Music is the universal language
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14
Premier Guitar
Cornerstone Music Gear - Nucleo Reverb | NAMM 2026
We stopped by Cornerstone Music Gear to demo the Nucleo Reverb, a collaboration with Paul Davids featuring three reverb engines (Reactor, Room, Hall) with three voicings each (Normal, Vintage, Lo-Fi), plus dedicated faders for modulation, pitch shifting (AIR), and granular textures (FLUX). The pedal offers 90-second decay, freeze and freeze-pitch modes for holding reverb tails indefinitely, transformer-isolated stereo outputs, USB-C audio interface functionality, and 3 onboard presets plus 128 via MIDI.
NUCLEO
Nucleo Reverb isn’t just another reverb pedal – it’s the key to a universe of sonic landscapes.
With epic 90-second decay, 3 onboard presets (plus 128 via MIDI), freeze and freeze-pitch modes, the Nucleo turns every note into an evolving, cinematic texture.
From granular atmospheres to shimmer reverbs and versatile modulation types, every sound was refined in collaboration with Paul Davids to spark creativity at every step.
Add deep MIDI integration, USB audio, and intuitive controls – and you’ll discover a reverb built to inspire.
PRS Guitars Releases Documentary on Ted McCarty
PRS Guitars today announced a documentary on Paul Reed Smith’s mentor and friend and guitar industry titan the late Theodore “Ted” McCarty and his lasting impact on both Smith and the company.
This touching and informative video features archival interview footage of Ted McCarty himself, and interviews with Paul Reed Smith, McCarty’s daughter Sue Davis, PRS Signature Artist David Grissom, and several PRS Guitars employees. The full-length, 73-minute video is now available on the PRS Guitars YouTube channel. A trailer was released earlier this month.
Ted McCarty served as vice president of the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1949 and as president from 1950-1966. In addition to the Les Paul and Tune-O-Matic bridge, McCarty was also responsible for several other patents and innovations, including the humbucking pickup (with engineer Seth Lover), Explorer, Flying V, SG, ES 335, and Firebird to name a few. After leaving Gibson in the mid 1960s, McCarty became co-owner of Bigsby.
“Ted McCarty was a legend. Incredibly smart. Really exceptional,” said Paul Reed Smith. “He was a champion, an industry icon, a leader, a mentor, a friend. In the end, he was family.”
Paul Reed Smith first came across McCarty’s name in the US Patent office in the early 1980s, later enrolling him as a manufacturing and business consultant. McCarty died in 2001 at the age of 91, but his contributions continue to ripple through the guitar industry. PRS introduced the first McCarty model in 1994 and has since honored him with many instrument designs. Now, the McCarty family of guitars spans from the SE Series to Core instruments and represents more vintage-appointed PRS guitars.
“There is no better time to reflect on our history than as we close our 40th anniversary,” said 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.”
“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. 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,” continued Smith.
“I feel so proud that PRS has once again honored 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. 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,” said McCarty’s daughter, Sue Davis.
McCarty’s significance at PRS didn’t stop with Smith. Through visits to the factory, attending The NAMM Show, a large photo of him in the PRS Guitars factory lobby, and stories passed down through employees, even many of those who never met him say they feel his influence.
“What ties Paul and Ted together for me is the pure joy of teaching. The same joy I imagine Ted felt when he became Paul’s mentor – the joy of being asked about his life’s work – is something I know Paul feels today. The openness we have to ask Paul anything mirrors the way Paul once asked Ted everything. Their relationship went far beyond business; I’ve heard Paul describe Ted as being like a grandfather to him. The honesty and integrity around that relationship and the continued relationship with Ted’s family speaks to what PRS Guitars truly is: a company defined by people, relationships, and shared passion,” said PRS Guitars Director of Marketing, Judy Schaefer.
For all of the latest news, click www.prsguitars.com and follow @prsguitars on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Reverend Guitars | NAMM 2026
Reverend walked us through the company's streamlined 2026 lineup, which reorganizes all their guitars into body-based lines (Charger, Kingbolt, Roundhouse, Sensei) differentiated by pickup configuration instead of individual model names. The lineup features new Steelhead humbuckers that combine ceramic and Alnico 5 magnets for added punch and chime, plus noiseless Steelhead 90 pickups designed to retain authentic P-90 character and single-coil quack without any 60-cycle hum.
