design technology for enhanced resonance.

Both guitars come with either a rosewood or maple fingerboard, and have 22 medium jumbo frets, Gotoh locking tuners, and a range of colours. Depending on your model and choice of fingerboard material, colour availability may vary. In total there are eight colours: Ash Pink, Breeze Metallic Blue, Sunny Orange, Black Metallic, Shell White, Peppermint Green, Desert Burst, and Black.

Also joining its exciting NAMM launches is the Chris Buck Signature REVSTAR RS02CB guitar. The REVSTAR series has been inspired by café racer motorcycles, Japanese artisanship and cultural heritage since its debut in 2015. Its second generation later arrived in 2022.

The RS02CB was developed in close collaboration with Buck to faithfully reproduce the sound and feel of his custom REVSTAR. It features P90 style pickups tuned to his preferences, a wrap-around bridge, a chambered body and a carbon-reinforced neck.

“My custom shop REVSTAR has been the beating heart of every record I’ve made and every show I’ve played since I first laid hands on it in 2020,” he says. “It hasn’t left my side and has quite literally travelled the globe with me, from Cairo to California.

“The phrase ‘labour of love’ gets thrown around a little too often these days, but collaborating so closely with Yamaha to recreate my guitar over the past few years has been exactly that. I am beyond thrilled to finally see it come to life. As much as it may be based on my guitar, this one’s yours.”

The Professional SC model comes in at £2,247.18, while the Standard Plus SC is priced at £991.90. The Chris Buck Signature REVSTAR is priced at £1,253.20. You can view all of these new launches over at Yamaha.

The post Yamaha partners with Chris Buck on new signature Revstar – and launches new single-cut Pacifica models appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

ESP has launched 14 new models for its LTD Deluxe 1000 Series for professional players.

The 14 new arrivals include new colours, as well as completely new designs and shapes making their series debut. Matt Masciandaro, president and CEO of ESP, says these LTD Deluxe Series guitars for 2026 are among its “best in history”, and we’ve rounded up the key highlights.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

The swathe of new launches sees the LTD Deluxe Arrow-1000 being made available in a brilliant Pearl White finish. This V-shaped guitar offers neck-thru-body construction, extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, and a set of direct-mount Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker active pickups.

Three new EC-1000 models are also joining the LTD Deluxe Series, these are the EC-1000 Candy Apple Red Satin, a single-cutaway guitar fitted with a set of ESP-exclusive Seymour Duncan new MortalCoil 3-Voice Active Humbucker pickups, the EC-1000 Granite Sparkle, and the EC-1000 Pearl White.

With a shape making its long-awaited addition to the LTD lineup, the LTD Deluxe MV-1000 Pearl White is based on the ESP Maverick, with smooth curves and a slightly asymmetrical shape that truly stands out from the crowd of typical guitars.

Another new model for 2026, the LTD Deluxe NV-1000 marks the return of the ESP NV shape to the LTD brand with neck-thru-body construction, extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, a Floyd Rose 1000SE double-locking tremolo, and a set of EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) active pickups.

The LTD Deluxe TH-1000 Snow White takes a familiar look and dresses it up a little more with contemporary design features such as a swamp ash body, roasted maple neck, extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, a black bone nut, a Hipshot hardtail bridge with string-thru-body, and a set of Seymour Duncan MortalCoil pickups.

Also offering the same shape is the LTD Deluxe TH-1000 EverTune FM See Thru Black Sunburst, with an EverTune constant tension bridge, along with a flamed maple top, a roasted maple neck, a black bone nut, and a set of Seymour Duncan MortalCoils

The LTD Deluxe Viper-1001 EverTune Charcoal Metallic Satin also features the EverTune constant tension bridge, along with set-thru construction at 24.75” scale, extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, and an EMG 81 active humbucking pickup.

In our final list of  highlights, the LTD Deluxe XJ-2HT Snow White jazzes up the offset XJ body shape with key features including a swamp ash body, roasted maple neck, extra-jumbo stainless steel frets, a black bone nut, a Hipshot hardtail bridge with string-thru-body, and a set of Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker pickups.

