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I Wasn’t Ready for This Donner Headless Guitar… (HLX-500 | NAMM 2026)

Thinking About Guitar hits the Donner booth at NAMM 2026 with product manager Liam to explore the latest HUSH travel guitars and a stack of new 2026 electrics. Highlights include the headphones-ready HUSH I EVO2 silent acoustic-electric, the HUSH X PRO multi-effects travel electric (including Midnight Glow/gradient black options), the HUSH C nylon travel model, the metal-leaning DMT-200, and the ergonomic HLX-500 headless guitar with a progressive asymmetrical neck.

Read More I Wasn’t Ready for This Donner Headless Guitar… (HLX-500 | NAMM 2026)
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Just How Good Is BOSS’s New Portable Multi-Effects? GX-1 : GX-1B Demo (NAMM 2026)

Nick Jennison visits the Roland/BOSS booth at NAMM 2026 for a hands-on walkthrough of the new BOSS GX-1 guitar multi-effects and GX-1B bass version. The demo shows fast on-board tone building, deeper editing, Gear Suite for saving and recalling effect setups, Bluetooth app control, Tone Exchange patch sharing, and portable power options for grab-and-go gigs.

Read More Just How Good Is BOSS’s New Portable Multi-Effects? GX-1 : GX-1B Demo (NAMM 2026)
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This Booth Was Mayhem… | Chapman Guitars NAMM 2026 Walkthrough

Thinking About Guitar hits NAMM 2026 with Rob Chapman as he reveals Chapman Guitars’ new 2026 lineup and explains the “Chapman Point One” reset—new structure, new build approach and a renewed push for consistency. The walkthrough covers carbon-fibre reinforced necks, heel-access truss rod adjustment, Trevor Wilkinson-voiced pickups (with a DPT exception), Wilkinson-style hardware with locking saddles, and vintage-leaning DPT details.

Read More This Booth Was Mayhem… | Chapman Guitars NAMM 2026 Walkthrough
News

Aria FINALLY Releases the Cliff Burton Signature Bass! (NAMM 2026)

At NAMM 2026, Nick Jennison heads to the Aria Pro II booth with Aaron to check out the long-awaited Cliff Burton Signature Bass (limited edition 2026), including expected late March/early April availability, key specs and the denim gig bag inspired by Cliff’s iconic jacket. The video also spotlights a classy new 2026 Pearl White finish for the Aria PE, with a black option also mentioned.

Read More Aria FINALLY Releases the Cliff Burton Signature Bass! (NAMM 2026)
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Is This a New Era for Fender? Fender Studio Pro First Look (NAMM 2026)

Thinking About Guitar visits NAMM 2026 for the launch of Fender Studio and Fender Studio Pro, Fender’s new music creation software built on the PreSonus Studio One foundation. Nick Jennison explores Studio Pro Version 8 highlights like AI-assisted polyphonic audio-to-MIDI and Fender’s Motion 6 pad controller with chord mode for fast, guitar-friendly music creation.

Read More Is This a New Era for Fender? Fender Studio Pro First Look (NAMM 2026)
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The NEW Orange OR60 Blew Us Away (NAMM 2026) | First Demo

Thinking About Guitar heads to the Orange booth at NAMM 2026 for a first listen to the new UK-built Orange OR60, demo’d by Nick Jennison alongside Orange Technical Director Ade Emsley. With an OR-30-style front end, switchable plate voltage for feel and response changes, Presence and Resonance power-stage shaping, dual footswitchable master volumes and a three-position Bright switch, the OR60 is built for stage punch and studio control.

Read More The NEW Orange OR60 Blew Us Away (NAMM 2026) | First Demo
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Ernie Ball Music Man’s Best NAMM 2026 New Releases Tested!

Thinking About Guitar visits the Ernie Ball Music Man booth at NAMM 2026 as Jonathan Graham and Nick Jennison demo Axis 30th Anniversary guitars, a StingRay 50th Anniversary bass, the distortion-and-octave-loaded DarkRay 2, and John Petrucci’s latest Majesty updates for 2026.

Read More Ernie Ball Music Man’s Best NAMM 2026 New Releases Tested!
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Space-Age Designs at the Ibanez Booth | NAMM 2026

Thinking About Guitar hits the Ibanez booth at NAMM 2026 to check out the new Ibanez Alpha Series extended-range guitars, including the A528 8-string multi-scale model with a Parallel Wizard neck, Fishman Fluence pickups and monorail bridges, plus a near-fully hollow electric loaded with Super 58s and Tri-Sound switching for modern-to-classic tones.