New Lineup for 2026
Reverend has refreshed thier line for 2026 with 27 new models.
Charger HH
Charger H90
Charger H90W
Charger 290
Charger CC
Charger JR
Kingbolt H90
Kingbolt H290
Kingbolt HH
Kingbolt 390
Kingbolt H90FR
Kingbolt F-Sonic Descent
Descent W
Sensei HH
Sensei H90
Sensei 290
Sensei JR
Airwave
Charger Air HH
Kingbolt Air HH
Kingbolt Air 390
Roundhouse Air HH
Roundhouse HH
Roundhouse H90
Roundhouse 290
Matt West Wiz-1
DSM Humbolt Dumblifier Overdrive Special | NAMM 2026
DSM/Humboldt’s Daniel Schwartz walked us through the new Dumblifier—a pedal designed to capture the feel and responsiveness of original Dumble amps, developed after comparing their design against authentic models like the legendary No. 12. The pedal combines DSM's Simplifier platform with authentic ODS controls including jazz/rock EQ switching, J-FET boost, mid boost, and bright switch, giving players stereo cab simulation, multiple speaker options, and flexible routing in a compact format.
Dumblifier Overdrive Special
Have you dreamed of capturing the magic of the fabled D-style Overdrive Special? Sure, you can achieve its sound via digital modeling, but that won’t allow you to truly feel the sonic sorcery beneath your fingers. Infused with premium analog circuitry, the DSM Humboldt Electronics Dumblifier Overdrive Special pedal offers something different — it not only delivers authentic tone but also replicates the dynamic compression and touch response that makes the original amp such a mythical piece of kit. This amp emulator stompbox features two channels — Clean and Overdrive — with a shared 3-band EQ, Ratio and Drive controls, plus switches for Bright, Mid Boost, and Rock/Jazz voicing. Moreover, the Dumblifier includes a Preamp Boost for added gain, a Power Amp section for touch-sensitive compression, a stereo effects loop, a stereo reverb with three modes, and stereo Cabinet simulation chock-full of Speaker and cabinet Size settings. Flaunting a heavy-duty anodized aluminum enclosure with eye-grabbing wood side panels, the Dumblifier Overdrive Special provides discerning players with a genuinely authentic D-style playing experience.
Fryette Launches Pittbull Ultra-Lead II Amp And Valvulator Mini Buffer
Fryette Amplification has introduced the Pittbull Ultra-Lead II 120-watt amp head and Valvulator Mini buffer.
From its introduction in 1995 until its discontinuation in 2017, the Pittbull Ultra-Lead had long been the flagship of the Fryette amplifier line, and customer desire for the Ultra-Lead to be reissued has never waned. Following an intensive three-year development process, the new Pittbull Ultra-Lead II is a fully reimagined touring and recording tone machine, specifically designed to be the centerpiece of your playing and gigging environment.
With an eye toward the future of tube amplification, Steve Fryette prioritized the most popular features and functions of his original Pittbull Ultra-Lead and then added a compact, lightweight form factor, flexible three-channel topology, a graphic EQ and super dynamic 120 watt power amplifier. The new amp features the smoother harmonic balance of the former sister-ship, the Pittbull Hundred CLX and imported its personality into the Ultra-Lead platform by way of a Patent Pending power tube blending technology that extracts peak performance out of mixed pairs of EL34 and 6550 power tubes. The Pittbull Ultra-Lead II includes an all-new switching and signal processing platform that offers an array of sonic possibilities in a slick, intuitive sound modification system that can be managed via the onboard LCD display or operated remotely via a custom graphical user interface. “Many amp manufacturers view legacy product reboots in the most literal way possible, offering as accurate a reproduction as possible, given modern regulatory limitations. In our view, that approach is just uninspired and assumes that a great tube amplifier can’t be truly innovative. We believe that the Pittbull Ultra-Lead origin story was about moving beyond, and that is just as true today as it was in 1995” commented Steve Fryette.