One of the highlights of the new additions visually is the RS-1000, which sports ESP’s Random Star shape for some serious star power, alongside a neck-thru-body construction, Floyd Rose 1000SE tremolo, and an EMG 81 and 85 active pickup set.

You can visit ESP Guitars at NAMM Booth 210D, or head over to the ESP website for more information on all of its new arrivals.

The post 14 new guitars in ESP’s LTD Deluxe 1000 Series are the “best in its history” – here’s everything you need to know appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

ESP has expanded its Signature Series with eight new instruments for Joe Duplantier, George Lynch, Mick Thomson and more, and even two new guitars celebrating late Children of Bodom guitarist Alexi Laiho.

There’s also new guitars for Slaughter to Prevail guitarist Jack Simmons, late Slayer legend Jeff Hanneman, and a new finish for Stephen Carpenter’s LTD SC-607 Baritone.

• READ MORE: Seymour Duncan MortalCoils: active humbuckers with three “precision-engineered” voices

“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.”

Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom)

The two new Alexi Laiho models commemorating the Finnish melodic death metal pioneer are an Arrowhead SE 20th Anniversary, black with yellow bevels, and a Sawtooth SE 20th Anniversary model, black with white pinstripes. Both feature the offset V shape Laiho was somewhat synonymous with, as well as a neck-thru construction, 25.5” scale, Macassar ebony fingerboard, Grover tuners, single EMG HZ F-H2 passive pickup and Floyd Rose 1000 bridge.

Joe Duplantier (Gojira)

Elsewhere, Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier gets the JD-1, which sports a modified take on the offset XJ shape, with a bolt-on construction, 25.5” scale, three-piece roasted maple neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard, pearloid block inlays, 22 extra jumbo stainless steel frets, and Joe’s signature DiMarzio JD Fortitude passive humbucker.

George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob)

The LTD GL-200 Kami arrives as a “streamlined” version of George Lynch’s 1985 Kamikaze guitar, with a solid black finish, hockey stick reverse headstock, basswood body, Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo bridge, and a set of ESP LH-150B and LS-120 pickups.

Jack Simmons (Slaughter to Prevail)

New to the ESP Signature artist family in time for NAMM 2026 is Jack Simmons, guitarist for deathcore titans Slaughter to Prevail. He gets the LTD JS-7 Baritone, which features a V-shaped body with a neck-thru construction, 27” scale, 24 frets, 48mm Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut, Hipshot 7 hardtail bridge and Fishman Open Core Modern 3-Voice humbucker active pickup.

Jeff Hanneman (Slayer)

Paying tribute to late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman comes the LTD JH-200 CTM. Priced for “accessibility” for the legions of Slayer fans around the world, the guitar sports a bolt-construction, uninhibited access to the upper frets for ripping solos, an alder body, red star inlays, a Floyd RoseSpecial double-locking trem and a set of high-output ESP LH-301 humbuckers.

Mick Thomson (Slipknot)

Mick Thomson’s LTD MT-1 Signature Series model gets a new Black Satin finish. As a reminder, the guitar features a set-thru construction, 25.5” scale, mahogany body with a white ash top, 24 frets, Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL nut, Hipshot Grip-Lock open gear tuners, Hipshot Hi-Mass hardtail bridge, blue Luminlay side dots and a Fishman Fluence Mick Thomson signature pickup.

Stephen Carpenter (Deftones)

And finally, the LTD SC-607 Baritone – the Signature Series model for Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter – gets a new Magenta finish with gold hardware, based on one of Stef’s beloved personal ESP Custom Shop guitars. Features include seven strings, neck-thru-body construction, 27” scale, TonePros locking TOM-style bridge, and a set of Carpenter’s Fishman Fluence SRC Signature 3-Voice pickups.

Learn more about the new additions to the Signature Series at ESP.

The post ESP expands its Signature Series for NAMM 2026 with kitted-out models for Mick Thomson, George Lynch, Stephen Carpenter and more appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Seymour Duncan has launched its new MortalCoil active humbuckers, which offer three voices catering to a wide array of tonal desires.