Read More Space-Age Designs at the Ibanez Booth | NAMM 2026
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“As a watch collector… a Silver Sky in turquoise is the perfect crossover.” John Mayer and PRS unveil Silver Sky Wild Blue Limited Edition

NAMM 2026: PRS unveils the John Mayer Silver Sky Wild Blue Limited Edition (up to 1,000 worldwide), featuring a first-ever matching headstock and the familiar 635JM spec with rosewood board.

Read More “As a watch collector… a Silver Sky in turquoise is the perfect crossover.” John Mayer and PRS unveil Silver Sky Wild Blue Limited Edition
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Chris Buck Debuts His Yamaha Signature Revstar | Performance + Nathan East Interview

Chris Buck debuts the Yamaha RS02CB Chris Buck Signature Revstar with a first-ever performance at a private event celebrating…

Read More Chris Buck Debuts His Yamaha Signature Revstar | Performance + Nathan East Interview

Reviews

Cream T Polaris LT Review: A Smarter Take on Swappable Pickups

ByNick Jennison February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

Known for its high-end, boutique, British-built guitars, Cream T has brought its signature technology to a much lower price point with the Polaris LT — and for gearheads and tone aficionados alike, it could well be the answer to your tone-chasing prayers.

Read More Cream T Polaris LT Review: A Smarter Take on Swappable Pickups
Reviews

Gibson Les Paul Custom ’70s Review: An Underrated Nashville-Era Classic

ByNick Jennison February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

The 70s Custom Buttercream Top looks the part, but the calibrated T-Type humbuckers steal the show—bright, wiry and super responsive to pick attack, in a Nashville-era Les Paul Custom ’70s spec package.

Read More Gibson Les Paul Custom ’70s Review: An Underrated Nashville-Era Classic
Reviews

Kernom Moho Review: The Analog Fuzz With a Digital Brain

ByNick Jennison February 23, 2026February 26, 2026

From velcro splutter and ’60s psychedelia to Big Muff-style grind, octaves and ring-mod mayhem, Kernom’s Moho is a massively flexible fuzz that still behaves like a proper stompbox—while packing MIDI, presets and expression blending for deeper control.

Read More Kernom Moho Review: The Analog Fuzz With a Digital Brain
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NEW Martin Acoustics for 2026! (First Look at NAMM 2026)

ByJonathan Graham February 20, 2026February 21, 2026

Molly Tuttle performs live at NAMM 2026 as Martin Guitar unveils two brand-new Molly Tuttle signature models during their…

Read More NEW Martin Acoustics for 2026! (First Look at NAMM 2026)
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Hotone’s Most Portable Rig Yet (NAMM 2026)

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Nick Jennison and Thinking About Guitar hit the Hotone booth at NAMM 2026 to explore space-saving, gig-ready gear—from compact multi-effects and tiny amps with big sounds to brand-new pedals, including a convolution reverb and an unreleased pitch shifter aimed at modern, portable rigs.

Read More Hotone’s Most Portable Rig Yet (NAMM 2026)
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Faith’s Torrefied Acoustics Sound Like 15–20 Year Old Guitars?! (NAMM 2026)

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Jonathan Graham heads to the Faith Guitars booth at NAMM 2026 with Rob to explore new 2026 releases and upgraded series features. Highlights include the PJE Legacy FG4 Earth Satin Sunburst with a torrefied Sitka spruce top and African Khaya mahogany back and sides, the updated FX Series built from Java mango wood with a new contour bevel for comfort, and a refreshed Nexus range with updated finishes and premium appointments—plus a look at why Fishman electronics remain a natural match for Faith acoustics.

Read More Faith’s Torrefied Acoustics Sound Like 15–20 Year Old Guitars?! (NAMM 2026)
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Is This the Best Budget Amp-Capture Rig? Valeton GP200 (NAMM 2026)

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Nick Jennison stops by the Valeton booth at NAMM 2026 to explore the GP series with Neural Capture technology. The chat highlights why the GP200 is a dependable, gig-ready unit built around great sound and real-world usability—plus how to capture your own amp tones and load community-made captures without getting lost in touchscreen gimmicks.

Read More Is This the Best Budget Amp-Capture Rig? Valeton GP200 (NAMM 2026)
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We found the best affordable guitars at the NAMM show

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026

Nick Jennison visits the Jet and Spira Guitars booth at NAMM 2026 with Lee for a hands-on look at new affordable electrics that don’t feel “budget.” The walkthrough covers updated JT models, a JJ350 with an anodised pickguard, a baritone with P90 plus humbucker, and a brand-new Spira SR420 star-shaped guitar—along with player-friendly specs like roasted maple necks, coil-splits, locking tuners, trem options and standout finishes.

Read More We found the best affordable guitars at the NAMM show
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The Wildest Boutique Guitar Ever Made?