The Fryette Valvulator Mini is a high voltage vacuum tube–based buffer designed to preserve and enhance your guitar’s tone by converting the signal from high to low impedance. This process eliminates high-frequency loss and signal degradation caused by cable capacitance, impedance mismatches, and effects pedals. The tube buffer also acts as a tone sweetener, cleaning up and enriching your sound while unveiling subtle harmonics, dynamics and touch sensitivity normally associated with plugging directly into an amp.
In addition to its signal-enhancing buffer, the Valvulator Mini features pickup load switches that allow you to fine tune the mid-range and top end response characteristics of your guitar signal. Housed in a compact steel chassis, the Valvulator Mini provides an unbalanced low impedance output, an unbalanced transformer isolated output and a balanced XLR output for use as a tube direct box, making it a versatile solution for both pedalboards and studio use.
“The Valvulator Mini is the long-awaited evolution of one of our most popular rig solutions, the Valvulator 1 Vacuum Tube Buffer. The Mini features increased headroom and dynamic range, together with significantly lower noise. As always, I wanted a solution for myself that I knew would be a welcome tool for players, especially those who really appreciate the tone and feel of plugging directly into an amp” commented Steve Fryette.
The Fryette Pittbull Ultra-Lead II 120-watt amp head carries a $3,999 street price and the Valvulator Mini carries a $299 street price. For more information visit Fryette.com.
Danelectro | NAMM 2026
John Bohlinger stopped by Danelectro to hear about the company's rebranded "Dano" lineup—original 1955 headstock, "skate key" tuners, and hotter (30% in the bridge, 20% in the neck) lipstick pickups. The models include new graphic finishes from 1950s kitchen tabletops, P-90-equipped versions, authentic '40s and '50s colors, plus 12-string and baritone options.
Flattley Pedals The Joker Demo | NAMM 2026
The British crew bring a new bruiser to the show that offers two levels of grind. Plus, we learn about their versatile wah that features a blue LED light plate giving you full visibility on stage of the pedal’s status.
The Joker
The Joker came from the idea, “what happens if you add controlled distortion to a normally clean booster?”. To achieve this we added an FET based 12AX7 valve simulation with the aim of sounding similar to an overdriven single valve combo.
However, on building a prototype it was found that the pedal had more uses than first envisaged. Firstly, it can do the “small amp tone” as expected. So in “dirt” mode anything from a “warm boost” to a “flat out tweed”. So jazz to blues covered.
A second range (“filth”) was added to allow gain / distortion for rock fans.
Third (unexpected) way of using it is as a boost for a conventional amp but with the added bonus of adding additional harmonic content / tone shaping before hitting the front end of the amp. This gives heavy rock fans the tones they are always looking for.
Peterson StroboVUE | NAMM 2026
Do you need tune your guitar from the moon? Peterson has you covered with their sleek, high-definition LCD screen that gives you realtime tuning precision with the inclusion of over 100 excluse "sweetened tunings" and numbered guided tuning presets.
StroboVUE
Building on the legacy of StroboStomp HD, the view-only StroboVUE delivers Peterson’s renowned strobe accuracy in an always-on pedalboard format. Its angled, high-visibility display and fully top-mounted jacks keep setups clean. Featuring Pure Buffered output, continuous tuning feedback, and no mute switch, StroboVUE is built for players who demand precision.
Seymour Duncan Announces MortalCoil Multiple-Voiced Active Humbuckers
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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Seymour Duncan MortalCoil
Laney Introduces Supergrace Loudpedal Collab with Billy Corgan
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.
Laney Supergrace Loudpedal Amplifier Pedal
Classic Colors Burst Across Levy’s New Chroma Series Gig Bags
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 NC-4 Frank Bello Black Sapphire Signature Bass
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
NAMM 2026: ESP Guitars LTD Series Turns 30
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.
New Studs and Colors Drive Levy’s’ Latest Amped and Rebel Leather Series Expansions
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 Introduces Six New ESP E-II Guitars at NAMM 2026
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 Unveils 8 New Basses at 2026 NAMM Show
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.
Ernie Ball Music Man Celebrates 50 Years of the Stingray Bass & More!
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 2026 Reverend Sensei Series Feature All-New Pickups
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.
Lighter, Faster, Thinner Reverend Roundhouse Series
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 Expands ESP USA Series for 2026
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.