The launch marks its first multiple-voiced pickup, and each voicing has been “precision-engineered” to allow a single guitar to move all the way from shiny cleans to aggressive high-gain tones. They’re available now in 6- and 7-string configurations, and can be installed as a simple drop-in upgrade for many existing active setups. All pots and wiring are included.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

Diving into each voice, we begin with MortalCoil’s MC1 (Voice 1), for a modern metal sound. This voice delivers “uncompromising tightness, note separation, and cutting presence” for metal players, and Seymour Duncan claims it does so without fizz or nasal midrange, even under extreme gain.

The second voice brings classic JB Bridge and Jazz Neck tones, while Voice 3 offers a single-coil voice with plenty of output and definition for all your clean needs. Precision-wound, high-density copper coils with optimised resistance are at the core of these pickups, and an all-new advanced, audio-optimised preamp brings clarity and definition.

Find out more and hear them in action below:

In other Seymour Duncan news, Slash has teamed up with the brand for another collaboration. The Slash 3.0 Pickup Set – his most “aggressive” signature set to date – was created especially for his appearance at Black Sabbath’s historic Back To The Beginning gig last July. Slash has used Seymour Duncan pickups for over four decades, but for the special occasion he wanted some extra oomph for his Gibson SG.

You can get the MortalCoil humbuckers as a set for $279, or as a single pickup for $169. Find out more by visiting Seymour Duncan.

The post Seymour Duncan MortalCoils: active humbuckers with three “precision-engineered” voices appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Laney has unveiled the Supergrace Loudpedal, a floor-based dual-amplifier platform that puts Billy Corgan’s live rig within reach of any guitarist.

Developed in close collaboration with the Smashing Pumpkins frontman himself, Supergrace captures the core of Corgan’s touring sound – without the towering backline or $100k price tag.

At its heart are two of Corgan’s essential amplifier voices: the high-gain Carstens Grace, and the iconic Laney Supergroup, now distilled into a single, compact 60-Watt floor unit.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

Translating those two professional-grade amplifiers into a compact floor-based format was no small task, says the brand. Working alongside Laney and amp designer Brian Carstens, the goal was to preserve the feel and character of each amp rather than simply approximate their tones.

“We wanted something that would be used night after night on the world’s biggest stages-not as a compromise, but as the real thing,” says Carstens. The result is the Supergrace: a dual-amplifier platform designed for players seeking both heritage and innovation.

On one side sits the Grace channel, born from Corgan’s demand for extreme gain and massive headroom. Adapted from the original Carstens Grace amp, this channel delivers articulate high gain with exceptional note definition, even at saturation levels where most amps collapse.

“It’s really solid,” says Corgan. “There’s so much body to the notes.”

Alongside it sits the Supergroup channel, a faithful recreation of the legendary Laney amp from the late 60s that shaped early heavy metal. Even the circuit’s distinctive “transformer rub” sub-note, a detail prized by vintage Laney fans and heard on countless Laney recordings, has been preserved.

Beyond the amp tones, the Supergrace is built as a complete modern rig. It features a true analogue signal path with no digital amp modelling, paired with Laney’s proprietary LA·IR Advanced Speaker Emulation. The pedal comes preloaded with Corgan’s own touring Impulse Responses, which can be swapped via the company’s LA·IR app.

USB-C connectivity enables latency-free recording straight into a DAW, while MIDI control, a transformer-isolated FX loop, auxiliary input, and headphone output make it equally suited to studio, stage, or silent practice.

Crucially, the unit has already been tested in the real world by the man himself. Corgan took a Supergrace prototype onstage at a My Chemical Romance show in Chicago, performing in front of 60,000 people without his usual $100k+ touring rig – and the pedal passed the test with flying colours.

Priced at $629.99/£449/€529, each unit is handcrafted at Laney’s Black Country Customs workshop in Birmingham, England, and ships in a premium presentation box, complete with power supply and USB cables.

Learn more at Laney.