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026

Nick Jennison meets Filippo from Paoletti Guitars at NAMM 2026 to reveal a breathtaking limited-edition prototype inspired by the stained glass of the Florence Duomo. Only eight instruments will be made, featuring around 6,000 pieces of Venetian mother-of-pearl, official Duomo approval, and an inlaid piece of cathedral marble—collector-grade art with a planned 2026 unveiling event in Italy.

Read More The Wildest Boutique Guitar Ever Made?
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Ibanez NAMM 2026 New Guitars Tested! Vision Series, Alpha 8-String & RGD

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026

Nick Jennison and Jonathan Graham visit Ibanez UK for a sneak peek at the NAMM 2026 lineup—ranging from a money-no-object Vision Series RG showpiece (around £7,000) to the futuristic Alpha Series (including an 8-string) and a metal-ready RGD built for low tunings. Along the way, they dig into J-Craft/J.Custom-style craftsmanship, Fishman Fluence Modern pickups, multiscale ergonomics and monorail bridges—then take a quick look at Laney Black Country Customs’ Billy Corgan Supergroup “Loudpedal.”

Read More Ibanez NAMM 2026 New Guitars Tested! Vision Series, Alpha 8-String & RGD
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Tech 21 Just LEVELED UP the SansAmp… Meet the Bass Driver ELITE (NAMM 2026)

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Thinking About Guitar’s Nick Jennison visits Tech 21 at NAMM 2026 to check out two big new releases: the SansAmp Bass Driver ELITE and the Geddy Lee Signature Amalgamation Chorus. Tim from Tech 21 walks through the ELITE’s next-gen feature set—128 presets, MIDI, app editing, built-in effects and IR loading—before switching to the all-analog Amalgamation Chorus, including Geddy’s subtle movement approach and the Deviate function for bigger, more animated modulation.

Read More Tech 21 Just LEVELED UP the SansAmp… Meet the Bass Driver ELITE (NAMM 2026)
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Martin Guitars Best NAMM 2026 New Releases Tested!

ByThinking About Guitar February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

At NAMM 2026 media preview day, Thinking About Guitar’s Jonathan Graham and Nick Jennison go hands-on with Martin’s latest Road Series releases, including the D-10 and D-12 dreadnoughts, a modern SC-style model and a more premium Retro Plus option. The walkthrough explains the Retro vs Modern concept, highlights the key differences between D-10 and D-12, and looks at what you gain stepping up to Retro Plus—including a torrefied top—while keeping that unmistakable “Martin sounds like a record” vibe at a gig-friendly price.

Read More Martin Guitars Best NAMM 2026 New Releases Tested!

News

I Wasn’t Ready for This Donner Headless Guitar… (HLX-500 | NAMM 2026)

Just How Good Is BOSS’s New Portable Multi-Effects? GX-1 : GX-1B Demo (NAMM 2026)

This Booth Was Mayhem… | Chapman Guitars NAMM 2026 Walkthrough

Aria FINALLY Releases the Cliff Burton Signature Bass! (NAMM 2026)

Is This a New Era for Fender? Fender Studio Pro First Look (NAMM 2026)

The NEW Orange OR60 Blew Us Away (NAMM 2026) | First Demo

Ernie Ball Music Man’s Best NAMM 2026 New Releases Tested!

Space-Age Designs at the Ibanez Booth | NAMM 2026

“As a watch collector… a Silver Sky in turquoise is the perfect crossover.” John Mayer and PRS unveil Silver Sky Wild Blue Limited Edition

Chris Buck Debuts His Yamaha Signature Revstar | Performance + Nathan East Interview

Hotone’s Most Portable Rig Yet (NAMM 2026)

Faith’s Torrefied Acoustics Sound Like 15–20 Year Old Guitars?! (NAMM 2026)

Is This the Best Budget Amp-Capture Rig? Valeton GP200 (NAMM 2026)

Martin Kidd Unveils the Victory Amps MKX: Is This the New Jack?

Trending Stories

Cream T Polaris LT Review: A Smarter Take on Swappable Pickups

Gibson Les Paul Custom ’70s Review: An Underrated Nashville-Era Classic

Kernom Moho Review: The Analog Fuzz With a Digital Brain

NEW Martin Acoustics for 2026! (First Look at NAMM 2026)

Hotone’s Most Portable Rig Yet (NAMM 2026)

Faith’s Torrefied Acoustics Sound Like 15–20 Year Old Guitars?! (NAMM 2026)

Is This the Best Budget Amp-Capture Rig? Valeton GP200 (NAMM 2026)

We found the best affordable guitars at the NAMM show

The Wildest Boutique Guitar Ever Made?

Ibanez NAMM 2026 New Guitars Tested! Vision Series, Alpha 8-String & RGD

Tech 21 Just LEVELED UP the SansAmp… Meet the Bass Driver ELITE (NAMM 2026)

Martin Guitars Best NAMM 2026 New Releases Tested!