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This month we bring you the industry’s fastest and most comprehensive summary of the world’s biggest gear show-more then 30 of the coolest new guitar and bass toys from Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. We also talk to avant-jazz mastermind Bill Frisell about his new Floratone album, and then chat with riff-rocker Billy Duffy about using his Gretsches and multi-amp setup on the Cult’s new Choice of Weapon. We also take you to New York City’s theater district to talk to the guitar gurus who bring 6-string glory to three of Broadway’s hottest numbers-Book of Mormon,Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, and Rock of Ages. We also shine the spotlight on the astonishing career of Forgotten Hero Johnny “Guitar” Watson-a funk icon whose groovin’ lines have been sending aftershocks through modern music for 30+ years. Then, for both novices and vets, we delve into the oft-overlooked tonal implications of steel strings and picks with two in-depth features that explain archaic terminology and suggest new ways to approach your sound. Reviews this month include the new Gibson Jeff Tweedy SG, Jackson Ampworks Newcastle, Ibanez Gerald Veasley 6-string bass, Taylor 710ce Rosewood, Alairex H.A.L.O. overdrive, Jason Z. Schroeder Chopper T-Pine, Mojo Hand Nebula IV phaser, Orange OR50H reissue head, Rivera Sustain Shaman, and Peavey Headliner bass head and 4×10 cab.

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Premier Guitar May 2012: Whether you’re a fan of delectable power pop, jaw-dropping old-school shredding, or all-out power-metal wailing, this month’s artist features have you covered. Our cover story finds shred gods Steve Morse and Dave LaRue detailing their stereotype-busting new supergroup with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. We also talk to DragonForce’s Herman Li and Sam Totman, as well as jangle-pop judo master Matthew Caws from Nada Surf. Just in time for the warmer weather, Last Call columnist John Bohlinger serves up his top 10 tips for summer gigging, and we also talk to Kyle Chase-possibly the world’s most OCD builder of new-old-stock amps and effects. Reviews this month include the Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, Warwick Jack Bruce Survivor signature bass, Vox DelayLab, Fargen Retro, Blueridge Jumbo acoustic, EBS Reidmar bass head and cabs, Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider S, Source Audio Programmable EQ, Laney Ironheart IRT120H head, and Larry Alan Infinity Driver.

In addition to talking to Gene Baker about his involvement with the boutique consortium of designers at Premier Builders Guild, we go back in time to look at the rise of B.C. Rich-one of the most iconic guitar brands of the 1980s. Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and John Myung talk about thriving after the apocalypse of founding drummer Mike Portnoy’s departure and their subsequent epic, A Dramatic Turn of Events. We also interview Primus’ bass-and-guitar freak show-Les Claypool and Ler LaLonde-to find out how friendship and new tone toys resurrected the most bizarre power trio of the last 25 years. And then we talk to mind-boggling classical guitarist Matt Palmer about his evolution from learning Yngwie tunes to redefining classical guitar with an incredible new nylon-string picking technique. We also take you way outside the box with Avant Guitar 101: Alternate Attacks-a how-to feature that explores the unorthodox playing approaches of iconic experimentalists Keith Rowe and Fred Frith. In the gear-review room this month, we take a look at the new Line 6 POD HD, the Collings 290 DC, the Dingwall Z3 bass, the Blackstar HT-5R, the Amptweaker TightMetal, the Yamaha A3M acoustic, the DV Mark DV40 212, the MXR M87 Bass Compressor, the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18, and the Gretsch G6128T-GH George Harrison Signature Duo Jet.

Premier Guitar June 2011: The latest, greatest in gear coverage with an up-to-the-minute recap of our recent trip to the world’s biggest gear trade show-Musikmesse 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany. We show you 31 of the coolest new guitars, basses, amps, and effects from the show, and give you a glimpse of the other fun and interesting aspects of the show. This month we also talk to the one and only Warren Haynes-in addition to bassist George Porter Jr. and co-producer Gordie Johnson-about Hayne’s new soul album, Man in Motion. We also talk to the Raveonettes’ Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo, as well as Collective Soul’s Joel Kosche. Other features include an article on orchestrating guitar parts in your home studio, and a builder profile on Charles Fox-a man whose tools and approaches have influenced countless luthiers. Reviews this month include the Eventide Space, Fryette S.A.S. and Boostassio pedals, Rivera Blues Shaman and Double Shaman stompboxes, Hallmark Guitars Johnny Ramone, Trace Acoustic TA200, AXL Badwater USA 1216, Epiphone Nighthawk Custom, Satellite Amplification Mudshark, and Black Cat Pedals Bass Octave Fuzz.

Premier Guitar May 2011: This month’s issue shows why we’re the most trusted name in gear reviews-we bring you the world-exclusive first review of Fender’s new Pawn Shop Series guitars. We also talk to Brian Setzer about his new album, Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL!, chat with former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan about handling guitar and lead-vocal duties on his new album with Loaded, and catch up with influential post-hardcore band Thursday about their new album, No Devolución. Our second installment of the new Forgotten Heroes section highlights influential gospel singer and rock-guitar precursor Sister Rosetta Tharpe. We also interview bass-amp pioneer Nick Epifani, review nine other products-from 65Amps, Santa Cruz, Lakland, Henman, Tone King, Cusack, and others-and bring you five new lessons, including one from session ace Carl Verheyen.