The post Billy Corgan’s $100k live rig is now a pedal – Meet the Laney Supergrace appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

£899/$999, eastmanguitars.com

Eastman’s quest to create something interesting, impressive and different in the affordable bolt-on guitar space with the Fullertone range has been one of the stories of the guitar world over the last 12 months, and for 2026 chief luthier Otto D’Ambrosio is opening his tent to expand the Fullertone concept to new audiences with the new Offset ’62.

• READ MORE: With the FullerTone, Eastman Guitars stands at the new frontier of quality affordable electrics

Eastman Fullertone Offset ’62 – what is it?

The Offset ’62 is a Chinese-made and more affordable interpretation of the Offset ’62 from the Europe-made D’Ambrosio series, which launched at last year’s Guitar Summit. Over the past several months, Eastman has been working with YouTuber Paul Davids to refine the Offset ’62 concept to make it more suited to the average player’s needs. This entailed moving the toggle switch to the upper bout, changing the forearm contour for added comfort, and moving the volume knob closer to the bridge pickup for ease of access.

The result is the guitar you see before you in both its Dakota Red and Gold launch finishes. The body is a lightweight roasted black limba, with a similarly roasted maple neck with rosewood board. In terms of electronics you get a pair of Gold Foil-covered ToneRider soapbar humbuckers plus premium Orange Drop, 022μF capacitors and CTS 250K pots.
The hardware is similarly premium – you get nice looking and feeling six-in-a-line vintage style tuners, an anodized aluminium pickguard, and in a new one for the Fullertone range, a Jazzmaster-style-but-not Göldo DG Tremolo.

The neck is attached to the body using the innovative single-bolt system developed by D’Ambrosio that gives the range its name, and you also get a padded gigbag for the money – which is a little more than the first Fullertones, it must be noted.

Eastman Fullertone Offset ’62 – build quality and playability

Removing the Offset ’62 from its padded gigbag. I’m immediately impressed with the refreshingly original yet knowingly vintage vibe of the instrument.

The roasted maple neck is quite chunky in the palm but it’s smooth satin finish, medium Jescar FW47104-P frets and Fender-esque 25.5” scale length, combined with the 12” radius rosewood fingerboard, contribute to a familiar and instantly comfortable playing feel.

Immediately impressive is the lightweight, sleek and svelte feel in the hands. Despite being a sizable mass, roughly as wide as my Les Paul, it’s original offset design conforms to the Eastman Family in terms of looks and slick contoured body feels even better in person – clearly the real world testing done by Davids has really helped to make this guitar simply melt into your body as you sit and play it.

On a strap, the Offset ’62 sits in a wonderfully balanced position with everything intuitively positioned ready to rock, not true of every offset design, the Eastman is ready to jangle or shoegaze the night away!

Eastman Fullertone Offset ’62 – sounds

Unplugged, the Offset ’62 has a Tele-style snap to its attack and plenty of midrange clout to its decay, albeit softened slightly I suspect by the rather intriguing looking Göldo trem. As far as I’m aware, this is the first production guitar – certainly at this price point – to spec this as standard, and it’s an interesting concept.

It may at first look like the lost lovechild of a Jazzmaster Trem and a Burns Accent vibrato unit from the 1960s, but in fact it feels and functions more like a great Bigsby with more immediate response than the classic Fender vibrato used on the Jazzmaster and Jaguar.

I really like both its quirky almost 60s pawn shop aesthetic but also its very musical and smooth operation for everything from gentle chord wobbles to shoegaze sonic vibrato waves, all accomplished with an impressive lack of retuning required. This no doubt helped by the cleverly designed straight string pull over the genuine bone nut to the sleek stepped headstock design.

With a three-way toggle switch placed on the upper bout and a master volume, two tone control setup all neatly mounted on the very cool aluminium early Jazzmaster-hinting pickguard, everything feels nicely laid out under the hands too.

Before plugging in I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the pickups, whilst they may look like Gold Foils, that is obviously a very specific thing construction-wise. Wisely then for , Eastman describe them as ‘Soapbar Humbuckers with Goldfoil covers’ and whilst this may be a smorgasbord of tonal a nomenclature, plugging in to my black panel amp soon revealed a jangly bright toned bridge pickup with plenty of midrange bite and an impressive lack of hum.

Kudos again to Eastman for creating something original again with these pickups, they have the musical airy top end of a good old gold foil with lots of the gutsy midrange of an old P-90. It’s a wonderful combination, and switching to the neck position reminds me of lots of the best bits of a good Firebird neck pickup. A very distinct, immediate tone that’s void of any flub and instead punches though a mix like a much fatter Strat neck pickup.

The middle position is the guitar’s crowning glory however, a beautiful jangle tone into a clean amp that had us switching to our Vox amp for some superb sixties jangle pop tones that bring us into Ricky and Gretsch land. Jumping on a fuzz pedal revealed these pickups handle gain rather well too – with a clear versatile sonic voice of its own that holds together well in all positions. Superb.

Eastman Fullertone Offset ’62 – should I buy one?

We truly are living in a golden age of affordable gear. For a guitar as accomplished and great feeling as this Eastman Offset ’62 to be available at this price is a real win for players.
Not only does this guitar stand out from the usual crowd visually, it has a unique sonic voice and retro feel all of its own and could happily accompany you on a career of live playing and recording.

If I’m being picky, I’d like to see the range expanded with more colour options and pickup alternatives, to appeal to more players, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, you really should check one of these out. There’s a huge amount to love about the Offset ’62 – especially at this killer price.

Eastman Fullertone Offset ’62 – alternatives

The historic king of the offset, even at this price range is a Jazzmaster and the Fender Player II Jazzmaster takes a lot of beating value wise as does the superb Fender Vintera II Roadworn 50’s Jazzmaster for a little extra cash. It’s nearly triple the price, but the fantastic Duesenberg Bros Landreth Joey’s Guitar features gold foil humbucking pickups, a wide range of tonal modes, and an offset body.

The post Eastman Fullertone Offset ’62 review – “it has a unique sonic voice and retro feel all of its own” appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

UK-based amp maker Blackstar has entered the floor-modeller space with the launch of ID:X Floor, its first range of high-performance digital floor processors for electric, bass and acoustic guitars.

Built as a floor-based evolution of the brand’s popular ID:X combo amps, the ID:X Floor series aims to deliver “the tone and feel of a real amp” without the distraction of endless menu-diving. Combining decades of amp-building experience with component-level digital modelling and powerful DSP, Blackstar says the result is a more responsive, valve-like playing experience with intuitive, hands-on control.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

At the core of ID:X Floor is advanced component-level modelling, designed to capture not just the sound of an amp, but the way it reacts under the fingers.

The system features 12 authentic component-level electric guitar amp models – split between six Blackstar designs and six Ampton recreations of classic amps – alongside three bass amps, two acoustic voices, and an acoustic simulator.

Players can also select different virtual power valve responses (EL84, EL34, or 6L6) and shape everything using Blackstar’s familiar ISF control.

Cab simulation is handled by Blackstar’s IR-driven CabRig system, which aims to feel more dynamic than traditional static impulse responses. The company’s ‘In The Room’ CabRig technology is designed to recreate the sensation of standing in front of a real valve amp, whether you’re running direct to front of house, through an FRFR system, or integrating ID:X Floor into a pedalboard. Full MIDI control is also on hand for deeper integration with more complex setups.

Finally, a full suite of I/O, including USB-C for audio interface use, balanced XLR outputs and headphone output, let ID:X Floor integrate seamlessly with FRFR cabs, traditional amps, or DAWs.

Players can choose between three models: The ID:X Floor One ($239.99) keeps things compact and pedalboard-friendly; the Floor Two ($279.99) adds a built-in expression pedal for volume, wah, and effects parameters; while Floor Three ($349.99) is the “ultimate floor solution” with extended patch/effects switching, added MIDI Thru and an effects loop for maximum versatility.

Alongside the modeller launch, Blackstar has also announced Artist FR, a new line of powered full-range, flat-response (FRFR) cabinets designed to give digital modeller users the dynamics and feel of an actual guitar amp.

“Most FRFR cabinets feel like PAs pretending to be guitar amps,” says Blackstar. “With Artist FR, we’ve created cabinets that look right, feel right, and respond like a real amp – compact, affordable, and ready for any gig.”

The cabinets combine custom flat-response speakers with whizzer cones, active three-band EQ and Presence controls, and include a built-in kickstand for easy floor monitoring.

Two models are available: the $369.99 Artist FR Standard (50 Watts, 1×12) for home use and smaller gigs, and the $449.99 Artist FR Special (100 Watts, 1×12) for louder stages and rehearsals.

Learn more at Blackstar Amps.

The post ID:X Floor – Blackstar’s first “high-performance” digital floor modellers deliver the tone and feel of real amps with hands-on controls appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

In one of the most innovative new offerings to be revealed at NAMM 2026, Strandberg has partnered with Jamstik for a new MIDI technology-infused headless electric guitar.

The Strandberg x Jamstik Chameleon MIDI Guitar is essentially a traditional analogue electric guitar (well, ‘traditional’ might be a stretch – it is Strandberg, after all) with MIDI functionality. The instrument aims to empower guitarists not only in playing, but in composing, producing, transcribing and other areas of modern digital music creation.

• READ MORE: NAMM 2026 Live: The latest guitar launches and news from the biggest music gear event on the planet

Via its onboard MIDI functionality, the Chameleon MIDI Guitar allows players to control software instruments, hardware synthesizers, as well as other digital production tools.

In terms of connectivity, the guitar features a USB-C input for direct computer and DAW integration, TRS-MIDI for controlling hardware synths without a computer, and even Bluetooth functionality for wireless configuration and real-time setting adjustments via mobile devices.

“By embedding our MIDI technology into Strandberg’s guitars, we’ve built an instrument that supports modern creative workflows while still feeling unmistakably like a world-class guitar,” said Jonathan Keller, Senior Engineer at Jamstik.

“Strandberg’s craftsmanship and ergonomics gave us the ideal foundation to make MIDI feel expressive, musical, and completely natural to play.”

Aesthetics include a “chameleon-style” finish which subtly shifts between purple, green and graphite tones depending on the lighting.

“Strandberg guitars are designed to remove friction between the player and their ideas,” says Ola Strandberg, Founder and Creative Lead at Strandberg Guitars.

“This collaboration with Jamstik extends that philosophy into the digital domain, giving players new creative possibilities.”

Each guitar includes access to Jamstik Creator, Jamstik’s companion software for configuring MIDI behaviour, sensitivity, tuning options and performance settings.

The Strandberg x Jamstik Chameleon MIDI Guitar is priced at $2,199/£1,799, and is available now as a limited pre-order via Jamstik and Strandberg. The first batch is scheduled to ship early spring 2026.

If you’re heading to NAMM 2026, you can also visit Strandberg at Booth #5414 and Jamstik at Booth #9907.

The post Strandberg and Jamstik partner on a headless electric guitar with MIDI functionality appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

Guild has introduced a pair of new 12-string acoustics, the F-412 and F-412E Standard.

Both available in Natural and Pacific Sunset Burst, these guitars are branded as instruments for the “working guitarist”, and both sport a solid an array of quality tonewoods, with African mahogany backs and sides, solid Sitka spruce tops, as well as comfortable C-shaped mahogany necks with Indian rosewood fingerboards.

• 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

Finishing touches include tortoiseshell pickguards, white body binding, and cream Deluxe Vintage open-gear tuners.

The F-412E Standard is an electro-acoustic version, with an L.R. Baggs Element VTC active pickup system, offering Volume and Tone controls for tone shaping.

Built in America, Nick Beach, Guild’s Product Manager of Fretted Instruments notes of the new guitars: “The new F-412 Standard guitars are the first American-made mahogany body 12-strings that Guild has offered in many years. These professional-quality guitars are also more accessible than our top-of-the-line 12-strings, putting them well within reach of working guitarists.”

In terms of pricing, the F-412E Standard Natural sits at $2,999.99, while the F-412E Pacific Sunset Burst costs $3,099.99. If you’re strictly sticking to the acoustic side with no electronics, the F-412 Standard Natural is $2,799.99, with the F-412 Pacific Sunset priced at a slightly higher $2,899.99.

All F-412 and F-412E Standard guitars also come with a Guild Deluxe humidified hardshell case, as well as an accompanying Certificate of Authenticity.

To find out more, head to Guild.

The post Guild unveils two new “accessible” 12-string acoustics, the F-412 and F-412E Standard appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.

In what’s sure to be one of the biggest launches of the 2026 NAMM Show, Neural DSP has unveiled the Quad Cortex Mini, offering the full sound and processing power of its flagship Quad Cortex amp modeller in a significantly smaller footprint.

Measuring just 22.8 x 11.8 x 6.5 cm, weighing just 1.5 kg and 50% smaller, the Quad Cortex Mini is designed for easier-than-ever integration into pedalboards, compact racks and desktop studios, without sacrificing the immense power of the larger flagship version. You may or may not remember we blessed the original Quad Cortex with a 10/10 rating in our 2021 review, asking whether it would become the most “game-changing guitar product of the decade”. But will the Quad Cortex Mini make the same splash in the amp modeller market?

• READ MORE: Roland adds three more treasured Boss pedals to its Effects Pedals plugin

The Quad Cortex Mini interface is centred around a 7” touchscreen display and four stainless steel rotary footswitches, offering “precise, tactile control underfoot and at the fingertips in both live and studio environments”.

Features include Neural Capture V1 and V2 support for capturing amps, cabs, drives, fuzzes and compressors, a comprehensive library of 90+ amps, 100+ effects, 1,000+ IRs and 2,000+ Captures, and free access to thousands of community Captures via Cortex Cloud.

There’s also the Focus system for fast, hands-on parameter control with the rotary footswitches, a Pages system for extended footswitch control without increasing hardware footprint, and a Gig View for “performance-focused” stage control.

And while we’re on the topic of performance, the Quad Cortex Mini introduces a locking power connector for secure live operation. There’s also comprehensive I/O, with an instrument/mic combo input with phantom power, balanced XLR outputs, stereo send/return via TRS, MIDI over TRS and USB-C, and even a headphone output for quiet practice.

The new unit also sits neatly in the Quad Cortex ecosystem, with users able to move presets and system backups between a Quad Cortex and Quad Cortex Mini, if they wish.

“Since the introduction of Quad Cortex in 2020, our goal has been to define the standard for what an all-in-one digital rig can be,” says Douglas Castro, CEO and Co-Founder of Neural DSP.

“We set out to combine machine-learning-based modelling, studio-grade audio quality, and a fast, performance-focused workflow in a single unit. With Quad Cortex Mini, we’ve carried that same philosophy forward, preserving the processing architecture and Neural Capture technology that allow us to create ultra-accurate digital replicas of amplifiers, cabinets, drive pedals, fuzzes, and compressors, now in a more compact form without compromise.”

In addition to the launch of the Quad Cortex Mini, Neural DSP has unveiled CorOS 4.0.0, bringing new utilities to the platform including a series of reverbs, plus Phase Doctor, which aligns signals in stereo rigs and multi-amp setups.

“Quad Cortex Mini represents our belief that size shouldn’t dictate what a professional rig is capable of,” concludes Francisco Cresp, Neural DSP Co-Founder and CPO.

“It carries forward the same sound quality, the same processing depth, and the same creative control that define Quad Cortex, while opening up new possibilities for how and where that level of performance can be used. The goal was to ensure that whether a player is in the studio, on stage, or on the road, they can rely on the same technology, the same results, and the same level of trust in their rig, regardless of form factor.”

The Quad Cortex Mini is available now, priced at €1,299. To learn more, head to Neural DSP, and if, like us, you’re lucky enough to be at the 2026 NAMM Show, you can pay Neural DSP a visit at Booth #5243.

The post “A more compact form without compromise”: Neural DSP downsizes its flagship Quad Cortex with the smaller but equally powerful Quad Cortex Mini appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.